A new group of product liability lawsuits has emerged, accusing Novo Nordisk of failing to provide a warning label on their drug Ozempic, the brand name for the generic drug semaglutide. People with Type II diabetes who take Ozempic to maintain a healthy blood sugar level have reported experiencing severe stomach paralysis and gallbladder issues, including gallstones. The treatment for stomach paralysis and gallbladder issues related to Ozepmic can involve surgery and medication, which can entail significant financial, physical, and emotional consequences.
Plaintiffs in Ozempic lawsuits cite failure to warn as the grounds for their cases. They seek to recover compensation for damages like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you were prescribed Ozempic and later developed health complications, you may wonder, "What is an Ozempic lawsuit worth?"
For a more detailed look at your claim and help to determine its potential value, you should schedule a free consultation with a defective drug lawyer who has experience with mass tort bad drug claims, such as the Tylenol autism lawsuits. They will have the expertise needed to estimate the value of your damages and negotiate for the maximum possible amount in an Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit.
Current Status of Ozempic Lawsuits
In February 2024, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation decided to consolidate all existing Ozempic lawsuits filed in federal courts into the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Currently, 13 of the 55 known cases are already being heard in Pennsylvania federal court under U.S. District Judge Gene E. K. Pratter.
This decision establishes a multidistrict litigation (MDL), a process that differs from an Ozempic class action lawsuit. While MDLs allow individual claims to be addressed separately, they simplify pretrial proceedings, such as discovery and judicial decisions. By contrast, class actions merge all claims into a single lawsuit with one collective resolution.
Contact an attorney to help you determine if you have a claim. They can ensure your Ozempic lawsuit is filed properly in United States District Court.
What Plaintiffs Can Expect in an Ozempic Lawsuit Settlement
Since the Ozempic claims are so new, we do not have a formal benchmark for what to expect in terms of settlement amounts. Based on previous experience with mass tort claims involving defective drugs, most qualified personal injuries will tell you that, generally speaking, the greater the impact of the injury, the more the plaintiff's damages will be worth.
For example, an Ozempic user who developed a small gallstone that could be passed at home and managed with over-the-counter pain medication would receive less than a plaintiff who required an emergency Cholecystectomy and missed a week of work. Most Ozempic injuries inflict some degree of financial loss, as well as pain and suffering.
A lawyer can assess your claim and provide an estimate on your Ozempic settlement.
Ozempic Lawsuit Value Depends on Your Damages
Ultimately, there is no standardized settlement value for Ozempic lawsuits since each plaintiff will have different damages. The damages you can claim and their calculated value will be the primary determining factor when it comes to the value of your Ozempic gallstone lawsuit.
Based on a recent study from Harvard University, we expect to see more Ozempic users experiencing a serious eye condition called NAION. Users of medications containing semaglutide, like Ozempic, may have a greater chance of developing NAION and facing sudden vision problems. The LLN team is following this research carefully and speaking with any patients who suffer sudden vision loss after taking Ozempic.
For plaintiffs who have suffered the most extensive losses related to their gallbladder injuries caused by Ozempic, settlements may range between $400,000 and $700,000. A seasoned product liability attorney can help you maximize your compensation. They will know the full range of damages available and the documentation required to show their value. A personal injury lawyer will also have the negotiating skills to ensure that they are offered a fair settlement.
How Ozempic Helps Treat Type II Diabetes
Ozempic is a non-insulin injectable drug used to manage Type II diabetes, and some users also rely on it as a tool to help with weight loss. Patients with Type II diabetes typically have abnormally high blood sugar levels because their bodies do not process glucose correctly due to a lack of insulin. In the long term, this can lead to heart issues, stroke, kidney disease, and other life-threatening conditions.
Ozempic is a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Analog-Type drug, which means that it imitates the hormone incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). In a non-diabetic, GLP-1 communicates to the body that it needs to secrete more insulin. In turn, insulin helps to regulate the body’s sugar levels. Ozempic fulfills the role of GLP-1 to signal to the pancreas that more insulin is needed to bring down high blood sugar levels. It also encourages the liver to limit sugar production.
Type II diabetics can take Ozempic through a weekly injection to help manage their blood sugar levels, increasing their dosage as time goes on. It should be used in addition to maintaining good exercise habits and a healthy diet. Ozempic is not used to treat Type I diabetes or ketoacidosis.
Studies Warn Ozempic May Be Responsible for Serious Gallbladder Issues
Ozempic users have reported some adverse side effects related to the gallbladder after using the drug, which has become the focus of product liability lawsuits against manufacturer Novo Nordisk. Specifically, there are concerns that Ozempic is causing gallstones, Cholecystitis, and acute gallbladder disease. Not only can these conditions be incredibly painful, but they may also require surgical intervention.
For years, researchers have been sounding the alarm about Ozempic, linking it to severe gallbladder issues. Back in 2017, a meta-analysis of controlled trials conducted by Italian researchers concluded that there was an increased risk of gallstones associated with using GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic. In August 2022, a research letter published in JAMA Internal Medicine New research cautions that the long-term use of Ozempic or taking Ozempic in high doses may increase the likelihood of these gallbladder issues.
In the company’s clinical trials, researchers found that between 0.4% and 1.5% of participants who received Ozempic experienced gallbladder issues Almost all of these participants required a cholecystectomy to treat their condition, which is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Ozempic’s warning label now reflects these findings, but for some users, it is too late.
Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawsuits
Ozempic is the dominant drug in its market niche but there are other drugs that compete with the Novo Nordisk product and have faced similar controversy. Mounjaro is another drug like Ozempic manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company that uses tirzepatide instead of semaglutide. Like Ozempic, Mounjaro has faced scrutiny due to reports of it also causing stomach paralysis which has led some to file Mounjaro stomach paralysis lawsuits.
As with Ozempic lawsuits., Mounjaro lawsuit value depends on the details of the individual plaintiff's case. Determining what your Mounjaro stomach paralysis lawsuit is worth requires more than an online settlement calculator and needs the expert opinion of a product liability lawyer.
Seeking Compensation for an Ozempic Claim
The Ozempic lawsuits are product liability claims centered on the fact that the drug manufacturers denied consumers the opportunity for informed consent by failing to provide a warning label that detailed the risks of using their drug. In this case, they neglected to include the increased risk of gallbladder issues, such as gallstones and acute gallbladder disease.
The manufacturer of Ozempic, Novo Nordisk, did not provide such as warning label until March 2022. Ozempic users who are interested in filing a product liability lawsuit must have experienced gallbladder issues after taking Ozempic before April 2022, sought treatment, and sustained damages as a result of their injury. Plaintiffs in the Ozepmic claims may be entitled to recover compensation for a number of damages.
Examples of Damages in an Ozempic Lawsuit:
- Medical expenses and healthcare costs
- Lab tests
- Imaging
- Medication
- Surgery
- Hospital stays
- Job-related losses
- Lost wages
- Missed promotions
- Pain and suffering
Steps to Take If You Suspect an Ozempic-Related Injury
If you believe you’ve suffered an injury related to Ozempic, taking the following steps can protect your health, preserve evidence, and strengthen a potential legal claim:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health should be your top priority. Consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible to diagnose and treat any symptoms. Early medical intervention not only helps manage your condition but also provides critical documentation of your injury and its connection to Ozempic.
Document Your Symptoms and Treatment
Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, treatments, and how the injury has impacted your daily life. This can include:
- Notes about when the symptoms began.
- Medical bills, prescriptions, and treatment plans.
- Personal observations about the physical and emotional toll of the injury.
Preserve Evidence Related to Ozempic Use
Retain all packaging, prescription labels, and receipts related to your Ozempic usage. These items can help establish that you were prescribed the medication and followed the recommended dosage.
Consult a Product Liability Lawyer
Speak with a lawyer experienced in defective drug cases to understand your legal options. An attorney can evaluate your case, determine potential damages, and guide you on how to proceed. Many law firms offer free consultations to assess the strength of your claim.
Avoid Discussing Your Case Publicly
Refrain from posting about your injury or legal concerns on social media. Anything you share online could potentially be used against you in your case.
Follow Your Doctor’s Advice
Consistently follow the treatment plan provided by your healthcare professional. This shows that you are taking appropriate steps to manage your condition, which may be critical for your claim.
Track Financial Losses
Document any financial burdens caused by your injury, including medical expenses, lost wages, or missed opportunities. Keep receipts, pay stubs, or other proof of these losses to support your claim.
Consider Joining a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)
If your case qualifies, joining an MDL can streamline the legal process while allowing you to pursue individual compensation. Discuss this option with your lawyer to determine if it’s the right fit for your situation.
By taking these steps, you can protect your rights and improve your chances of recovering compensation for the damages caused by an Ozempic-related injury.
Seek an Experienced Ozempic Lawyer for Your Case
Ozempic users who have developed gallstones, acute gallbladder disease, or other gallbladder issues should not delay seeking care from a medical provider. This protects your ability to seek compensation in the future, as it shows you took steps to minimize your damages.
After receiving medical care, you should consider exploring your legal options with the help of a product liability lawyer. Product liability lawyers offer many beneficial services, including managing administrative tasks, drafting statements, protecting your rights, and negotiating to maximize your compensation for an Ozempic lawsuit.