Case management conference set in Avon product liability suit

A product liability lawsuit against Avon over a shower gel that allegedly caused rectal bleeding, is set for a case management conference Aug. 26 at 9 a.m.

The suit seeks damages in excess of $200,000, pre-judgment interest, attorneys' fees and costs.

Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth is presiding.

Plaintiff Darlene Fisher alleges that Avon's Skin So Soft Light and Lush shower gel caused her to break out in a severe skin reaction after she used it in April 2007.

Fisher, who had been given the gel as a gift, claims that it caused her irritation, itching, sinus infection, urinary tract infection and rectal bleeding in addition to other maladies.

She alleges that the reaction caused her pain, suffering, disfigurement, loss of wages and to incur medical bills.

She claims that on the day of the incident she did not use any other products in the shower.

The suit also names the woman who sold the product, Ann Fisher, as a defendant.

Ann Fisher filed her answer to the suit June 1. She denied the allegations in the plaintiff's complaint as well as stated affirmative defenses. She also contends that Madison County is an improper venue for the suit, that it was brought after the state's statute of limitations expired and that she had no part in the making and design of the product, among other defenses.

Darlene Fisher is represented by Susan Schwartzkopf.

The defendants are represented by Steven Sanders.

The case is Madison case number 09-L-394.