Zoloft Settlements Have Many Factors

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but this has not stopped an increase in Zoloft lawsuits. Through a Zoloft lawsuit, benefits and compensation may be available for families and children who have suffered a birth defect or malformation that may have been prevented if adequate warnings had been provided about the risk of Zoloft problems for babies. Women taking Zoloft during the third trimester may face a six fold increase in the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). However, the drug maker sold the antidepressant without adequate warnings about the potential risk of PPHN from Zoloft.

Persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns (PPHN) is a rare birth defect that results in babies being unable to adapt to breathing outside of the womb. They frequently require intensive care and the use of a mechanical ventilator to help them breathe. Severe cases of PPHN can result in multiple organ damage, brain damage and death. Zoloft-induced PPHN can result in circulation problems that may affect a baby’s ability to breathe outside the womb because it makes it difficult for oxygen to reach the bloodstream. A study by the New England Journal of Medicine, conducted in 2006, warned women against the risks associated with Zoloft birth defects by linking the drug to persistent pulmonary hypertension.

The Zoloft birth defect lawsuit seeks unspecified compensatory damages, plus statutory remedies, a disgorgement of profits, pre-judgment interest, costs and other relief the court deems just. Settlements have included damages awarded as compensation due to the extreme pain associated with the emotional distress many parents have suffered. It charges Pfizer with strict products liability, breach of express warranty, negligence, misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, fraud and misrepresentation, fraud by concealment, violation of consumer protection laws and breach of implied warranties against Pfizer. The purpose of the settlements, far from being able to give victims any comfort, is designed to return those who have been affected back to the financial situation they would have had enjoyed had they never been involved with side effects associated with Zoloft.