Chantix Lawsuits: Should You File?

Eligibility for filing a Chantix lawsuit is not as complicated as some may believe. Basic eligibility is determined simply by being one of the many individuals who took Chantix (a smoking cessation drug made by Pfizer) and as a result experienced any of a number of different Chantix side effects.
The side effects that are commonly associated with Chantix vary greatly but include: depression and suicide ideation and sudden aggressive behavior. In addition to the many psychiatric side effects associated with Chantix the following physical side effects have been known to occur: blackouts, diabetes, etc.
Chantix side effects occurring as a result of an individual’s smoking cessation treatment are a simple enough reason to seek counsel from an experienced Chantix lawyer. In this way potential plaintiffs are able to not only determine their eligibility, but to get a thorough case evaluation and discuss the potential for eventual injury/damage compensation.

Chantix Multidistrict Litigation

Throughout the United States over 1,000 Chantix lawsuits have been filed. Federal lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) and assigned to an Alabama court.
Many find themselves confused about the difference between multidistrict litigation and a class action. The main differences are that in multidistrict litigation the cases are consolidated for pretrial processes, but are returned to the courts where the suits were originally filed if a settlement cannot be reached. At any point during the course of pretrial workings, the defendant is welcome to settle with the plaintiffs.
Chantix multidistrict litigation cases should begin going to trial in 2012.

Chantix Lawsuits: Common Allegations

In certain cases there may be increased risks for experiencing Chantix side effects. These cases include individuals that have certain pre-existing conditions: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, etc. Those that have these and similar pre-existing conditions and were still prescribed Chantix treatment may have a stronger case against the drug manufacturer due to Pfizer’s admission that they failed to conduct testing on individuals with pre-existing mental conditions prior to releasing the drug on the market.
It is important to note that the drug was never tested with patients with any type of previous mental health issue, but that it was immediately prescribed to many that fall into this category.
Individuals who have lost loved ones due to the effects of Chantix may be able to file a lawsuit on behalf of their deceased loved one. Take for instance the death of Carter Albrecht. Carter was 34 years old. He was a keyboardist for Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians. He was shot dead by a neighbor in 2007 while he was in the midst of what his family alleges was a Chantix exacerbated mental breakdown resulting in sudden, wild and aggressive behavior.
It doesn’t matter if you are thinking of filing a Chantix lawsuit on your own behalf or behalf of a loved one. Either way, consulting a professional Chantix lawyer is the most efficient step towards getting a thorough case evaluation. This type of legal advice will get potential plaintiffs on the road towards reaching a resolution in the most expedient way possible.