Illinois Tepezza Lawsuit Attorney

Tepezza, a drug meant to treat thyroid eye disease, has been at the center of numerous lawsuits filed in Illinois against Horizon Therapeutics. Patients claim that using Tepezza for TED treatment led to hearing loss and other complications.

Suppose you or someone you know has experienced hearing loss or tinnitus after receiving Tepezza infusions. In that case, you may be eligible to file an Illinois Tepezza lawsuit and seek compensation for your suffering.

If Tepezza has impacted you or a cherished family member, leading to hearing loss-related challenges, the devoted team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP is here to provide support. As a nationally renowned law firm with expertise in plaintiffs’ cases, our principal aim is to secure the justice and compensation you justly merit.

Illinois Tepezza Lawsuit

The Illinois Tepezza Lawsuit revolves around patients who have experienced permanent hearing problems after using the drug to treat thyroid eye disease. With 54 cases still pending in the Tepezza multidistrict litigation (MDL), the preliminary status hearing for the Tepezza class action is scheduled for September 19, 2023, at 9:15 a.m. in the district court.

In the past six weeks, there has been a significant increase in the number of Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits filed, with the status conference with Judge Durkin pushed back to October 19, 2023.

Consolidation of Tepezza Cases in Illinois

Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a federal legal process that consolidates complex litigations by combining cases and handling all pre-trial procedures in one court. The northern district of Illinois was chosen for the Tepezza Lawsuit because that’s where the defendant, Horizon Therapeutics, is based.

This consolidation aims to streamline the process, reduce costs and resources needed, and ensure consistency in court rulings for similar cases. The decision to consolidate Tepezza lawsuits into an MDL significantly hinges on the judicial panel’s judgment.

The Tepezza MDL employs a “bellwether” program, where selected cases are subject to focused discovery, expediting their readiness for trial. This helps expedite the litigation process and can lead to a faster resolution for the plaintiffs involved.

Plaintiffs’ Claims and Horizon’s Defense

Allegations in the Illinois Tepezza lawsuits claim that Tepezza results in permanent hearing loss or tinnitus, accusing Horizon Therapeutics of not adequately warning doctors and patients about possible risks.

One such case is Mhamdi v. Horizon Therapeutics USA, Inc., which is facing a lawsuit from a Florida woman who alleges she sustained severe injuries from the Tepezza infusions. These include permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. Neither the plaintiff nor her physicians were warned about the potential risks.

Horizon Therapeutics has countered these allegations by filing a motion to dismiss the Tepezza hearing loss claims, invoking the doctrine of federal preemption. They argue that the warning labels on Tepezza are regulated by federal law, and state law tort claims do not apply. This defense strategy aims to protect the company from liability in these lawsuits.

Legal Developments in Illinois Tepezza Lawsuits

The Illinois Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits have seen some progress and recent developments. Here are the key updates:

• Nine Tepezza product liability lawsuits have been filed in federal courts.
• 46 cases are pending in the Tepezza class action MDL.
• The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) is scheduled to have a hearing on May 25, 2023, to decide whether to consolidate Tepezza lawsuits in federal courts into a class action MDL.

Plaintiffs’ lawyers have proposed the following plan to propel litigation and assist both parties in assessing their case’s robustness:

1. Each side will pick three potential bellwether cases.
2. There will be a brief, 150-day case-specific discovery phase.
3. Three out of the six lawsuits will be chosen for the first set of test trials, where oral arguments will be presented.

This plan aims to expedite the litigation process and provide valuable insights into the strength of each party’s case.

What Is Tepezza?

Tepezza is an injectable medication designed to treat thyroid eye disease (TED) [1]. It is specifically developed for this purpose. It received FDA approval in January 2020 after two clinical trials were conducted in Europe and the U.S., involving over 170 people with TED.

The typical Tepezza treatment plan consists of eight infusions administered over roughly five months by a registered nurse.

Tepezza Side Effects & Hearing Loss

While Tepezza has proven effective in treating thyroid eye disease, it has also been linked to some severe side effects. The most concerning of these is the potential for permanent hearing loss or tinnitus.

Horizon Therapeutics initially stated that only 10% of users were likely to experience hearing loss as a side effect. However, more recent studies have shown that up to 65% of patients experienced hearing loss or hearing problems after four doses of Tepezza, with 23% suffering permanent hearing loss [2].

This alarming statistic has led to an increase in the number of Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits filed against Horizon Therapeutics. The connection between Tepezza and hearing loss has left many patients concerned about their health and prospects.

Does Tepezza Cause Hearing Problems?

Tepezza does cause hearing problems. The evidence linking Tepezza to Tepezza-related hearing loss and tinnitus in patients is mounting. Stanford University conducted a case study and discovered a relationship between hearing loss and the amount of Tepezza injections given.

The repercussions can be life-changing for those who suffer from hearing loss, persistent subjective hearing loss, or tinnitus after using Tepezza. Some of the challenges faced by individuals with permanent hearing loss include:

• Difficulty understanding speech
• Feelings of frustration
• Anxiety
• Depression

The escalating number of lawsuits against Horizon Therapeutics underscores the issue’s gravity and the dire need for those affected to receive compensation and justice.

Hearing problems were reported in 10% of patients. But this new study found that the rate could be as high as 65%. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Potential Settlements and Compensation in Illinois Tepezza Lawsuits

If you or someone you know has experienced hearing loss or tinnitus after receiving Tepezza infusions, filing a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit may provide the opportunity to seek compensation for your suffering. Compensation can include both economic and non-economic damages to cover your losses.

On average, successful Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits might result in settlement compensation ranging from $140,000 to $350,000.

Types of Damages

In a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit in Illinois, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Pain and suffering
• Otologic (ear-related) injuries
• Hearing impairment
• The impact on your quality of life and finances

Each case is unique, and an experienced attorney can help you determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Factors Affecting Compensation

The amount of compensation awarded in a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit can be influenced by factors such as:

• The age of the plaintiff
• Any pre-existing hearing issues
• The severity of the hearing loss or other related issues
• The amount of medical bills and expenses incurred
• The effect on the individual’s quality of life

An experienced team of Tepezza lawyers can help you navigate the complex legal process related to Tepezza hearing loss claims and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Who Qualifies to File an Illinois Tepezza Lawsuit?

An individual who has received Tepezza infusions for the treatment of thyroid eye disease or a similar condition, followed by experiencing hearing loss or other hearing-related side effects, qualifies to file an Illinois Tepezza lawsuit.

Suppose you believe these criteria align with your situation. In that case, it’s advisable to consult with a seasoned attorney to explore your legal avenues and discern the most favorable course of action for your case.

Filing an Illinois Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuit

Should you decide to file an Illinois Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit, an experienced dangerous drug attorney’s assistance in gathering evidence and assessing damages is invaluable. They can provide guidance and support throughout the legal process, helping to maximize your chances of receiving full and fair compensation.

A Tepezza lawyer can also connect plaintiffs to lawyers currently taking on Tepezza hearing damage cases, further increasing your chances of success.

See all related dangerous drug lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

FAQs

How can I prove that Tepezza caused my injuries?

Proof may include medical records, documentation of Tepezza use, expert testimony, and studies linking Tepezza to the reported side effects.

Is there a time limit for filing a Tepezza lawsuit in Illinois?

Yes, statutes of limitations apply and vary by state. In Illinois, it’s important to consult with a lawyer promptly to avoid missing the deadline.

What should I do if I experience side effects from Tepezza?

Seek immediate medical attention and consult a healthcare professional. Document your symptoms and consider consulting a lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Are there any class-action lawsuits for Tepezza?

Yes, there may be ongoing class-action lawsuits that consolidate individual claims to streamline the legal process and increase the chances of a favorable outcome.

Get a Free Consultation From an Illinois Tepezza Lawyer

At Schmidt and Clark, LLP we stand firmly by your side during your time of need. If you or a loved one has faced complications related to Tepezza, please feel free to reach out to us. Our team is well-versed in managing such cases and will be with you every step of the way.

You should be well informed about your legal rights and the potential for a lawsuit. Rest assured our consultations come at no cost to you, and you won’t have any financial obligations unless we achieve a favorable outcome for your case. Our commitment is to serve you with the same empathy and dedication we would offer to our own families.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Schmidt and Clark today for a comprehensive case evaluation. Let us be your trusted partner on this legal journey.

Reference:

1. https://www.Tepezza.com/about-Tepezza/
2. https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/featured-science-from-endo-2021/increased-risk-of-hearing-impairment-with-new-thyroid-eye-disease-treatment