Tepezza, a drug used to treat thyroid eye disease (TED), has been linked to hearing loss and tinnitus in some cases. Patients have taken legal action by filing South Carolina Tepezza lawsuits against Horizon Therapeutics, claiming they suffered permanent hearing loss and were not adequately warned about the side effects.
If Tepezza has impacted you or someone you care about, leading to hearing loss concerns, Schmidt & Clark LLP is here to offer assistance. As a nationally acclaimed law firm with expertise in plaintiffs’ cases, our primary mission is to ensure you obtain the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.
Table Of Contents
- South Carolina Tepezza Lawsuits
- What Is Tepezza?
- Does Tepezza Cause Hearing Problems?
- Potential Settlements and Compensation in South Carolina Tepezza Lawsuits
- Who Qualifies to File a South Carolina Tepezza Lawsuit?
- Filing a Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuit in South Carolina
- FAQs
- Get Your Free Consultation From South Carolina Tepezza Lawyers
South Carolina Tepezza Lawsuits
In South Carolina and across the nation, lawsuits against Horizon Therapeutics and Amgen have been filed by those who experienced Tepezza-related hearing loss as a result of Tepezza infusions. Thousands of people all over the U.S. could be at risk of hearing damage from Tepezza.
The plaintiffs allege that doctors were given no warning about the risk of worsening sensorineural hearing loss, while Horizon Therapeutics is relying on the doctrine of successor liability and strict liability as their defense strategies. At least 18 Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits have been filed in five different areas, and the drug received FDA approval in January 2020.
Plaintiffs’ Claims and Horizon’s Defense
The plaintiffs in the Tepezza lawsuits argue that Horizon Therapeutics did not give enough warning to patients or doctors about the possibility of permanent hearing loss associated with Tepezza. They claim that Horizon pushed Tepezza as a first-line treatment to both consumers and doctors despite the European Group on Graves Orbitopathy recommending it as a second-line treatment.
In response, Horizon filed a Motion to Dismiss in both of these Tepezza hearing loss cases, arguing that the plaintiff’s claims based on failure to warn should be dismissed under the federal preemption doctrine.
Recent Developments and Updates on Tepezza Lawsuits
Two Tepezza-related hearing loss lawsuits have recently been filed in the U.S. Court system. Such claims allege significant symptoms and damages due to the drug. The Northern District of Illinois is located in Chicago. It has its own District Court, serving the city and region.
In total, around 30 Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits have been filed in the U.S., with 54 cases pending in the Tepezza multidistrict litigation (MDL). At this time, the Tepezza lawsuits have not been combined into a class action MDL. However, if more cases are filed, this could change in the future.
Suppose the motion to transfer the Tepezza cases to MDL gets the go-ahead. In that case, all current lawsuits and any future cases will be moved to a single judge in the Northern District of California, regardless of where they started.
The judge will then pick out a few bellwether cases to be tried. Bellwether trials are meant to give an idea of how similar cases might turn out, and their results can significantly impact the other cases.
What Is Tepezza?
Tepezza is a drug prescribed to treat thyroid eye disease (TED). It is an eye disorder affecting the muscles, fatty tissue, and connective tissue that surround the eyes, causing swelling and inflammation [1]. Developed by Horizon Therapeutics, Tepezza received FDA approval in January 2020. The drug works by targeting the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R).
It is believed that this receptor can influence TED development. Tepezza has been demonstrated to improve symptoms like eye bulging, double vision, and eye pain in people with active TED.
Tepezza is given as an injection by a healthcare provider, with a total of eight infusions required for those with TED. The first dose is 10 mg/kg, and the injections are administered once every three weeks.
Tepezza Side Effects & Hearing Loss
Although Tepezza has been effective in treating TED, it has also been linked to some concerning side effects, including hearing loss and tinnitus. In the initial studies, about 10% of patients receiving Tepezza treatments experienced hearing issues.
Some patients have experienced sensorineural hearing loss and patulous eustachian tube, both of which can be potentially permanent.
Understanding these potential side effects is imperative when considering Tepezza treatment, and patients should engage in risk discussions with their healthcare providers. Should you experience hearing loss or tinnitus following Tepezza infusions, it could be beneficial to investigate your legal options.
Does Tepezza Cause Hearing Problems?
Tepezza does cause hearing problems. Studies have found a link between Tepezza and hearing problems, with approximately 10% of patients experiencing hearing issues during the initial studies [2].
Teprotumumab is an effective therapy for thyroid eye disease, but as with all therapeutics, there are known risks, including hearing impairment. – The Stanford University School of Medicine.
Patients have reported sensorineural hearing loss and a patulous eustachian tube. In some cases, the hearing damage caused by Tepezza can be permanent, leading to a lifetime of challenges for affected individuals.
Patients considering Tepezza treatment need to understand the potential hearing risks related to the medication. Should you or a loved one suffer hearing loss after Tepezza infusions, you might qualify to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Potential Settlements and Compensation in South Carolina Tepezza Lawsuits
People living with Tepezza-related hearing loss may be entitled to compensation from Horizon Therapeutics. Compensation can cover:
- Medical costs
- Missed wages
- Emotional distress
- And more
The amount of compensation available will depend on the details of the individual case, with settlements potentially ranging from $140,000 to $350,000.
Several factors can affect settlement amounts in Tepezza lawsuits, such as the extent of hearing loss and the strength of the plaintiff’s case. If a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit has favorable facts, such as a major, permanent hearing loss in a young plaintiff, the potential compensation could be worth much more than the average settlement compensation range.
Types of Compensation Available
Tepezza hearing loss victims may be eligible for various types of compensation. Economic damages can include medical expenses. Non-economic damages can cover aspects like pain and suffering. The total amount of compensation will depend on the specific circumstances of each case, such as the severity of hearing loss and the impact on the individual’s quality of life.
While filing a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit, working with a seasoned attorney who can assist in damage assessment and evidence collection to construct a compelling case is vital. This includes medical records, personal testimony about the hearing loss or tinnitus, and proof that Tepezza caused permanent hearing loss, permanent hearing damage, tinnitus, or total deafness.
Factors Affecting Settlement Amounts
The settlement amounts in Tepezza lawsuits may be impacted by several factors, including:
- The extent of hearing loss
- The strength of the plaintiff’s case
- The evidence presented by the plaintiff
- The amount of damages being sought
Collaborating with knowledgeable Tepezza lawyers can aid in considering all pertinent factors while pursuing a claim. A knowledgeable attorney can guide you through the legal process, helping you gather the necessary evidence and assess the potential damages in your case.
Who Qualifies to File a South Carolina Tepezza Lawsuit?
Individuals who have taken Tepezza to treat Thyroid Eye Disease and experienced hearing-related side effects qualify to file a South Carolina Tepezza Lawsuit. To qualify, you must have experienced some degree of hearing loss and have been treated with Tepezza.
If you think you qualify to file a Tepezza lawsuit, reaching out to a seasoned Tepezza attorney who can clarify your legal rights and options is vital. They can guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit and seeking compensation for your injuries.
Filing a Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuit in South Carolina
To file a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit in South Carolina, you may need to provide medical records and personal testimony on hearing loss or tinnitus. An experienced Tepezza lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence and guide you through the civil lawsuit process.
If a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit is in your consideration, promptly reaching out to an attorney specializing in hazardous drugs is imperative. They can help ensure that your lawsuit is filed before the statute of limitations runs out and guide you through the legal process.
Gathering Evidence and Assessing Damages
Evidence is essential when it comes to dangerous drug lawsuits, such as those involving Tepezza. The strength of the evidence presented can determine the outcome of the lawsuit. To file a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit in South Carolina, you’ll need evidence such as:
- Medical records show you took Tepezza and experienced hearing loss.
- Your own testimony about the hearing loss or tinnitus.
- Proof that Tepezza caused permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, or total deafness.
South Carolina Statutes of Limitations
Statutes of limitations are laws that establish a time limit for filing a lawsuit. Once that time limit passes, it’s no longer possible to file a lawsuit. In South Carolina, you have three years to file a Tepezza lawsuit [3].
Promptly contacting an attorney is crucial due to the time constraint for filing a Tepezza lawsuit in South Carolina. An attorney can make sure that your lawsuit is filed before the statute of limitations runs out.
FAQs
Who can file a Tepezza lawsuit in South Carolina?
Individuals who have experienced severe side effects or complications after using Tepezza may be eligible. Consult a lawyer to discuss your specific case.
What compensation might I receive from a Tepezza lawsuit?
Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages. Each case varies based on individual circumstances.
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 South Carolina?
Yes, statutes of limitations apply and vary by state. In South Carolina, it’s important to consult with a lawyer promptly to avoid missing the deadline.
See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Get Your Free Consultation From South Carolina Tepezza Lawyers
At Schmidt and Clark, LLP we extend unwavering support when you need it most. If you or a loved one have suffered hearing loss linked to Tepezza, please feel free to contact us. Our team holds extensive experience in handling such cases and is committed to guiding you throughout the entire process.
You have the right to be well-informed about your legal rights and the potential eligibility for a lawsuit. You can rest assured that our consultations are always provided without any charges, and you will only have financial obligations if we successfully secure a favorable outcome for your case.
Reach out to Schmidt and Clark today for a comprehensive case evaluation, and let us be your dependable partner on this road.
Reference:
- https://www.tepezza.com/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9312457/
- https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t15c003.php