On January 28, 2014, the makers of Risperdal, Johnson and Johnson, successfully appealed a verdict rendered in a Risperdal marketing lawsuit filed on behalf of the state of Louisiana. In a 4-3 decision, the Louisiana Supreme Court found that state prosecutors did not prove the company had violated Louisiana law by making misleading claims regarding the safety and efficacy of Risperdal. Consequently, the ruling reverses a $258 million judgment from 2010 against Johnson & Johnson. (Caldwell v. Janssen Pharmaceutical Inc., Civil Action 2012-C-2466)
This ruling comes as other Risperdal lawsuits alleging the use of the medication caused gynecomastia (male breast growth) and other serious side effects continue to move forward in courts around the country. The plaintiffs and potential plaintiffs in these types of lawsuits that allege a connection between Risperdal and gynecomastia, as well as those involving other injuries, should understand that this ruling does NOT impact their claims. Those cases will continue to move forward. Currently, Johnson & Johnson has been named in about 200 Risperdal lawsuits pending in Pennsylvania’s Philadelphia Court Common Pleas that have been filed on behalf of individuals who allegedly developed gynecomastia and other side effects due to the drug.
Moreover, the Louisiana Risperdal lawsuit was just one of several that have accused Johnson & Johnson of improperly marketing the medication. In November 2013, Johnson and Johnson agreed to pay $2.2 million to resolve a similar case involving Risperdal and other drugs that was brought by the U.S. Department of Justice. Among other things, federal prosecutors had accused the drug makers of improperly marketing Risperdal for use in children, and further alleged that the two companies had concealed the link between Risperdal and gynecomastia. (U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 04-cv-1529)
Legal Commentary
From a civil standpoint, our firm has represented numerous individuals and families who have become victim to Risperdal’s dangerous side effects and the following psychological trauma. If you or a loved one have taken Risperdal and have experienced abnormal breast growth or milk production we encourage you to consult with one of our Risperdal attorneys as soon as possible. A successful civil claim pursued against the responsible party will ensure the victims are not burdened with costly medical expenses, and will hopefully compensate them for their pain, suffering, and lost wages for time missed from work. Further questions can be directed to the Fears | Nachawati Law Firm by emailing the lead Risperdal lawyer, Majed Nachawati at mn@fnlawfirm.com, or by calling our office at 1.866.705.7584.
About the Author
Majed Nachawati is a preeminent Pharmaceutical Products Liability Lawyer with a focus on representing testosterone replacement therapy victims and families harmed by dangerous treatments on a nationwide basis. Mr. Nachawati has resolved numerous cases through trial and settlement that have resulted in seven and eight figure confidential settlements. He is on the Grievance Committee for the State Bare of Texas. He is licensed to practice before the Supreme Court of Texas and Arkansas, and is in most federal courts in the nation and holds specific licenses in the Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of Texas. Mr. Nachawati is a member of the Board of Directors of the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, the Board of Directors for Public Justice, a Leaders’ Forum and PAC member of the American Association for Justice. Mr. Nachawati has been recognized as a Super Lawyer in Texas Monthly Magazine for the past four consecutive years for legal excellence, in connection with pharmaceutical injury cases. Mr. Nachawati is also a member of The Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Mr. Nachawati can be reached by email at mn@fnlawfirm.com or by calling 1.866.705.7584.