Pharmaceutical Drug Lawsuit Settlements

In the last few decades, major pharmaceutical drug companies have been subject to lawsuits resulting in larger and larger settlements. These companies include such giants as GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Avandia, Paxil, and Wellbutrin; Pfizer, the maker of Bextra, Lyrica, Geodon, and Zyvox; Merck, the maker of Zocor; and Eli Lilly, the maker of Zyprexa. Claims against these companies frequently include allegations of off-label marketing, which is in violation of the False Claims Act. Off-label marketing refers to the promotion of a drug for a condition that has not been approved by the FDA or for an unapproved age group, such as pregnant women, children or teens. It also may include promotion of doses or a specific type of administration of a drug that has not been approved.

The False Claims Act is a federal act which prohibits people or companies from defrauding the federal government and its agencies, such as the FDA. In 2012, GlaxoSmithKline had to pay $3 billion in a settlement over lawsuits concerning Avandia, Paxil, and Wellbutrin. The pharmaceutical company was found to have engaged in illegal marketing of Paxil and Wellbutrin, which are antidepressants. It was also found to have suppressed information about the health risks involved in taking Avandia, which is a drug for diabetes. Despite the huge settlement, Time Magazine reported that the settlement amount consisted of only 11 percent of "associated revenue" for the drug company, which seems to have little punishment value. The New England Journal of Medicine has recommended that to really deter drug companies from illegal behavior they should have stiffer fines and criminal charges levied against executives who engage in misconduct.

Personal Injury and Defective Product Attorney in Long Island, New York

Dangerous pharmaceuticals fall under the category of defective products which can lead to claims and lawsuits by consumers who suffer health damage by taking them. Other defective products can include a wide range of items, from auto parts to cosmetics, food, appliances, electronics, household goods, and more. Manufacturers of these products can be held responsible for their negligence associated with injuries and deaths which result from their use.

For those who have been harmed in or around Long Island due to a defective product or through some other type of negligent-related incident, such as an auto accident, the Odierno Law Firm, P.C. provides competent legal representation. The firm has more than 30 years of experience in handling serious and catastrophic injury cases as well as those involving wrongful death. You will pay nothing up front to get started with your injury claim and pay nothing until the firm wins your case. Contact their law offices for a free consultation to discuss your situation and learn more about the factors involved and your options for recovering rightful compensation.