Medications are supposed to treat illnesses and help patients achieve a higher quality of life. However, there are times when medications can actually cause more medical problems for patients in Illinois. This seems to have been what happened to one patient recently who recently prevailed in a product liability lawsuit.
The lawsuit revolved around the diabetes medication, Actos, which is produced by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. The foreign-based pharmaceutical company was order to pay $2.3 million for causing a patient to contract bladder cancer. Apparently, the company to failed give proper warning to the patient regarding the cancer risks associated with Actos. The jury deliberated for over eight hours over a span of two days before deciding the case in favor of the patient.
The jury said that the plaintiff is owed $2 million for pain and suffering, as well as $300,000 for medical expenses incurred as a result of being diagnosed with bladder cancer. The jury concluded the drug company showed “reckless indifference” to the plaintiff’s health by covering up the drug’s cancer risks. Apparently, this is not the only time the safety of Actos has been questioned. Last year a federal jury awarded a plaintiff $9 million after he blamed Actos for causing cancer.
Those in Illinois who have become ill or contracted diseases or medical complications due to Actos may also want to consider filing a product liability lawsuit. This could help to cover some or even all of the medical costs resulting from defective or unsafe medication. However, in order to prevail in a lawsuit against a drug maker, some medical expert testimony, as well as scientific evidence, may be required in conjunction with a strong legal argument.
Source: ibj.com, “Former Lilly partner ordered to pay $2.3M to Actos user“, Feb.15, 2015