St. Louis Accutane Lawsuit Lawyers

St. Louis Accutane Lawsuit Lawyers

Accutane lawsuit lawyers in St. Louis. If you or a loved one has experienced negative side effects after taking Accutane, call Burger Law now at (314) 500-HURT or fill out our online contact form. Our product liability lawyers have over 80 years of combined experience getting maximum compensation for our clients throughout Missouri and Illinois. You do not pay until we win your case.

If you have been injured by Accutane or isotretinoin, you are not alone. Thousands of people have been affected by the horrible side effects this drug can carry. But the drug manufacturer, like many large corporations, has refused to take responsibility for the harm their drug caused. To get the full compensation you deserve, you need a strong and fearless presence in your corner to fight for you and hold the drug manufacturer accountable. At Burger Law, our Accutane lawsuit lawyers have been standing up to bullies for over 30 years, and to date have secured our clients over $200 million in compensation. Speak to an Accutane injury attorney now at (314) 500-HURT, or read on to discover more about the lawsuits and if you are eligible.

Accutane: A Heavy Price to Pay for Clearer Skin

Accutane, also known by its generic name of isotretinoin, was first introduced by Hoffmann-LaRoche in 1985 as a chemotherapy drug. Later, the FDA approved Accutane as a treatment for severe acne cases that did not respond to other medications. Belonging to a group of medications called retinoids, isotretinoin is a synthetic form of vitamin A that reduces the amount of oil produced by skin glands.

After its approval by the FDA, Accutane quickly became known as a “miracle drug” for those with severe acne. While acne is not considered a serious medical condition, it is known to have an emotional and psychological impact on well-being and can lead to permanent scarring. Given that 85% of Accutane patients saw permanent clearing after 16 weeks, it is no wonder millions of people worldwide have turned to the drug. It can clear up in a matter of months acne that people had been trying for years to get rid of.

So, what is the problem? Why are so many people filing injury claim lawsuits against Accutane? Despite its wondrous ability to clear up skin, Accutane has been shown to have a number of long-lasting or permanent negative side-effects, including chronic digestive disorders, birth defects and depression. While manufacturers and vendors are supposed to compensate you when their defective products cause injuries, Hoffmann-LaRoche has tried to side-step responsibility for the harm that Accutane has caused. That is led to decades of legal battles between the manufacturer and innocent people who are only asking for fair compensation for their injuries.

A Brief History of Accutane Lawsuits and Claims

A Brief History of Accutane Lawsuits and Claims

Over 2,000 lawsuits have been filed against Hoffmann-LaRoche in the United States, but to date none of them have settled, and any jury verdicts awarded to plaintiffs have been heavily appealed by the drug manufacturer. Here is a brief history of Accutane injury claims and lawsuits:

• As early as the 1980s, patients began filing lawsuits against Hoffmann-LaRoche alleging that Accutane had caused them to develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, birth defects and depression.
• In 1985, the FDA approved Accutane as an acne treatment for severe cases that did not respond to other medications.
• In 1988, the FDA issued a warning letter to Hoffmann-LaRoche for failing to report adverse reactions to Accutane, including cases of IBD.
• In 1990, the FDA required Hoffmann-LaRoche to add a black box warning to Accutane’s label, stating that the drug could cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy.
• In 1997, the FDA launched a special program called SMART (System to Manage Accutane Related Teratogenicity) to prevent pregnancies among women taking Accutane.
• In 2000, a New Jersey jury awarded $2.6 million to a woman who developed IBD after taking Accutane. This was the first verdict in favor of an Accutane plaintiff.
• In 2002, a 17-year-old girl named Betsy Werth committed suicide in her bedroom. Her parents sued Hoffmann-LaRoche, claiming that Accutane had caused her to suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
• In 2004, the FDA strengthened the warnings on Accutane’s label, stating that the drug could cause depression and suicidal thoughts.
• In 2005, the FDA replaced SMART with a more stringent program called iPLEDGE, which required patients, prescribers, pharmacies and distributors to register and comply with specific rules to prevent fetal exposure to Accutane.
• In 2007, the family of a 22-year-old man named James Marshall sued Hoffmann-LaRoche after his suicide, alleging that Accutane had triggered his depression and suicide. Marshall was a former actor who had appeared in the TV show Twin Peaks. The case went to trial in 2010 and resulted in a $10.5 million verdict for the plaintiffs. However, the verdict was overturned on appeal in 2012.
• In 2008, the parents of a 15-year-old boy named Jesse Jones shot himself sued Hoffmann-LaRoche after his suicide, claiming that Accutane had caused him to develop severe depression and psychosis. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
• In 2008, a Utah woman was awarded $10.5 million by a New Jersey jury for developing ulcerative colitis after taking Accutane as a teenager. However, in 2010, an appellate court reversed the verdict and ordered a new trial, finding that the trial judge had improperly excluded evidence and testimony from the defense.
• In 2009/2010, Hoffmann-LaRoche withdrew Accutane from the market, citing generic competition and increasing costs of litigation.
• In 2010, an Alabama man was awarded $25 million by a New Jersey jury for developing inflammatory bowel disease after taking Accutane in his twenties, causing him to have his colon removed. The verdict was overturned, but then reinstated by the New Jersey Supreme Court.
• In 2010, the parents of a 16-year-old girl named Caitlin Knapp sued Hoffmann-LaRoche after her suicide, alleging that Accutane had caused her to suffer from depression and suicidal ideation. The case was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.
• In 2012, a New Jersey court excluded plaintiffs’ experts on the issue of whether Accutane could cause IBD, leading to the dismissal of more than 3,000 cases.
• In 2014, a Florida court upheld a $18 million verdict for four plaintiffs who developed IBD after taking Accutane.
• In 2014, a Pennsylvania woman was awarded $1.59 million by a New Jersey jury for developing ulcerative colitis after taking Accutane as a teenager. The verdict was the seventh plaintiff victory in as many suits against the manufacturer that had been tried to conclusion.
• In 2015, a New Jersey court excluded plaintiffs’ experts on the issue of whether Accutane could cause Crohn’s disease, leading to the dismissal of more than 2,000 cases.
• In 2017, a New Jersey appellate court reinstated more than 2,500 cases involving Accutane and IBD or Crohn’s disease, ruling that the trial courts had applied an incorrect standard for evaluating expert testimony.
• In 2018, a New Jersey supreme court dismissed more than 500 cases pending in New Jersey, ruling that there was insufficient scientific evidence to support a causal link between Accutane and IBD or Crohn’s disease.
• In 2020, a New Jersey appellate court affirmed the dismissal of more than 3,000 cases involving Accutane and IBD or Crohn’s disease, ruling that the trial courts had properly excluded plaintiffs’ experts.

While Hoffmann-LaRoche “withdrew” Accutane from the market in 2009, the drug has never officially been recalled, and isotretinoin is still being marketed and sold. Most the lawsuits have claimed that Hoffmann-LaRoche did not adequately warn against negative side-effects.

Serious Negative Side-Effects From Accutane

Serious Negative Side-Effects From Accutane

Accutane can cause serious and sometimes permanent side effects that can affect your health and quality of life. While common, less serious side effects include dry skin, lips, eyes and nose, nosebleeds, joint pain, hair loss and increased sensitivity to sunlight, there are a number of more permanent conditions that lead to Accutane lawsuits:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Accutane

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and ulcers in the digestive tract. It can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, bleeding, weight loss and malnutrition. Beginning in the late 1980s, doctors suspected a link between their patients’ development of IBD and Accutane. A 2014 study into the link between isotretinoin and IBD stated that Accutane might cause IBD by:

• Causing cell death in the intestinal lining
• Affecting the production and composition of mucus in the gastrointestinal tract
• Revealing and exacerbating pre-existing IBD
• Reducing the amount of cells that naturally fight off bacteria in the gut, lowering your immune system

A 2020 study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology also found a link between patients taking isotretinoin and diagnosis of IBD.

Specific types of IBD that Accutane patients often experience include:

• Crohn’s disease, which is a type of IBD that affects any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. It can cause fistulas, abscesses, strictures and bowel obstruction.
• Ulcerative colitis, which is another type of IBD that affects only the colon and rectum. It can cause bloody stools, urgency to defecate and increased risk of colon cancer.

Birth Defects and Accutane

Perhaps the most serious claims against Hoffmann-LaRoche and Accutane involve birth defects after pregnant women used the drug. While the drug manufacturer has resisted admitting to a link between Accutane and IBD, the connection between isotretin and birth defects is well-established. Isotretinoin is a known teratogen – a substance that interfers with normal fetal development and causes congenital disabilities. In the United States, birth defects typically affect about three percent of babies. However, mothers who took Accutane during pregnancy experienced a terrifying 20 percent rate of miscarriages and up to a 35 percent rate of birth defects. These infants may also have a higher rate of intellectual disability.

Common birth defects and pregnancy issues arising in Accutane lawsuits include:

• Premature birth
• Miscarriage or infant death
• Skull abnormality
• Cleft lip or palate (a split or opening in the upper lip or roof of the mouth)
• Facial dysmorphism (abnormal shape or features of the face)
• Micrognathia (undersized jaw)
• Microcephaly (small head and brain)
• Hydrocephalus (buildup of fluid inside the skull that leads to brain swelling)
• Eye abnormalities (such as small or missing eyes, glaucoma or cataracts)
• Ear abnormalities (such as missing or malformed ears or hearing loss)
• Heart defects (such as holes in the heart or abnormal valves)
• Thymic aplasia (absence of the thymus gland, which affects the immune system)
• Central nervous system malformations (such as spina bifida or anencephaly)

Because of these risks, Accutane is only prescribed to people who have severe acne that does not respond to other treatments and who can comply with strict pregnancy prevention measures. If you suspect you are pregnant, it is important to stop taking isotretinoin immediately. If you were not warned of birth defects before taking Accutane, or took Accutane during a pregnancy before the risk of birth defects were made public, call Burger Law immediately at (314) 500-HURT.

Depression and Accutane

Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent sadness, loss of interest and suicidal thoughts. Some studies have suggested that Accutane may increase the risk of depression and suicide in some patients, especially those with a history of mental illness or family history of suicide. That is why patients who take Accutane must be monitored closely by their doctors for any signs of mood changes or suicidal behavior. In addition to depression and suicidal thoughts, isotretinoin has been linked to a number of other mental health issues, including:

• Insomnia
• Anxiety disorders
• Emotional liability
• Self-harm

One study into the association of suicide attempts and isotretinoin followed 5,756 Accutane patients in Sweden before, during and after taking Accutane. The study found that admissions to the hospital for suicide attempts increased for patients taking Accutane or had taken it within the previous six months. Research suggests that Accutane can affect brain chemistry by:

• Affecting brain chemistry and function by altering the levels of neurotransmitters, hormones and lipids that are involved in mood regulation
• Causing inflammation in the brain, which has been linked to depression
• Worsening the psychological distress caused by acne, such as low self-esteem, social isolation and stigma

Because of the mental health side effects associated with isotretinoin, your physician should take the time to carefully explain to you how the drug works and evaluate whether or not isotretinoin is a suitable drug for you.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Accutane

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a serious and potentially life-threatening skin reaction that involves blistering and peeling of the skin and mucous membranes. It can also affect the eyes, mouth, genitals and internal organs, and can cause severe pain, infection, dehydration, scarring and organ failure. In the worst cases, it may feel like your skin is burning from the inside out. About 10% of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome are fatal. The link between isotretinoin and Steven-Johnsons Syndrome may occur because:

• Accutane may interfere with the metabolism of vitamin A and its derivatives in the skin, leading to an accumulation of toxic metabolites that damage the skin cells and cause inflammation.
• Accutane may alter the expression of genes involved in skin differentiation and apoptosis (programmed cell death), resulting in abnormal skin development and increased susceptibility to cell death.
• Accutane may affect the immune system and its response to foreign antigens, such as bacteria or drugs, by reducing the number and function of natural killer cells and T cells. This may impair the ability of the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self antigens, leading to an autoimmune attack on the skin.

If you’ve experienced any of the side effects or symptoms listed above while taking Accutane or isotretinoin, stop taking the drug immediately and make an important with your doctor. Then, call Burger Law. Our Accutane lawsuit lawyers stand up to bullies like negligent drug manufacturers and doctors every day, and will stand by your side for the entire duration of your case, from consultation to trial.

Do I Have a Dangerous Drug Claim Because of Accutane?

If you have experienced side effects of Accutane or isotretinoin that affected your health and quality of life, you may be able to file an dangerous drug lawsuit for compensation. Plenty of prescription medications have side effects; that does not make them illegal or mean you automatically get compensation. However, drug companies and healthcare professionals are held to a high standard in terms of how those side effects are communicated. When they fail in their obligations, you can make a claim for financial compensation for your Accutane-related injuries and damages.

Whether or not you are eligible for a product defect claim depends on your specific situation, including which side effects you experienced, when you experienced them, how long you took the drug and had side effects and other factors. If you are having any doubts about your eligibility to file an Accutane lawsuit, the best thing to do is to speak to a personal injury lawyer. At Burger Law, we are happy to discuss your case with you for free.

There are several legal theories under which you can make an Accutane injury claim:

• Product liability generally holds that manufacturers, distributors and sellers of defective or dangerous products liable for the harm they cause to consumers. If a product is inherently risky – for example, a medication that can carry severe side effects – manufacturers must warn the public about those dangers. Many Accutane lawsuits have been filed concerning Hoffmann-LaRoche’s failure to warn of side effects.
• Negligence refers to the harm caused to another by failing to exercise reasonable care or skill in that party’s actions or omissions. Some Accutane lawsuits have alleged that Hoffmann-LaRoche was negligent in failing to conduct adequate research on Accutane or to monitor its safety and efficacy.
• Fraud holds a party liable for the harm they cause to another by intentionally or recklessly making false or misleading statements or representations. Some Accutane lawsuits have been filed alleging that Hoffmann-LaRoche fraudulently concealed or misrepresented the risks of Accutane or its effectiveness.
• Breach of warranty is a legal theory that holds a party liable for the harm they cause to another by failing to fulfill the terms or conditions of a contract or agreement. Many plaintiff’s allege that Hoffmann-LaRoche breached an implied or express warranty of for a particular purpose by selling a drug that was defective or unfit for its intended use.
• Strict liability means that a party can be liable for the harm they cause to another by engaging in an inherently dangerous activity or producing an inherently dangerous product. Some Accutane lawsuits have alleged that Accutane is an inherently dangerous product that causes harm regardless of any fault or negligence by Hoffmann-LaRoche.
• Medical malpractice holds health care providers liable for the harm they cause to patients by deviating from the accepted standards of care. The “standard of care” includes properly informing patients of side effects, monitoring the patients or failing to follow the iPLEDGE program requirements. If a doctor or pharmacist did not tell you of the risks associated with Accutane, or if they ignored you or your family’s medical history, you may be able to file an Accutane lawsuit against your doctor.

The best way to know if you have an Accutane claim? Speak to an Accutane lawsuit attorney at (314) 500-HURT. We answer questions for free every day. Do not wait another second to start on the road to getting justice for your injuries caused by Accutane. Call Burger Law now.

How Do I File an Accutane Claim or Lawsuit?

How Do I File an Accutane Claim or Lawsuit?

To file an Accutane claim or lawsuit, you need to prove that you took Accutane as prescribed by your doctor, that you developed one or more of these side effects as a result of taking Accutane, that you sustained damages as a result and that one of the above legal theories applies to your case. If you have a valid claim, you need to find an experienced personal injury attorney to file the lawsuit on your behalf.

What Compensation is Available For My Accutane Drug Injuries?

What Compensation is Available For My Accutane Drug Injuries?

In any personal injury claim, your the compensation available to you is the total of your economic damages and non-economic damages:

• Economic damages refer to the damages that you can put a dollar amount on. These include medical expenses, both past and future, loss of income and any out of pocket expenses related to the injury that you may have had. If Accutane or isotretinoin resulted in the wrongful death of a loved one, you can get compensation for survivor’s benefits and funeral expenses.
• Non-economic damages compensate you for the less tangible ways your injuries or illnesses from Accutane has affected you. These are often referred to as “pain and suffering,” and include:
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Inconvenience
  • Physical impairment
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of capacity to enjoy life
  • Loss of consortium
• Punitive damages may be awarded if it is determined that Accutane’s behavior was incredibly reckless or dangerous.

Why Choose Burger Law as Your Accutane Lawsuit Lawyer?

Why Choose Burger Law as Your Accutane Lawsuit Lawyer?

Burger Law is a personal injury law firm based in St. Louis that has been representing clients who have been injured by defective drugs such as Accutane for over 30 years. Our attorneys have dedicated their lives to fighting back against bullies and standing up for people who were injured through no fault of their own. Some of the top reasons to trust us with your compensation for Accutane injuries include:

• We have the customer care of a small firm. Any injury, however it happened and however serious it is, is scary. The legal process can be equally intimidating, and you need a law firm that will not keep you in the dark. We prioritize our relationships and communications with our clients so they always feel secure and up-to-date on their case. Our dedication to our clients has allowed us to become the most- and highest-reviewed law firm in the Midwest You will always be able to reach your lawyer and get answers to your questions. We will treat you with respect and compassion, not as just another case number.
• We have the skill and resources of a large firm. Claims against large corporations involve complex legal issues, extensive evidence gathering and aggressive defense tactics. We have the knowledge, experience and resources like expert witnesses to handle these challenges and level the playing field for our clients. We are not afraid to take on big companies and fight for your rights in court.
• We work on a contingency fee basis. That means we do not charge you anything until we win your case. Getting justice should not depend on your financial status. There are two main benefits of a contingency fee agreement: 1) You have no restrictions to great legal representation, even if you are currently dealing with lost work or rising medical bills, and 2) You can know that if we take on your case it is because we truly believe we will win you the full compensation you deserve.
• We know complex cases. Most personal injury lawyers mostly deal with car accidents, slip and falls and other isolated incidents against regular insurance companies. Many are great attorneys who are doing a necessary job. However, the law surrounding product liability and medical malpractice cases can be much more complicated, and large corporations like Hoffmann-LaRoche spend a lot of money fighting these cases. We have the experience dealing with complex claims and fighting large corporations needed to win your Accutane lawsuit.
• We win complex cases. Tough cases require tough lawyers. We do not stop fighting for you until there is nothing left to fight. Our award-winning team has taken on and won the tough cases before, including a record-setting verdict against the state of Missouri. You can read more about our great client victories here.
• We can see your case all the way through. Not every personal injury lawyer is willing to take your case to court and fight for you in front of a judge and jury. We are. As experienced trial attorneys, we will be by your side throughout the duration of your Accutane claim or lawsuit, even if we have to go all the way to a jury verdict.

Burger Law’s Accutane lawsuit attorneys have a proven track record of success in handling defective drug cases. There is no reason to delay. Call Burger Law now to get started on your case.
Speak to an Accutane Lawsuit Lawyer Today

Accutane Lawsuit Lawyers in Missouri and Illinois | Burger Law

The widespread use of Accutane as a treatment for severe acne has led to a significant number of lawsuits due to its long-lasting and sometimes permanent negative side effects. If you or a loved one has experienced negative side effects from Accutane, it is crucial to seek legal assistance to fight for fair compensation and hold the responsible parties accountable. Remember, you do not pay until we win your case. Together, we can fight for justice and maximum compensation for your Accutane injuries. Speak to an Accutane lawsuit attorney today at (314) 500-HURT or fill out our online form.