Government Stayed but Watched
Although the U.S. government initially declined to intervene in 2016, it took a renewed interest in January 2021, requesting and receiving a court-ordered stay—indicating an ongoing internal probe into similar allegations.
Court documents reveal the stay was sealed, but Shahinian moved to lift it in 2023, citing a need for case progression. The prolonged silence from the government suggested behind-the-scenes evaluation that may have added pressure for settlement talks.
Legal Firepower on All Sides
Kimberly-Clark tapped Covington & Burling LLP for its defense, with a team including Matthew J. O’Connor, Matthew F. Dunn, and Teresa S. Park. Representing Shahinian were whistleblower specialists Andrew Stolper and Jason M. Frank of Frank Sims & Stolper LLP.
The U.S. government’s interests were safeguarded by Bilal A. Essayli, David M. Harris, Jack D. Ross, and Hunter B. Thomson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
A 10-Year Chapter Closes
This $4.15 million agreement brings closure to a case rooted in concerns about medical device safety and corporate responsibility. Though Kimberly-Clark disclaims liability, the settlement adds to a broader pattern of False Claims Act suits reinforcing accountability across the healthcare supply chain.
As Shahinian’s payout is finalized and federal watchdogs continue their scrutiny, the case may yet influence how product safety claims are vetted in critical sectors where lives are at stake.
