What to Expect When Filing a Zantac Injury Claim in Florida

Filing a Zantac injury claim in Florida can be a daunting experience for anyone who has suffered due to the medication. Zantac, once a widely used treatment for heartburn and acid reflux, has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer after using Zantac, filing a claim may be your path to seeking justice and compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. Understanding the process is essential, and here we walk you through everything you can expect when filing a Zantac injury claim in Florida.

What is Zantac and Why Are People Filing Injury Claims? What to Expect When Filing a Zantac Injury Claim in Florida

Zantac, also known by its generic name ranitidine, was a go-to solution for millions of people struggling with heartburn and acid reflux. For years, it was deemed safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and widely available over-the-counter. However, in recent years, concerns have emerged over the drug’s potential link to cancer. Research found that Zantac contains a chemical compound called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), which is classified as a probable human carcinogen. This discovery led to widespread recalls and lawsuits filed by those affected.

If you were a long-time user of Zantac and were later diagnosed with cancer, you may be entitled to compensation through a Zantac injury claim. Understanding the connection between the drug and cancer is the first step in determining if you have a viable claim.

The Health Risks Associated with Zantac Use

Several studies have linked Zantac use to a variety of cancers, most notably stomach cancer, liver cancer, and bladder cancer. These health risks are attributed to the presence of NDMA, a substance that can accumulate in the body when consuming Zantac over extended periods. The cancer risk is particularly high for individuals who have used Zantac for several years, though anyone who has used the drug may be at risk. Symptoms of these cancers may not appear until the disease has progressed, which makes early detection difficult.

If you or someone you know took Zantac regularly and developed cancer, the potential link between the medication and the diagnosis may be a key factor in filing an injury claim. Understanding the nature of the harm caused by the drug is critical to building your case.

Michael Serrano

Founding Attorney

Candace “Cea” Hartley

Attorney

Molli Gard, ESQ.

Attorney

The Initial Steps in Filing a Zantac Injury Claim

Before filing a Zantac injury claim in Florida, it’s essential to take a few preparatory steps to ensure your case is as strong as possible. First, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider if you haven’t already. Your doctor can evaluate your health and determine if there is a direct connection between your cancer diagnosis and your use of Zantac. Additionally, your medical records will be crucial when you pursue a claim, so it’s important to have documentation on hand that shows your diagnosis and history of Zantac use.

Next, gathering all relevant documentation will be key to the legal process. This includes medical records, prescriptions, and any other documents that can support your claim. It’s also important to note the length of time you used Zantac, as prolonged exposure may increase the risk of developing cancer. The more information you can provide to your attorney, the better they can assess the strength of your case.

Quote

Mike Serrano’s law office was everything I needed after a very traumatic accident. He was always super up front and honest with me. I never got the feeling he was trying to sell me on something or to do something that I wasn’t comfortable with. He listened to my concerns and when it tough moments came that I needed to stand my ground. He backed me and made me feel 100% secure. He got me exactly what I needed in a settlement and I would never consider using anyone else. His office staff is also phenomenal.”

- Mary

Quote

Mike Serrano was a great attorney for my case!! He was very flexible with phone calls/ Zoom meetings. His staff are always friendly, whether it be on the phone or emails. They keep you updated during your entire case! They don’t leave you silent for months. if you call, they always call back with updates! Highly recommend!"

- Kylie Collier Border

Quote

I’ve never had to deal with a lawyer before but Mike has set the bar HIGH. He was always available to communicate my concerns and explain each step of the way. I know no other lawyer would have been able to achieve the same results because he jumped on an opportunity that was a little out of the ordinary and it paid off. He really fought for my case and over delivered. I really hope I never have another accident but if I do I’m running to Mike for help."

- Sandy Carter

The Role of an Attorney in Your Zantac Injury Claim

Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with a complex case like a Zantac injury claim. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney will guide you through the process, ensuring that all necessary steps are followed. The attorney will handle the legal intricacies of your case, including gathering evidence, filing paperwork, and communicating with the defendants involved.

Choosing an experienced attorney is crucial. At Serrano Law, we specialize in personal injury claims, including those involving dangerous drugs like Zantac. We understand the challenges that victims face and are dedicated to helping you seek the compensation you deserve.

How the Claims Process Works

The Zantac injury claims process begins with a consultation with your attorney. During this consultation, your attorney will review the facts of your case, including your medical history and the duration of Zantac use. If your attorney believes you have a viable claim, they will initiate the process by filing a lawsuit against the manufacturers and distributors of Zantac. This step typically involves submitting a complaint to the court, detailing the harm caused by the drug.

Once the lawsuit is filed, both parties will engage in the discovery process. This is where each side gathers evidence and witnesses to support their arguments. In cases like these, expert testimony is often used to demonstrate the link between Zantac and the cancers in question. Your attorney may also consult with medical professionals who can provide insight into the impact of the drug on your health.

After discovery, the case may proceed to settlement negotiations. In many cases, defendants choose to settle to avoid a lengthy trial. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that addresses your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will ultimately decide the outcome.

Related Videos

Choosing The Right Personal Injury Attorney

Personal Injury Settlement Timeline

Types of Compensation Available in Zantac Injury Claims

If your Zantac injury claim is successful, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. The amount you receive will depend on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the circumstances surrounding the case.

The primary forms of compensation in a Zantac injury claim are medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Medical expenses may include the cost of treatment, hospital stays, medication, and future medical care. Pain and suffering compensation accounts for the emotional and physical distress caused by your illness, while lost wages cover any income you’ve lost due to your inability to work.

In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded. Punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for their actions and serve as a deterrent to others. These damages are not intended to compensate the victim, but rather to punish the defendant for particularly egregious behavior. In cases where the drug manufacturer acted with gross negligence or malice, punitive damages may be a possibility.

Case Results

Car Accident

This client was injured in an auto accident with a driver who improperly merged into her lane. Her vehicle was totaled. She sustained an aggravation of her pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and new disc herniations in her lower back. We obtained the full limits of both the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and our client’s underinsured motorist coverage, which were significant. The settlement was achieved without a law suit and within four months after the client finished treating.

Rear End Collision

This particular client was injured in an accident in late 2015 when she was rear-ended. She sustained an aggravation of pre-existing disc herniations in her neck and a new disc herniation which ultimately required a surgical fusion. By the time of trial, her medical bills exceeded $180,000.00. The Defendants’ offer pre-suit was $20,000.00. We were able to obtain a jury verdict of $441,000.00, plus attorneys’ fees.

Car Accident

A client was injured in a rear-end collision where he sustained an aggravation of a pre-existing disc bulge that developed into a herniation in his lower back. We obtained a jury verdict which was over 6 times what had been offered prior to trial.

Car Accident

In this case, our client injured her shoulder after being struck by a vehicle while she was performing volunteer services. The driver was traveling at such a high rate of speed entering a parking lot that he clipped another vehicle, hit a parking barrier and was launched into a tree. After the client attempted to negotiate with the insurance company prior to hiring us, we were able to obtain an amount that was over double the prior offer.

Intentional Torts

Our client was injured from an assault by a patron of a party while working security. His shoulder required multiple surgeries. He hired our office to pursue a claim to recoup his medical bills, which exceeded $130,000.00. After his assailant offered him $10,000.00 to resolve his case, we took the case to a jury to decide. The jury awarded our client all of his medical bills and tripled his award for pain and suffering.

Car Accident

This client came to us about a car wreck that occurred in 2014 where she sustained injuries. She approached our firm just one week before the statute of limitations was set to expire after being turned away by several other law firms. We filed a lawsuit and were able to obtain the limits of the at-fault driver’s bodily injury coverage and an additional settlement from the client’s insurance carrier.

Truck Crash

This couple was injured in an automobile accident after they were rear-ended in a seven-car pileup caused by a semi-trailer. Of the 15 people who made claims on the same insurance policy, our clients each received the second and third highest offers, which covered all of their past and future medical bills and their attorney’s fees.

Truck Crash

In this case, our client was injured from a rear-end collision with an eighteen-wheeler. Her original lawyer procured a settlement offer of $7,000.00 to settle her case. Because the offer did not approach the amount of bills she incurred from accident related treatment, she came to our firm for a consultation. She decided to hire us. We promptly filed suit and obtained a settlement for her.

Why Choose Serrano Law for Your Zantac Injury Claim?

At Serrano Law, we are committed to helping victims of Zantac-related injuries seek justice. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys understands the complexities of product liability claims, and we have a proven track record of success. We believe that every victim deserves a fair chance at compensation, and we will fight tirelessly on your behalf.

We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and help you understand your options. Our team will guide you through every step of the legal process, from filing the initial claim to negotiating a fair settlement or representing you in court.

Contact Serrano Law Today

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after using Zantac, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims can limit the time you have to file. Contact Serrano Law today for a free consultation and let us help you navigate the claims process with confidence.

To learn more about this subject click here: Liability For a Zantac Injury