If you or a loved one developed cancer after taking Zantac, you could pursue legal action and sue Zantac’s makers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement reporting that Zantac and other ranitidine medications contained high levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). This chemical has been found to cause cancer and other health complications. Zantac and ranitidine were recalled from retailers nationwide.
Two elements that may make you eligible to sue Zantac include:
- A history of taking Zantac, as indicated on the label
- A diagnosis of cancer or another severe health condition
You may be able to file a lawsuit alongside evolving mass torts or pursue damages independently. Speaking with a legal professional can further determine your eligibility for moving forward with financial compensation.
What Is Zantac?
Zantac was a medication widely used to treat heartburn, ulcers, and other gastrointestinal conditions. Since its development in the late 1980s, the medication was considered safe and used by millions of people. However, in September 2019, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released findings that Zantac contained N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a chemical known to cause cancer. As of October 2019, Zantac and its generic equivalents have been removed from the market.
If you or a loved one took Zantac and later developed any adverse health conditions, you may have grounds for suing Zantac for financial recovery.
Pursuing Zantac Lawsuit Damages Involves Little Financial Risk
Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they do not get paid until the conclusion of one’s case. This appeals to a wide audience of potential clients, as this practice involves no upfront costs or fees. Additionally, this may provide an extra incentive to your legal team to go the extra mile or otherwise risk not getting paid.
At the conclusion of your case, if you are awarded damages or reach an out-of-court agreement, the liable party will send a check to your lawyer. From there, your lawyer will take out their payment and give you the remaining amount. According to the American Bar Association, lawyers will usually work for 33% of the amount recovered. However, this varies from firm to firm.
When you start your working relationship with your legal team, you will be given documents outlining which services you can expect and how payment will be received. You should read over these contracts carefully; signing any documents that do not provide written clarity regarding cost may work to your disadvantage in the future.
You May Have a Limited Time to Sue Zantac’s Makers
Where you live will determine how long you have to pursue civil action. Seeking damages against the manufacturer of Zantac falls under product liability, a form of personal injury law. For example, in Florida, the statute of limitations for product liability gives four years to move forward with legal proceedings.
However, depending on the details of your case, as well as other mandates implemented by the state, this timeline may vary. A legal professional can explain what these regulations mean for your situation.
You May Be Able to Take Part in Zantac Multidistrict Litigation
The United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation handles multidistrict litigation (MDL) cases. An MDL is one tort characterized by multiple civil cases that pursue damages for the same reason. MDLs are assigned to one court. These can involve hundreds of people affected by a shared negligent party. One of the benefits of these types of cases is that the legal teams representing clients can work together to coordinate efforts to prove liability. More professionals pursuing a case widens the availability of resources and can increase the chances of overall success.
One of the major torts for Zantac is MDL 2924. MDL 2924 claimants argue that the responsible manufacturers knew, or should have known, about the high levels of cancer-causing chemicals present in the drug. When determining whether you want to move forward with legal action regarding your Zantac use, you have the option of either filing as part of this tort or pursuing your own lawsuit independently. Both methods have their pros and cons. A legal professional can explain this if you are wondering whether you can sue Zantac.
Your Zantac Injury Lawyer Will Need to Prove Negligence
If you sue Zantac, the focal point of your case is negligence. Any pharmaceutical company which releases a drug that has the potential of causing harm is a clear violation of their duty of care. By allowing Zantac to enter the market, your legal team will need to prove that the negligent party knew (or should have known) that their product could cause adverse health complications in its users.
If you sue Zantac, your lawyer will need to demonstrate:
- The drug company undertook a duty of care by distributing Zantac to the general public.
- The company in question violated its duty of care by allowing a potentially hazardous drug to enter the marketplace.
- Zantac has caused you or a loved one to develop cancer or another serious health condition.
- As a result of your diagnosis, your quality of life has been greatly impacted, and your condition has resulted in otherwise avoidable expenses.
Harvard Health Publishing notes that Zantac was designed only to be used on an “as needed” basis. Yet, some people with chronic heartburn heavily relied on this medication for relief, and as a result, may be at an increased risk of developing health complications.
If you or a loved one took Zantac, you should speak with a medical professional to evaluate your physical well-being. You may be able to sue Zantac’s manufacturers for the effects you experienced. Even if you display no symptoms of health issues, your doctor may want to monitor your condition for any concerning changes.
Services Our Zantac Legal Team Can Provide
The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can help you hold the makers of Zantac responsible for their egregious negligence. We believe no one should have their life turned upside down because a corporation failed to provide safe products.
Some of the legal services our team can provide involve:
- Speaking with you in person or over the phone about your case in a free initial consultation
- Analyzing whether you are eligible to file a lawsuit against Zantac based on your medical history and dosage
- Explaining your legal rights so you can make informed decisions throughout the litigation process
- Advocating for your rights from the beginning
- Compiling a list that names your economic and non-economic damages
We Must Also Show How Zantac Use Affected You
Your legal team will also need evidence on your behalf to demonstrate the impact Zantac has had on your lifestyle.
This may include:
- Your medical records, including your medication history, imaging scans, and lab results
- Documents indicating time missed from work, such as pay stubs and bank statements
- Information relating to non-economic damages, including missed opportunities, reduced quality of life, and other relevant elements
One of the primary goals your legal team will undertake is proving that you have suffered as a result of taking this medication. After accomplishing this, your team can move forward in assigning liability.
Call The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine Today to File a Zantac Lawsuit
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we aim to be your most valuable asset while pursuing your Zantac injury case. Our goal is to provide you with legal assistance that grants you the compensation you need while also supporting you and your family during this challenging time. We are eager to help you either pursue an independent Zantac lawsuit or join a mass tort.
You have the right to sue Zantac if you or a loved one has developed any related adverse health conditions. We go the extra mile to offer responsive legal care. We work on contingency, meaning there is no financial risk when you work with us. We only get paid if we can reach a settlement agreement in your case. To learn more about the services we provide, call the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine today.
