The American Food and Drug Association (FDA) has reported that between 1999 and 2003, a possible 51 ADHD deaths, including some related directly to the use of Ritalin, occurred in the United States. Ritalin or methylphenidate is highlighted as a likely drug source for an ADHD related death due to its serious side effects which include symptoms such as high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke.

Since Novartis AG is the producer of Ritalin in the United States several new lawsuits are being launched against this corporation in relation to issues such as accumulation of medical bills, serious injury and deaths due to Ritalin use. Under the products liability law manufacturers are held to strict legal liability standards. This means that even if Novartis AG committed no direct negligible act or wrong doing, it can still be held accountable for damages and deaths due to Ritalin use.

What Are My Rights in Regard to a Ritalin Lawsuit?

First you need an experienced and capable personal injuries lawyer. By completing the “Contact Us” form located on this page, you will receive information from lawyers in your area who are expertised in product liability and are able to assist you. This person will assist you in filing a lawsuit against Novartis AG for personal and physical damages induced by methylphenidate. It is important to be aware of your state’s statute of limitations relating to time limits regarding the filing of a suit. A statute of limitations means that you cannot file suit against Novartis AG regardless of injury or death after a certain amount of time has passed.

A History of Novartis AG Lawsuits

If you are seriously considering filing suit against Novartis you aren’t alone. Since the 1980s there have been many lawsuits filed against Novartis AG and other American corporations due to Ritalin use and promotion. In 2000, several major Ritalin lawsuits were filed against Novartis AG, not for personal injury, but for fraudulent claims in the “over-promotion of ADHD and Ritalin”. Further to this it was alleged that Novartis, the American Psychiatric Association and CHADD, a group receiving money from pharmaceutical companies, conspired together in the ongoing promotion of ADHD and Ritalin.

Should I File Suit Against Novartis AG?

That decision needs to be made between you and your attorney. Consider filing suit if you have suffered serious, long-term side effects, considerable financial stress, or have lost a loved one most likely due to the use of methylphenidate, or Ritalin.

Complete the “Contact Us” form located on this page to receive information from lawyers in your area who are expertised in product liability, statute of limiations and are able to review your information.

First, understand the definition of “product liability”. A product liability, in this case referring to methylphenidate or Ritalin, means that a product you used correctly caused extreme and unusually long-term damage to you or a loved one in some manner. If you indeed have reason to believe that you have been injured due to the correct and medically prescribed usage of Ritalin you need to consider several issues before filing a product liability lawsuit.

What Is the Statute of Limitations?

The statute of limitations determines the length of time in which you have to file suit against the defendant, in this case it will likely be Novartis AG. This statute is different in every state and it doesn’t last long so it is in your best interest to act quickly.

Who Is Eligible?

Anyone who has been damaged through the proper use of Ritalin is eligible to bring suit against Novartis. However, it is wise to have this decision confirmed with your doctor or another medical advisor, especially if you suffer from other disorders or illnesses aside from those for which you were taking Ritalin. Your injuries may be due to a factor other than methylphenidate.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Product Liability Attorney

1. Will it cost me a lot of money to file a Ritalin lawsuit? It depends on your attorney and even on the state where you live. Many product liability cases use a “contingency fee”, meaning your attorney only gets paid in the event that you win your case. If you do win, then your attorney receives a percentage of your settlement.
2. What do I need to provide to my lawyer? There is a long list of documents your lawyer needs in order to accurately represent you in court. Some of these documents include your methylphenidate; medical receipts; copies of your medical records; time you missed from work; a journal wherein you documented all of your experiences since beginning the drug. There may also be other documents your lawyer will ask you to provide.

Finding a Qualified Product Liability Attorney

Frequently word of mouth is a reliable means of finding a good legal representative. A trusted friend or relative who has had cause to use and successfully win a product liability case with an attorney is a good place to start.

If that isn’t possible, go online and search for one. There are a plethora of organizations available in your state that can assist you with your case and even offer you the telephone numbers of former clients who are willing to testify on the law office’s behalf.

Make sure that the lawyer who represents you is a fully qualified graduate of an accredited law school and has passed all required bar exams. Of course it is preferable to find someone who has extensive experience with product liability cases.

By completing the “Contact Us” form located on this page, you will receive information from lawyers in your area who are expertised in product liability and are able to assist you.

Understanding Settlements

It can be more difficult to win a product liability case than you might think. Keeping a journal and documenting everything in terms of your Ritalin use from the time you began it, until the time you discovered personal injury is very wise. If you haven’t done so then begin now.

If you did not use your medication in the proper manner that was suggested to you by both your medical advisor and the instructions that came with the product, then Novartis AG may not be held liable. In other words, if you don’t use the drug properly you will be held responsible for your own injuries and you will not be allotted a settlement.

In the event that you do win your case, congratulations! That said, there are different types of settlements your lawyer may pursue although you may not be awarded all of these:

• Punitive damages – lately many jurisdictions are limiting punitive damages. These damages are brought against the defendant in an effort to dissuade the defendant not to commit any such act again in the future. In many regions there is a constitutional limit on punitive damages; however, this is not true of federal cases.
• Compensatory damages – these damages are the most likely for you to receive in the event that you win your case. They will cover your medical bills and time away from work due to side effects from Ritalin use.
• Pain and suffering – just as the name implies, these damages are brought against the defendant for causing you pain and suffering due to your usage of methylphenidate.
• Loss of consortium – if you and your spouse have suffered in your relationship with one another (including the death of your spouse if he/she was using the drug) then you may also receive damages due to loss of consortium.

A statute of limitations is particular to each region and state in the United States. It has to do with products, including medication, that cause personal injury or death due to its proper usage. Specifically, the statute of limitations sets forth boundaries under which you may or may not file suit against a corporation due to the use of its product.

It is best to consult with a lawyer who is familiar with your state’s Statue of Limitations. If you need assistance finding a lawyer, fill out the “Contact Us” form to receive information on lawyers who are expertised in product liability and statute of limitations, and are able to assist you.

What Type of Limitations Exist?

It depends on where you live. Essentially most statutes insist that you can only file suit during the time that the product has caused you injury. However, there is an allowance for “delayed discovery”, meaning the statute of limitations doesn’t begin until you discover the injury.

What Is Product Liability?

In any given product liability case, including that of methylphenidate, you don’t have to prove negligence. Product liability instead refers to strict liability, meaning that the product was defective, it injured you and it is the result of your injury.

There can be one or there can be several issues in a product liability case including the following:

• The use of a defective product, in this case methylphenidate or Ritalin.
• The use of the product when it was not defective but caused unexpected and extreme harm during usage.
• Harmful side effects if the particular brand of Ritalin you used was not tested accurately.

Who Is Held Responsible?

The manufacturer against whom the lawsuit was filed, in this case Novartis AG may be held responsible if you win your case. If your lawyer also chooses to sue the American Psychological Association (APA) and/or Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), they may also be held liable.

What Types of Damages Will I Recover?

That is entirely dependent upon your individual case, your personal injuries or death of a loved one and the decision of the presiding judge. There are four types of damages you may receive including compensatory, covering your medical bills, pain and suffering, for emotion and physical angst, loss of consortium, meaning negative effects on your relationship with your spouse, and punitive damages, wherein the court’s intention is to ensure the defendant, in this case Novartis AG, never repeats the same offence.