Seroquel Lawyers Continue to Review New Lawsuits as First Trials Near
Since early 2006, the Seroquel lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. have been representing clients who developed diabetes or pancreatitis after using the antipsychotic medication. The first trials are scheduled for early next year of Seroquel lawsuits filed in the federal MDL, yet our attorneys continue to be contacted by individuals who have not yet reviewed their potential legal rights.
Seroquel has been used by over 19 million people and generates annual sales of over $3 billion worldwide for AstraZeneca. Although the drug maker was aware of the side effects of Seroquel, which could lead to severe weight gain, diabetes, hyperglycemia and pancreatitis, they failed to provide adequate warnings for users and the medical community.
Seroquel is only approved to treat symptoms of psychotic conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, yet it has been widely promoted and prescribed off-label to millions of people. Some estimates suggest that as many as 70% of all Seroquel prescriptions have been off-label.
According to an August 28, 2008 court filing by lawyers for AstraZeneca, the Seroquel litigation now includes 13,339 people who have served a lawsuit on the pharmaceutical company. In addition, at the time of the filing, AstraZeneca was aware of 40 new lawsuits which had been filed by Seroquel users, but not yet served on the company. Our lawyers suspect that there are still thousands of people who may have potential cases who have not contact an attorney.
All federal Seroquel cases have been consolidated in an MDL or Multidistrict Litigation that has been assigned to Judge Anne Conway in the U.S. District Court of Florida, Orlando Division. Twelve Seroquel lawsuits filed directly in Florida have been designated for the “Initial Trial Pool,” and the current case management order issued in January indicates that the court anticipates the first Seroquel trials will start in February 2009.
SEROQUEL ATTORNEYS
Although the Seroquel litigation has been pending for some time, our attorneys are continuing to review new cases for individuals diagnosed with diabetes or pancreatitis. As the first trials approach next year, AstraZeneca could decide to negotiate Seroquel settlements instead of letting a jury decide the cases. Therefore, if you, a friend or family member believe you may have a potential case, act now to request a free consultation and claim evaluation.