$21M Stevens Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit Settlement Appealed

Details of the Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Lawsuit

In a December 3, 2012 article by Courthouse News, it was stated that Karen was prescribed Clinoril in 2005 to treat her shoulder pain. However, the pharmacist gave her sulindac, the generic version of Clinori. Sulindac is manufactured by Mutual Pharmaceutical and after taking the generic medication the plaintiff then developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome. This then progressed to the more severe form, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). It has been reported that during her battle with TEN she lost 60% of her skin. Bartlett was also hospitalized for 70 days.  

The original Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuit was filed in 2008. The plaintiff claimed that the side effects of sulindac exceeded the benefits it provided and, therefore, it poses unreasonable danger to its users. The jury agreed with the plaintiff and as a result she was awarded a $21 million Stevens Johnson Syndrome settlement for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and for medical bills.

The Drug Manufacturer Appeals Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Jury Award

Mutual Pharmaceutical has appealed the jury’s award claiming that generic drug manufactures cannot have lawsuits filed against them for any design defects and also claimed that the jury award was excessive in nature.

The appeal came before the federal appeals court held in New Hampshire and was originally denied. The 3 judge panel issued a unanimous ruling in writing. Judge Michael Boudin issued a statement that while the drug manufacturer could not legally manufacture sulindac using a different formulation it did have the option to not make the medication in the first place. However, the drug manufacturer took their appeal to the Supreme Court and they have agreed to hear their appeal.

The $21 million jury award is not the largest award given in a Stevens Johnson syndrome lawsuit. The New York Times reported on May 25, 2012 that a New York jury had handed down a $120 million verdict to a woman in her SJS lawsuit. She filed a medical malpractice lawsuit listing three different hospitals as defendants after she received brain damage due to developing Stevens Johnson Syndrome. The plaintiff alleges that she went to hospital for treatment after having a seizure but actually came down with SJS during her hospital stay. The Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuit claims that the three hospitals mismanaged her diagnosis, which resulted in her development of brain damage.

What is Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?

SJS is a very rare condition but very serious nonetheless. It is developed as a serious allergic reaction to medication. It can occur in children and adults alike and can strike at any time. It can even be developed after a patient takes a medication that they have previously tolerated. It has even been linked to common drugs, like ibuprofen. Victims often have to be treated in burn centers as their skin falls off and creates severe blisters. Both Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have resulted in fatalities and there is currently no cure for these two conditions.

Sulindac is the generic version of Clinoril, which is manufactured by Merck & Co. It is a non-steroidal drug that is used for anti-inflammatory purposes.
 
Filing a Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Lawsuit

If you or someone you know has developed Stevens Johnson Syndrome (Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS)) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) it is important that you speak with an experienced Stevens Johnson Syndrome lawsuit lawyer immediately.
 
Visit the Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS) & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Class Action Lawsuit Investigation page right away and submit your information so an experienced SJS lawsuit attorney can provide you with a free legal review.