Risperdal consumption has caused adverse effects for many people. Hence, they file lawsuits against the manufacturers to get indemnity for the damages they suffer. Before filing a legal claim, it’d be better for you to delve into the Risperdal compensation amount for an individual.
You may also find the ins and outs of the lawsuit and what factors influence the case value through the explanation in this article.
What Is Riverdale?
According to the Cleveland Clinic website, Risperdal, also called Risperidone, is a unique antipsychotic drug used widely since the 1990s for bipolar disorder, autism, schizophrenia, and other mental health concerns.
Originally developed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, which is part of Johnson & Johnson (J&J), it was a popular medicine with more than 4 million users in the UK. However, nowadays, other companies offer similar generic versions.
Risperdal’s Side Effects
Just like many medicines, Riverdale might bring about side effects, and some cause destructive and severe impacts on your health condition. Following are typical side effects of Riverdale.
- Feeling sleepy and tired;
- high levels of sugar in the blood (hyperglycemia) and diabetes;
- issues with movement like feeling restless, shaking, or stiffness; and
- problems with sexual function such as reduced interest or difficulties with erections.
Meanwhile, less common but severe side effects include the signs below.
- Older adults who have dementia-related psychosis face a greater chance of passing away;
- tardive dyskinesia (a condition marked by uncontrollable muscle movements); and
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
Risperdal and Gynecomastia in Males
The connection between Risperdal and gynecomastia was revealed in 2015 through a study in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. The study indicated that prolonged use of Risperdal among young males increased the risk of developing breasts.
Risperdal causes male breast growth by affecting a hormone called prolactin. Normally, prolactin helps teenage girls grow breasts and aids in milk production for pregnant women. However, Risperdal somehow makes young males produce too much of this hormone which leads to the growth of breasts.
Therefore, getting a Risperdal lawyer is important if you or someone you care about took Risperdal and then suffered side effects like gynecomastia. You should talk to a lawyer to navigate legal action and if you might get compensation for what happened.
Risperdal Lawsuits
Many people who developed gynecomastia after using Risperdal have sued Janssen and other Risperdal manufacturers. Furthermore, others filed lawsuits due to serious health issues like Tardive Dyskinesia, stroke, heart problems, and diabetes as the adverse effects of this drug.
These Risperdal lawsuits in federal courts have been brought together into a collective MDL (Multidistrict Litigation) in the U.S. District Court in Philadelphia. Currently, there are roughly 7,000 separate cases involved in this Risperdal MDL.
Several trial runs have already occurred in the Risperdal legal process. So far, the outcomes of these crucial “bellwether” trials have been very encouraging for those bringing the lawsuits. More than half of these trials have ruled in favor of the people suing, and many have led to substantial compensation.
Eligibility for a Risperdal Lawsuit
Sufferers of gynecomastia due to consumption of Risperdal have a chance to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers of the medicine, aiming to seek proper Risperdal compensation amount.
Even if some time has passed, it’s still possible to initiate a Risperdal lawsuit and be part of any collective settlement that may arise. Moreover, you might be eligible for a Risperdal lawsuit if you took the medication and later experienced severe health issues like neuroleptic malignant syndrome, heart problems, or tardive dyskinesia.
How Much Is Risperdal Compensation Amount For Individuals?
Basically, the amount of compensation for the lawsuit varies, depending on different trials and settlements. . Here’s a summary of some notable Risperdal trial outcomes and reported settlements!
1. Pleger $2,500,000 (2015)
In 2015, Austin Pledger received $2.5 million from his Risperdal lawsuit against Janssen. He started using Risperdal in 2002 and claimed the drug caused him to develop size DD breasts.
2. Yount $70,000,000 (2016)
Andrew Yount was granted $70 million by a Philadelphia jury for his claims against Janssen regarding Risperdal. This substantial verdict remained intact even after it went through the appeal process.
3. Byrd $1,000,000 (2017)
In New York, Shaquil Byrd received the Riverdale compensation amount of $1 million for his claim that Risperdal caused breast development and lactation when he was 10 years old. However, the trial judge later overturned the verdict based on legal grounds.
4. Stange $500,000 (2018)
Timothy Stange from Wisconsin received a $500,000 verdict in his jury trial. He took Risperdal from 2006 to 2009 after the FDA expanded its approval for treating bipolar disorder. The court later considered a second trial for punitive damages, which was avoided through a confidential settlement.
5. Murray $6,800,000,000 (2019)
Nicolas Murry initially received $1.75 million in compensatory damages for claiming Risperdal breast growth cause. In a subsequent trial for punitive damages, the jury awarded $8 billion, later reduced to $6.8 billion.
Factors Influencing Risperdal Lawsuit Value
Every Risperdal compensation amount differs for each individual due to several influencing factors, as follows.
1. The Extent of Harm Suffered
Those experiencing breast tissue growth may face high medical expenses, including surgeries and ongoing treatments. They deserve compensation covering all medical costs linked to the medication’s side effects.
2. Levels of Pain and Emotional Distress
Emotional impact plays a significant role in determining compensation. Victims have the right to seek recompense for both physical harm and psychological suffering caused by others’ negligence.
3. Choosing Between a Class Action or Individual Claim
Class action lawsuits join victims sharing common issues against a responsible party, but settlements are divided equally among members. A clear choice might benefit those with severe injuries so they can file individual claims instead.
4. Potential for punitive damages
These punitive damages aim to compensate for medicine manufacturers’ negligence and disregard for consumers’ well-being. Pharmaceutical companies sometimes fail to warn users adequately about medication risks, leading to severe side effects.
Does Knowing Risperdal Compensation Amount Important?
In summary, understanding the factors that influence the Risperdal compensation amount is highly significant. In fact, there are at least four aspects that influence the amount of compensation each person could receive.
Therefore, grasping these details assists individuals in making wiser decisions when seeking compensation for the impact of Risperdal. With this information, you can follow the process more effectively to obtain fair compensation for any harm caused by using this medication!
