A Southern California man has been awarded $48 million in a negligence product liability case concerning the ibuprofen over-the-counter pain reliever, Motrin. The man, now 22, began taking Motrin for aches and pains when he was 16 and an active soccer player. He broke out with blood blisters in his mouth and a severe rash and lesions. Motrin is made by McNeil Consumer Healthcare, which is a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.
The action claimed that the product insert did not contain enough of a warning about the devastating side effects causing a condition known as toxic epidermal necrolysis. The Los Angeles Superior Court panel awarded $48 million even though the plaintiff’s attorney had asked for $102 million based on Johnson & Johnson’s revenue from the sale of Motrin. The jury also awarded $8.97 million in punitive damages against Johnson & Johnson and another $6.8 million against McNeil. The company did not announce whether it would appeal.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered additional information added to the labels of ibuprofen regarding skin rashes and blistering.
Product Liability and Defective Products
A product liability lawsuit can be filed when a product either has a manufacturing defect or is defective by design, or the company is negligent in containing adequate warnings to the public about the risks. Product liability actions can name the manufacturer, the designer, the distributor, or anyone who profits from selling a defective product. Punitive awards send a clear message to the manufacturer that if you are going to profit from a product, you have the responsibility to first make sure it is safe.
Farah & Farah has been filing Florida product liability cases over defective products since we opened our doors in Jacksonville in 1979. Call us with any questions and we can set up a complimentary consultation on your injury that resulted from a defective product. Our number is 1-800-533-3555.
Source: http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_19034864; http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/48m-awarded-man-motrin-blood-blisters-case-14664737
