If you are one of the many women who developed diabetes while taking the statin Lipitor, you may be considering filing a lawsuit to try to recover compensation for the manufacturer’s negligence. Unfortunately, filing and pursuing a lawsuit is a complicated, expensive, and time-consuming proposition. Only by consulting with a qualified attorney can an injured woman ensure that all of the requirements for filing a lawsuit are met, because every case is different, and general information will not substitute for qualified legal advice. That said, women considering a lawsuit should consider the following:
What are the Allegations Regarding Lipitor?
In order to file a lawsuit, plaintiffs must set out specific allegations against the defendant. In the hundreds of current lawsuits involving the anti-cholesterol drug Lipitor, plaintiffs have been alleging that the drug caused new-onset diabetes in women . Though Lipitor has allegedly caused other serious side effects, such as liver problems and myopathy, many of the lawsuits are focused on the development of diabetes.
Additional allegations include that the label on Lipitor does not adequately warn of the side effects. Even though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered a new label for Lipitor that warned of diabetes, many allege that the label is still not enough. The allegations made when a lawsuit is filed can run hundreds of paragraphs, and there are detailed requirements for what must be included in the initial paperwork and how relevant parties must be notified that a lawsuit has been filed.
Who is the Defendant?
In order to recover for injuries caused by Lipitor, plaintiffs must specifically name the defendants—people or entities that can be held legally responsible for an injury. In the case of Lipitor, Pfizer, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world is usually the main defendant. Pfizer has huge legal teams and significant funds at its disposal to help defend the company in lawsuits involving its products.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
Individuals have the legal right to file a lawsuit “pro-se,” meaning on their own and without the assistance of an attorney. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for someone to pursue a lawsuit without an attorney.
Lawsuits against companies such as Pfizer can drag on for years and become very expensive. It is rare for an individual to have adequate resources to successfully win a lawsuit against a large pharmaceutical company on their own. Law firms that specialize in pharmaceutical lawsuits understand how to meet the legal requirements for pursuing such a case, and coordinate with other law firmsFor these reasons and more, it is a good idea to consult with an experienced product liability firm if you are considering a Lipitor lawsuit.
The firm of Lopez McHugh, LLP is currently actively involved in the Lipitor litigation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss a possible case.
