Avandia Settlements Reportedly Reached in Thousands More Lawsuits
Published: June 2nd, 2010
GlaxoSmithKline has reached additional Avandia settlements in an estimated 5,000 lawsuits over the side effects of their diabetes drug, which has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and other potentailly life-threatening injuries.
Among the Avandia lawsuits settled were cases scheduled for trial to begin later this month in Pennsylvania, according to a report by Reuters. The first Avandia trial is now expected to begin in October 2010, unless additional settlements are reached.
Details surrounding the agreement to settle the Avandia claims have not been disclosed, but it is at least the second batch of cases resolved by the drug maker. Last month, Bloomberg News reported that GlaxoSmithKline agreed to pay $60 million to settle Avandia lawsuits brought by about 700 people represented by two law firms.
Avandia (rosiglitazone) was approved in the United States in 1998 to treat type 2 diabetes by helping control blood sugar levels. The drug has been used by millions of diabetics, but sales have plummeted in recent years as concerns have mounted about the risk of serious and potentially life-threatening heart risks with Avandia. Some experts estimate that Avandia has caused between 60,000 and 200,000 heart attacks and deaths due to cardiovascular problems in the U.S. from 1999 to 2006.
Concerns about the risk of Avandia heart problems first gained widespread attention in May 2007, when a meta-analysis of 42 different clinical trials was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, suggesting that users of Avandia had a 43% increased risk of a heart attack.
GlaxoSmithKline PLC currently faces about 13,000 Avandia lawsuit claims filed by former users of the drug who allege that the drug company failed to adequately research their medication or warn users about the serious side effects. The federal Avandia litigation has been consolidated into an MDL, or Multidistrict Litigation, for pretrial litigation in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
According to an earlier scheduling order issued by the federal judge presiding over the MDL, the first Avandia trial was expected to begin this summer. However, a modified scheduling order was issued last week granting an extension of time, indicating that lawsuits from the initial Avandia trial pill will begin October 5, 2010.
Pressure on GlaxoSmithKline to settle the Avandia cases has increased in recent months with the first trials approaching and a renewed push by critics for a recall of Avandia to be issued.
Earlier this year, a Senate report was released that criticized GlaxoSmithKline for intimidating doctors who spoke out about Avandia side effects and for failing to adequately warn users about the risk of a heart attack from side effects of Avandia.
An Avandia safety review is currently being conducted by the FDA, and the drug regulatory agency estimates that it will conclude its investigation some time in July. Some of the FDA’s own drug reviewers said as early as 2007 that Avandia poses too great of a health risk for too few benefits.
The FDA is also considering pulling the plug on an Avandia study, called TIDE, which is looking at the side effects of Avandia compared to those of Actos, a competing diabetes medication manufactured by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. The FDA says that given the Avandia heart attack risks, it may be unethical to continue the trials.
Related Articles
- Avandia Settlements Reached in Additional Lawsuits: Report (2/2/2012)
- Avandia Suit Filed By Louisiana Attorney General Over Fraud (2/21/2011)
- Settlement of Avandia Lawsuits Reached in About 10,000 More Cases (7/14/2010)
- Avandia Heart Study Raises Questions About Reliability of Results (6/8/2009)
- Avandia Lawsuits Filed in Illinois For 186 People (5/29/2009)
Comment by ROSIE on 4 June 2010:
I TAKEN AVANDIA, NOW I HAVE LIVER DAMAGE
Comment by james on 5 June 2010:
I had to have a four way by/bass and 4 other heartaccatks before i ask to be taken off the med.
Comment by robert on 10 June 2010:
well fellow avandia victims,money has won out again. just read an article on my attorneys website and they were talking about taking the settlement that gsk has offered. seems that gsk could drag it out for years. just goes to show if you have money you csn committ murder and get away wih it.oh well guess thats life. money talks and everything else walks.
Comment by Vincent on 11 June 2010:
One two, let me start with this in 1998 on about the 4th month. Around. The 15th – 25th. While I was on my way home. I recived a phone call or i say the phone call. The 1st egg. My moms asking me 2 bring home some rtbbing alcohal. 4 her legs. Only the start of her battle with this i would love 2 call worst than a street drug. Med. ” un “. Understand this, my ma had diabetes 4 10 to 15yrs never out of control. Mind u very well main
tained. About the same time as above is when the drug started 2 do its work. This f@$Ked up pill made her stay on this earth a very hurtful 2 the fullest.
Comment by Steve on 11 June 2010:
I also had a Congestive heart failure attack and had a quadruple bypass.
Had to have a pacemaker-defibulator put in and know am told it has a bad lead and could kill me. I was 54 at the time working at a thirty thousand a year job. Now I’m on disability and just getting by after paying what my insurance didnt cover. And what I cant pay the state takes my income tax to pay the bill off which means I’ll never get another state tax return. I cant have sex anymore I have e.d. and havent been able to afford a vacation for five years since my heart attack.Now their talking about $58,000 in some settlements thats some small change for taking away some one’s best years of their life.
I believe it should be Millions to each heart attack victum. This Drug was so misrepresented and fraudunetly pushed I think the FDA all members should have to share in repayment costs to the victims. And what about all the future problems that may arise I have kidney problems from it and had to have my gallbladder taken out and it was black. I understand I could have bone problems fraom taking it. Thats all I need. Whose going to pay for that??? I also believe they should pay my Legal fees because I would not have had those fees if it werent fore that drug.
Comment by Comment by Melvin on 23 June 2010:
I was in my mid 30′s, the prime of my life. Avandia has destroyed what I had to look forward to. I had congestive heart failure, kidney failure, I suffered a stroke and had to have 2 bypasses and 3 angioplasties. I have to take medicine for the rest of my life and my sex drive is all messed up. I am currently on disability and we all know how much we get from that, I don’t see how anybody can live off of the money they pay you for disability. I agree, GSK need to come a little better than a couple of thousands of dollars.
Comment by Tracy on 24 July 2010:
Anandia..05′-08′ I took it religious…Like being punched in the nose…vomit weight gain ,numbness left arm and dull pain constant,dizzy,lack of energy,loss of strenght,hard breathing,just too tired,stomach sensitive to foods,headaches and even Imitrex shots would not do much for reliefs.I could go on…The doctor finall changed the Rx. My sex life suffers as well.I am disabled as well. Can drug makers give us a extention of life?What about our families suffering…”They put erasers on pencils,beacuse people make mistakes”…So, how do they correct damages done to our lives? Stop ducking the responsibilities and “bucking” the mistakes…pen and pencil can not correct gentlemen! We all thank you and our families. We get up and go to be with this everyday we have no choices …damages are done.God help and save us all.
Comment by Rodney on 21 September 2010:
While on Avandia, I suffered a massive AMI-Heart attack (08/2003) Stints were placed but heart damage was enevatible. Since that time; I have had 9 more angioplacties and my RCA and LCA are nothing but stint’s. I have no sex life to speak off and was divorced due to this (Wife stated in court). I now have a ICD as I suffer from sinusbradycardia-Slow heart rate 44 bpm, and need another operation soon to clear two stints that are caving in on each other. Thank you GSK you made my life a living Hell.
Comment by Linda on 20 October 2010:
Has anyone received a settlement from their lawyer for the Avandia lawsut?
Comment by joe on 24 January 2011:
all i can say about gsk and the lawyers that the people who lost their lives and the people who are in bad physical condition because of avandia should be very well compensated.for example i have been on disability for 8 years right now i still would have 4 more years to work i will be 65 years old i was making around 48,000 a year back in 2005 of what i am making now on disability you read the numbers.plus the pain and suffering and my physical ability being shattered.
Comment by John on 26 April 2011:
All of the liability is not on the pharmaceutical company. Your doctor chose not to divulge the severe risks when prescribing Avandia. Iniate a malpractice suit against your physician as well. I intend to do so. Also it is my understanding that the suits are not like class actions. Each individual can decide whether or not to accept GSKs initial offerings. Call your attornies to make sure!
Comment by linda on 30 April 2011:
http://www.millerfirmllc.com/current-case-updates/avandia-update.html
looks like miller firm clients are getting paid check it out
Comment by kimberly on 15 June 2011:
does anyone know if from the post on April 30th, did the funding actually happen. I have heard nothing that anyone has actual been paid, I just hear alot of excuses from my attorney. That there are alot of files (they say over 6,000 from their firm) that the special master have to go through.. but i still dont have confirmation that they have even finished sending the files over. Basically the matrix has been completed, the points figured out, so how is it that they are telling me it might be another year?
Comment by Shelby on 23 June 2011:
I received a letter in Jan.,. 2011, saying that Garretson Resolution Group is serving as the neutral Settlement Administrator of all the Avandia cases in my group . Said that there is no additional information concerning the settlement value That I would be contacted as soon as more information becomes available. So I called my lawyer’s office and ask questions, they told me I should her something by the end of July 2011 in a letter telling me how much my check would be, and a release for me to sign.
Comment by connie on 13 July 2011:
did anyone get a check yet?
Comment by Mike on 20 July 2011:
I was also contacted in January 2011 by Garrettson and as of today, I also have not heard anything. I would love to hear from other people as to whether they have any recent news or if anyone has received a settlement amount.
Comment by connie on 2 August 2011:
face it no one gets nothing!
Comment by Shelby on 2 August 2011:
I got tired of feeling like I was getting the run-around so I emailed Garrettson Resolution Group, that I got the letter in Jan., about. I ask them questions, I received a return Email stating the below.
It all depends on these four things. 1.receiving the required number of release. 2.Defendant excepting the proof of injury and usage of avandia. 3. Receiving notification that the required number of claimants have accepted the settlement offer. 4. verifing that Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement has been met. Only after these steps can a process of disbursing awards begin. May take several months for process to be completed. They said they would send me other updates as the need arises.
Comment by connie on 15 August 2011:
have anyone got paid yet?
Comment by Shelby on 15 August 2011:
#:15 pm, 8/15/2011, called my group of attorneys in Alabama and was told that a team of nurses are reviewing the cases now and hopefully should receive another packet of forms in mail by late fall with award information on them and they are hoping to be finished with all of the cases by Jan., 2012. Run-a-round or not will have to wait and see.
Tried all the courts in Pennsylvania, Eastern and Multi-District litigation All I got was one hateful law clerk, she was really a beligerant person,got no answers except file a complaint and then they would look into it,Also went on line and keyed in to searches for the courts and got nothing.
Comment by connie on 16 August 2011:
Shelby, i thought you said you should be getting a check by the end of july now you are saying you probaly get something by january 2012. which one is it?
Comment by Jordan on 19 August 2011:
Shelby we apparently have the same attorney, in Fairhope,Al. I’ve heard this recording for over a month. I tried to talk to a person and she was hateful and really didnt want to tal. I reminded her that they were my attorneys and this was not a free service.
If there nurses are reviewing cases then they havent sent anything to Garretson. THis early next year business could be June again.
Comment by Shelby on 19 August 2011:
I am telling you what I was told, I am on a fixed income and could use the money the same as anyone else, I agree that if the nurse are going over it something is rotten in Alabama. Connie, I pray that we all soon see something in the mail, but it took my Husband from 1984 till 2002 to get 100% service connected after fighting for all those years he only lived 3 more years. He passed away in 2005, so as you see I could use it also, he was the Avandia patient, I am hoping that they soon do something, or we are all going to have to go sit on their door step and protest.
Comment by Shelby on 19 August 2011:
Connie, patient is a virtue, and that is all we have, Bless you I hope that we all get the truth soon.
Comment by D.L.BOLING on 20 August 2011:
I have an ongoing case for nearly 3 years. My documentation and proof with doctors advise of the problems with Avandia are conclusive! Let me say that Avandia is a great drug for type 2 diabetes, but not for people with a heart condition. If everyone, such as I were properly advised there would not be a problem. I am a type 2 diabetic, a quad by pass patient and recently 3 stents placed with full documentation and proof, but no settlement reached as of yet. I wonder what the hold up is and if any thing will ever come to pass as for as worthy compensation? Maybe if our courts let GSK keep putting off compensation and wait long enough, all of us will die, just after we have exhausted all of our possessions to survive. I say now as a final thought, “WHERE”S THE BEEF?” GSK, enjoy making good people’s lives miserable. Pay up!!!!!!!!!
Comment by connie on 22 August 2011:
Shelby, i hope you get something soon, you seem like a nice person, i started my lawsuit in 2007 last month garrettson said they are still waiting for the setttlement, my father passed away in 2006 from taking avandia. garrettson sent me a letter to sign that i approve of the settlement they also had a point system my father had 3 heart attacks, congestive heart failure, swollen of the legs, oxgen tank, his eyes were bad, they say they go by how much was wrong the more settlement you get. we will see, i suspose to hear from them soon good luck shelby.
Comment by connie on 26 August 2011:
did anyone get paid from garrettson resolution group yet?
Comment by connie on 4 September 2011:
Does anybody know anything about the point system? What is the highest and what is the lowest?
Comment by Michael on 6 September 2011:
You know, I have some chump attys in Texas…They are gonna get 40 percent plus costs…it has been over a year and they just got around to sking my Docs for the proof….These vultures are gonna get a large piece of what I get for doing not much…I have congestive heart failure, not them…LOLLLLLLLLLL
Comment by tammy on 14 September 2011:
I’m so tired of these over paid lawyers acting like I am a pain to them about calling getting updates on my supposed money! My attorney in AL. keep telling me different things everytime I call. ITS MY MONEY AND I NEED IT NOWWWWW!!
Comment by connie on 17 September 2011:
Tammy, i understand just what you are talking about at least you can talk to your lawyer, my lawyer always in a meeting lawyers sucks!
Comment by john on 21 September 2011:
I receuved my award letter the 2nd week of Aug and signed the releases and returned them . Letter indicated payment may take up to 90 days from receipt….
PS…Mike … look at it this way ! 60% of something is a whole lot better than nothing………I am definately satisfyied with my share…..and I hope my lawyer enjoys his new CADDY ! LOL
Comment by john on 21 September 2011:
Oh, I forgot ! the check is for 90% of funds another will be issued when all disbursements are complete and any appeals are heard
Comment by Shelby on 23 September 2011:
John , Where are your Attorneys at and how long has your claim been in the works?And what was your total amt of award in your letter?
Comment by mary on 27 September 2011:
Hello first time here.
My husband is the victim in this. took avandia for 2 years then the PA changed him to actos because it was a SAFER drug.
Pace maker loss of his job unable to work and 100% disabled.
Went thru all the lawyers B S and they called today saying there was no proof that the drugs caused his heart and breathing problems,
if there was no proof why are they offering him a $10,000 settlement with $6,000 for thier cost.
That would leave him with less than $4,000 for enduring the last 6 years and the rest of his life with no energy, breathing problems easily out of breath, no sex life. And the knowledge that he was you know what again. I would love to know what the attorneys are actually getting and what they are offering as settlements. I would bet that it’s a very big difference.
Comment by mary on 27 September 2011:
would love to get some straight answers from someone that is not making money from these claims
Comment by Shelby on 1 October 2011:
So John what you are saying is that you are getting 90% and then when it is all said and done with the attorneys and everyone elses claims, then the class action attorneys will decide how much each of us gets another check for on the interest the money has actually drawn over time. At least that is what I understand from what you said on 22 Sept., well let me tell you I wore a IUD some years back called a Dalkon Shield and when all the cases were settled and everyone was paid in the class action suit, I received a check every year near Thanksgiving for about 8yrs, on the interest the total amount of the court settlement was at first they were large checks, and they grad ually got less and less till they were about $100.00 dollars and then the attorneys sent a letter saying that was the last check .
Comment by Shelby on 6 October 2011:
I know what the points are, and what they mean!
Comment by Shelby on 6 October 2011:
I have more time now to explain about the points. I was told by my attorney that the points are either added or taken away, like if the person smoked that used avandia points are taken away, points are added for a death, etc/ also I am represented by Taylor LLP in Fairhope Alabama, they told me that their firm has till the end of 2011 to finish sending in their clients information to the defense for Avandia in other words GSK defense attorneys in Pennsylvania. At present time there are 500 clients that have been released to this group, the ones that have sent in all their information to the lawyer. That the nurses have decided that those have a case and the defense attorneys now will go over them, and then a final list will be decided upon. And the list will be sent to Taylor LLC attorneys in Alabama then a letter will be sent to each person in that list.
Good luck to all that are in this group may God smile on you and allow that Pennsylvania group to decide good things for you.
Comment by TAMMY on 6 October 2011:
I WAS TOLD THAT i WOULD GET A SETTLEMENT OFFER LETTER IN AUGUST . HERE IT IS NOW OCTOBER AND SPOKED WITH LAWYER IN ALABAMA AND THEY DON’T KNOW WHEN IT WILL GO OUT. THEY HAVE THE NERVE TO ACT LIKE I’M BOTHERING THEM WHEN I CALL. WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON?????
Comment by Shelby on 7 October 2011:
I sent the attorneys in Fairhope Alabama, a email, and they called me back they were real nice, and the girl that called me was very polite and gave a lot of information, and answered all my queations, very nicely and fully, The email is : at the end of the phone message, when you call you have to listen to all of it to the end. They told me my husbands claim was one of the 500, that was sent in already that I should hear from them by the end of the years. I have the patience of JOB and I know that God is good to those who ask and love him, and wait patiently, and are not greedy, even though I could use the sttlement as much as anyone for I am a cancer patient, diabetic, and have a heart condition, and Fibromyalgia. But all good comes to those who wait, and have faith in what is provided to us through our faith in the almighty.
Comment by Donald on 16 November 2011:
I received a letter from my lawyer dated October 7, 2011 stating the law firm had agreed I had enough evidence to warrant a claim and it had been submitted to GSK. The letter also said they expected to be able to notify me within several weeks of that settlement offer. Unfortunately, ‘several” weeks leaves a lot of leeway as I have not heard anything as of yet. I had my first MI when I was taking Avandia and had to have two stents placed within 6 months of the MI. Another 2 stents within 6 months stopping Avandia and 7 bypass surgery within 8 months of stopping. My heart is shot at this point as I have just gotten out of the hospital last week with the Dr telling me I have maybe 6 months. Would like to get the settlement to settle my affairs and set my wife up before I pass.
Comment by TAMMY on 24 November 2011:
I was told that my claim had been sent to GSK for approval and I called GSK they told me to call my lawyer and now I’m waiting on another approval. What is the steps of this and what is going on ?
Comment by shelby on 29 November 2011:
Tammy , Read my October comments maybe it will help you to have soime answers
Comment by shelby on 30 December 2011:
Well Happy New Year, everyone. Has anyone seen or heard anything from their claim? Sure hope we all hear something soon. I have been ccalling thea court in Pennsylvania and leaving messages so fat have not gotten a repy. Maybe they will soon get tired of me and call me back. I am praying that is the case. I sure could use it. I am a breast cancer patient and when I went for my blood work check for the cancer cell count it was higher than what normal is. So now I have to go back in Jan to be checked again if still up then I have to have scans to see where it has come back at. So there will be another round of Chemo. But I have had a talk with my Lord and Savior, and I know it is not going to be back again. Bless everyone and good things come to You All.
Comment by margie on 4 January 2012:
I called the law firm that we went through and they said that we were qualified and the garretson law firm will be sending fedex settlement paperwork within weeks (12/31/11)
I will pray for you!
Comment by Shelby on 5 January 2012:
Well Margie glad to hear that someone has gotten some information, Happy New Year
Comment by Douglas on 5 January 2012:
Just curious. Has anyone thought about a lawsuit against FDA for approving this drug. Seems to me like they should be held responsible, too
Comment by Marge on 9 January 2012:
I talked with my attorney after the new year and was told they still are working on qualifying people. I was told that in the summer. I\’m tired of this bs. I need my money. I\’m homeless and need help.
Comment by donald on 16 January 2012:
Good news is I am still here to write this. My attorney joined forces with another law office…one who was selected by the court to work the consolidated cases (Federal Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation ordered all cases against GSK consolidated into one court in Pa.). I got a letter from them to explain details and progress. The letter in a nut shell said offers should go out in Feb. and money they hope to distribute in the summer. The letter I found to be the most informative I’ve gotten to date. I do hope the notices of settlement do get sent out in Feb as it is apparent that everyone needs this to be settled.
Comment by Shelby on 18 January 2012:
Thank you Donald so good to hear some news.
Comment by connie on 22 January 2012:
This is a question for anyone who knows the answer. does anyone know when they are going to deicide to actually take medicare from us? I heard they haven’t decided yet. do they have a court date for this yet? I can’t get in touch with my so-called lawyer to ask the question. please some one respond.
Comment by Shelby on 26 January 2012:
Well guess what appeared in my mail today. No not a check , but information.My claim for the death of my husband was approved. The letter said that the claims with Sizemore TaylorLLC, were all approved by GSK,and that each claim will now be approved by Garretson Group, then they will determine how much will be offered to each individual claimant. And that it will take several more months to conduct the evaluations. The letter said I could expedite the process by going to the clerks office in my area and open an estate account. To me several months is Seven that is what I think/ Hope someone else gets some news.
Comment by Shelby on 26 January 2012:
I forgot to say that I had to open an estate account, since my husband left no will even though everything we had was in survivorship the vehicles, home, Insurance,etc and that I would have to be bonded but the clerk said she couldn’t open one because she would need to know a amount she would be bonding me for. Does anybody know what percent the bond is? I settled all of the things such as changing the name on the vehicle titles, the deed to our home,etc, after he passed away in 2005. And paid everything off. Now what will happen
Comment by shelby on 26 January 2012:
I got a letter in the mail today, from the avandia attorneys in Alabama telling me to open a estate account to expedite things along and keep the people at Garretson from charging me to do it that it would only be about several months till all was finished. And that all of Sizemore Taylors clients had been approved and sent to Garretson to finalized.So that is what the above is about
Comment by donald on 27 January 2012:
Shelby…was wondering about the results of your Dr’s visit for the cancer? Glad to hear you’ve got the news that your case was approved…but alas the old military theme of hurry up and wait! hope you see results soon.
Take care!
Comment by Shelby on 30 January 2012:
Thank You Donald for asking about my Dr visit, the count was not back down to normal, but close enough, so I still have to go back again in 5mos., I hope that you have good results with your health I say a Prayer for you and many more folks that I know that are really bad with cancer and other illnesses. Our God is a Good God, and I have all the faith in this world and the next that prayers are answered. Yes you are right about the military, but I think that Garretson is worse.
Comment by richard on 4 February 2012:
i had a lawsuit for avandia told the lawyer NO CLASS ACTION I wanted civil suit In the contrack I sign It said No Irepet No class action Guess what the lawyer did put me in class action then told me to get another lawyer he cant represent me again WATCH OUT FOR THE LAWYERS YOU GET WHEN YOU SAY NO CLASS ACTION THEY DONT LISION COULD I SUE THE LAWYER FOR CHEATING ME OUT OF THE MONEY I DESERVE 3 min strokes 21 days in coma memery loss pain and suffering abilty to be normal will never be loss of love from family and much much more how can they get away with this what kind of country do we really live in
Comment by Tammy on 8 February 2012:
I have retained me a lawyer for the estate settlement. Do anyone know whats next?
Comment by Shelby on 11 February 2012:
Tammy, Why did you retain a lawyer? Or what made you think it was time, I was told by the clerk of Court that there was plenty of time to do that after you received the paperwork from Garretson with the individual award on it, mainly because the clerk of court in the county in which I live in Virginia called Garretson and they told her that after they mailed out the award letter to me that I would have plenty of time to open and estate account with the courts. I would assume the next step would be to get your award letter and go to the attorney.
Comment by lisa on 11 February 2012:
not sure except for one thing a VERY LONG WAIT. Hopefuly it won;t be too long for you and hope you have a good attorney.One that won’t take one third and attorney fees and filing fees. Wish you the very best of luck
Comment by Jessie on 13 February 2012:
Just got a called from my attorney saying my award letter is in the mail. It is about time. yippy!
Comment by Tammy on 14 February 2012:
Shelby, I called my lawyer in Alabama and they told me to go ahead and start with my lawyer. Now I hate I done it cause when I call my lawyer back they tell me something different. I paid the lawyer $500 up front ans she said she would get the other when I get my settlement
Comment by donald on 14 February 2012:
Congrats Jessie! I sure wish we all would get a letter this month! Still wondering about the amount of the settlements. What GSK is looking at on my settlement is:
MI
4 stents placed after the MI
7 vessel bypass
That covers the time from when I started taking avandia until 12 months following the time I stopped. What was explained to me in a letter is that the greater the events/damage will reap the greater settlement. I would assume those who lost loved ones will receive the greatest settlement. Just my thoughts. What is in the news is that approx. 20,000 were settled but that is only about 85% of the cases pending. Hopefully by the end of Feb, we will all have letters!
Comment by Jessie on 15 February 2012:
Thanks Donald. I have waited going on 5 years in March for this. My family member died as a result of Avandia. I expect a large settlement.
Comment by Shelby on 16 February 2012:
Jessie, glad u finally heard something it has been almost 5 yrs for me also, I pray that we all hear something by the end of Feb., I would like to know if there is a time limit on these settlements? But that is something we will never know. God Bless us all, that this will soon be over.
Comment by marilyn on 19 February 2012:
I started taking avandia and it really worked, I thought. I lost weight and my sugar stayed normal. I took it for 2 and a hallf years. All of a sudden my heart rate went real high. I had to go to the hospital 5 or 6 times in the year of 2000. Thanks to avandia, I now have mimi strokes and have to take medicine for my heart, someting I never had to do before I took it. I am waiting for the real stroke to hit me. you can only have so many mini strokes before the real one hits. I havelost my house, and a lot more things because of it. I wish they would hurry and settle my case so I can buy me a home and move out of this small camper trailer.
Comment by donald on 20 February 2012:
Got an email today from my lawyer telling me my case was one of the the ones in the recent proposed settlements and that I should get a letter in the “next couple of weeks”. As I hope this is good news I still view it on the same page as being told the “check is in the mail”. Until I have it in hand it is not something I will not count on.
I hope we all are in the settlement and receive the compensation we deserve. I have to trust in God as He provides what I need which not always is what I ask for…the hazards of being human.
Comment by Jessie on 23 February 2012:
Well everyone, I got my settlement letIter and hell it was NOt what I expected since the use of this medication resulted in death. All I can say is don’t expect a large amount. My settlement was less than the proposed amount for a death and I’m totalling disappointed. These vulture’s are so wrong and the Bible is true when it says that lawyers are one of the most crooked people. I wonder how much my attorney is getting? Probably more than what I’m getting and for doing what? I provided most of the medical records for them. I’m signing the settlement cuz I deserve this money for ALL the pain and grief I have experienced, but after the check is received and cashed, I’m sending them a nice little letter.
Comment by Shelby on 24 February 2012:
received Email from attorneys today, said my husbands claim was approved and they are just waiting for Garretson to decide on an amount for it.
Comment by Shelby on 24 February 2012:
got same answer I got back a month or so ago. Approved but still waitingDonald how are you doing hope OK have you heard anything from Attorneys.
Comment by connie on 25 February 2012:
To Jessie, don’t feel bad the excite same thing happened to me, i lost a love one and the lawyers got most of the money and i did the work but always remember what goes around comes around, i will be writing a letter to my lawyer too when my money comes.
Comment by tammy on 25 February 2012:
@ Jessie good you got your settlement letter. My case resulted in the death of my mom. What law firm is representing you. I’m using one in Fairhope, Al and they don’t know when I should be receiving a settlement letter they say its on Gsk.
Comment by Dot on 27 February 2012:
Talked to my lawyer officein Fairhope, AL today I asked about settlement offres and they tokld me that they’re going to try to get out the letter by end of 2012. Why is Taylor Law Firm taking so long and GSK?
Comment by donald on 28 February 2012:
Shelby I’m still hanging on. Got approved to participate in a new drug trial that is supposed to help stop any further cardiac events. Get my first shots of it tomorrow(Wednesday). No further news about the settlement. Still waiting on the lawyers who told me via email that I should have the settlement letter in a couple of weeks(that was a week ago). I would like enough to put down for a new house but if God’s will does not have that planned then I will put what ever amount to good use for my family. I am greatful that I got life insurance before all this started so that at least my family will be taken care of no matter what.
Comment by Jessie on 29 February 2012:
@ Tammy, Sanders and Sanders in New York is representing me. Thanks Connie for your encouragement. The attorney’s are going to get theres for show.
Comment by Shelby on 3 March 2012:
Donald, I hope this shot whatever it is helps you I have to take two and a half heart pills a day, for a heart that was damaged from Radiation for Breast cancer. What helps one thing destroys another , but God has Blessed me as he does his people, I know he keeps us here till our Job is done. My faaith is strong. I got a Email from Taylor Law Firm in Alabama, saying that 1009 people had been approved in my group and that right now Garretson Resolution was working on points for those people. Hope it isn’t long for you. Prayers for you and your Family
Comment by pearlene on 5 March 2012:
is it anyone dealing with Taylor Law in Fairhope, AL. If so what are they telling you because I get differnt answer when I call
Comment by Shelby on 6 March 2012:
Jessie, when did you file, and how long was your wait before you got your settlement letter? I am glad your Blessing finally came, hoping your family will be blessed to have you around for a long time also. You may feel it wasn’t a blessing but it is more than you had I assume.
Comment by Jessie on 7 March 2012:
@Shelby. Thanks. I filed in 2007. I got my letter in February 2012; five years to be exact. Its a long wait and the settlement money don’t come right away according to my lawyers.
Comment by Shelby on 8 March 2012:
Pearlene, I am with Taylor in Fairhope Alabama, they don’t give very much information, the last time I talked to them my husbands claim had been approved and was with Garretson Resolution Group waiting for the points and and an amount to be put on it for the settlement. They said it could be quite a while yet.Bless you hope you hear more than me.
Comment by Susan on 9 March 2012:
Jessie, I just read a few of your posts and I\\\’m very glad that you received a settlement letter. I\\\’m still waiting for a settlement letter. I lost my mother due to CHF. Just curious how much or what range was your settlement? I have never done anything like this and don\\\’t have a clue what to expect. Hope you can give me a little clue – - — I know each case is different. Just thought I\\\’d try to find out from someone that has the same end result. Thanks in advance.
Comment by donald on 12 March 2012:
Well…lawyers have different definitions of words than I am use to…for example “you will recieve a letter in the next FEW weeks” I would interpret to mean within 2-3 weeks. But alas 3 weeks have come and gone and still no letter. Now I could look at this as a good sign (they are sending out the higher awards last) or a bad sign (they are sending out the higher awards first leaving the lower awards for last). Or the best of all is trust in God and be thankful if I even get a letter. Oh well…the wait continues…
Comment by Jessie on 13 March 2012:
@Susan: Lets just say the range was well under $50k. My relative suffered from CHF as well. I’ve heard that GSK is not paying much because other claims have paid out. Early on in this case, GSK was paying $500,000 for each claimant. Google GSK Avandia Claimant Settlement and you will see what I’m talking about. I hope you get more and get your settlement letter soon.
Comment by Shelby on 13 March 2012:
Good Luck Donald, hope you soon get and answer. Having a real bad day today should not take time to stop and think, i know God is with me, but he can’t turn off memories. Prayers
Comment by donald on 15 March 2012:
Shelby…God has been doing some great miracles around my family. Aunt who previous fought cancer was checked again and initial report is cancer had re-appeared…biopsy showed no cancer next my neice had an xray showing cracked vertebrae…next day MRI the crack was gone and dr was stunned. Dr’s told me in Nov 2010 that I probably would not see Christmas. God is alive and active in our lives…Just sometimes he answers prayers on his time not our’s. Memories is what God gave us to hold us over till we join Family who has gone before us! My sister was told yesterday they had found a large mass on her pancreas…MRI today and oncologist tomorrow…she has already beat breast cancer now for 6 years so believe God will help her thru this as well. I believe God is in control…even if I don’t always agree.
Comment by donald on 16 March 2012:
As I said…He is in control…Sister’s mass turned out to be a cluster of cysts…not the cancer we thought.
Still no offer letter…just cause I want it doesn’t mean I need it…in His time.
Comment by Shelby on 16 March 2012:
I believe in miracles, some say they do not happen in this day only when Jesus walked this earth, but I don’t believe that, I have seen the faith work in miraclous ways.In my own life, my families lives. I am so glad for your blessings. May this world have a large blessing in that people come to confess and turn to God. Went to heart Dr yesterday and he heard a murmur that he didn;t before, but my faith is going to take care of it. So pray that when I have the echocardigram next week, that it is healed.
Comment by Jessie on 19 March 2012:
@Donald: You are right. God does what he wants when he wants and not in our time only in his. Keep the faith and trust in God. I’ve learned that being anxious for something does not make it come faster and when you are not anxious and looking for something it comes to you. @Shelby: Just be patient. Trust God; have faith and don’t be anxious. I waited five years for the settlement letter and now I’m waiting for the money which may take as long, but I believe God will send it just when I need it. Stay strong.
Comment by Jessie on 20 March 2012:
@shelby: You are on two websites for avandia chat and you have posted different things on each site.
Comment by shelby on 22 March 2012:
Jessie, I don’t mean for it to be different. Like my Attorney Sizemore Taylor called me yesterday, and said that my husbands claim had been approved, just waiting for everyone else in the group to get their paperwork in because they all have to be sent to Garretson together for settlement amount and points. Yet sometime back I was told that my husbands claim was 1 of 500 that was sent to Garretson, so I only tell you what I am told. Forgive if you think it is different , I don’t mean to mislead you. God Bless us all.
Comment by shelby on 22 March 2012:
Jessie, the other site I found by accident, and it is more like a chat line than this, on this you have to wait to be approved before it is posted. And I only put what I am told by Sizemore Taylor like when I talked to them yesterday, they told me that my husbands claim had been approved for settlement and was waiting to be sent to garretson, when last year they told me that it had been sent already with a group of 500 claimants so I only tell you what I am told.
Comment by Jessie on 23 March 2012:
Ok Shelby. No heart feelings. Just wondering. I like the other site better because I don’t like waiting until my post is approved. I will be on the other one more or less than on this one. So lets chat on the other one sometime. I haven’t received my check yet and from what I read on the other site it may take a year, but I am believing God that it comes right away. I hope you hear from your attorney soon.
Comment by Jessie on 23 March 2012:
Shelby: no heart feelings. I was just wondering. You know the other site makes you wait for moderation as well. What’s the difference in these websites?
Comment by donald on 28 March 2012:
I finally got a letter from my lawyer but before any celebrations begin it was NOT a settlement letter. Over 4 weeks ago my lawyer had sent me an email telling me that I was included in this last round of settlements so I should be recieving a settlement letter in the next “several” weeks.The letter I recieved was asking me to get a sworn statement from my Dr. about me being disabled. MY understanding from the letter is that they are now going to consider my disability as part of the settlement. Had I not taken the Avandia which progressed my CAD to the point of a heart attack and then onto a 7 vessel bypass and now just waiting for the day to come around when my hearts tells me it’s had enough…I believe I would still be working with my 6 figure income and my family much better off
But this was not God’s will so I will accept what is instead of spending wasted time on what might have been. I woke up today and told my wife I love her and expect I will talk with at least one of my children and several grand-children…which makes for a very pleasant day to be grateful for. I know money is coming my way or at least toward my family so God will be taking care of that worry for me. I hope all here will see progress in their situations and comfort knowing that someone else is in control.
Comment by Judy on 17 April 2012:
Hi all, I have read all the comments and it truly amazes me the lack of information each person has. When we first learned about Avandia was through the TV and the appeal by a law firm to call them if you have taken it. We called, they sent out forms we filled them out, noting doctors , hospitals prescription orders etc. The next contact was by letter again that another lawyer or law firm would be now includedno extra cost same percentage split between them. So we signed it. Next time was another letter for exact addresses of all involved Dr.s Hospital etc which we had sent first time around. Yes, you as the client have to give them a lot of proof. Next contact letter of approval and acceptance into the claim.After that Settlement team letter. Finally this past month a letter phone call to us, and letter from GSK. It appears that next month this section of class action goes to court for settlement. Acorrding to our letter $100,000,000. dollars has been agreed on by pharmiseutical co. on for 2500 cases. Now GSk will dole out amounts for each claim. We were never told about additional costs, like court fees, Medicare return money etc. I understand in these 2500 cases all these fees will be totaled and divided up from money allocated to each person. My husband is the claimant. Had we not seen the TV appeal we would have known nothing about it. From 2000-2007 we trusted our doctor who put him on the medication. But it wasn’t until 2007 the medical journal wrote an article about it’s added dangers. Now what you don’t seem to know is this suit against the Ph Co was settled in amount before you came on the scene. The lawyers dispositioned a law suit against them with the court. Once this was done the lawyers had x amount of time to present claims against the settlement to get their money. You are one of thousands they must produce. This is what class action lawyers do all the time this is how they make their money. Will you get what you call a fair share for your injuries? I doubt it. You will get what’s left after all bills have been paid. The lawyers percentage has no bills attached. While your percentage has all the bills attached for legal fees ect. We look at it this way we had nothing before if we get even a small amount it will be something we didn’t have in the first place. Anyone who is waiting for a big wind fall to add to their living had better not count on it. if a private lawyer won’t take your case don’t you realize they know the ins and outs of a claim like this and it is not worth their time. Think about it. And God Bless all of you.
Comment by Johnson on 17 April 2012:
@Judy: that’s beside the point. I got agreement letters, calls from my attorney when there were problems with getting the medical records and when that was done, years later I get a settlement letter. I NEVER heard anything else from my attorney until they called ME to make sure I sent the settlement papers back, while all the time I was calling THEM for updated info on the case without fail and they could NEVER give me a straight answer, They are crooks bottom line.
Comment by david on 19 May 2012:
Judy you hit it right on the head i lost my father in 2005 and just got my settlement check what a joke my laywer
made sure to take his 40percent he hit me for all kinds of hidden court fees and now im dealing with medical medicare . people this was the most horrible experience i had ever dealt with .