For years, consumers reached for a Zantac when they had heartburn. After decades and tens of billions of dollars of sales, Zantac became one of the largest product recalls of all time over concerns that it causes cancer because it contains a contaminant called NDMA. Injured consumers face significant damages from Zantac-related injuries, for which they can seek financial compensation.
Specifically, Zantac is alleged to cause the following cancers:
- Bladder
- Kidney
- Colon
- Liver
- Stomach
Economic and Non-Economic Losses from Zantac Cancer Cases
If GlaxoSmithKline is found legally responsible for the harm caused by Zantac, they will be obligated to fully compensate consumers for all of their injuries. This includes both their tangible economic losses and the more subjective non-economic losses.
As with any successful product liability case, the plaintiff must be paid back for both their past and future medical expenses. The types of cancers with which Zantac has been associated require extensive medical treatment. In addition, a defendant would be required to pay you for any time that you miss from work or any reduction in your earning capacity.
In addition, the defendant would also need to pay for non-economic damages. This includes the following:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Inconvenience
- Depression and anxiety
These are much harder things to value. They are subjective because they are based on your own personal experience.
If you have a loved one who has died from any of these cancers, you can file a wrongful death claim. This could pay your family back for the loss of the loved one and the damages that you have suffered from their death. This could include things like:
- The money that they would have earned
- Your loss of their emotional support and presence
- Your grief and trauma from losing a loved one
If this case settles, it is too early to know what an average payment may be. Zantac lawsuits are still being filed. Lawyers are predicting that this will be a multibillion settlement if GlaxoSmithKline chooses to enter into an agreement. The total amount could reach as high as $10 billion. Then, you would file a claim, and your individual circumstances would be considered in deciding how much money you would receive. Some injured plaintiffs will receive more than others, especially if they were younger or earned more money.
If your case goes to court, a jury will award you damages based on what you are able to prove. Jury awards are usually higher than settlements, but many mass tort cases like the Zantac litigation settle, especially after the defendant loses some of the initial trials. The odds are in favor of an eventual settlement of this case.
Let Our North Dakota Personal Injury Lawyers Help You
Product liability lawsuits can be complex as you navigate the process of seeking compensation. In addition, companies have every incentive to fight these, right up until the time that they settle a case. Contact one of our experienced personal injury attorneys, Tatum O’Brien, Tim O’Keeffe, or Sara Monson by email, or call O’Keeffe O’Brien Lyson Attorneys at 701-235-8000 or toll-free 877-235-8002.
