Heartburn and acid reflux patients have relied on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for relief for nearly three decades. Several studies now suggest that taking Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, and other PPIs can increase the risk of certain health issues, including acute and chronic kidney injuries. However, the drug companies behind these popular drugs never warned patients about these risks.

Now, PPI users are demanding these pharmaceutical companies be held accountable for harm caused by their dangerous drugs. Thousands of PPI injury lawsuits have been filed in state and federal courts across the country. More than 700 of these lawsuits have been consolidated in an MDL in the US District Court of New Jersey.

You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve developed kidney problems while taking a proton pump inhibitor. Contact Rosen Injury Lawyers today to learn about your legal rights and options. Your first consultation is free, so call for help now.

Studies Show PPIs Linked to Kidney Injuries

A growing body of medical research shows that Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium and other PPIs are associated with higher rates of serious kidney injuries, including:

The pharmaceutical companies behind these popular heartburn medications have failed to warn consumers about these dangerous risks. Injured PPI users have filed thousands of lawsuits. They argue that they could have chosen to take an alternative medication to treat their stomach-acid health condition if they’d known about the dangers of PPIs.

Prilosec, Prevacid, and Nexium Settlements

A rising number of product liability lawsuits are being filed against PPI manufacturers. To date, no settlements have been reached or announced. However, PPI injury litigation is still in the early stages.

Hundreds of PPI Injury Lawsuits Consolidated in NJ Federal Court

The first PPI multidistrict litigation (MDL) was established on August 2, 2017. More than 200 PPI injury lawsuits from across the country were consolidated and transferred to the US District Court of New Jersey. As of February 2019, there are currently more than 700 cases pending in this particular MDL.

The Honorable Claire C. Cecchi has been selected to preside over the litigation. MDL 2789 is now known as In re: Proton-Pump Inhibitor Products Liability Litigation.

What is an MDL?

Proton pump inhibitors are widely used by millions of Americans every year. Widespread use of a dangerous drug can cause extensive harm. Any PPI user that is harmed because of a defective drug has the right to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer. As a result, drug companies could potentially face tens of thousands of lawsuits.

Many times, these lawsuits are based on similar facts and arguments. When this happens, defendants or plaintiffs can file a petition to create a multidistrict litigation, or MDL. If an MDL is granted, lawsuits from across the country are consolidated and transferred to a single federal court.

Some benefits of an MDL include:

Creating an MDL can also encourage parties to settle, particularly after the first bellwether trials have been resolved.

When is the First PPI Bellwether Trial?

Bellwether trials can help to establish the value and strength of other cases in an MDL. The first bellwether trial in the NJ MDL is scheduled to begin in November 15, 2021. The results of this first trial will likely set the tone for the rest of the PPI injury cases consolidated in the MDL.

If the plaintiff in the first PPI bellwether lawsuit wins, manufacturers may be inclined to settle the remaining cases. The desire to settle will increase if PPI manufacturers lose several bellwether trials. Companies may be hesitant to risk additional losses in court. Settling can end litigation and limit the negative press generated by the MDL.

Which PPIs are Named in this MDL?

The NJ MDL does not focus on one specific proton pump inhibitor drug. Instead, plaintiffs have brought product liability claims after taking one of several different PPIs, including:

You may have the ability to join this MDL if you’ve developed kidney injuries while taking a proton pump inhibitor drug. Call Rosen Injury Lawyers to find out if you’re eligible to file a PPI injury lawsuit.

Which Drug Companies Are Named in the NJ MDL?

Several pharmaceutical companies develop, manufacture, and market PPIs in the United States. Many of these companies have been named as defendants in lawsuits consolidated in the NJ MDL. These include:

Each of these companies has been accused of marketing a defective drug and failing to warn consumers about possible health risks.

Can New Plaintiffs Join the MDL?

Yes. If you’ve been injured because of a defective PPI you may have the right to join the pending MDL. New lawsuits can be filed directly in the US District Court of New Jersey.

Thousands of PPI Injury Lawsuits Pending State Courts

Proton pump inhibitor lawsuits are not just being litigated in the NJ MDL. More than 13,000 individual PPI lawsuits are pending in state and federal courts across the country. It is possible for many of these cases to be consolidated into additional MDLs.

Contact our PPI Injury Lawyers for Help

Have you or someone you love developed acute or chronic kidney injuries while taking Prilosec, Nexium, or another PPI? You may have the right to obtain compensation. Rosen Injury Lawyers can help you fight for the money you deserve. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free, no obligation case assessment.