Valsartan Lawsuit
Millions of Americans trusted this widely prescribed medication to protect their health. Instead, contaminated batches contained chemicals classified as probable human carcinogens. Since the FDA’s 2018 recall, thousands of lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers responsible.
If you took Valsartan and later faced serious health problems, here’s what you need to know about the ongoing litigation and your options in Alabama.
What Is Valsartan?
Valsartan, sold under names like Diovan, treats a variety of health conditions, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Kidney issues from diabetes
The medication relaxes blood vessels by blocking angiotensin II, a hormone that tightens them.
Why Was Valsartan Recalled?
In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced recalls of certain valsartan products after testing revealed contamination with NDMA and NDEA. These substances are classified as probable human carcinogens.
The contamination was linked to manufacturing changes made years earlier by overseas suppliers. Investigations later raised concerns about quality control and oversight at the facilities involved.
As a result, numerous manufacturers and distributors recalled affected products across the United States.
What Is the Latest Update on the Valsartan Lawsuit?
Following the recall, thousands of individuals filed lawsuits against drug manufacturers and suppliers. These cases were consolidated into MDL No. 2875 in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Multidistrict litigation (MDL) allows similar cases to move through pretrial phases together, improving efficiency. However, each claim remains separate and may ultimately be resolved individually.
Several bellwether cases—test trials used to gauge how juries may respond—have helped shape the direction of the litigation. These cases often involve plaintiffs who developed cancers allegedly linked to contaminated valsartan.
Who Qualifies for Valsartan Compensation Claims?
Not everyone who took valsartan will qualify for a legal claim. Generally, successful cases require evidence showing:
- Use of valsartan from recalled batches
- Long-term exposure to the contaminated medication
- A cancer diagnosis potentially linked to NDMA or NDEA
- Medical and pharmacy records supporting the claim
Courts typically require scientific and medical evidence connecting the contamination to the individual’s illness. Because of this, documentation plays a critical role in these cases.
What Types of Compensation May Be Available?
Individuals who qualify for a valsartan lawsuit may be able to recover compensation for both financial and personal losses.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical bills and ongoing treatment costs
- Lost income or reduced earning ability
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to care
Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
In some cases, punitive damages may also be considered if the conduct of the manufacturer is found to be particularly serious.
What Should You Do if You Took Valsartan?
If you believe you were affected by contaminated valsartan, taking a few key steps can help protect your interests.
Start by gathering any available documentation, including prescription records and medical history. It may also be helpful to write down when you took the medication and any symptoms or diagnoses you received afterward.
Because these cases involve complex scientific and legal issues, many individuals choose to speak with an attorney to better understand whether they may have a claim.
Contact Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Birmingham Personal Injury Attorney
Under Alabama law, manufacturers can be held liable for defective drugs without proving negligence. Claims often involve manufacturing defects, failure to warn, or contamination during production. Even so, you must have evidence linking the defective product to your injuries.
An experienced Birmingham product liability lawyer understands the law and the standard of proof required to recover compensation. The best way to determine if you have a claim for a defective product is to take advantage of a free consultation with an attorney.
Contact an experienced product liability lawyer at Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
We serve Shelby County, Madison County, Montgomery County in Alabama, and its surrounding areas. We are located in Birmingham, Huntsville & Montgomery.
Belt, Bruner & Barnett Personal Injury Lawyers – Birmingham Office
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Birmingham, AL 35213
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Huntsville, AL, 35801
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Montgomery, AL 36104
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