$70 Million Risperdal Verdict Facing Challenge by J&J
A teenager and his mother have been awarded $70 million in the largest Risperdal verdict to date. However, Risperdal manufacturer Janssen, a unit of Johnson & Johnson, vows to challenge the verdict, which means additional delays for the plaintiff.
These are the types of situations where lawsuit funding may be a desirable option to handle medical bills and other expenses while the legal process runs its course.
Plaintiff alleges Risperdal-induced gynecomastia
In the lawsuit, which was filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas by the boy and his mother, the plaintiff alleges his use of the antipsychotic drug for a number of years led to his development of male breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia. The plaintiff further claims that he had no knowledge of this side effect since Janssen and Johnson & Johnson failed to provide proper warning about the risks associated with Risperdal.
The plaintiff, who is now 16, stated in his complaint that he was prescribed Risperdal at the age of four to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. At that time, neither the plaintiff’s parents nor his physician were aware of the potential side effects. The plaintiff continued to take the drug for a number of years, and as a result, developed enlarged breast tissue. Gynecomastia, which often can only be reversed through surgery, caused the plaintiff extensive emotional distress.
The plaintiffs in the case further allege that Janssen and Johnson & Johnson knew about the potential side effect and intentionally hid those facts from the medical community and the general public. The companies also actively marketed the drug for use in children with behavior disorders, even though the FDA had only approved the drug for use in adults diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Risperdal litigation
In addition, the companies marketed Risperdal for use in elderly patients diagnosed with dementia, although it was not approved for this use. In 2005, the FDA added a Black Box warning indicating that Risperdal use in senior patients with dementia could increase their risk of sudden death.
Hundreds of Risperdal patients have filed lawsuits against Janssen and Johnson & Johnson, seeking damages for medical treatment and emotional distress. More than 1,500 of those cases are currently pending in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.
Benefits of pre settlement funding
Unfortunately, litigation of this size can take many years to resolve. The simple process of trying all of the cases is extensive and when appeals are added to the process, it lengthens the litigation even more. Plaintiffs who have suffered from gynecomastia as a result of taking Risperdal are often anxious to reverse the condition, which typically requires a costly surgical procedure. Awaiting a verdict to move forward with the surgery is hardly an optimal solution for most of these young men.
Legal funding is available for those who are waiting for their Risperdal cases to resolve. This unique type of lawsuit advance provides plaintiffs with the cash they need while their case is moving through the legal system. Advances are based on what plaintiffs might expect to receive from a settlement or jury verdict, so there is no need for collateral to establish the loan. Cash can be disbursed within 24 hours of approval, so you have the funding you need for medical and other expenses.
Contact Lawstreet Capital today for more information about pre settlement funding. Our application process is quick, easy and free, and comes with no strings attached. Contact us today at 888 562 0363.
Resources:
- Bloomberg, J&J Hit with $70 Million Risperdal Verdict over Male Breasts, http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-07-01/j-j-faces-record-70-million-verdict-over-male-breasts
- Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, Risperdal Case List, https://www.courts.phila.gov/apps/clc/caselist.asp?search=Risperdal
- Medscape, Antipsychotic May Boost Gynecomastia Risk, https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/822072
