June 8, 2001 - Wyoming Jury Awards $6.4 Million in Killings Tied to Drug

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The family of Donald Schell, 60, who was prescribed an anti-depressant drug Paxil, (similar to Prozac and Zoloft), by his physician and who killed his wife, daughter, granddaughter, and himself after taking two pills, was awarded $6.4 million in damages by a Wyoming jury. The eight jurors determined that GlaxoSmithKline, the producer of Paxil, had breached its duty to warn doctors and patients of some possible serious side-effects that include violent behavior and agitation.

This high monetary award came as a surprise to Charles F. Preuss, who defended the manufacturer. Mr. Preuss said that "This issue was raised in the early 90's, and since that time all the scientific articles have concluded that these antidepressants do not cause suicide or homicide or suicidal thoughts." This was the first case won by plaintiff against an antidepressants manufacturer like GlaxoSmithKline. However, the experts agreed that generally Paxil works well for most patients and causes agitation and violence only in some patients.

Though it is medical practice in some Europeran countries to put warning labels on Prozac and Paxil, the United States experts had concluded that these drugs do not lead to violence and do not have to include warnings on the labels.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of taking any drug or supplement, call Joseph J. Bernardo, P.A. now at 239-332-3000 or CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A SIMPLE CASE FORM. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to review your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don't delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.

Joseph J. Bernardo, P.A. handles all types of Personal Injury cases including: Automobile Accidents, Spinal Cord Injuries, Traumatic Brain Injuries, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death, Insurance Bad Faith, Nursing Home Abuse, Airplane Accidents, Dog Bites, Drunk Driving Injuries, Large Truck Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, School Bus Accidents, Slip and Fall Accidents.