Expert: Charles W. Field - 9/7/2007

Question
Mr. Field,
While I don't expect you to see in the future, and realize you may know little about this infamous post Vioxx case, I must ask if you could you tell me what my wife's chances of a class action settlement are in the ongoing Prempro/Premarin litigation?  Wyeth/Pfizer are winning roughly 50% of the 6 or 7 cases that have gone to trial.  There are 5000  pending.  It makes no sense that the defendants can simply go to trial two or three times a year.  Isn't there some time-line?  How would they settle a mess like this?
My wife is in a 4 year old, class action suite with about 20 others. She is one of the plaintiffs with the strongest case.  She is 58, took Premarin for 10  years for hot flashes and, 5 years ago developed breast cancer even though no history in her family.  We regret not hiring an attorney and going it alone.  Her class action lawyer, while I'm sure is competent, packaged defendants who include several whose only worry is a fear of getting cancer because they took the drug.  I understand their concern but doubt seriously that juries will find them damaged.
Is it too late to go alone?

Answer
Sorry, I know nothing about this litigation. I also have never been involved in a class action suit, so I cannot be of any help to you. You might try posting your question at www.lawguru.com where it will be directed to attorneys who consider themselves qualified to answer questions in this area.