A new ruling is expected to allow over 70,000 Zantac lawsuits to move forward in the legal process. The ruling was made by a Delaware judge and determined that testimonies provided by expert witnesses can be used as evidence in trials involving Zantac. This is great news and considered a small victory for those who have been living with the horrific and devastating effects of this former over-the-counter medication.
Information on Zantac
Drugs.com describes Zantac as a type of medicine that reduces the production of acid in the stomach. This pill treated ulcers, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Some people preferred the off-brand version of Zantac, which was called Ranitidine. However, in 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled all forms of Zantac and Ranitidine. The reason for the recall was because after an extended period of time in above-average room temperatures, it is believed that the medicine forms NDMA, which is a cancer-causing substance. Therefore, to be careful and cautious, the FDA pulled Zantac from all shelves and prohibited any selling or buying of the product.
In 2021, Zantac360 was released to also treat heartburn and acid reflux, but it is made with famotidine instead of ranitidine. Therefore, according to GoodRx Health, there is no NDMA and no concern of cancer when taking the product.
Why were lawsuits filed against Zantac manufacturers and sellers?
Lawsuits were immediately filed after the FDA informed the public about the recall on Zantac products and their possibility of producing a serious cancer-causing element in warmer temperatures. Many people were diagnosed with various types of cancers and found that their diagnoses were directly related to taking Zantac on a daily or regular basis for at least a few months. Therefore, they were urged to pursue lawsuits to potentially hold the manufacturers and sellers accountable for knowing that the products caused cancer and failing to warn consumers about the risks of taking these products. In addition, if successful, the lawsuits will help Zantac victims obtain much-needed compensation for their losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, physical pain, loss of quality of life, loss of companionship, and more.
About the new ruling
A recent news report in Reuters announced that Delaware Supreme Court Judge Vivian Medinilla ruled that expert witnesses could be hired to testify in trial about the effects of Zantac and the possibility of the former drug causing cancer. This may be a tiny win in legal terms, but it allows more than 70,000 lawsuits against the manufacturers and sellers of Zantac to move forward to trial. Many of these cases heavily depend on statements provided by expert witnesses. Therefore, this gives many Zantac victims hope in seeking justice for the harm they have endured.
Zantac drugmakers, such as GlaxoSmithKline, Sanofi, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Pfizer, have made the argument that opinions and statements provided by expert witnesses have no scientific support to back them up. However, Judge Medinilla stated that the juries should be given the opportunity to make the ultimate decision on how strong the scientific arguments provided by both sides are. She explained that “Delaware courts are loath to step into the heart of technical debate between opposing scientists.”
GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, and Sanofi also gave statements in which they said that they plan to appeal Judge Medinilla’s decision because they believe that there is no real evidence proving that the usage of Zantac resulted in cancer.
Do I need a Philadelphia product liability lawyer to file a Zantac lawsuit?
Although you are not legally required to hire a lawyer to assist you with any type of lawsuit, it can be very beneficial to do so. The reason for this is because lawyers have the experience, skills, and knowledge to help you navigate the challenging legal process, build a strong case against the defendant, collect convincing evidence, and stand up and fight for your right to the financial recovery you deserve. Here are three reasons why you should hire a product liability lawyer from Kwartler Manus, LLC to assist with your Zantac lawsuit:
- We offer personalized attention for each case: Our attorneys know that every product liability case is unique and different. Therefore, we are committed to offering you personalized, one-on-one attention to learn about your case and determine what legal options may be available for you to pursue.
- We fight for what we believe in: Large and high-powered corporations, such as Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline, usually try to intimidate people who go up against them. However, we truly care about our clients and will do everything possible to stand up and protect their rights. Therefore, when you hire our team, you can rest assured, knowing that we will not back down until we believe that your case has been heard and that fairness has been obtained.
- We have what it takes to obtain the best outcome possible: If a pharmaceutical company and their insurers fail to cooperate and provide fair compensation for your losses, our team will develop a new strategy. We are passionate about helping each of our clients and are known to do whatever it takes to help them obtain the best outcome possible for their cases. If this means taking your case to court, we will immediately begin preparing a compelling argument to present to the judge or jury on your behalf.
- We have what it takes to obtain the best outcome possible: If a pharmaceutical company and their insurers fail to cooperate and provide fair compensation for your losses, our team will develop a new strategy. We are passionate about helping each of our clients and are known to do whatever it takes to help them obtain the best outcome possible for their cases. If this means taking your case to court, we will immediately begin preparing a compelling argument to present to the judge or jury on your behalf.