A court ruled that the plaintiff in a Risperdal lawsuit may be entitled to additional damages under Wisconsin law. Timothy S. alleges in his lawsuit that he suffered male gynecomastia, or the development of breasts, after taking Risperdal to treat Tourette’s Syndrome in 2006. The plaintiff was awarded $500,000 in damages by a jury, as well as an additional $35,000, but now the court says that he may be entitled to additional damages.
Originally, the jury was barred from awarding punitive damages, but Timothy’s attorneys appealed the decision arguing that the plaintiff was entitled to potentially $1 million in punitive damages under Wisconsin law.
Timothy said that he suffered physically and psychologically from male gynecomastia. He still carries significant scarring from the procedure to remove the breasts. Additionally, he says he suffered teasing, bullying and social isolation as a child and adolescent because he suffered male gynecomastia.
The drug maker, Janssen, maintains that it should not have to face punitive damages.
“hen used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, continues to help millions of patients with mental illnesses and neurodevelopmental conditions,” a spokesperson for Janssen told Penn Live.
Janssen argued that New Jersey law barring punitive damages for drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration should apply rather than Wisconsin law. Attorneys for the plaintiff who developed male gynecomastia argue that Wisconsin law should apply because the plaintiff lived in that state when he took Risperdal.
Risperdal Side Effects of Male Gynecomastia and Lawsuits
Male gynecomastia is the abnormal development of breast tissue in boys and young men. Scientist theorize that Risperdal causes male gynecomastia because it stimulates the development of prolactin. Prolactin is a hormone that usually occurs in pregnant women and mothers.
In addition to male gynecomastia, Risperdal side effects also include weight gain, tremors, diabetes, and lethargy. The plaintiffs in the Risperdal lawsuits allege that they not only suffered from physical side effects, but also psychologically.
Risperdal made billions for drug makers after it was approved for use in children for the treatment of autism and other disorders in 2006. The drug was originally approved for use in adults to treat schizophrenia. Timothy’s lawsuit is one of thousands filed by plaintiffs who were children when they were prescribed Risperdal.
The Risperdal lawsuits allege that the drug was prescribed without the drug maker warning doctors and parents of serious and even life-altering risks of the drug. Timothy alleges that his doctors did not know to test his prolactin levels when he took the drug.
If you or a loved one suffered male gynecomastia or other unwanted side effect after taking Risperdal, contact an attorney immediately. In addition to evaluating your case, a statute of limitations or deadline may already be running out, limiting your ability to take legal action for the harm you suffered.
The attorneys at McDonald Worley are investigating cases of male gynecomastia and other side effects caused by Risperdal – contact them today!
Disclaimer: McDonald Worley is not representing the plaintiff in this lawsuit.