Recent Risperdal Lawsuit Settles In Favor Of Plaintiff

For more than a decade, the antipsychotic medication Risperdal has been prescribed for patients suffering from various conditions. However, use of this drug has since been linked to potentially severe adverse side effects. As a result, many patients who suffered harm after using the medication are now pursuing lawsuits against the drug’s maker. One such lawsuit recently resulted in a settlement that favored the plaintiff.

A Summary of Trial Results Relating to Risperdal

Wondering whether plaintiffs are succeeding in obtaining compensation against the maker of Risperdal? The following is an overview of three such lawsuits:

1. The first Risperdal trial: This trial held in favor of the plaintiff, holding Johnson & Johnson liable for the plaintiff’s injuries. The plaintiff was awarded $2.5 million in damages after the jury found that Risperdal use had caused him to develop breasts after being prescribed the medication at age seven. The jury further found that the drug maker was negligent for failing to warn about the risk of gynecomastia.
2. The second Risperdal trial: This trial resulted in a partial victory for Johnson & Johnson. The jury ruled that Risperdal probably did not cause the plaintiff to develop gynecomastia. However, the jury also found that the drug company was negligent for failing to warn the public about this risk. The jury did not award damages because it did not find a direct link between the drug’s use and the plaintiff’s development of breasts.
3. The third Risperdal trial: In this most recent trial, a settlement in favor of the plaintiff was agreed to on May 27th. The plaintiff in this matter had taken Risperdal to treat schizophrenia for more than a decade. He developed breasts as a result. The plaintiff argued that no one had ever warned him of this risk.

There are currently more than 1,000 similar lawsuits pending against Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals relating to Risperdal use. To date, the company has paid more than $2.2 billion to resolve civil and criminal investigations relating to the marketing of Risperdal and other drugs.

Sadly, despite evidence that Risperdal use may be no more effective than a placebo, the drug continues to be used. If you were injured after taking this medication, it is important to seek legal guidance. To learn more, contact our offices today.