Yes, you can file a lawsuit on behalf of a loved one who was affected by Zantac. If your family member passed away after taking the heartburn medication, Zantac (or suffered new or worsened symptoms prior to their passing due to taking the medication), you can file a lawsuit to seek related compensation.
The Problem with Zantac
Zantac is a medication for heartburn. Harvard Health Publishing reports that in 2019, lab testing found “extremely high levels” of cancerous N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in ranitidine-based medications, including Zantac. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) states that low levels of this substance are normally ingested in food and water, but repeated exposure to higher amounts of NDMA could cause cancer.
The FDA is asking that all Zantac medications are withdrawn from the manufacturer’s market. Do not take any Zantac that you have in your possession if your doctor advises you to stop. Speak with your medical team to discuss your medications and treatment before changing anything on your own.
Why You Might Want to File a Lawsuit
You might not understand how taking legal action could help or lead to results for you. You likely are suffering a loss or experiencing stress taking care of a sick loved one.
Unsafe drugs put lives at risk, and you can hold negligent drug makers responsible.
A financial award following a lawsuit may be able to help with your bills. Money cannot bring a loved one back or heal your pain, but it can help with the stress you might feel amidst balancing medical bills and regular living expenses.
A Lawyer Can Help You Determine Whether You Can File a Lawsuit
Most states have limits on who can file a lawsuit on behalf of their family members. A lawyer can take a look at your case, the circumstances of your loved one’s passing or sickness, and tell you whether you might be eligible to collect a financial award.
Often, the following people are the only ones allowed to file a wrongful death lawsuit, specifically:
- Parents of the decedent
- Children of the decedent
- Spouses of the decedent
- Personal representatives appointed on behalf of the decedent
Once you are sure that you can file a lawsuit, your representative will study your case to make sure that you have a claim. You will have to prove that your loved one suffered losses due to taking Zantac.
This can be done by proving that:
- The makers of Zantac had a duty of care to keep your loved one safe.
- The makers of Zantac failed in this duty of care by selling medication that could harm users.
- This failure led to your loved one’s death or illness.
- Your family suffered as a result of the passing of a loved one or your loved one’s illness.
Compensation You Could Pursue in a Zantac Case
If you lost a family member because of their use of Zantac, or if your loved one suffered new or worsened symptoms, you could file a lawsuit. Such an action could allow you to seek the following types of compensation:
- Lost wages due to time spent out of work
- Lost future earning potential, if your family member cannot earn the same amount as before their sickness
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Medical care
In the event that you lost a family member because of their use of Zantac, you could seek an award for the following costs:
- Funeral and burial services
- Loss of consortium and loss of income
Speak to your legal team to discuss any compensable losses that you could pursue in your wrongful death or product liability case.
Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Are Ready to Begin Working on Your Case
Our team is ready to help you seek justice for your family’s losses. You can file a lawsuit on behalf of a loved one who was affected by Zantac. We can discuss the type of lawsuit you could file, and we can help you determine what your next steps might look like.
A lawyer can help you prove that the liable parties are responsible for your loved one’s pain or death. Depending on the specifics of what you have gone through, we can do the following for you:
- Collect evidence that proves your claim
- File all paperwork on your behalf
- Help you stay within relevant deadlines for filing a lawsuit
- Ensure you understand your rights
When you work with Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, you will be represented by our founding partners directly. You will not be assigned a case manager. We want to help our community in a hands-on manner.
Call our team at (855) 529-0269 today for a free consultation about how your family has been impacted by Zantac.