U.S. Supreme Court Deals Blow to Pharmaceutical Industry;
March 5, 2009 – The U.S. Supreme Court yesterday voted 6-3 to uphold the traditional right of consumers to sue a manufacturer if they are harmed by a defective product. Attorneys at Romanucci & Blandin in Chicago hailed the decision as a victory for consumers.
The ruling affirmed a nearly $7 million jury verdict in favor of Diana Levine, a Vermont musician whose right arm was amputated after she was injected with an anti-nausea drug. The ruling applies to more than 11,000 drugs on the market in the U.S., including over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs.
Tony Romanucci, a partner in the law firm, said the decision will not only lead to compensating individuals fairly but will uncover drug hazards and provide incentives for drug manufacturers to promptly disclose safety risks.
