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Table Of Contents
- Walmart Eye Drops Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Walmart Eye Drops Lawsuit Updates
- FDA Reports and Statistics
- FDA Eye Drop Recall: Don’t Use Walmart Eyedrops
- Walmart Eye Drops Injuries & Side Effects
- Eye Infection Symptoms
- FDA Warns Consumers to Stop Using Dozens of OTC Eye Drops: WGN News Video
- Do You Qualify for a Walmart Eye Drops Lawsuit?
- What You Need to Know About the 2023 Eye Drop Recalls
- Statute of Limitations for Walmart Eye Drops Lawsuits
- Related Articles:
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What compensation can be sought in a Walmart eye drops lawsuit?
- 2. How can consumers determine if they have purchased defective Walmart eye drops?
- 3. What steps should I take if I am injured by Walmart eye drops?
- 4. How long do I have to file a Walmart eye drops lawsuit?
- 5. Can I join a class action lawsuit for Walmart eye drops injuries?
- 6. What if I no longer have the receipt for my Walmart eye drops purchase?
- 7. How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a Walmart eye drops lawsuit?
- 8. Are there any settlements for Walmart eye drops cases yet?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
- References
Walmart Eye Drops Lawsuit Overview
The Walmart Eye Drops lawsuits stem from FDA warnings about potential bacterial contamination in specific eye drop products.
Primary allegations against Walmart involve selling potentially contaminated eye drops that pose serious health risks including permanent vision loss and eye infections.
The FDA flagged Walmart’s Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop products among 26 other eye care products from various retailers after finding insanitary manufacturing conditions.
Latest Walmart Eye Drops Lawsuit Updates
- October 27, 2023 – FDA issued a warning not to use certain OTC eye drops, including Walmart’s Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop 10 ml, due to bacterial contamination risks discovered at the manufacturing facility.
- October 2023 – Walmart announced removal of flagged eyedrops from store shelves and websites following the FDA alert about potential contamination.
- May 15, 2023 – CDC reported 81 people in 18 states were infected with drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria linked to contaminated eye drops, with 4 deaths, 14 cases of vision loss, and 4 surgical eye removals.
FDA Reports and Statistics
The FDA warning on October 27, 2023 identified multiple potentially contaminated eye drop products after investigators found [1]:
- Insanitary conditions in the manufacturing facility
- Positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling of critical drug production areas
- Risk of eye infections that could result in partial vision loss or blindness
As of May 15, 2023, the CDC linked contaminated eye drops to:
- 81 infected individuals across 18 states
- 4 confirmed deaths
- 14 cases of vision loss
- 4 cases requiring surgical removal of eyeballs
FDA Eye Drop Recall: Don’t Use Walmart Eyedrops
The FDA issued its warning on October 27, 2023, which included a list of OTC eye drop products to avoid. The list includes the following products from Walmart:
Walmart | Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop 10 ml | Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops |
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In addition to the Walmart eye drops, the FDA flagged 26 other eye care products from CVS Health, Leader (Cardinal Health), Rugby (Cardinal Health), Rite Aid, Target Up&Up, and Velocity Pharma.
Walmart Eye Drops Injuries & Side Effects
Contaminated eye drops can lead to serious infections and permanent damage to the eye. Reported side effects include:
- Eye Infections: Bacterial infections that can spread rapidly
- Vision Loss: Partial or complete, temporary or permanent vision impairment
- Blindness: Complete loss of sight in affected eyes
- Surgical Intervention: In severe cases, surgical removal of the eye may be necessary
- Urinary Tract Infections: Secondary infections potentially caused by the same bacteria
Eye Infection Symptoms
- Blurry vision
- Discharge
- Pain or discomfort
- Redness of the eyelid or eye
- Feeling like there is something in the eye
- Increased sensitivity to light
FDA Warns Consumers to Stop Using Dozens of OTC Eye Drops: WGN News Video
Do You Qualify for a Walmart Eye Drops Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Walmart Eye Drops lawsuit if:
- You purchased and used Walmart Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drops
- You experienced serious side effects including eye infections, vision loss, or urinary tract infections
- Your injuries required medical treatment or hospitalization
- You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to the Walmart Eye Drops
Evidence Required for a Walmart Eye Drops Lawsuit
To strengthen your case, you’ll need to gather:
- Medical records documenting your diagnosis and treatment
- Proof of purchase of the Walmart eye drops (receipts, credit card statements)
- Product packaging or unused product if available
- Documentation of expenses related to your injuries
Damages You Can Recover
Victims of contaminated Walmart Eye Drops may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including ongoing treatments
- Lost wages due to inability to work
- Pain and suffering associated with eye injuries
- Loss of vision or diminished quality of life
- Punitive damages against manufacturers for negligence
What You Need to Know About the 2023 Eye Drop Recalls
In January 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned people to stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears after the products were linked to a drug-resistant strain of the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
As of May 15, 2023, infections from this bacteria strain had caused at least 4 people’s deaths, vision loss in 14 others, and the surgical removal of 4 people’s eyeballs.
Global Pharma, the company that manufactures EzriCare and Delsam Pharma’s eyedrops, recalled both products in February.
On March 3, 2023, Pharmedica recalled 2 lots of Purely Soothing 15% MSM Drops over concerns that the products were not sterile.
As of May 15, 2023, the Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain linked to the recalled EzriCare and Delsam eyedrops had been found in at least 81 people in 18 states.
Statute of Limitations for Walmart Eye Drops Lawsuits
The time limit to file a Walmart Eye Drops lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury or discovery of injury.
Consulting with an attorney promptly is essential to ensure your claim is filed within your state’s deadline.
- Average Settlement for Loss of Vision in One Eye
- Dr. Berne’s MSM Eye Lawsuit
- Complete MoisturePlus Recall
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What compensation can be sought in a Walmart eye drops lawsuit?
Compensation can include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other related costs. In severe cases, punitive damages may also be awarded to penalize the manufacturer and retailer for negligence.
2. How can consumers determine if they have purchased defective Walmart eye drops?
Consumers can determine if they have purchased defective Walmart eye drops by checking for recall notices issued by the manufacturer or regulatory agencies, which typically include product names, batch numbers, and other identifying information.
3. What steps should I take if I am injured by Walmart eye drops?
If you are injured by Walmart eye drops, seek immediate medical attention, document the incident and your injuries, retain any remaining product and receipts, and consult a lawyer to discuss potential legal action and compensation.
4. How long do I have to file a Walmart eye drops lawsuit?
The statute of limitations varies by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury or discovery. Consulting with an attorney promptly ensures your claim is filed within your state’s specific deadline.
5. Can I join a class action lawsuit for Walmart eye drops injuries?
Yes, depending on the circumstances, you may be able to join a class action lawsuit or multi-district litigation against Walmart and the manufacturers of the contaminated eye drops. An experienced attorney can advise on the best legal approach for your situation.
6. What if I no longer have the receipt for my Walmart eye drops purchase?
While a receipt is helpful, it’s not always necessary. Credit card statements, loyalty program records, or even photographs of the product may serve as evidence of purchase. Your attorney can help determine alternative ways to establish product use.
7. How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a Walmart eye drops lawsuit?
Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and the attorney only gets paid if you receive compensation through a settlement or verdict. The fee is typically a percentage of your recovery.
8. Are there any settlements for Walmart eye drops cases yet?
As these cases are relatively recent, information about specific settlements is limited. Your attorney can provide the most current information about settlement trends and case valuations for similar eye drop injury cases.
See all related product liability lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for Walmart Eye Drops injuries. Many states only allow 1-2 years from the date of injury to file a product liability claim. Don’t risk losing your right to compensation due to expired deadlines.
Our services include:
- Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
- No upfront costs or fees to begin your case
- Payment only if we win your case – no recovery, no fee
- Nationwide representation for all Walmart Eye Drops victims
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References
- https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-purchase-or-use-certain-eye-drops-several-major-brands-due-risk-eye