First Levaquin Case Results in $ 1.1 million in Punitive Damages from Johnson & Johnson
A jury in Minnesota awarded $1.1 million in punitive damages to an 82-year-old man whose Achilles tendon ruptured after taking the prescription drug Levaquin, reports Bloomberg. The article states that Johnson & Johnson, as well as its pharmaceutical unit Ortho-McNeil-Janssen, did not adequately warn doctors or patients of the risks of taking Levaquin, which includes the possibility of tendon rupture. This case was the first of about 2,600 filed against the company. The jury found that Johnson & Johnson acted in blatant disregard for the people who would be using their drug. The plaintiff’s attorney stated, “We’re thrilled with the outcome and feel the jury followed the evidence and came to the right decision… they sent a clear message: Pharmaceutical companies should put their patients ahead of their profits.”
Levaquin is part of a family of pharmaceutical antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. The 82-year-old plaintiff was also prescribed steroids in addition to Levaquin when he was suffering from a respiratory infection back in 2005. Because Johnson & Johnson did not adequately warn consumers about the risks of taking the drug, which includes a possible adverse affect when combined with steroids, the man’s doctor prescribed the two medications together. Prior to the injury that the man sustained because of using Levaquin, he was very active for his age. However, since his drug-related injury, his activities have been extremely limited.
Pharmaceutical companies have a responsibility to manufacture safe drugs with minimum risk of harm. If you or a loved one has taken Levaquin or any other drug and suffered a serious injury because of it, contact Ray Maples, dedicated Oklahoma City dangerous drug injury attorney and founder of The Maples Law Firm. With extensive experience in pharmaceutical litigation, Mr. Maples can help you understand your rights and will fight to ensure that you are compensated fairly for your injury. Injuries caused by dangerous drugs in Oklahoma are serious and can alter a person’s life forever and can cause unnecessary stress not only physically, but mentally and financially as well. Contact Ray Maples of The Maples Law Firm at (405) 705-5050 for a free consultation.