Ozempic Mass Tort Lawyer in Charleston SC

 

The allure of weight loss and blood sugar control offered by semaglutide medications like Ozempic has transformed many individuals’ lives. However, for a growing number of people in Charleston and across South Carolina, severe and debilitating side effects have overshadowed this promise. Patients who have suffered adverse reactions are increasingly seeking legal help through mass tort lawsuits, a form of legal action designed to address claims from multiple individuals harmed by the same defective product.

If you or a loved one has suffered complications after using Ozempic, you are not alone. You need a dedicated Ozempic mass tort lawyer in Charleston SC, to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their negligence. Our team at Joe Cunningham Law provides compassionate and aggressive legal representation to those harmed by these medications. As a former U.S. Congressman, our firm’s founder, Joe, will always use his people-first approach to put your best interests at the forefront.

What Is Ozempic and How Does It Work?

Ozempic is a brand name for semaglutide, a medication developed by Novo Nordisk. It is classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist designed to lower blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, Ozempic has been marketed as an effective weight-loss medication and has gained popularity for its ability to help individuals manage their weight. Users typically administer the drug via a weekly injection.

However, like all medications, Ozempic can come with risks, and recent reports have raised concerns about the drug’s safety. The issue lies in the severe side effects that some patients experience after using Ozempic, including gastrointestinal problems, pancreatitis, kidney issues, and even more severe complications such as thyroid cancer.

The core of the Ozempic mass tort litigation centers on allegations that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the heightened risk of these severe side effects. Plaintiffs argue that the company prioritized profits over patient safety, downplaying or concealing the potential harm’s true extent.

Ozempic’s Link to Serious Health Complications

Patients who use Ozempic or other GLP-1 receptor agonists may experience severe side effects, some of which can lead to long-term health issues or hospitalization. Here are some of the most concerning and serious complications associated with Ozempic:

Excessive Vomiting for Two Weeks or More

One of the most troubling side effects reported by patients using Ozempic is prolonged and excessive vomiting. This can occur for two weeks or longer and can lead to severe dehydration, malnutrition, and an inability to retain food or fluids. Vomiting for an extended period affects a patient’s quality of life and can result in other severe medical conditions if left untreated.

Stomach Paralysis

Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach’s ability to empty food is delayed or impaired. This can cause painful bloating, nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness even after eating small amounts of food. For some patients, stomach paralysis can become chronic and severely affect their ability to digest food properly, leading to further complications such as weight loss and nutrient deficiencies.

Intestinal Paralysis

Intestinal paralysis is a condition in which the intestines cannot contract and move food through the digestive tract effectively. This leads to bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, intestinal paralysis can result in malnutrition, preventing the body from absorbing essential nutrients.

Intestinal Blockage

An intestinal blockage is a serious condition that can occur when the normal flow of food or waste through the intestines is obstructed. This can lead to severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and the inability to pass gas or stools. If left untreated, intestinal blockages can result in tissue death and other life-threatening complications, requiring emergency medical intervention to relieve the blockage.

Bowel Obstruction

Bowel obstruction occurs when the bowel becomes blocked, preventing the normal movement of food and waste. This can lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and vomiting. Bowel obstruction may lead to severe complications, including tissue death, infection, and the need for surgical intervention. Patients who experience bowel obstruction after using Ozempic may require hospitalization to manage the condition and prevent further damage to the digestive system.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is another serious complication linked to Ozempic’s usage. This condition can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and a potential for life-threatening organ failure. If not properly treated, pancreatitis can also lead to long-term damage to the pancreas and digestive system. Studies have shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic may increase the risk of developing pancreatitis.

Kidney Damage

There have been concerns about Ozempic’s potential to cause kidney problems. Some patients have developed kidney failure or other kidney-related complications while using the drug. In severe cases, kidney damage can lead to permanent organ failure and the need for dialysis.

Thyroid Cancer

Ozempic has been linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer in animal studies, and some human patients have experienced thyroid-related issues while taking the medication. The FDA has issued warnings about the potential for thyroid tumors in people using GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic.

The occurrence of these side effects has prompted a growing number of lawsuits against Novo Nordisk, claiming that they did not properly disclose the drug’s risks to consumers. Individuals who have suffered from these adverse effects may be eligible for compensation through a mass tort lawsuit.

What Is a Mass Tort Lawsuit?

A mass tort lawsuit is a type of legal action in which many plaintiffs join to seek compensation from a defendant for harm caused by the same product or event. In the case of Ozempic, a mass tort allows patients who have been injured by the medication to pool their resources and legal efforts to hold the pharmaceutical manufacturer accountable for their actions.

Unlike a class action lawsuit, where plaintiffs are grouped under a single representative, a mass tort allows everyone to maintain their own legal claims while benefiting from the efficiency of a collective lawsuit. This structure is particularly beneficial in cases involving defective drugs like Ozempic, where each plaintiff may have a unique experience with the medication but is harmed by the same underlying issue.

Understanding the Legal Claims

Our firm is pursuing legal claims against Novo Nordisk based on the following grounds:

Product Liability Claims

One of the primary legal claims in an Ozempic mass tort case is product liability. Under product liability law, manufacturers are responsible for ensuring their products are safe for consumers. If they defectively design, improperly manufacture, or inadequately label a product, they may be liable for any injuries that result from using the product.

Ozempic product liability claims may assert that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn consumers about the risks associated with the drug or that they defectively designed the drug in a way that led to harmful side effects. Common product liability claims in Ozempic lawsuits include allegations of failure to warn about the serious risks discussed above.

Failure to Warn Claims

Another key legal claim is failure to warn, which alleges that Novo Nordisk failed to properly inform consumers and healthcare providers about the risks associated with Ozempic. Pharmaceutical companies must clearly and comprehensively warn patients about their products’ potential dangers and side effects.

If we can show that Novo Nordisk knew or should have known about the serious risks associated with Ozempic and failed to adequately communicate these dangers, individuals harmed may have a valid failure to warn claim. This can include injuries not disclosed in the drug’s labeling or advertisements.

Negligence Claims

In addition to product liability and failure to warn claims, negligence is another basis for legal action. Negligence occurs when a party fails to exercise reasonable care in designing, testing, or distributing a product. If Novo Nordisk acted negligently in any aspect of the drug’s creation or distribution, and this negligence led to injuries, affected individuals may be entitled to compensation.

Negligence claims can focus on areas such as improper clinical trials, failure to monitor safety data, or rushing a drug to market without adequate testing for side effects. If Novo Nordisk released Ozempic with inadequate knowledge about its safety or failed to address known risks, patients can pursue a negligence claim.

Breach of Warranty Claims

Breach of warranty claims allege that the drug manufacturer violated an express or implied warranty regarding Ozempic’s safety and effectiveness. In this context, warranties are assurances made by Novo Nordisk that their product will meet certain safety and performance standards. If Ozempic failed to live up to these assurances, particularly regarding safety, individuals harmed may have a case for breach of warranty. This claim is particularly relevant if Novo Nordisk’s marketing or advertising made specific representations about the drug’s safety that were later proven to be untrue.

Our Charleston, SC, mass tort attorneys are well-versed in the complexities of proving liability in mass tort cases and will work to build a strong case on your behalf.

Damages You Can Recover in an Ozempic Mass Tort Case

If Ozempic has injured you, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Medical expenses: Past and future costs associated with treating the injuries Ozempic caused
• Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to missing work because of your injuries
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional pain you have endured
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for the diminished quality of life your injuries caused
• Punitive damages: In cases of egregious misconduct, the court may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.

The Importance of Timely Legal Action

South Carolina has a statute of limitations that limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after suffering an injury. This three-year time limit typically begins when you discover the harm caused by Ozempic, so consulting with our Ozempic mass tort lawyers as soon as possible is crucial to protect your legal rights and understand any deadline exceptions. Delaying legal action could jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.

How Mass Tort Cases Progress

Mass tort cases often begin with an investigation and discovery phase, where attorneys gather evidence and work to establish a case against the pharmaceutical company. If the case moves forward, the court may also consolidate some Ozempic cases into an MDL to streamline pretrial proceedings. Plaintiffs may participate in a bellwether trial, where the court tries a few representative cases to help inform future settlements. We ultimately resolve many mass tort cases through settlements, but some may go to trial if the parties cannot reach an agreement.

Why You Should Choose Joe Cunningham Law for Your Ozempic Mass Tort Case

Joe Cunningham Law is committed to providing our clients with the highest level of legal representation in their fight for justice. Led by Joe Cunningham, a former U.S. Congressman, our firm puts clients’ best interests at the forefront to give the care, attention, and support you deserve throughout the legal process. Here is why we stand out among other mass tort lawyers:

• A proven track record of success: As a former U.S. Congressman, Joe has extensive experience advocating for the people, working on issues that matter most to individuals and families. He brings this same passion and advocacy to his law practice, focusing on achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients.
• People-first philosophy: Joe’s history in public service demonstrates his commitment to prioritizing the needs of the people he represents. This philosophy directly translates to his legal practice, where our team never treats clients as just another case number.
• Frequent and transparent communication: At Joe Cunningham Law, we understand the importance of staying informed about your case’s progress of your case. Joe prioritizes maintaining frequent and open communication with our clients.
• Aggressive representation when necessary: We know that pharmaceutical companies and insurers often fight hard to avoid liability and protect their interests. Joe Cunningham Law is not afraid to take your case to court if necessary and will stand up to powerful entities to fight for the compensation you deserve.
• Compassionate client care: We recognize that dealing with serious injuries caused by drugs like Ozempic can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. Our team offers compassionate, client-focused care to ensure that you feel supported throughout the legal process.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Joe Cunningham Law Today

Ozempic has brought hope to many people struggling with type 2 diabetes and weight management, but some have suffered adverse effects. If Ozempic has harmed you or someone you know, contact our experienced  Ozempic mass tort lawyer in Charleston SC law firm. We can provide you with the legal support and guidance you need to navigate this complex process and seek the compensation you deserve.