Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuits | VetLaw
Summary
- Veterans who were injured by defective semaglutide medications may be able to recover compensation by filing an Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit
- Ozempic is a drug manufactured by Novo Nordisk that was designed to manage high blood sugar for Type II diabetics
- Ozempic can cause serious gastrointestinal injuries in veterans, who may have developed Type II diabetes or obesity related to their military service
Many veterans who turned to semaglutide drugs like Ozempic to control their Type II diabetes or reach a healthier weight are reconsidering their choice in light of its links to gastroparesis. Dozens of Ozempic users have taken legal action over these concerns. Plaintiffs hope that their Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuits will help reimburse their damages.
At VetLaw, we are currently accepting claims from veterans who have developed stomach paralysis as a result of using Ozempic for service-related injuries. We are focused on helping veterans secure the VA disability benefits they need.
Our veterans disability claims attorneys have a proven track record when it comes to representing tough cases. We encourage you to get in touch with our team at (855) 434-2492 or use our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
Reasons to Choose VetLaw to Help You Secure VA Disability Benefits
Our founder, Attorney Brendan Garcia, is a veteran who understands the nuances of the VA disability claims process and the most serious issues impacting veteransโ health today.
Under his leadership, we have cultivated a sterling reputation for providing informed, capable representation to military veterans across the U.S. At VetLaw, we will go the extra mile to secure settlements that appropriately compensate our injured clients.
We understand that the idea of filing a VA disability benefits claim can seem like an inconvenient undertaking when you are dealing with the side effects of a defective drug like Ozempic, which is why we will make the process as clear and stress-free as possible.
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Our personal injury attorneys have an impressive history of tackling challenging claims and emerging with great outcomes for our clients. No matter the size of your claim, you can trust our team at VetLaw to stand up for your rights and seek the maximum benefits available.ย
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โI was ready to give up trying to get my benefits when I contacted VetLaw. They were courteous and extremely helpful. They explained how they could help [me] get what I deserve.โ
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Latest Information on the Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuits
The Ozempic stomach paralysis lawyers of VetLaw will continue to provide relevant updates as these claims move through federal court.
February 2024 – Ozempic Lawsuits Combines Uber Federal Judge
Ozempic plaintiffs secured part of what they wanted in their ongoing legal effort. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation sided with plaintiffs and consolidated the cases, but in a different venue than they were hoping for. U.S. District Judge Gene E.K. Pratter will be in charge of managing the multidistrict litigation to streamline the pre-trial process.ย
The plaintiffs originally requested that the Ozempic MDL, which includes various GLP-1 drugs manufactured by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, exist in Louisiana. This is where one of the first plaintiffs, Jaclyn Bjorklund, filed her Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit. Instead, the product liability claims are moving to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
How Obesity Among Veterans Related to the Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuits
Veterans may be at a greater risk of developing the same conditions that Ozempic treats. A healthcare provider may prescribe Ozempic to veterans struggling with obesity or those who have developed Type II diabetes.
To begin with, letโs look at the relationship between unhealthy weight gain and former military service members, especially those with injuries. Transitioning from an active lifestyle in the military to a more sedentary civilian life can impact weight.
Veterans may return home with service-related injuries that further interfere with their ability to be active. For example, physical injuries such as an incomplete spinal cord injury can limit mobility.ย
Mental health injuries like depression may also cause vets to isolate themselves and forgo activities that would help them maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can often be a precursor to Type II diabetes. Type II diabetes is also listed as a presumptive condition by the VA if you were exposed to Agent Orange while serving during the Vietnam War.
What is Ozempic and Why is It Considered a Dangerous Drug
Ozempic is an injection prescribed to Type II diabetics, with an off-label use for weight management. Providers may recommend it to veterans who are at risk of developing Type II diabetes due to excessive weight due to adjustment disorder or any number of other conditions.
Ozempic is one of many glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist drugs used to lower blood sugar levels. Other popular GLP-1 drugs include Rybelsus and Trulicity. Agonist medications fulfill the role of something that the body is missing or needs more of.
In the case of Ozempic, that is the hormone that boosts insulin production. Type II diabetics need more insulin to process the level of sugar entering their bodies, and Ozempic fixes the imbalance. The second way that Ozempic helps lower blood sugar levels is by curbing a userโs appetite.
Essentially, Ozempic makes the user think that they are full so that they eat less. Ergo, they take in less sugar. The drug accomplishes this by stalling digestion. Unfortunately, this has been causing the stomach muscles to lock up.
If the stomach canโt contract, it canโt empty into the small intestine. This condition is known as gastroparesis, and it can have unpleasant consequences if left untreated.ย
Vets Who Use Ozempic Are at Risk of Developing Stomach Paralysis and Other Injuries
When it is functioning properly, the digestive system extracts key nutrients and sugar from food to fuel the body. Excess material is broken down by stomach acid and other mechanisms. Then it is expelled from the body to make room for new fuel sources. Ozempic can cause catastrophic disruptions to this process.ย
Veterans taking Ozempic for their chronic condition may develop obstructions as food accumulates in their stomachs. Severe blockages caused by stomach paralysis prevent the individual from eating normally until the issue has been resolved.
In most cases, the sooner you catch stomach paralysis, the less invasive the treatment you need. Veterans experiencing the symptoms of gastroparesis should seek prompt medical care.
We are still determining the full extent of what Ozempic does to the digestive system, but it is clear that manufacturers like Novo Nordisk did not describe the range of issues the GLP-1 agonist medication may induce. Most notably, Ozempic has been known to cause:
- Stomach paralysis
- Gallstones
- Gallbladder disease
- Bowel obstructions
- Intestinal blockages
- Ileusย
What Types of Damages Can Veterans Recover in Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawsuits?
If you developed gastroparesis or sustained other injuries from taking Ozempic, but it was not connected to a service-related disability, check out this page on Ozempic. While you may not qualify for VA disability benefits, you could have another option for compensation in the form of a product liability claim.
The purpose of a product liability lawsuit is to restore what the plaintiff lost because the defendantโs actions resulted in their injuries. While the compensation in these cases is almost always monetary, an injury like stomach paralysis often costs a veteran financially and personally.
With the help of a product liability lawyer, Ozempic plaintiffs should consider the full range of compensatory damages available to them.
Economic damages: If you have a bill or receipt for a medication, medical procedure, service, time away from work, or other expense stemming from your stomach paralysis, it likely qualifies as an economic damage.
For example, if you need to be hospitalized with an IV to replace lost fluids and nutrients due to stomach paralysis, you can recuperate economic damages for those medical bills.
Non-economic damages: Ozempic plaintiffs also have the right to seek compensation for the intangible losses they have suffered. Pain and suffering is among the most commonly cited non-economic damages, but it is not the only one that is relevant to the Ozempic claims.
For example, an Ozempic plaintiff who needed gastric bypass surgery that shrunk their stomach may claim damages for loss of quality of life as they have to limit what they eat significantly for the rest of their life.
Why Should I Hire VetLaw to Handle My Product Liability Claim
When a medication has serious side effects that were not listed on the label, the effects can be devastating for patients. The VA disability benefits lawyers of VetLaw are willing to dedicate ourselves to fighting for your right to be compensated for the harm Ozempic has inflicted on your health, finances, and stress levels.ย
At VetLaw, we are equipped with the resources and staff to take on mass tort cases like the Ozempic stomach paralysis claims and the Suboxone tooth decay lawsuits.
Our experience advocating for veterans in VA disability benefits claims and overturning denied VA claims has sharpened our negotiating skills and made us tenacious pursuers of fair compensation. As a law firm that serves veterans, we can offer a valuable legal perspective that aligns with your principles.
We also know that defective drugs like Ozempic pose a health threat to veterans with service-related disabilities. By choosing VetLaw to handle your Ozempic stomach paralysis claim, you are strengthening your case for VA disability benefits.
Contact VetLaw to Discover What Our Ozempic Stomach Paralysis Lawyers Can Do For You
Stomach paralysis and its known complications can be costly. Ozempic manufacturers let veterans and their healthcare providers down by failing to warn them about the risks of taking the medication. VetLaw stands ready to help you offset what their negligence cost you.
As your Ozempic stomach paralysis attorneys, we will keep you updated on the progress of your case, secure convincing evidence, and present solid arguments to support our position. Our team will exercise good judgment at each step. We have had great success appealing VA rulings and obtaining just outcomes for our clients.
When you schedule a free consultation with us at (855) 434-2492 or through our online contact form, you are gaining access to a wealth of legal knowledge. We look forward to helping you obtain the compensation you deserve for your Ozempic stomach paralysis claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I start experiencing stomach paralysis symptoms after taking Ozempic?
If you suspect that you have developed stomach paralysis, consult with a medical provider immediately. Donโt eat anything else in the meantime if possible. This can make the problem worse by increasing the buildup in your stomach. Follow the treatment protocol they provide.
Your provider may recommend that you stop taking Ozempic immediately. However, you should still check with them before stopping injections on your own. This applies especially if you are taking it to treat Type II diabetes. Otherwise, your blood sugar levels can fluctuate dangerously.
Is stomach paralysis permanent?
With treatment, stomach paralysis can typically be resolved. However, some Ozempic users have experienced stomach paralysis after they discontinued the medication. In most cases, the episodes occurred within a week or a few days after they ceased taking Ozempic.
How much time is left to file Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuits?
You may have a short window to file your claim. Most states only give plaintiffs a few years to file a product liability lawsuit to begin with. A product liability attorney can help determine how the relevant statute of limitations impacts your Ozempic stomach paralysis claim.
What does it cost to hire a product liability attorney to represent my Ozempic stomach paralysis lawsuit?
Donโt worry, hiring a personal injury lawyer wonโt cost you anything out-of-pocket. While it may sound too good to be true, you donโt owe them anything upfront, either. Once they agree to represent you, you donโt have to pay them until they settle your Ozempic stomach paralysis claim.ย
Even then, the product liability lawyerโs contingency fee comes out of the settlement, not your wallet. A typical contingency fee is 33% of the settlement. This system rewards an attorneyโs performance. Additionally, it protects clients from paying for a personal injury lawyerโs services only to be left without a settlement.
Veterans disability benefits attorneys also use a contingency fee model. However, instead of collecting their fee from the settlement, they recover a portion of the back pay you are awarded. Usually, a veterans disability claims attorney charges 33% of the back pay benefits.
