Fosamax Trials Begin in April, 2013

A jury trial began on April 8, 2013 in New Jersey in which a New York woman who suffered a broken femur claimed that drug company Merck knew about the increased risk for fractures associated with long-term use of Fosamax. The bellwether case was viewed as an example of how later cases might be resolved. In that case, the jury ruled in favor of Merck. The woman had used Fosamax for seven years due to low bone density. When gardening, her thigh bone snapped as she bent over to pick up a gardening tool. She later had to have surgery to repair the leg with rods and claimed that Fosamax was the cause of the injury and resulting medical needs.

Merck is the second biggest pharmaceutical company in the U.S. Its bisphosphonate drug known as Fosamax is a prescription medicine used to treat osteoporosis and other bone diseases. The drug was approved for use in 1995 and generated sales of $3 billion for the company until its patent expired in 2008. The drug company faces more than 3,000 lawsuits against it from claimants who assert that the drug causes bone brittleness and deterioration of the thigh bone. Other lawsuits against Merck state the drug has caused osteonecrosis of the jaw, which results in jaw fractures. In one such case, Merck was ordered to pay $285,000 in damages to a woman in New York who claimed the drug caused bone disease in her jaw.

Personal Injury Legal Representation in Charleston, South Carolina

Those who suffer injuries and damaging side effects from using dangerous drugs may have grounds for a defective product claim or lawsuit against the manufacturer, as in the cases above. Because of the complexity of such claims, experienced and trusted legal representation in such cases is imperative.

McLeod Law Group, LLC is a personal injury and wrongful death firm with proven results in obtaining justice for those harmed through the negligence of others. The firm has obtained more than $50 million in verdicts and settlements for its clients. Due to its outstanding legal results, it has been featured in such national news media as The Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, CNN, NBC, ABC, and more. When facing the prospect of pursuing legal action after a personal injury, you may be uncertain, overwhelmed, and confused. Work with a highly-respected and credible legal team. Contact the firm for a legal consultation about your potential case today.