Depakote has been the subject of numerous lawsuits alleging that the drug’s manufacturer, Abbott Laboratories, failed to adequately warn consumers and doctors about the risk of serious birth defects.
The first Depakote lawsuit was filed in 1994, and since then, thousands of other lawsuits have been filed against Abbott Laboratories. In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added a black box warning to Depakote’s label, indicating that the drug could cause serious birth defects, including neural tube defects such as spina bifida. However, Abbott Laboratories has been accused of downplaying the risk of birth defects for many years.
In 2012, a federal judge approved a $1.5 billion settlement of thousands of Depakote birth defect lawsuits. However, many other lawsuits continue to be filed, and the total amount of money paid to Depakote victims is likely to reach into the billions of dollars.
Specific Allegations Against Abbott Laboratories
The lawsuits against Abbott Laboratories allege that the company:
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Failed to adequately test Depakote for birth defects before it was approved by the FDA.
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Misrepresented the safety of Depakote to doctors and patients.
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Failed to provide adequate warnings about the risk of birth defects.
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Continued to market Depakote to pregnant women even after the company was aware of the risk of birth defects.
Outcomes of Depakote Lawsuits
As of 2023, there have been several significant outcomes of Depakote lawsuits:
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In 2012, a federal judge approved a $1.5 billion settlement of thousands of Depakote birth defect lawsuits.
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In 2019, a federal judge approved a $434 million settlement of Depakote suicide lawsuits.
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In 2022, a federal jury awarded $2.3 billion to a woman who developed a rare neurological disorder while taking Depakote.
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There are still thousands of Depakote lawsuits pending in courts across the country.
The Future of Depakote Lawsuits
The legal landscape surrounding Depakote lawsuits is likely to continue to evolve as more cases are decided and as new evidence emerges. It is important for potential Depakote plaintiffs to consult with an attorney to discuss their legal options.
