Miami Injury Lawyer Blog
Four sisters, each having suffered from breast cancer, settled a lawsuit this week with drug manufacturer Eli Lilly & Co. after the sisters claimed a drug manufactured by Eli Lilly that their mother took during their pregnancy caused their breast cancer. Over fifty women, including the sisters, have filed claims in Massachusetts against a number of drug manufacturers that made or marketed the synthetic drug diethylstilbestrol, also know as DES. DES was prescribed to millions of women during the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s, believed to prevent miscarriages, premature births and other pregnancy problems. At the time, DES was recommended for women who had suffered multiple miscarriages. The drug was taken off the market in the 1970’s after researchers linked it to a rare vaginal cancer in women whose mothers were prescribed the drug. It was later discovered that the drug did not prevent miscarriages. The sisters, who all developed breast cancer in their 40s, claim their mother took DES while pregnant with them, but not their sister, who has not developed breast cancer.
The sisters’ case went to trial earlier this week, but the settlement came just two after it began. In opening statements, the attorney for the sisters stated “Eli Lilly failed to test the drug’s effect on fetuses before promoting it as a way to prevent miscarriages.” Eli Lilly’s attorney contended that there was no evidence linking the drug to breast cancer. Further, he argued, if their mother took DES, there was no evidence that Eli Lilly had manufactured the drug their mother was prescribed.
The settlement between the sisters and Eli Lilly could indicate that more settlements are to come. “When one settles a case, they recognize that they can lose it. The reason they can lose it is because there is enough evidence for the plaintiffs to be able to win it,” stated one Massachusetts malpractice attorney. Other women who have filed suit against Eli Lilly revere this settlement as a “huge victory for DES daughters.” Another plaintiff against Eli Lilly stated, “The bottom line is that this company put out a drug without test, without knowing the consequences of the drug.” Thousands of other lawsuits were filed, alleging the links between “DES and vaginal cancer, cervical cancer and fertility problems;” most of those cases have been settled as well.
Eli Lilly settles Mass. pregnancy drug-cancer case, www.miamiherald.com January 09, 2013
Many people in South Florida never expect that they themselves, their children or their loved ones will become a victim of medical malpractice. Yet, it happens far too often. All medical professionals, including drug manufacturers, are expected to treat their patients and clients with the utmost care and respect, and that includes using and testing appropriate drugs when treating patients. The Miami medical malpractice attorneys at the Friedland | Carmona are experienced trial litigators who have recovered substantial compensation for their clients. They will work diligently to ensure that you recover compensation for your injuries from the medical professionals who have harmed you. If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, call the attorneys at the Friedland | Carmona today! The attorneys are committed to helping personal injury victims!
The Miami personal injury lawyers at the Friedland | Carmona handle all types of medical malpractice injuries throughout the state of Florida, including Boca Raton, Homestead, North Miami, South Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Pembroke Pines, Hialeah, Kendall, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. The Friedland | Carmona handles all types of personal injury cases, including wrongful death, defective products, motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls and construction site injuries. Call the Miami personal injury attorneys at (305) 661-2008 for your free consultation. Call today and let our family take care of your family!