In an attempt to seek compensation for their pain and suffering, the families of 40 children and one mentally disabled adult, who were all born with congenital birth defects, are pursuing litigation against Abbott Laboratories after the pharmaceutical company allegedly neglected to properly warn consumers about the risks that coincide with the epileptic drug Depakote.
The previously mentioned Depakote lawsuit was filed on May 3 in St. Clair County Circuit Court in Illinois by a large group of plaintiffs that claim Depakote was responsible for their families suffering from debilitating birth defects. Each case claims that Abbot Laboratories neglected to adequately research the potential side effects of the epileptic drug for pregnant women, and failed to adequately warn about the risk of dangerous congenital birth defects. As a result, women who took this medication in their first trimester of pregnancy are claiming that Depakota is to blame for their children developing birth defects while still in utero.
The disturbing nature of these allegations resides within Abbot Laboratories deliberate intent to hide what they already knew about the harmful side effects associated with Depakote. According to allegations raised in the complaint, the pharmaceutical company knew about the potential risks of Depakotes inherent nature to cause birth defects, yet failed to adequately warn women or the medical community about the true nature and extent of the risks.
The drug make has been aware of these dangerous side effects since as early as 1995 when a study reported an incidence rate of neural tube defects from Depakote, such as spina bifida, that was ten times greater than with other anti-epileptic drugs. In a more recent study, researchers found that 20% of pregnant mothers who gave birth while on Depakote had a child with malformations or a birth defect. However, it was not until 2006 that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added a “black box” warning that acknowledged the risk of Depakote birth defects.
In may 2010, further research indicated that Depakote birth defects could be detected as early as the first trimester. These findings contribute to the dangers associated with Depakote. By the time women discover that they are pregnant, it may be too late o get off the drug and avoid birth defects for their unborn child.
Due to the severity of these Depakote birth defects, numerous lawsuits have been filed against Abbot Laboratories.
Do I have a Depakote lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Depakote lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
If you took Depakote during pregnancy and your child was born with a birth defect, you may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a Depakote lawsuit. For a free case review, please click the link below or call toll free 24 hrs/day 1-(949) 557-5800.