Late last month, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies agreed to a staggering $2.4 billion settlement in order to resolve thousands of lawsuits filed by victims and families who allege they were harmed by Actos , a popular prescription medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes. The settlement - reached on April 28 th - brought years of tough litigation to a close.
The settlement is centered on numerous lawsuits filed against Takeda over claims that the medication caused consumers to be diagnosed with bladder cancer. Following years of consumer complaints and reports of adverse side effects, federal officials from the U.S. FDA issued a drug safety communication in 2011 stating that individuals who took Actos (pioglitazone) for over 12 months faced a 40% increased risk of developing bladder cancer.
The $2.4 billion settlement speaks volumes about the rights of victims harmed by dangerous medications. Under product liability law, companies that manufacture products for the public are required to ensure they are safe for use. Unfortunately, we find that numerous products cause injuries and illnesses each year, including:
- Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and supplements
- Medical devices and products
- Auto parts
- Children’s products and toys
When consumer product causes harm, injured victims may have the right to pursue compensation by filing product liability claims that allege manufacturing defects, design defects, or failures to warn. Thanks in part to our civil justice system, these victims can make their voices heard - and secure justice and compensation just as victims of Actos have done.
At Stern Law Group, it is our goal to ensure that victims’ voices are heard. Our firm has decades of experience handling product liability and dangerous drug cases, including those involving Xarelto. If you have questions about filing a personal injury lawsuit involving defective products or unsafe medications, contact our legal team for a FREE consultation.