When are Zantac Lawsuits Expected to Settle, and For How Much?

For decades, Zantac has been one of the highest-selling drugs in the world, and it is commonly prescribed for a large number of digestive and gastrointestinal conditions such as acid reflux. However, it wasn’t until recently that the true dangers associated with the drug were fully realized–essentially, Zantac’s active ingredient, ranitidine, decomposes over time. This decomposition then releases harmful amounts of a carcinogenic chemical called N-nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA. Frequent NDMA exposure has been linked to numerous forms of cancer, and longtime Zantac users everywhere are being encouraged to stop use immediately and consult with their physician.Before we discuss the latest updates surrounding Zantac litigation, it’s important to note that the experienced Zantac attorneys from Van Law Firm are standing by to take your call. Don’t let the negligence of pharmaceutical manufacturers impact your life moving forward–call our office nearest you to schedule a no-risk consultation and case review. 

Do We Know When Zantac Lawsuits Will Settle? 

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As much as we’d like to say that Zantac settlements are right around the corner, unfortunately that is not necessarily the case–all indications would say that we are at least a couple of years away from a definitive end to Zantac litigation. It was only a little over a year ago (April 1st, 2020) that the U.S Food and Drug Administration formally requested that all ranitidine-based products be removed from the market, so litigation is still in its infancy. 

That being said, it is still important for Zantac claimants to come forward as soon as possible, because the sooner the process can get started, the sooner it can finish. A large number of Zantac claimants have suffered serious injuries such as cancer, and there is no time to waste when dealing with serious conditions. 

How Will Zantac Settlements be Negotiated?

Whenever a large number of claimants have similar claims against the same defendant, it can create what is called a mass tort case. When mass torts such as Zantac are settled, it is done through either global (matrix) settlements or inventory settlements. 

Global or matrix settlements 

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As you might imagine, if a mass tort is settled via a global settlement, that indicates that the defendant is paying out a lump sum to cover all of the outstanding claims (in the case of Zantac, there are likely to be over ten thousand claims). The term “matrix” refers to the criteria used to determine which claimants get what and why. 

For example, a claimant who was diagnosed with stage 1 cancer and was subsequently cured through surgery or other means will likely receive less than those who were diagnosed with aggressive, terminal cancer. 

Inventory settlements 

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In the case of an inventory settlement, all of the various law firms who are representing the plaintiffs will assess each of their cases separately (most of the firms involved in proceedings are representing numerous plaintiffs). Each claimant will state to a settlement amount that is acceptable to them, and then the firm will add all of their plaintiffs’ totals together into one amount, which is referred to as the aggregate minimum. 

The defense will then negotiate a total settlement with each plaintiffs’ firm based on this minimum–if the end total happens to exceed the minimum amount, each claimant will receive a portion of the extra funds. 

It’s important to note that no matter which style of settlement a mass tort case is resolved through, claimants still have the right to accept or reject their proposed offer. 

What Happens If a Zantac Claimant Does Not Agree to the Proposed Settlement?

If a plaintiff does not agree to any proposed settlement agreement, they have the right to take their case to trial in hopes of being awarded a higher figure. However, as with any trial, there are never any guarantees, and if a trial is unsuccessful there’s a chance the claimant could walk away with nothing. 

To be clear, no claimant should feel obligated to accept any settlement that they aren’t comfortable with, but it’s worth talking with your attorney at length about the true value of your claim and your chances of succeeding at trial should you decide to take that chance. 

Questions? Contact Award-winning Zantac Attorneys Today

If you have questions about a potential Zantac claim, or would like to schedule a risk-free consultation with experienced Zantac attorneys, simply contact Van Law Firmat your earliest convenience. We’ve been defending the victims of defective and dangerous drugs for nearly ten years now, and we’re just getting started. Don’t let the negligence of pharmaceutical companies derail your life–instead, call our office nearest you today to get started.