Zoloft Lawsuit
In 1999, Zoloft gained media attention when Brynn Hartman killed her husband, comedian Phil Hartman, before killing herself. A lawsuit was filed on the behalf of Phil Hartman’s estate alleging that Brynn Hartman’s use of Zoloft caused her to violently take her husband's life. The lawsuit claimed that Pfizer did not adequately warn Mrs. Hartman of the side effects of Zoloft. Pfizer settled the lawsuit with the Hartman estate for an undisclosed sum. Injured Zoloft users may be able to recover damages for expenses they have incurred and other losses. Recovery from Zoloft lawsuits may include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of companionship, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In 1992, Pfizer released the drug Zoloft, which was FDA-approved as a treatment for depression at the time. Further research studies determined that Zoloft was also effective in treating other illnesses and disorders including panic or anxiety disorder, OCD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder. Since its release, Zoloft has generated more than $1 billion in sales for Pfizer in the United States alone.
FDA Warning
Since the release of Zoloft in 1992, the Pfizer has been involved in several lawsuits. One such suit occurred in 1996, when Pfizer received a letter from the Federal Division of Drug Marketing, Advertising, and Communications, a division of the FDA. This letter accused Pfizer of unethically marketing and selling Zoloft for uses not approved by the FDA. This letter was released to the public so that everyone would have access to it. It is exceeding rare for warning letters issued by the FDA to be made public, which underscores the seriousness of the matter.
Pfizer Lawsuits
More lawsuits were filed against Pfizer in 2004, with many of them claiming that Pfizer did not properly disclose potential side effects of Zoloft to its users. To date, there are still many Zoloft users who are currently dealing with or have dealt with side effects of Zoloft which Pfizer fails to acknowledge. Zoloft can produce side effects that are potentially harmful to users . Some side effects of Zoloft include homicidal or violent behavior, hostility, and suicidal thoughts or behavior. Akathisia, a mental illness that causes extreme bouts of moodiness, is experienced by nearly 5 percent of the patients who take Zoloft. Some Zoloft users have claimed they have exhibited violent and suicidal behavior during bouts of Akathisia.
Seeking Legal Counsel
Victims of the side effects of Zoloft or their family members should consider contacting an attorney to discuss their symptoms. If an attorney feels that you may have a valid case, they will help you to hold Pfizer accountable for their actions. An attorney will be able to help you get any compensation that Pfizer may owe to you.
