The Pennsylvania jury in a Topamax birth defect lawsuit concluded that Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Topamax, is to pay the plaintiff in the case an $11 million compensation package. The anti-epileptic drug, Topamax, has been associated with congenital birth defects, especially oral defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate.
The Pennsylvania case involves plaintiff, Haley Powell, whose child was born with a cleft lip. The plaintiff claims that Janssen failed to warn patients and health care providers about the risks associated with Topamax use during pregnancy. During the trial, the plaintiff’s legal counsel presented evidence showing that Janssen knowingly withheld important safety information about Topamax.
It appears that the pharmaceutical company was aware of the connection between Topamax and birth defects at least one year after it won U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in 1996. However, they decided against sharing this important information.
There are approximately 134 Topamax birth defect cases filed in the Pennsylvania court where Powell’s case was recently heard. These lawsuits have been filed in the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia County.
According to Bloomberg, trials are set to continue in the Pennsylvania court in February and March 2014.
Powell’s case was the second to be tried in the Pennsylvania court. In the first trial, involving plaintiff April Czimmer, Janssen was ordered to pay the plaintiff $4.02 million.
With the first two lawsuits in the Pennsylvania court having been decided in the plaintiff’s favor, Carey Danis & Lowe is optimistic about the future of Topamax birth defect lawsuits across the country, and especially in the Pennsylvania court.
Carey Danis & Lowe Topamax Attorneys
Carey Danis & Lowe represents victims of Topamax, and other defective drugs that have caused significant injuries. Discuss your legal options today with a Carey Danis & Lowe Topamax attorney in a free legal consultation. We can also assist you with filing a Topamax lawsuit.
In addition, we encourage you to discuss any health concerns you may have about Topamax use during pregnancy with one of our on-staff nurses.
Share your story of how Topamax has impacted your life and that of your child with Carey Danis & Lowe by calling 800.721.2519, or by completing a confidential personal injury claim form.
Read more about Topamax lawsuits and personal injury litigation on the Carey Danis & Lowe blog. On our blog, we have provided information on the first Topamax birth defect lawsuit to go to trial in Pennsylvania. Stay current on the legal news that matters to you.
