South Carolina Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit (2024 Update)

South Carolina Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit Overview

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) lawsuits are being filed nationwide due to reports of severe stomach paralysis (gastroparesis) allegedly caused by the diabetes drug.

Plaintiffs claim that Eli Lilly failed to adequately warn patients and doctors about the risk of developing gastroparesis, a serious condition that can cause chronic digestive issues, malnutrition, and requires ongoing medical treatment.

Over 300 cases have been filed as of early 2024, with thousands more expected as awareness grows.

Latest Mounjaro Lawsuit Updates

• March 2024 – The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) consolidated all federal Mounjaro stomach paralysis lawsuits into MDL No. 3094 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. Judge Staci M. Yandle will oversee pretrial proceedings for all cases.
• February 2024 – Eli Lilly updated Mounjaro’s labeling to include stronger warnings about gastroparesis risks following FDA review of adverse event reports. The company continues to deny liability in ongoing litigation.
• January 2024 – Initial discovery proceedings began after the first status conference where attorneys presented evidence linking Mounjaro use to severe gastroparesis cases requiring hospitalization.
• December 2023 – The first Mounjaro stomach paralysis lawsuits were filed in multiple states, alleging that Eli Lilly knew or should have known about the severe gastrointestinal risks but failed to warn patients and doctors.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to FDA’s MAUDE database, over 8,500 adverse event reports related to Mounjaro have been submitted since its approval in 2022. Of these:

• 2,345 reports specifically mentioned severe gastrointestinal issues
• 978 cases involved gastroparesis or stomach paralysis diagnoses
• 425 patients required hospitalization due to these complications
• 137 cases resulted in emergency room visits
• The FDA issued a safety communication in January 2024 announcing its investigation into these reports

Mounjaro Injuries & Side Effects

Mounjaro users have reported severe and sometimes permanent digestive system damage, often requiring extensive medical intervention.

• Gastroparesis (Stomach Paralysis): Delayed stomach emptying leading to chronic nausea, vomiting, malnutrition, and severe pain [1]
• Intestinal Blockage: Complete or partial obstruction requiring surgical intervention
• Severe Malnutrition: Weight loss beyond intended therapeutic effect, requiring hospitalization
• Chronic Digestive Issues: Persistent abdominal pain, vomiting, and inability to eat normally
• Permanent Digestive Damage: Some patients report irreversible damage requiring lifelong medical care

Do You Qualify for a Mounjaro Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Mounjaro stomach paralysis lawsuit if:

• You were prescribed and used Mounjaro between May 2022 and the present
• You developed gastroparesis or stomach paralysis after taking the medication
• You required medical treatment, hospitalization, or ongoing care for your condition
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to Mounjaro use
• You did not have gastroparesis prior to taking Mounjaro

Similar qualifications apply to those who experienced gastroparesis after using Ozempic or Wegovy, as these medications belong to the same class of drugs.

Evidence Required for a Mounjaro Lawsuit

To build a strong case, your attorneys will need:

• Complete medical records showing Mounjaro prescription and usage
• Documentation of gastroparesis diagnosis after starting Mounjaro
• Treatment records detailing the severity and impact of your condition
• Proof that you did not have gastroparesis before taking Mounjaro
• Expert testimony establishing the connection between the drug and your injuries

Damages You Can Recover

Successful Mounjaro lawsuits may provide compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses related to gastroparesis treatment
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering, including physical discomfort and emotional distress
• Permanent disability or impairment
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages against Eli Lilly (in cases of gross negligence)

Statute of Limitations for Mounjaro Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a Mounjaro lawsuit varies by state:

• Most states allow 2-3 years from the date of injury or its discovery
• Some states have shorter periods (1 year in Tennessee and Louisiana)
• Others provide more time (up to 6 years in Maine and North Dakota)

In South Carolina specifically, plaintiffs have 3 years from the date of injury or discovery of the injury to file a product liability claim. Waiting too long to take legal action could permanently bar your right to compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Mounjaro and how does it cause gastroparesis?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss. It works by slowing digestion and reducing appetite [2]. This same mechanism that helps with weight loss can sometimes cause the stomach muscles to slow down excessively, leading to gastroparesis or stomach paralysis.

2. How is the Mounjaro lawsuit different from Ozempic and Wegovy lawsuits?

All three medications – Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy – are GLP-1 receptor agonists and face similar lawsuits for causing gastroparesis. The main difference is that Mounjaro is manufactured by Eli Lilly, while Ozempic and Wegovy are made by Novo Nordisk. The legal allegations regarding failure to warn about gastroparesis risks are nearly identical.

3. What is the average settlement amount for a Mounjaro lawsuit?

Although it’s too early to determine exact settlement amounts, legal experts predict successful Mounjaro cases could result in settlements between $150,000 and $500,000, depending on injury severity, medical costs, and permanent damage. Cases involving catastrophic injuries might receive higher compensation.

4. How long will the Mounjaro lawsuit take to resolve?

Most Mounjaro lawsuits are expected to take 1-3 years to resolve. The recently established MDL will likely expedite the process by streamlining pretrial proceedings, but individual cases may take longer depending on specific circumstances and whether they go to trial or settle.

5. Can I still file a lawsuit if my doctor didn’t warn me about gastroparesis risks?

Yes. The lawsuit alleges that Eli Lilly failed to adequately warn both patients and doctors about gastroparesis risks. Many physicians were not fully informed about these potential complications, which doesn’t diminish your right to seek compensation.

6. Will filing a lawsuit affect my current medical treatment?

No. Filing a lawsuit against Eli Lilly will not impact your current medical care or your relationship with your doctor. You should continue following your physician’s advice regarding treatment for both your diabetes and any gastroparesis symptoms.

7. Is there a class action lawsuit for Mounjaro gastroparesis cases?

Rather than a class action, Mounjaro cases are being handled as multidistrict litigation (MDL), which preserves individual case values while streamlining the pretrial process. This allows each plaintiff to receive compensation based on their specific injuries and circumstances.

8. Do I need an attorney who specializes in pharmaceutical litigation?

Yes. Pharmaceutical cases involving Mounjaro require attorneys with specific experience in medication lawsuits. Schmidt & Clark, LLP specializes in these complex cases and has the resources to fight against large pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly.

Get A Free South Carolina Mounjaro Stomach Paralysis Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Mounjaro-related injuries. In South Carolina and most states, you have only 2-3 years from the date of injury or its discovery to file your claim.

Our Mounjaro stomach paralysis attorneys offer:

• Free, confidential case evaluations
• No upfront costs or attorney fees
• Payment only if we secure compensation for you
• Nationwide representation with specific expertise in South Carolina

Don’t delay seeking the justice and compensation you deserve for the suffering caused by Mounjaro’s dangerous side effects. Our experienced legal team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is standing by to help.

Reference:

1. https://mana.md/understanding-gastroparesis/
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/mounjaro#_noHeaderPrefixedContent