There are many reasons to hire Risperdal lawsuit attorneys. These cases involve gynecomastia, mastectomies, failure to warn, and settlements. The FDA has reprimanded the drugmaker for its false campaign materials and has demanded a change in the label and statement on children’s labels. These cases can lead to significant compensation for victims and may result in punitive damages.
gynecomastia
A recent jury verdict in a Pennsylvania case awarded Andrew Yount, a plaintiff who started using the drug when he was nine years old, $70 million in compensation for gynecomastia effects. It is the largest such award in gynecomastia litigation in the state, and the fifth time that a jury found that drug maker Janssen failed to warn doctors and patients about the risks of the drug.
The U.S. Department of Justice had wanted the drugmaker to admit to downplaying the side effects of Risperdal, including the rise in prolactin levels in children. In response, the pharmaceutical company settled the lawsuits in Philadelphia and pleaded guilty to federal charges relating to the drug’s marketing. This latest case has given the plaintiffs hope for justice.
Failure to warn
A recent victory in a trial for a Risperdal lawsuit has resulted in a verdict of $2.5 million for plaintiff Austin Pledger. Pledger took Risperdal in 2002 and developed gynecomastia. He sued the drug maker, J&J, for failing to warn him of the drug’s risks. The case is currently in appeal.
The lawsuits, originating from patients who had taken the drug, claim that the drug maker failed to warn the public of its risk for gynecomastia. Furthermore, the lawsuits allege that the company failed to properly warn of the drug’s risk for adolescent use and marketed it to children when it was not approved for such use. As a result, Risperdal lawsuits have exploded in number. As of the first few months of 2017, there were over 5,500 lawsuits filed in Philadelphia’s mass tort program.
Settlements
The United States Department of Justice settled a lawsuit against Janssen Pharmaceuticals over the off-label use of Risperdal. The allegations were brought by the state attorneys general who had accused the company of marketing the drug for off-label use and illegal kickbacks to health care providers. The company has denied the allegations. A settlement is an excellent result for those affected by the drug’s side effects, but more lawsuits are expected.
In one recent case, a man who developed gynecomastia following a Risperdal prescription received $70 million in punitive damages. The jury also found that the company had tried to destroy evidence. Despite the high sum, Risperdal lawsuit settlements are still a far cry from the multi-billion dollar payouts obtained in other cases. For the sake of transparency, however, let’s take a closer look at the case.
Jurisdictions
When deciding on the right jurisdiction to file your Risperdal lawsuit, you should consult with a doctor or a legal expert. Depending on the jurisdiction in which you live, different laws apply. Personal injury and product liability cases generally have a two-year statute of limitations. However, if you were prescribed Risperdal and developed breasts, you may be able to collect damages from the manufacturer of the drug.
In 2016, a jury awarded a $7.2 billion verdict to a man who had developed an immune system disorder after taking the drug Risperdal. This included $7 billion in punitive damages, as well as $680,000 in compensatory damages. This amount far exceeded the U.S. Supreme Court’s guidelines for mass torts. The verdict in the Risperdal lawsuit was a huge victory for the plaintiffs and prevented the pharmaceutical company from trying to settle cases in states with less favorable laws.
Methods of filing a lawsuit
Thousands of people have sued the makers of the antipsychotic drug Risperdal for causing gynecomastia. The lawsuits allege that the drug’s manufacturers failed to warn patients of the risks of raging hormones and sexual dysfunction and to provide adequate warnings about potential side effects. These lawsuits target several different manufacturers and brands of Risperdal.
The effects of Risperdal are so severe that it may lead to severe psychological trauma for a young boy. As a result, doctors have recommended surgery for male patients suffering from gynecomastia. In mild cases, liposuction is enough to prevent a gynecomastia flare-up, while more severe cases require a mastectomy. If you or a loved one has suffered from any side effects due to the drug, you may qualify for financial compensation through a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the drug. The lawsuit may also cover lost wages and medical expenses. To determine if you or a family member is eligible for compensation, contact a qualified attorney.
