by Lynette Alice

Created on: November 02, 2010   Last Updated: April 21, 2011

Avandia is a type 2 diabetes drug made by GlaxoSmithKline that settled a lawsuit in the summer of 2010. The settlement was triggered by compelling evidence that some users of Avandia suffered heart attacks or strokes after using the prescribed medication. The amount of the settlement totaled $460 million USD. On October 27, 2010, GlaxoSmithKline further agreed to pay the US DOJ a settlement of $750 million based on the findings of civil and criminal investigations that uncovered their knowing sale of contaminated products. While several different products were included in that finding, Avandia was the cornerstone of the DOJ settlement.

As is general protocol, a portion of that settlement is put aside to compensate people that may have been harmed by using Avandia that were not signed on for a portion of the settlement at the time the case went to trial. At this time, it is estimated that only a handful of new cases are being processed each day, however that does not reflect the number of inquiries being received regarding who does and does not qualify for a portion of the settlement. Avandia was prescribed to more than 6 million people worldwide, and from that group it was found that the risk of cardiac arrest was increased by 43%. of that group however it is loosely estimated that only about 1% of the users have actually sought compensation.

If you used Avandia and did not get a portion of the settlement, it is your responsibility to seek compensation. Widows and/or family members of persons that passed while using Avandia, and can present compelling evidence that Avandia caused the death, can file as well. The period of time that people have to file a claim varies from state to state, so acting quickly is the key to getting compensation.. If the discovery rule applies to your case, the statute of limitations to file will not begin until the person either knew or was deemed should have known that Avandia was the cause of their injury.

To this point, the average settlement seems to range between $46,000 and $70,000 although some have been much higher and lower. Each individual case is measured against a formula used to calculate specific damages. To file your claim against Avandia for a portion of the settlement, you can call 1-800-845-6913 or you can visit http://avandiarecallnews.com/ where a process is in place for those that would first prefer an online consultation.

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