Gardasil HPV Vaccine Lawsuit

Updates and Settlement Information

LAWSUIT STATUS: New Cases Being Accepted

Yes. Gardasil® vaccine lawsuits are being filed claiming that Merck concealed the risks of autoimmune diseases and other long term side effects of Gardasil while falsely promoting the vaccine as a safe and effective treatment to prevent cervical cancer.

Individuals who received a Gardasil HPV vaccine and experienced any of the following complications within six (6) months of their last vaccination:

  • Autoimmune Disorders
  • POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)
  • Premature Ovarian Failure
  • Premature Menopause
  • Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
  • Chronic Pain, Brain Fog, Fatigue, Headaches or Nerve Damage

Latest Gardasil HPV Vaccine Lawsuit Update:

  • All lawsuits filed over side effects of Gardasil HPV vaccines are consolidated before one judge for coordinated discovery and pretrial proceedings
  • First Gardasil trial dates are expected to begin in August 2024, to help gauge how juries may respond to evidence that will be repeated throughout the litigation
  • Lawyers are continuing to review new Gardasil lawsuits for individuals nationwide
  • CONTACT A GARDASIL LAWYER TO MAKE A CLAIM

Gardasil Lawsuit Overview

Teens and young adults throughout the United States are now pursuing Gardasil lawsuits against Merck, indicating that they were left with severe pain and injuries after receiving the HPV vaccine injections, including potentially life-threatening autoimmune disorders and cancers.

According to allegations raised in Gardasil vaccine lawsuits, benefits associated with the HPV vaccine are negligible and are outweighed by the serious health risks caused by Gardasil.

Product liability lawyers provide free consultations and case evaluations to help determine whether financial compensation may be available through a Gardasil lawsuit settlement.

See If You Qualify for Gardasil Vaccine Compensation

2024 Gardasil Lawsuit Updates

March 8, 2024 Update: There are currently 143 active Gardasil lawsuits filed in the Gardasil Products Liability Litigation, according to the latest docket report released by the U.S. JPML this month.

January 8, 2024 Update: Judge Conrad will hold a Gardasil lawsuit status conference this week, to review the current state of the litigation and allow each side to update the court on any discovery issues. In preparation for the meeting, the parties issued a joint proposed agenda on January 2, indicating that they should discuss a proposed order regarding discovery, a discovery update from Merck, how the cases should be coordinated with lawsuits filed in California state court, and an update on the bellwether cases.

August 30, 2023 Update: Judge Conrad held a pretrial conference with lawyers on August 29 to review the status of the litigation and progress that is being made preparing these cases for early trial dates. In a status report issued in advance of the meeting, the parties reported that 13 of those 16 plaintiffs have already filed amended complaints, and Merck has filed case-specific answers to all of the claims in the bellwether pool.

July 2023 Update: On June 20, the Court announced the 16 Gardasil lawsuits selected for the initial bellwether trial pool. These cases will now go through workup in preparation as candidates for the first federal claims to go before juries.

April 3, 2023 Update: The Court has indicated that 16 Gardasil lawsuits will be selected for a bellwether pool by June 1, 2023, including five selected plaintiffs, five selected by Merck, four randomly selected by the Judge and two cases included that were originally filed in the Western District of North Carolina before the HPV vaccine MDL was established.

March 21, 2023 Update: To help guide the selection of a group of representative cases that will be prepared for early trial dates in the MDL, the Court has required a Plaintiff Fact Sheet to provide information about Gardasil vaccine injury claims raised in each lawsuit.

January 3, 2023 Update: Parties involved in the litigation approved a joint Gardasil bellwether selection plan which indicates six cases would be selected for the bellwether trials by August 5, 2024.

Show 2022 Gardasil Lawsuit Updates

Problems with Gardasil

Gardasil, and its current, updated version, Gardasil-9 are approved by the FDA as vaccines for the prevention of HPV-related cervical cancer. The FDA approved the original Gardasil formulation in June 2006, and approved Gardasil-9, the version currently in use, in December 2014, for girls ages nine through 26, and boys ages nine through 15 as a safe vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, and anal cancers, as well as genital warts.

The HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the world, infecting most sexually active people at some point in their lives. Of the 200 different strains, only about 12 to 18 are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. In most cases, the body’s immune system handles HPV without medical assistance.

Although there were serious questions about the effectiveness of the vaccine, Gardasil injections have been widely recommended for young girls and boys before adolescence and potential sexual activity to promote “herd immunity” and prevent spread of HPV infections.

Gardasil lawsuits allege that Merck withheld information about the risks associated with the vaccine, failing to warn consumers and the medical community about potential long term side effects of Gardasil.

Does the Gardasil HPV vaccine cause autoimmune disease?

The Gardasil HPV vaccine contains Amorphous Aluminum Hydroxyphosphate Sulfate (AAHS), Polysorbate 80, HPV LI-DNA fragments and other ingredients that are known to sometimes cause autoimmune diseases, including POTS, Lupus, PCOS, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and other serious autoimmune disorders.

Critics claim Merck failed to adequately disclose the presence of these ingredients, and also claim Merck used them in the placebos given to “control” test subjects during clinical trials, leading to an inaccurate assessment of Gardasil side effects.

These additives have been linked to problems with cognitive and motor functions, autoimmune reactions, increased blood brain barrier permeability, and macrophagic myofascitis of the muscles. They are also believed to be able to block neuronal signaling, interrupt cell-to-cell communications, corrupt neuronal-glial interactions and interfere with synaptic transmissions, alter enzyme functions, impair protein functions and could alter DNA.

Multiple medical journals have published studies suggesting a strong link between the Gardasil vaccine and POTS, which is an acronym for “Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome”. The condition is most known for its disruption of the autonomic nervous system’s regulation of many vital bodily functions including heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature.

According to reports submitted by families nationwide, Gardasil vaccine side effects have been linked to a number of health problems, including:

  • Autoimmune Diseases
  • POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)
  • Premature Ovarian Failure
  • Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
  • Premature Menopause
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
  • Irregular Heartbeat/Tachycardia
  • Lupus
  • Neurologic Disorder
  • Brain Fog or Chronic Inability to Concentrate
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Chronic Pain
  • Severe Headaches
  • Difficulty Sleeping
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Nerve Damage
  • Menstrual Disorders/Problems
  • Gastrointestinal Issues (food intolerances, nausea, vomiting)

Can Gardasil cause cervical cancer?

Some studies suggest cervical cancer rates have increased instead of decreased where Gardasil has seen widespread use, indicating it may be contributing to higher cervical cancer rates instead of lowering them.

Participants in the clinical trials developed cervical cancer in some cases, and certain women have reported developing sudden, aggressive, forms of cervical cancer after receiving the vaccinations.

One study found that cancer rates in Britain increased 54% among young women aged 25 to 29, following introduction of Gardasil and another HPV vaccine not sold in the U.S. In addition, there has been a 16 percent increase in cervical cancer among 25- to 29-year-olds, and a 30 percent increase in 30 to 34 year-old women 13 years after Gardasil vaccinations were implemented in Australia.

Does Gardasil Cause PCOS and Infertility?

Multiple lawsuits are being filed claiming that the active ingredients in the Gardasil vaccine can cause individuals to develop auto immune disorders that disrupt hormones, menstrual cycles and can cause chronic inflammation that damages the ovaries, which can lead to premature ovarian failure (POF), premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), premature menopause, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), all of which can result in infertility.

A recent study published in Scientific Reports has raised concerns about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The research examined data from the FDA Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) and found a disturbing trend of reports linking the Gardasil to premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and related problems. These reports included issues such as the absence of menstruation, irregular periods, increased hormone levels, and premature menopause.

A second study, published in the medical journal Drugs Real World Outcomes, further supports this connection. The study analyzed premature ovarian failure reports submitted to the FDA’s VAERS and found a significant increase in cases after the release of Gardasil, an HPV vaccine.

Researchers discovered that the number of reported cases of premature ovarian failure significantly rose after the launch of the first Gardasil vaccine in 2006. Prior to the vaccine, there were only 1.4 POF cases reported annually, but this number jumped to 22.2 cases per year following the vaccine’s introduction.

Gardasil Vaccine Lawsuit Examples

Maesor Derr Lawsuit: Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina in July 2022, Derr claims that after receiving the Gardasil vaccine when she was 13 years old, she began suffering from numerous side effects and has developed multiple debilitating conditions caused by the vaccine. In the complaint, Derr claims that Gardasil caused her to develop polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), autonomic, neurological, heterogenous autoimmune disease, dysautonomia and POTS.

Merrick Brunker Lawsuit: Filed in California state court in February 2022, Brunker alleged that problems from the Gardasil HPV vaccine surfaced within minutes of receiving the injection, causing symptoms of dizziness and fatigue. Within days, the side effects expanded to include extreme headaches, numbness and other severe symptoms that required a lumbar puncture to drain fluid buildup.

Ashley Muller Lawsuit: Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida in October 2021, Muller alleged that Gardasil injections caused POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), which left her with permanent pain and health problems. After receiving three Gardasil injections starting at age 19, Muller experienced symptoms of fatigue, headache, joint pain, dizziness and brain fog. As her condition worsened, she was diagnosed with various medical conditions, including POTS, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), TMF, gallbladder failure and other injuries.

Korrine Herlth Lawsuit: Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut in March 2021, Herlth filed the Gardasil vaccine lawsuit over autoimmune problems that began to emerge after she received the injection as a teenager. The complaint points to a lack of evidence that the HPV vaccine even works as advertised, and indicates that it may be more likely to cause cancer in those previously exposed to HPV than prevent it.

Zacharia Otto Lawsuit: Filed in California state court in September 2020, Otto alleged that he experienced Gardasil complications as a teen boy, and was ultimately diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, mast cell activation syndrome, autonomic neuropathy, small fiber neuropathy and chronic fatigue syndrome, leaving the young man with disabilities that require a cane for short distances or wheelchair for longer distances.

Gardasil HPV Vaccine Settlement Updates

Since all Gardasil lawsuits were consolidated in a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL), there has been no global Gardasil settlement reached and there have been no Gardasil lawsuit payouts awarded by juries. However, the U.S. District Judge presiding over the Gardasil litigation has established a program where a small group of representative claims will be prepared for early trial dates to help gauge how juries are likely to respond to certain evidence and testimony that will be repeated throughout all Gardasil claims.

According to a case management order (PDF) issued in March 2023, a group of 16 cases will go through case-specific discovery before the parties narrow the pool to a six trial cases. Written discovery in the cases will be completed by December 14, 2023, and all fact discovery will be completed by February 15, 2024. The parties will then argue a series of pretrial motions, with any “Daubert” challenges to the admissibility of expert witness testimony due in September 2024. It is then expected that the Court will schedule a series of Gardasil trial dates in late 2024 or 2025.

While the outcome of these early trial dates will not be binding on other claims, they are likely to have a big impact on the average amount of Gardasil settlements that may be offered to individuals who experienced problems from the HPV vaccine.

Gardasil Lawyers Reviewing Cases Nationwide

Lawyers are continuing to provide free consultations and claim evaluations to help families and young adults determine whether they may be eligible for financial compensation as a result of Merck’s failure to thoroughly research and test Gardasil before putting it on the market, or adequately warn recipients about the risk associated with the vaccine.

If warnings and information about the risk of Gardasil side effects had been provided, many parents may have decided against getting the vaccines, and injuries and deaths may have been avoided. Gardasil lawsuit settlements may help provide the benefits and financial compensation that individuals living with these debilitating complications need.

Gardasil Vaccine Lawyers

Free consultations and claim evaluations are provided for families nationwide, and there are no fees or expenses unless a settlement or recovery is obtained.

REVIEW A CASE

9 Comments

  • ShainaMarch 11, 2024 at 6:34 pm

    I received this vaccine as a teenager and have since been diagnosed with PCOS and Adrenal Insufficiency also known as Addison's Disease.

  • TiffanyFebruary 20, 2024 at 4:36 pm

    I have been suffering from PCOS since this vaccine. I received this vaccine when I was 12 years old and into my adulthood, I have been trying to start a family for 8 years with no luck. These symptoms started after the vaccine. Weight gain, facial hair, irregular and absent periods, irregular hormone levels. This vaccine has taken a huge part of me away, when all I want is to start a family, I am [Show More]I have been suffering from PCOS since this vaccine. I received this vaccine when I was 12 years old and into my adulthood, I have been trying to start a family for 8 years with no luck. These symptoms started after the vaccine. Weight gain, facial hair, irregular and absent periods, irregular hormone levels. This vaccine has taken a huge part of me away, when all I want is to start a family, I am certain this vaccine is to blame.

  • NatalieDecember 23, 2023 at 10:53 am

    I got this vaccine as an adult, just the first dose. Within days my life had changed, everything. I even have documentation with the medical issues, calling help lines. Worst part, the brain fog was so bad that I literally couldn’t remember getting the vaccine (took years to remember)! So angry that they are getting away with ruining so many lives because it’s been more than three years. They[Show More]I got this vaccine as an adult, just the first dose. Within days my life had changed, everything. I even have documentation with the medical issues, calling help lines. Worst part, the brain fog was so bad that I literally couldn’t remember getting the vaccine (took years to remember)! So angry that they are getting away with ruining so many lives because it’s been more than three years. They need to be bankrupted paying out for what they have done. That includes the federal officials that fast tracked without actually doing their own research.

  • RachelleOctober 14, 2023 at 3:43 pm

    I received the 3 rounds of the Gardasil vaccine in 2010. I ended up in the ER three times that year with lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, stomach pains, and chest pains. I was diagnosed with vasovagal syncope. Throughout the years other health challenges arised such as migraines, vertigo, tachycardia, and dysmenorrhea. I have a diagnosis of SVT and still suffer from dizzy spells and nausea.

  • ShacoyaSeptember 5, 2023 at 12:38 pm

    I took the vaccine 15 years ago at the age of 14 years old. I was pressured to get the vaccine at the time because I was sexually active. Shortly after receiving the vaccine I would wake up with severe knee pain in which I could barely walk some days. I was in and out of the ER due to the pain and my mother and father cried many days and nights with me. I had to see several specialist and receiv[Show More]I took the vaccine 15 years ago at the age of 14 years old. I was pressured to get the vaccine at the time because I was sexually active. Shortly after receiving the vaccine I would wake up with severe knee pain in which I could barely walk some days. I was in and out of the ER due to the pain and my mother and father cried many days and nights with me. I had to see several specialist and received the diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis at just 14 years old. I am just now learning that this vaccine is the cause of my life long pain, severe depression and even substance abuse. I turned to smoking marijuana at the age of 14 due the amount of pain I would be in. It was unexplainable and excruciating, doctors tried to put me on many different steroids over the years and I refused due to the side effects of the many prescriptions they wanted me to take. This auto-immune disease has ruined my life and it is not fair that the statue of limitations is only 3 years when we have to deal with a lifetime of pain. The only problem is they have kept this a secret from the public for so long and it is unfair and the fact that I received the vaccine in 2008. We need some lawyers to stand and fight for us we received the vaccine and now suffer due to the adverse long term effects. We should be compensated for the rest of our lives. This vaccine has robbed me of my whole life.

  • MindyJune 18, 2023 at 1:04 pm

    Reading this now is raising concerns to me. A couple years ago my daughter started complaining of nausea, she couldn’t eat kept throwing up. Her gallbladder failed and we thought that was the end bug if wasn’t she got worse and was almost to the point of going on a feeding tube. After a year we got a diagnosis of SMA Syndrome but also when doing the scan to confirm the diagnosis there was an accid[Show More]Reading this now is raising concerns to me. A couple years ago my daughter started complaining of nausea, she couldn’t eat kept throwing up. Her gallbladder failed and we thought that was the end bug if wasn’t she got worse and was almost to the point of going on a feeding tube. After a year we got a diagnosis of SMA Syndrome but also when doing the scan to confirm the diagnosis there was an accidental find of some nodules on her lungs. Long story short they are rare, they were called cancerous calcified fibrous tumors. They could not tell me much about them. They were removed and 1 yr after she had a clean scan but I know POTS patients usually have SMA as well and vice versus.

  • ShelleyApril 6, 2023 at 12:08 pm

    This is my daughter we have been dealing with this Sense 2009. She revived 1 vaccination and started going numb from feet up and then diagnosed with Gillian bars treated for that. Then chronic demilynorphy.

  • AndreaMarch 10, 2023 at 6:19 pm

    Ive been suffering the side effects of this vaccine for 15 years. I’m not sure if I can get documentation to show that they began within 6 months of the vaccine, but in the 15 years since, i have suffered with about half of what they’re saying it may cause. And for that I do have diagnoses and proof. Are there any attorneys dealing with the detrimental effects that occur years later, continuously?[Show More]Ive been suffering the side effects of this vaccine for 15 years. I’m not sure if I can get documentation to show that they began within 6 months of the vaccine, but in the 15 years since, i have suffered with about half of what they’re saying it may cause. And for that I do have diagnoses and proof. Are there any attorneys dealing with the detrimental effects that occur years later, continuously? If I could go back in time, i would have never gotten this vaccine. I would be a much different person today. No autoimmune disease, no frequent miscarriages due to blighted ova, no tachycardia and inability to focus. No chronic depression due to premature aging. The pharmaceutical company has ruined my life. What lawyer is going to help me? I’ve been a nurse for many years, giving my all to comfort my patients. I can no longer work as a nurse because of my body pain. Loss of enjoyment. Loss of quality of life. Severe depression & panic disorder. Please, some angel out there, I need guidance.

  • KIMNovember 3, 2022 at 11:51 am

    THIS IS LITERALLY MY DAUGHTER.......I am digging into this further and trying to find out the exact dates she had her vaccine but it was around the time that she first began having seizures. We spent 12 years of absolute hell trying to figure out what was going on. She almost died several times from status seizures. She is now 25 and has been able to reduce the seizures enough to go back to wor[Show More]THIS IS LITERALLY MY DAUGHTER.......I am digging into this further and trying to find out the exact dates she had her vaccine but it was around the time that she first began having seizures. We spent 12 years of absolute hell trying to figure out what was going on. She almost died several times from status seizures. She is now 25 and has been able to reduce the seizures enough to go back to work. Wow.....I am pissed!

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