You might be eligible for compensation if you or a loved one were diagnosed with cancer after taking Zantac. Choose an Indiana Zantac lawyer who understands how to navigate applicable personal injury laws and will fight zealously on your behalf.
No one should have to suffer for the wrongdoing of pharmaceutical companies. The team at Gerling Law Injury Attorneys has been a part of numerous cases against pharmaceutical companies that have acted negligently.
Call (888) 437-5464 or reach us online today for a free consultation to learn how we can help you.
What Is Zantac?
Zantac is a popular over-the-counter and prescription-strength heartburn medication. The product was first recalled in 2019 due to potential carcinogenic contamination. Zantac tested positive for unsafe levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which is an odorless chemical.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies NDMA as a group 2A carcinogen. This means it’s “probably carcinogenic to humans.” There is sufficient evidence that NDMA causes cancer in humans. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a series of warnings, starting in 2018, regarding several medications with higher than acceptable levels of NDMA. And Zantac was on this list.
What Are the Potential Symptoms of NDMA Exposure?
According to the National Library of Medicine and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), NDMA can cause a variety of adverse reactions in the body. Once it enters the bloodstream, it has the ability to impact bodily organs. The liver is responsible for removing the chemical from the body, so many of the issues occur in the liver.
The Zantac label states that the product can be taken twice a day for up to 14 days without doctor supervision.
Consumption of high levels of NDMA has been linked to the development of several types of cancer, including:
- Bladder cancer,
- Colorectal cancer,
- Kidney cancer,
- Liver cancer,
- Pancreatic cancer,
- Stomach cancer, and
- Prostate cancer.
If you or a loved one has developed any of the cancers listed above after taking Zantac or its generic form, ranitidine, you should seek legal advice from an Indiana Zantac lawyer.
What Type of Product Liability Claim Is Applicable?
There are two types of product liability claims that may apply to a Zantac claim: defective design and failure to warn.
Defective design
A defective design can pertain to things like the product formula or other components of the actual product that cause harm. Dangerous side effects can fall under the umbrella of defective design. This is true for Zantac because of the harmful ingredient contained in its formulation. In other words, Zantac was designed incorrectly such that it causes harm to those who take it for its prescribed use.
Failure to warn
If the product label fails to provide a warning about side effects or significant risks, the drug is considered defective. This is one of the reasons medication labels are so long. Zantac failed to warn consumers about the risks associated with NDMA. Therefore, this type of product defect would also apply.
What Is the Burden of Proof for a Zantac Lawsuit in Indiana?
If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the health problems that have been associated with NDMA as it relates to Zantac use, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against Sanofi, the makers of Zantac.
To hold a pharmaceutical company liable for your damages, you must be able to prove several essential elements of your claim. Your Indiana Zantac attorney will be able to walk you through these components to make sure you have a valid claim.
But here are the basic components:
- The medication you took must have at least one type of product defect. In the case of Zantac, you may argue that the drug had a design defect and the company failed to warn of potential risks.
- Your Zantac lawsuit attorney in Indiana will need to prove that the defective drug caused your injury or illness. In the case of Zantac, you will need to show that your cancer developed after taking the medication over a certain period of time. Proof to establish this link may be obtained in the form of medical records, expert testimony, scientific research, and other credible sources.
- As a plaintiff, you must be able to prove that you suffered damages as a result of taking Zantac. Compensable damages may include economic damages, such as the cost of medication, medical bills, necessary care, and lost wages. You may also be entitled to certain non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering and mental anguish. Your Indiana Zantac attorney can help you determine what compensation is available.
If you decide to file a Zantac lawsuit in Indiana, you will need a skilled attorney to help you through the process.
Gerling Law's Guide to VA Disability Benefits
Questions about your VA disability claim, benefits, or appeal? We've got a free guide available right now. Complete the form below and we'll email you a link to download the guide directly.
Over $500 Million in Recoveries
Jim Stoltz was very professional and caring when he handled my case. I would recommend him to anyone. - Donna K.
How Much is a Zantac Claim Worth?
The amount your Zantac lawsuit in Indiana is worth depends on the severity of your damages. Your attorney will need to do a full review of your case before they can estimate how much it is worth.
Your settlement or award is meant to compensate you for the damages you suffered. Cancer is a serious disease that can cause significant economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses include costs such as medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses that can be calculated using receipts, invoices, and estimates of future expenses. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, depression, and other mental factors.
Here is a list of economic and non-economic damages that may fit your Zantac lawsuit in Indiana.
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- In-home care
- Loss of quality care
- Depression and anxiety
- Mental anguish
Factors such as the aggressiveness of the disease and prognosis can impact the amount of compensation you can receive. The Indiana Zantac lawyers at Gerling Law understand how devastating a cancer diagnosis is and will fight to get you everything you deserve.
Choosing an Indiana Zantac lawyer
Results matter to us, and we know they do to you as well. We understand the intricacies of product liability—specifically, lawsuits related to Zantac—and we are committed to optimizing your recovery. Contact us online (888) 437-5464 today to schedule a free case review.
