How to File a Lawsuit For Tepezza Injuries

How to File a Lawsuit For Tepezza Injuries

Hearing loss wasn’t on the list of potential risks when Tepezza was marketed as a groundbreaking treatment for Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). Yet, patients across the country are now facing unexpected and life-altering consequences after receiving this medication. According to recent reports, Tepezza has been linked to severe hearing-related side effects, including permanent hearing loss and persistent tinnitus.

If you or a loved one developed hearing problems after using Tepezza, you may be entitled to compensation. Filing a lawsuit not only provides an opportunity to recover damages but also holds pharmaceutical companies accountable for failing to adequately warn patients about these risks.

At Lawsuits.com, we connect victims with the legal assistance they need to get justice. Call (888) 984-6195, and we will connect you with a local attorney who will evaluate your case, explain your options, and guide you through the legal process.

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How Tepezza Works

Tepezza, known generically as teprotumumab, was hailed as a game-changer for individuals suffering from Thyroid Eye Disease, a rare autoimmune condition that causes bulging eyes, double vision, and significant discomfort. 

Approved by the FDA in 2020, Tepezza is administered as an intravenous infusion over a series of eight treatments, typically spaced three weeks apart. By targeting and inhibiting the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), the drug reduces inflammation and tissue swelling, providing relief for TED patients when other treatments fail.

While the therapeutic benefits of Tepezza offered hope to many, the reality of its potential risks soon came into focus.

Reported Side Effects: The Unintended Consequences

• Hearing-Related Issues
  One of the most alarming side effects linked to Tepezza is its impact on hearing. Patients have reported a range of auditory problems, including:
  • Hearing Loss: Both sensorineural (damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve) and conductive (blockages or damage to the middle ear) forms of hearing loss have been observed.
  • Tinnitus: Persistent ringing, buzzing, or other phantom noises in the ears, often interfering with concentration and sleep.
  • Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Difficulty equalizing ear pressure, leading to discomfort and muffled hearing.

These issues can arise during or shortly after treatment and, in some cases, persist long after therapy has concluded.

• Other Potential Side Effects
  In addition to hearing-related problems, patients have experienced other adverse effects, including:
  • Muscle spasms that limit mobility and cause discomfort.
  • Nausea and gastrointestinal distress.
  • Alopecia (hair loss), which can compound the emotional toll of TED.
  • Fatigue, often severe enough to disrupt daily activities.

What Does the Research Say?

Clinical studies and post-marketing reports have brought these side effects to light. A study published in The Journal of the Endocrine Society indicated that up to 65% of patients receiving Tepezza experienced some degree of hearing impairment. These findings prompted patient advocacy groups and medical professionals to push for stronger warnings about the drug’s risks.

In response, the FDA updated Tepezza’s label to include more detailed information about potential hearing issues. However, many argue that these warnings came too late for individuals already affected.

Assessing Eligibility for a Tepezza Lawsuit

Filing a lawsuit for Tepezza-related injuries begins with determining whether you are eligible to take legal action. This process involves analyzing the circumstances surrounding your use of the drug, the injuries you’ve suffered, and the evidence available to support your claim.

Are You Eligible to File a Lawsuit?

To qualify for a Tepezza injury lawsuit, several key factors must be present:

• You Used Tepezza as Prescribed
  Eligibility typically requires proof that you received Tepezza treatments as directed by your healthcare provider.
• You Suffered Hearing-Related Injuries
  Hearing loss, tinnitus, or other auditory impairments experienced after Tepezza treatments are core to these lawsuits. Evidence of these injuries should include:
  • Audiology reports diagnosing hearing loss or related issues.
  • Medical records linking the onset of symptoms to your treatment timeline.
• A Connection Between Tepezza and Your Injuries Can Be Established
  Legal claims require establishing causation, meaning a direct link between your use of Tepezza and the harm you’ve suffered. Expert testimony, scientific studies, and clinical research may all be used to demonstrate this connection.

Why Medical Documentation Matters

Medical records play a pivotal role in proving your claim. You’ll need to provide detailed documentation, including:

• Treatment records showing your diagnosis of Thyroid Eye Disease and subsequent Tepezza infusions.
• Reports from audiologists or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialists diagnosing hearing loss or related conditions.
• Records of any ongoing medical care you’ve received to address the side effects, such as hearing aids, surgery, or therapy.

Examining If the Manufacturers Broke Any Laws

Product liability claims hinge on holding manufacturers accountable for harm caused by their products. These laws protect consumers under several legal theories, including:

• Strict Liability: Under the Restatement (Second) of Torts §402A, manufacturers are held strictly liable if their product is defective, even if they were not negligent in its design or production. For drugs like Tepezza, strict liability applies if the drug is deemed unreasonably dangerous—even when used as intended.
• Failure to Warn: Drugmakers have a legal obligation to provide clear and comprehensive warnings about potential risks. If the manufacturer of Tepezza knew or should have known about the likelihood of hearing damage and failed to adequately disclose these dangers, they could be liable for failure to warn.
• Breach of Warranty: States often allow claims based on implied warranties—promises that a product is safe for its intended use. If Tepezza violated this implied promise by causing harm, patients may pursue a breach of warranty claim.
• Negligence: If the manufacturer did not exercise reasonable care in testing, designing, or marketing Tepezza, they could be liable for negligence. This includes failing to update labels to reflect new findings about risks like hearing loss.

Each legal theory is grounded in state and federal laws, which vary depending on where the lawsuit is filed. A skilled attorney will help determine which legal framework best applies to your case, ensuring the strongest argument possible.

Steps to File a Tepezza Injury Lawsuit

Here’s what you need to know about initiating and pursuing a claim.

1. Consulting with a Lawyer

The first step in any legal action is to connect with an experienced Tepezza lawsuit lawyer who specializes in handling defective drug claims. During your initial consultation, your lawyer will:

• Evaluate your medical records and treatment history to confirm a potential link between Tepezza and your injuries.
• Explain the legal theories behind your claim, such as failure to warn, strict liability, or negligence.
• Provide guidance on the expected timeline and next steps.

Your lawyer’s role is to handle the complexities of your case, allowing you to focus on recovery while they pursue justice on your behalf.

2. Gathering Evidence

Successful claims are built on strong evidence. To support your case, your lawyer will help you compile the following all of the documentation that we outlined in the previous section that will be necessary to argue your case.

3. Filing the Legal Complaint

Once the necessary evidence has been gathered, your lawyer will draft and file a formal complaint. This document outlines:

• The legal basis for your claim, such as product liability or failure to warn.
• Specific allegations against the manufacturer.
• The damages you are seeking, including medical costs, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.

The complaint will be filed in the appropriate jurisdiction, taking into account federal and state court procedures.

4. The Discovery Phase

During discovery, both sides exchange evidence and gather information to support their positions. This phase may involve:

• Interrogatories: Written questions submitted by each side for the other to answer under oath.
• Document Requests: Requests for internal records, such as company emails or clinical trial data, to reveal what the manufacturer knew about Tepezza’s risks.
• Depositions: Sworn testimony from parties, witnesses, or experts, recorded for use in court.

5. Settlement Negotiations or Trial

Most lawsuits are resolved through settlements, where the manufacturer agrees to compensate the plaintiff without going to trial. If settlement negotiations fail, the case proceeds to court. During a trial, your lawyer will present evidence and arguments to demonstrate the harm caused by Tepezza and advocate for the compensation you deserve.

Potential Compensation in Tepezza Lawsuits

Filing a lawsuit for Tepezza-related injuries is not just about seeking justice—it’s also about recovering the financial and emotional costs of the harm you’ve endured. Compensation in these cases aims to address the tangible and intangible losses caused by your injuries.

Types of Damages You May Recover

In a successful Tepezza injury lawsuit, plaintiffs may be entitled to several categories of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses:
  • Costs for diagnosing and treating hearing loss or other side effects.
  • Ongoing care expenses, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, or therapy.
  • Future medical treatments required to manage the long-term impact of your injuries.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity:
  • Compensation for income lost while dealing with the effects of your injuries.
  • Damages for diminished earning potential if your hearing loss affects your ability to work.
• Pain and Suffering:
  • Monetary damages for the physical discomfort caused by hearing loss, tinnitus, or other conditions.
  • Compensation for emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and diminished quality of life.
• Punitive Damages:
  • In cases where the manufacturer acted with gross negligence or willful disregard for consumer safety, the court may award punitive damages. These are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.

Factors That Influence Compensation

The amount of compensation awarded in a lawsuit depends on several factors, including:

• The severity and permanence of your injuries.
• The degree to which the injuries have impacted your daily life and career.
• The strength of the evidence linking Tepezza to your injuries.
• Whether the case is resolved through a settlement or decided in court.

Your lawyer will help you evaluate these factors and build a compelling case to maximize your recovery.

How Compensation Can Change Lives

For many individuals affected by Tepezza, financial recovery is a vital step toward rebuilding their lives. It can provide:

• Relief from the financial burden of medical bills and lost income.
• Resources to access the best possible treatments and care.
• A sense of closure and accountability for the harm caused.

Statute of Limitations and Filing Deadlines

What Is the Statute of Limitations?

Filing a lawsuit is time-sensitive. Each state enforces a statute of limitations, a legal deadline that determines how long you have to bring a claim.

For Tepezza-related injury cases, this is typically governed by product liability laws and varies by state. Common deadlines include:

• Two to Four Years: Most states require claims to be filed within two to four years of the date you discovered your injury or should have reasonably known about it.
• Discovery Rule: Some states allow extensions if the injury wasn’t immediately apparent. For example, hearing loss that develops gradually may extend the filing window from when the condition was diagnosed.

How to Determine Your Filing Deadline

Your specific deadline depends on:

• Your State’s Laws: Each state has its own statute of limitations for product liability and personal injury claims.
• The Date of Your Tepezza Treatment: The clock often starts ticking from the date of your last infusion or when you first experienced symptoms.
• The Discovery of Harm: In some states, courts recognize that certain injuries, such as hearing damage, may not be evident until months or even years after exposure.

Exceptions to the Deadline

Certain circumstances may toll (pause) the statute of limitations, such as:

• Minors: If the plaintiff is a minor, the deadline may be extended until they reach the age of majority.
• Fraud or Concealment: If the manufacturer concealed critical information about the risks of Tepezza, courts may extend the filing deadline.

Get the Justice You Deserve for Tepezza Injuries

Hearing loss and tinnitus weren’t part of the promise Tepezza made to patients seeking relief from Thyroid Eye Disease. At Lawsuits.com, we take pride in helping victims get the legal help they need to help hold corporations accountable.

If you’ve experienced hearing-related injuries after Tepezza treatment, now is the time to act. Call (888) 984-6195 today. We will connect you with a local attorney who can evaluate your case, explain your options, and work with you to pursue the compensation you deserve.