A new Lipitor lawsuit was recently filed against Pfizer Inc. in a federal court alleging that Pfizer failed to warn the medical community and general public about the risks of dangerous side effects that could occur while taking the medication.

The Lipitor lawsuit was filed by Marta O., a 44-year-old resident of Puerto Rico. According to the lawsuit Marta was prescribed and began taking Lipitor back in 2011 and continued taking the medication until 2015.

While taking Lipitor, Marta was diagnosed with type -2 diabetes in 2013. In her Lipitor lawsuit Marta alleges that taking Lipitor directly resulted in her diagnosis.

Marta alleges that she has suffered serious permanent and grievous injury. The Lipitor lawsuit asserts claims for negligence, negligent misrepresentation, design defect, strict products liability, breach of warranty, unjust enrichment, failure to warn, and several other claims. Marta is also seeking punitive damages.

Marta’s lawsuit is part of the multidistrict litigation that is occurring in South Carolina against Pfizer Inc. for its alleged responsibility in the injuries of several patients who developed diabetes after taking Lipitor. Multidistrict litigation often occurs when several lawsuits are filed with similar facts and questions of laws.

During multidistrict litigation, these lawsuits are funneled before a single judge for pretrial motions and discovery. Then the cases that have not been settled or resolved by other means are returned to their original jurisdiction.

Lipitor is a popular cholesterol medication generically known as atorvastatin. In 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug administration required Pfizer to update their Lipitor warning label so that it included the risk of developing type-2 diabetes.

A 2012 study found that women between the ages of 50-79 who took medications like Lipitor were 48 percent more likely to develop type-2 diabetes than women who did not take the drugs. According to some older medical studies the risk of developing type-2 diabetes is increased in women who are postmenopausal, obese, have high blood pressure, or a family history of diabetes.

Diabetes is a serious condition that if left untreated can result in serious injury or death. Symptoms of type-2 diabetes include increased thirst, increased hunger, frequent urination, dry mouth, blurred vision, headaches, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and areas of darkened skin.

Product liability attorneys are currently looking for potential plaintiffs to bring Lipitor lawsuits against Pfizer. These lawsuits will likely bring claims similar to those of Marta and her Lipitor lawsuit. Successful victims who file Lipitor lawsuits may receive compensation for past and future medical bills and may receive compensation for the pain and suffering they’ve been forced to endure.

Lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies also help to hold these organizations accountable for their actions. They serve as a reminder that manufacturers owe their consumers a specific duty of care. Whether or not a person should bring a Lipitor lawsuit is a decision that should be made on a case by case basis with the advice of a legal professional.

The Lipitor Lawsuit is Case No. 2:15-cv-4344-RMG and is part of the Lipitor MDL known as In Re: Lipitor (Atorvastatin Calcium) Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2:14-mn-02502-RMG, in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina, Charleston Division.