Many Americans who have suffered severe gastrointestinal problems after taking the drug Benicar wonder how much compensation they may receive if they file a legal claim against manufacturer Daiichi Sankyo. Since litigation regarding Benicar has only recently started, the average settlement amount is not yet known. Additionally, the amount each case could be worth depends on the specific circumstances of each individual claim. If you have suffered an unexpected and unnecessary medical condition due to Benicar, you should always consult with an experienced attorney to discuss your individual circumstances.
What is Benicar?
Benicar, along with other forms of olmesartan, is a pharmaceutical meant to control high blood pressure. Approximately 11 million Americans have received prescriptions for Benicar or some form of olmesartan each year since the drug was introduced in 2002. However, in recent years, studies have shown that Benicar has potentially severe side effects of which consumers were largely unaware.
Specifically, studies show that Benicar can cause users to develop a serious gastrointestinal condition called sprue-like enteropathy. This condition has symptoms similar to Celiac disease, including the following:
- Vomiting;
- Chronic and severe diarrhea; and
- Significant weight loss.
These symptoms have caused many users to require prolonged hospital stays and suffer from permanent damage, including the need for feeding tubes in some cases. As a result, many injured patients have begun filing lawsuits against Daiichi Sankyo to try to recover for their injury-related losses. Additionally, in 2013, the FDA issued an announcement that all manufacturers of drugs containing olmesartan would have to include a warning regarding gastrointestinal side effects on their labels.
What Damages are Available?
Because no cases have yet been settled or tried to verdict, the exact amount the manufacturer may have to pay victims is uncertain. However, plaintiffs may be able to recover for losses such as:
- Medical expenses for both past and future care;
- Lost wages and benefits due to missed work, as well as future wages and benefits if unable to return to work;
- Physical pain and suffering due to sprue-like enteropathy symptoms;
- Permanent disability or decreased life-expectancy;
- Loss of enjoyment of life and regular, everyday activities; and
- Punitive damages.
The damages you to which plaintiffs may be entitled will largely depend on the severity of injuries and the extent of necessary treatments.
The products liability lawyers at the law firm of Lopez McHugh, LLP are consulting with Benicar users who have developed sprue-like enteropathy to discuss potential legal claims against the manufacturer. If you have suffered these serious side effects, contact our office today for a free consultation.
