If you have used the thyroid eye disease medication Tepezza and suffered from long-term or permanent hearing loss or persistent tinnitus (ringing in the ears), retaining a Tepezza lawyer will greatly improve your chances of holding the manufacturers of this dangerous drug accountable and recovering just compensation. Research shows that people who hire lawyers to represent them during personal injury claims recover significantly more compensation than those who do not.
Why are People Filing Tepezza Lawsuits?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tepezza in January 2020 under the administration’s Orphan Drug Policy to treat thyroid eye disease (TED), a condition commonly associated with thyroid issues that causes the eye to bulge. Tepezza contains the active ingredient teprotumumab.
Tepezza’s manufacturer, Horizon Therapeutics, cautioned users of a potential side effect of temporary hearing issues during the course of treatment. But for many users, Tepezza-related hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing of the ears) persisted even after treatment was completed.
A recent study conducted by researchers at Stanford University delved into the incidence of hearing loss among Tepezza users and discovered compelling evidence supporting reports of lasting hearing impairment and persistent tinnitus even after the completion of treatment. Tepezza hinders the development of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptors (IGF-IRs). IGF-IRs play a vital role in safeguarding the inner ear hair cells from damage caused by noise exposure, potentially leading to hearing loss. The findings from this study suggest that Tepezza users might face an even higher risk of hearing loss than previously recognized, particularly concerning the potential implications of a second injection or dose.
Many users filed Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits seeking compensation for the tremendous impact this condition is having on their lives. In June 2023, as Tepezza claims began to mount, the suits were consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) under Judge Thomas Durkin in the Northern District of Illinois. Those suing Horizon Therapeutics claim the drug maker failed to warn of Tepezza hearing loss and tinnitus even after treatment was completed.
What Compensation is Available in a Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuit?
In a product liability or personal injury lawsuit related to a medication like Tepezza, economic damages typically include:
- Medical expenses: This includes reimbursement for past and future medical costs related to the injury caused by the medication, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, lab tests, medical imaging, medications, hearing aids, and any other necessary medical treatments.
- Job-related losses: If the hearing loss of tinnitus resulted in the plaintiff being unable to work, they may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and lost earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the medication's side effects or resulting medical conditions. It seeks to address the past and future suffering endured by the plaintiff.
- Emotional distress: This encompasses the psychological impact of the hearing loss or constant ringing in the ears, such as anxiety, depression, fear, or loss of enjoyment of life. It includes the emotional toll the injury has taken on the plaintiff and their quality of life.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If the injury has significantly affected the plaintiff's ability to engage in activities or hobbies they once enjoyed, they may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
- Disfigurement or permanent disability: If the injury caused by Tepezza results in permanent disability, the plaintiff may be eligible for compensation to address the long-term impact on their life.
- Other financial losses: This can encompass a variety of economic damages, including out-of-pocket expenses incurred due to the injury, travel expenses related to medical treatment, and any other verifiable financial losses.
How Can a Tepezza Attorney Help Me?
In some cases, when numerous lawsuits involving similar issues arise, they may be consolidated into an MDL. This consolidation streamlines pretrial proceedings, making the process more efficient. Here's how a lawyer can help if your lawsuit qualifies for the Tepezza MDL:
Coordinated Efforts
Your lawyer will participate in coordinated pretrial proceedings, such as joint discovery, where evidence and information are shared between the parties involved in the MDL.
Representing Your Interests
Your lawyer will advocate for your interests throughout the MDL process, ensuring your specific circumstances and claims are appropriately represented.
Bellwether Trials
In an MDL, a few representative cases, known as bellwether trials, may be selected to proceed to trial before others. The outcomes of these trials can influence settlement negotiations for other cases in the MDL. Your lawyer will prepare your case if it is selected as a bellwether trial.
Settlement Negotiations
If a global settlement is proposed for the MDL, your lawyer will participate in settlement negotiations to ensure your compensation is fair and reflects the damages you've experienced.
Having an experienced lawyer by your side can significantly increase your chances of success in a Tepezza lawsuit. They will guide you through the complex legal procedures, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact an Experienced Tepezza Lawyer for Your Hearing Loss Lawsuit
If you or a loved one used the thyroid eye disease medication Tepezza and lost hearing or are dealing with a persistent ringing in the ears, you may be eligible to recover compensation from the manufacturer. A Tepezza lawyer from our firm can help guide you through the legal process and improve your chances of recovering damages.
Contact us today at 866-467-0943 or complete our online contact form for a free consultation, and let’s discuss your case and whether you may be eligible to participate in the Tepezza MDL.