Proton Pump Inhibitors

Stomach acid is a natural biological phenomenon. However, when a person's digestive system produces too much acid (or when the acid migrates outside the stomach), this can be a source of considerable pain and discomfort. A class of drugs known as "proton pump inhibitors" has been developed to treat people who suffer from ailments related to stomach acid. While some of these "PPI" medications have proven beneficial, several others have triggered severe and debilitating side effects. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries as a result of a proton pump inhibitor, the North Carolina and South Carolina proton pump inhibitor lawyers at Grimes Teich Anderson, LLP, can help you understand your legal rights. We also handle claims based on Actemra, Lipitor, Pradaxa, Risperdal, Invokana, and many other dangerous drugs.

One of the most serious issues that have been alleged to have occurred as a result of the use of proton pump inhibitors is chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. Heart attacks and myocardial infarctions have also been reported by some patients who have used PPIs, as has an increased propensity for fractures, infections, birth defects, strokes, and hypomagnesemia. Popular brands of proton pump inhibitors include Nexium, Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, Aciphex, Zegerid, Kapidex, and Dexilant. In generic form, these medications may be known as esomeprazole, lansoprazole, omeprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole, omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate, or dexlansoprazole. Many of these drugs have been available over the counter for several years for the treatment of heart burn and related ailments.

When someone is hurt by a dangerous or defective product, the process of seeking compensation for their injuries and damages is similar regardless of whether the product is a drug (like Lipitor), a medical device (such as Physiomesh), or another type of product like a child's toy or a car part. An experienced proton pump inhibitor attorney can help victims in North Carolina or South Carolina file a claim to assert their right to damages. This must be done within both the statute of limitations and the statute of repose. Typically, the statute of limitations runs from the time of the plaintiff's injuries, and the statute of repose runs from another date, such as the date that a product entered the stream of commerce. In order to be considered timely filed, the plaintiff's claim must be filed by the earlier of the two dates, if they are different.

Product liability lawsuits are often very complex. After the plaintiff's complaint is filed, there is often a lengthy period of discovery, during which each side is required to produce names of possible witnesses, including expert witnesses, who will be called to testify at trial. Expert testimony is usually required in order for the jury to understand the issues. There is often a "battle of the experts" if the case proceeds to trial. The plaintiff has the burden of proof and needs to convince the jury of his or her right to compensation by a preponderance of the evidence. Thus, it is important to speak to a North Carolina or South Carolina proton pump inhibitor attorney like those at Grimes Teich Anderson who, along with national co-counsel, have established relationships with potential expert witnesses.

The basic issue in a product liability lawsuit is whether the product in question was defective in a way that rendered it unreasonably dangerous. A product can be unreasonably dangerous due to its inherent design, a defect in the manufacturing process, or a failure to warn consumers about its non-obvious risks. Product liability lawsuits may be brought under several theories of legal liability simultaneously, including negligence, strict liability, and breach of contract (or breach of warranty).

At Grimes Teich Anderson, LLP, we handle many types of personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits throughout both North Carolina and South Carolina, including in cities such as Asheville, Franklin, Rutherfordton, Waynesville, Spruce Pine, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Gaffney. If you need reliable legal advice concerning a proton pump inhibitor injury (or harm caused by another product, device, or medication), call us now at 800-553-6845 or contact us via our online form. There is no charge for the phone call and initial case consultation.