Several individuals who have been affected by unannounced side effects have decided to file an Accutane lawsuit to help recover damages and to cover pain and suffering. The large number of cases pending raises the possibility of there being an Accutane class action lawsuit filed, as well. There were over 16 million people treated with this drug between 1982 and 2009. The drug was taken off the market by its manufacturer, La Roche, in 2009 due to the number of court cases and the awards that have already been handed out as a result of the known Accutane side effects.
Accutane Long Term Side Effects
The Accutane side effects that are of primary concern are those that affect the digestive system. These side effects include ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease. Accutane ulcerative colitis is a disease that attacks the tissues of the colon, causing ulcerations that lead to problems digesting. Diarrhea is one possible effect. Bleeding from the bowels is another. This Accutane side effect is incurable and requires sometimes painful treatments. Medications can be used to treat it in the best case scenario, surgeries in the worst. In any case, this is among the Accutane long term side effects that have prompted, and won, lawsuits.
Filing an Accutane Lawsuit for Crohns Disease
Accutane is also linked to Crohns disease. This disease attacks the entire digestive system and is one of the most devastating of the established Accutane long term side effects. This form of Accutane inflammatory bowel disease creates fistulae, unnatural openings between the organs of the digestive system that often require surgical interventions. This disease cannot be cured. As is the case with Accutane colitis, there are medications that can treat this disorder and surgeries will sometimes be required. However, there is no way that this disorder can be cured by current medical science.
Filing an Accutane Lawsuit
To file a lawsuit individually or to participate in an Accutane class action lawsuit, you have to establish that your condition was caused by your use of Accutane. Ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease can both be caused naturally and there isnt always someone to blame for your coming down with the condition. Accutane long term side effects, however, are firmly linked to the drug and there is good reason to explore your options for receiving payment for your pain and suffering. An Accutane Crohns lawsuit or a lawsuit over other side effects will require you to set a price on your damages.
Accutane Side Effects and Medical Expenses
A large amount of your damages will be related to your medical expenses, past and future. An Accutane lawsuit also contains damages for pain and suffering. These figures can oftentimes be very high. The highest award paid out for an Accutane lawsuit thus far was $56 million. There have been lesser settlements and awards received by claimants, as well. Talking to an attorney about how Accutane long term side effects may have impacted you is the first step in finding out if you have a valid lawsuit.
Author Resource:
George Williams is the author of this article on Accutane Lawsuit 2011 .
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