Zantac is a popular medication used to treat heartburn, acid reflux, and other gastroesophageal conditions. In April 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled Zantac due to the presence of a dangerous carcinogen, and now, patients are filing lawsuits against the drug’s manufacturers. If you developed cancer after taking Zantac, Estey & Bomberger, LLP can help. Our Alabama Zantac lawsuit attorneys can represent your claim and help you hold the manufacturer accountable for your losses.
Why Hire Estey & Bomberger, LLP for Your Alabama Zantac Claim?
- Our Zantac lawyers specialize in defective and dangerous product litigation and have helped clients nationwide recover millions of dollars in compensation.
- Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you will not be charged legal fees unless we secure a settlement in your case.
- Our lawyers will handle all aspects of your claim and will be available to answer any questions you may have.
Does Zantac Cause Cancer?
In September 2019, an online pharmacy called Valisure was conducting routine tests on batches of Zantac and detected dangerous levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a probable human carcinogen used to induce tumors in laboratory animals. While humans can safely consume 96 nanograms per day, Valisure found NDMA levels in excess of 3 million nanograms per tablet.
After these findings were reported to the FDA, the agency conducted an investigation and issued a recall for all Zantac products in April 2020. Many Zantac patients have been diagnosed with multiple types of cancer after taking this drug, including:
- Stomach cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Colon cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Breast cancer
- Thyroid cancer
Early Symptoms of Zantac-Related Cancer
Many cancers do not show symptoms in their early stages. Additionally, patients may experience different symptoms depending on the location of the tumor. However, some common signs may indicate Zantac-related cancer, although they may also be caused by other medical conditions.
If you experience any of the following, seek medical attention right away:
- Severe, lasting fatigue
- A persistent cough that does not go away
- Changes in your appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Unknown bleeding or bruising
- Difficulty urinating
- Blood in the stool or urine
- Stomach pain
- Swelling or lumps
Which Zantac Products Were Part of the Recall?
Since the FDA’s announcement alerting healthcare providers and patients of the NDMA contamination, manufacturers have pulled ranitidine-containing products from the market. A number of pharmacies, drugstores, and retail corporations have also removed Zantac products from their shelves.
The recall affects Zantac in both its prescription and over-the-counter varieties. Some of the products that have been recalled include Zantac 150, Zantac 150 Maximum Strength, Zantac 75, and Zantac 150 Cool Mint. If you currently take any type of Zantac or a ranitidine-containing product, cease use immediately and safely dispose of the remaining medication.
How Do You Qualify for a Zantac Lawsuit?
Not every Zantac patient is eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers. To qualify for Zantac litigation, you will generally need to meet the following criteria:
- You were diagnosed with cancer.
- You took Zantac regularly for at least one year.
- At least one year has passed between the first time you took Zantac and your cancer diagnosis.
If you believe that you are eligible for a Zantac lawsuit, speak to an Alabama Zantac lawyer at Estey & Bomberger, LLP as soon as possible. Your attorney can review your case and help you understand your legal options.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Zantac Lawsuits in Alabama?
Alabama imposes filing deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, on certain types of lawsuits. For Zantac claims, you have two years from the date of your cancer diagnosis to file or the court will likely dismiss your case. It is important you contact an Alabama Zantac injury attorney as soon as possible after previous exposure to Zantac and receiving a cancer diagnosis.
How Much Is a Zantac Lawsuit Worth?
The value of a Zantac claim depends on the specific losses that you suffered due to your cancer diagnosis. Through a lawsuit, you can recover compensation for the economic, or financial, losses you endured, as well as your physical and emotional pain and suffering.
Common damages available in Zantac claims include the following:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Disability accommodations
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Chronic pain
- Emotional distress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Depression and anxiety
- Permanent disability
Factors that influence the value of Zantac lawsuits include the severity of your cancer, the length of your recovery time, and your ability to work. Your Alabama Zantac lawsuit attorney at Estey & Bomberger, LLP can help you identify the full extent of your damages and accurately calculate your estimated award.
Should You Hire an Attorney to Represent Your Zantac Lawsuit in Alabama?
Zantac lawsuits can be very complex and difficult cases to handle, especially if you have not pursued this type of litigation before. If you want to file a lawsuit against a large drug manufacturer, you need someone with the right knowledge, experience, and skills to represent your case and protect your best interests.
In these situations, you need a Zantac lawsuit attorney on your side. Your Zantac lawyer in Alabama can help your case in several ways, providing critical services such as:
- Contacting expert witnesses who can testify in your case and provide insight on complex, technical elements in your lawsuit
- Calculating your potential settlement so that you can evaluate award offers and avoid financial hardship in the future
- Gathering and reviewing evidence to craft a strong, compelling case that establishes the manufacturer’s liability
- Completing all paperwork and other time-consuming tasks on your behalf, helping avoid common errors that would otherwise harm your case
- Preparing you for each stage of the litigation process so that you can focus on your medical treatment
If you were diagnosed with cancer after taking Zantac for a prolonged period of time, it is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. Schedule a consultation with an Alabama Zantac attorney right away to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Alabama Zantac Lawsuit Attorney?
Despite the benefits of hiring a lawyer, many plaintiffs fail to seek legal representation because they believe an attorney is too expensive. Many Zantac attorneys, including those at Estey & Bomberger, LLP, operate on a contingency fee basis for maximum affordability.
Under this arrangement, you will not be charged for your attorney’s services unless he or she recovers compensation in your case. If you do recover an award, your lawyer will take an agreed-upon percentage of your settlement as payment, limiting your out-of-pocket costs.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Zantac Lawyer in Alabama
Were you diagnosed with cancer after taking Zantac? Trust the team of attorneys at Estey & Bomberger, LLP to represent your case. Contact us today to schedule an initial case consultation with an Alabama Zantac lawyer or call (800) 260-7197 today to discuss your legal options.