New Trials will Consider Punitive Damages in Risperdal Cases

Oct 01,2018

It has been nearly three years since Philadelphia juries awarded compensatory damages to two victims who suffered injuries from using the drug Risperdal. Now, a judge has ruled for new trials to be set to determine whether drugmaker Janssen Pharmaceuticals should face punitive damages.

In two separate cases, plaintiffs Timothy Stange and Nicholas Murray were awarded $500,000 and $680,000 in compensatory damages, respectively. The upcoming trials over the Risperdal cases will focus on whether or not Janssen’s conduct warrants punitive damages, and the amount of those potential damages.

The judge ruled that each plaintiff can seek damages according to the rule of their home state. It is worth noting that Wisconsin, Stange’s home state, caps punitive damages at $200,000, or twice the amount of compensatory damages. However, leading attorney Thomas R. Kline says they plan to fight the damages limit.

Side Effects of Risperdal

Both Stange and Murray sued Janssen after the antipsychotic drug Risperdal—used to treat the symptoms of autism, ADHD and other disorders—caused them to develop female-like breasts. Stange was diagnosed with gynecomastia at age 17 and underwent a double mastectomy to have the breast tissue removed. His insurance ruled the surgery a cosmetic procedure, and his family had to pay $8,000 out of pocket for it.

“These plaintiffs suffered not only the physical aspects of the drug’s side effects, but they also endured bullying and humiliation. In light of the serious harm done, it is fitting for these cases to go to trial for punitive damages,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured by a drug and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, El Centro, and Yucca Valley, and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.