Across the USA, the Gardasil HPV vaccine manufactured by Merck & Co. has injured thousands of people.
Gardasil was one of the first vaccines available for HPV, approved by the FDA in 2006 for teens and adults.
However, those who received the vaccine reported serious side effects. These side effects and other alleged deceptive marketing practices have led hundreds of people to file lawsuits against Merck & Co.
If doctors diagnosed you with a serious medical condition after receiving the Gardasil vaccine, you may recover financial compensation. Get a free case evaluation with a local Gardasil HPV vaccine lawyer in the Lawsuits.com network of legal professionals today.
Gardasil HPV vaccine Lawsuit Guide
- What Is HPV?
- What Are the Dangerous Side Effects of the Gardasil HPV Vaccine?
- Why Are People Filing Gardasil HPV Vaccine Lawsuits?
- What Should I Do If I Suffered Complications After Receiving the
- Gardasil HPV Vaccine?
- What Compensation Is Available In a Gardasil Vaccine Lawsuit?
- How Does the Gardasil HPV Vaccine Lawsuit Work?
- Gardasil HPV Vaccine FAQs
What Is HPV?
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the common name for a group of over 200 related viruses that can infect the skin and mucous membranes. While some harmless HPV strains may go undetected by the body's immune system, others can cause serious health issues, particularly in women.
The transmission of HPV occurs through skin-to-skin contact, making it one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world. About 85 percent of people will contract a form of HPV at some point in their lives.
While most cases of HPV resolve on their own without any long-term effects, certain strains, like those the Gardasil vaccine means to protect against, can cause long-term complications that seriously affect overall health and quality of life.
What Are the Dangerous Side Effects of the Gardasil HPV Vaccine?
Central to the legal cases against Merck is the alleged failure to warn of Gardasil's potential side effects and risks, which can include:
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): A condition that affects blood flow, leading to dizziness, fainting, and rapid heartbeat when standing up.
- Premature and/or Primary Ovarian Failure and Insufficiency: A reproductive disorder where the ovaries stop functioning normally before age 40, leading to infertility and menopause-like symptoms.
- Reproductive Disorders: Includes a range of conditions affecting fertility, reproductive health, menstrual cycles, and hormonal balance.
- Guillain–Barré Syndrome: A rare neurological disorder where the body's immune system attacks the nerves, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.
- Fibromyalgia: A long-term condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness in specific areas of the body.
- Dysautonomia: A disorder of the autonomic nervous system, leading to heart rate irregularities, blood pressure issues, and digestive problems.
- Orthostatic Intolerance: This is where the body has difficulty regulating blood pressure and circulation upon standing, causing dizziness and fainting.
- Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A complex disorder marked by extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with rest. Sleep problems and pain may accompany it.
- Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome: A form of chronic pain that usually affects an arm or leg. Indicators of this condition include prolonged or excessive pain and changes in skin color, temperature, and swelling.
- Migraines/Severe Headaches: Intense headaches that often include nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
- Persistent Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Long-lasting digestive issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.
- Widespread Pain of a Neuropathic Character: Nerve damage, often described as burning or shooting pain throughout the body.
- Encephalitis Syndrome: Inflammation of the brain that can cause symptoms like headaches, fever, confusion, and seizures.
- Autonomic Dysfunction: A condition where the autonomic nervous system does not work properly, affecting heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion.
- Joint Pain: Discomfort, pain, or inflammation in joints, cartilage, bone, ligaments, tendons, or muscles.
- Brain Fog: This creates mental confusion, lack of focus, and memory difficulties. It often affects daily activities and cognitive function.
Plaintiffs in ongoing lawsuits have experienced one or more of these debilitating conditions, causing physical, emotional, and financial strain on themselves and their families.
If you experienced any of these or other health complications after receiving the Gardasil vaccine, speak with a qualified legal professional to understand your rights and options.
Why Are People Filing Gardasil HPV Vaccine Lawsuits?
In addition to dangerous side effects, other reasons people have chosen to file these lawsuits include:
- Inadequate Warnings and Information: The lawsuits argue that Merck & Co. did not provide sufficient warnings about the potential risks associated with the vaccine.
- Deceptive Marketing Practices: It is alleged that the manufacturer exaggerated the benefits of Gardasil while downplaying the risks.
- Fraudulent Concealment of Health Risks: Lawsuits claim that Merck & Co. knowingly concealed evidence of the vaccine's potential health risks, preventing patients and medical providers from understanding potential dangers.
- Negligence: The lawsuits claim that Merck & Co. failed to exercise appropriate care in the manufacturing and distribution of the vaccine, leading to adverse health effects.
- Manufacturing Defect: Allegations also focus on defects in the vaccine's manufacturing process, which may have contributed to the harmful side effects.
The manufacturer has denied these serious allegations. However, many studies explore the correlation between the vaccine and these health complications.
What Should I Do If I Suffered Complications After Receiving the
Gardasil HPV Vaccine?
The unimaginable pain and suffering caused by these health complications can leave many feeling lost and unsure of what steps to take next.
If you or a loved one experienced any adverse effects after receiving this HPV vaccine, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible. With their help, those harmed can better understand their rights and pursue legal action.
Additionally, with the help of an experienced Gardasil HPV vaccine lawyer, injured parties can:
- Determine if they have a legal claim: A qualified attorney can review your case and help determine if you may be eligible for compensation.
- Gather evidence and build a strong case: Lawyers can help gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and build a solid case on your behalf.
- Navigate the complex legal process more confidently: Filing a lawsuit against a pharmaceutical giant like Merck can be daunting. However, these challenges are made easier with the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Other actions you should take include:
- Documenting your symptoms and medical history: Keep a detailed record of health complications and required medical treatments resulting from vaccine side effects.
- Seek further medical attention: If you are experiencing ongoing health issues, seek medical attention to help manage your symptoms. Doing so also helps establish a connection between your health complications and the vaccine, bolstering your compensation claim.
- Stay informed: Contact a local lawyer in your area in the Lawsuits.com network of legal professionals to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and information regarding Gardasil HPV vaccine lawsuits.
Taking these steps and working with an experienced law firm can increase your chances of receiving the justice and compensation you deserve.
What Compensation Is Available In a Gardasil Vaccine Lawsuit?
Gardasil lawsuits have yet to see any settlements or verdicts, but if successful, plaintiffs may recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses: These include costs associated with treating the adverse health effects from the vaccine, including hospital stays, doctor visits, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages: If you cannot work due to illness related to the vaccine, you may recover compensation for lost income.
- Diminished earning potential: In cases where the vaccine has caused long-term or permanent health complications, individuals may seek compensation for diminished earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: Those harmed by the vaccine may receive compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
- Punitive damages: If Merck acted recklessly or with malice in producing and marketing this HPV vaccine, the court may punish it.
While no amount of money can undo the harm caused by these serious health complications, seeking compensation through a lawsuit can help alleviate financial burdens and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Before you decide that the stress of a lawsuit is not worth the potential benefits, consider the costs associated with many of the dangerous side effects reportedly linked to receiving the Gardasil HPV vaccine:
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome: This autoimmune disorder can lead to muscle weakness, paralysis, and difficulty breathing and swallowing. Treatment can cost upwards of $300,000.
- Cervical Cancer: Though Gardasil is marketed as a preventative measure against cervical cancer, individuals have developed the disease after receiving the vaccine. According to one study, treatment for advanced cervical cancer can cost over $200,000.
- Autoimmune disorders: Individuals have developed autoimmune disorders after receiving the vaccine. These disorders require ongoing medical treatment and expensive medications that can cost hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars over a lifetime.
- Chronic pain and disability: With medications, home modifications, and diminished ability to earn a living, chronic pain, and disability can take a significant toll on an individual's financial stability due to the exorbitant costs of keeping up with necessary treatments and accommodations.
Seeking compensation through a lawsuit can help ease the financial burden and provide justice for those suffering from these alarming side effects.
How Does the Gardasil HPV Vaccine Lawsuit Work?
Over 180 Gardasil lawsuits are pending, and we expect many more. Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in the Western District of North Carolina consolidated these cases.
Bellwether trials may begin in late 2024 and 2025, testing the strength of plaintiffs' claims and potentially setting a precedent for future lawsuits.
Similar to class action lawsuits, MDLs allow numerous individual lawsuits to consolidate into one court, streamlining the legal process and allowing for more efficient use of resources.
However, unlike class action lawsuits, where plaintiffs have little control over the outcome, MDLs give each individual case its own trial.
Other benefits of an MDL include:
- Access to expert resources: During the discovery process, plaintiffs have access to medical and scientific experts who can help strengthen their case.
- Larger settlement amounts: In class action lawsuits, all plaintiffs typically divide any damages awarded. In MDLs, courts evaluate each individual lawsuit separately, meaning that if successful, the compensation awarded may exceed what a class action might bring.
- Flexibility for unique cases: Everyone’s experience with the vaccine can vary greatly. MDLs allow courts to independently evaluate each case and provide more flexibility in determining appropriate compensation specific to each person's experiences.
The ability to participate in an MDL is time-sensitive, as statutes of limitations vary by state. Seek legal counsel as soon as possible to determine if you have a viable case.
Gardasil HPV Vaccine FAQs
How do I know if I have a case against Merck regarding the Gardasil vaccine?
If you or a loved one has experienced serious health complications after receiving the Gardasil vaccine, explore your legal options. Contact an experienced lawyer to determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit.
How long do I have to file a claim?
The statute of limitations varies by state but generally ranges from one to six years from the date of injury or diagnosis. Seek legal counsel as soon as possible to determine the best course of action for your individual situation.
Can the lawsuit include my child?
If parents or guardians act as a representative for their child in legal proceedings, minors may participate in lawsuits regarding the Gardasil vaccine.
How much will it cost me to participate in the Gardasil vaccine lawsuit?
Personal injury attorneys who handle these cases often do so on a contingency fee basis, so you may not need to pay upfront costs to join the lawsuit. Instead, the lawyer will receive a percentage of any compensation awarded. Talk to a lawyer in our network to learn more about this option.
Contact a Gardasil Vaccine Lawsuit Lawyer Today
You shouldn't have to suffer long-term health complications and diminished quality of life due to Mereck's negligence. Seek justice and potential compensation through a Gardasil vaccine lawsuit with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney from the Lawsuits.com network of legal professionals.
Schedule a free case evaluation online or at (888) 984-6195 to get connected with a lawyer in your area.