Document: 498 U.S. 5 111 S.Ct. 315 112 L.Ed.2d 263 Billy J. TEMPLEv.SYNTHES CORPORATION, LTD. No. 90-295. Nov. 5, 1990. Rehearing Denied Jan. 7, 1991. See 1042, 715. PER CURIAM. 1 Petitioner Temple, a Mississippi resident, underwent surgery in October 1986 which "plate and screw device" was implanted his lower spine. The device manufactured by respondent Synthes, Ltd. (U.S.A.) (Synthes), Pennsylvania corporation. Dr. S. Henry LaRocca performed the at St. Charles General Hospital New Orleans, Louisiana. Following surgery, device's screws broke off inside Temple's back. 2 Temple filed suit against Synthes United States District Court for Eastern of suit, rested on diversity jurisdiction, alleged defective design manufacture device. At same time, state administrative proceeding hospital malpractice negligence. conclusion proceeding, doctor Louisiana court. 3 did not attempt to bring into federal action means third-party complaint, as provided Federal Rule Civil Procedure 14(a). Instead, motion dismiss failure join necessary parties pursuant 19. hearing, ordered defendants within 20 days or risk dismissal lawsuit. According court, most significant reason requiring joinder interest judicial economy. App. Pet. Cert. A-12. court relied this Court's decision Provident Tradesmens Bank & Trust Co. v. Patterson, 390 102, 88 733, 19 936 (1968), wherein we recognized that one focus is "the courts public complete, consistent, efficient settlement controversies." Id., 111, S.Ct., 739. When failed hospital, dismissed with prejudice. 4 appealed, Appeals Fifth Circuit affirmed. 898 F.2d 152 (1990) (judgt. order). deemed it "obviously prejudicial have separate litigations being carried on," because Synthes' defense might be plate but were negligent, while other hand, claim they negligent defective. A-3. found claims overlapped therefore had abused its discretion ordering under A petition rehearing denied. In certiorari Court, contends error label joint tortfeasors indispensable 19(b) lawsuit prejudice those parties. We agree. does deny it, doctor, are potential tortfeasors. It has long been rule all named single Lawlor National Screen Service Corp., 349 322, 329-330, 75 865, 869, 99 L.Ed. 1122 (1955); Bigelow Old Dominion Copper Mining Smelting Co., 225 132, 32 641, 644, 56 1009 (1912). also Nottingham American Communications 811 873, 880 (CA5) (per curiam ), cert. denied, 484 854, 108 158, 98 113 (1987). Nothing 1966 revision changed principle. Bank, supra, U.S., 116-117, n. 12, 741-742, 12. Advisory Committee Notes 19(a) explicitly "a tortfeasor usual 'joint-and-several' liability merely permissive party an another like liability." 28 U.S.C.App., p. 595. There nothing tort law contrary. Mullin Skains, 252 La. 1009, 1014, 215 So.2d 643, 645 (1968); La.Civ.Code Ann., Arts. 1794, 1795 (West 1987). 6 opinion speak limiting multiple litigation, case controlling here. There, estate victim brought declaratory judgment insurance company. assumed policyholder person "who, § (a), should 'joined if feasible.' " 108, 737, went discuss appropriate analysis 19(b), could joined without destroying diversity. 109-116, 737-741. After examining factors set forth determined proceed policyholder; he whose absence required suit. 116, 119, 741, 743. 7 Here, no inquiry necessary, threshold requirements satisfied. As erred failing hold them dismissing when comply court's order. For these reasons, grant certiorari, reverse Circuit, remand further proceedings consistent opinion. 8 so ordered.

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