Hon. Henry Simmons (retired), Managing Partner of Clifford Law Offices, spoke on WGN-AM radio on May 2, 2024, about a “blockbuster trial” underway in Cook County on the use of Zantac that was marketed as a safe over-the-counter antacid.
Judge Simmons called it a “landmark case” that is the first to go to trial over this drug in Illinois against two defendant pharmaceutical companies. Other entities such as Walgreens and Pfizer settled out of court, some for inadequate warnings, according to Lisa Dent, host of WGN-AM radio (720 AM).
The case revolves around an 89-year-old woman who developed colorectal cancer as a result of taking Zantac for about 20 years. Millions of people reportedly used Zantac before it was recalled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020 because of the presence of ranitidine, a cancer-causing substance that the drug manufacturers were aware of, according to the plaintiff in this case. The FDA said the dangers of using this product increase over time.
Judge Simmons said it will be a battle of experts at trial. Others who have used this drug and alleged it caused their cancers may have a case as well, and Simmons explained how future trials, if any, would proceed.
“These are mass torts because everyone has different damages and different ailments,” Simmons explained. “Class actions is when everyone suffers a similar damage. The results of this trial could encourage other law firms to go to trial if the verdict comes back in favor of the plaintiff. Or it could encourage these two defendants to settle other cases on the docket.”
Jury selection will make the difference, Simmons said. “Life is precious no matter what age,” he said. “Questionnaires that ferret out the data that will assist your client. Life expectancy tables will come in, but if she suffered for years, that will come into the trial.”
The case is being heard before the Hon. Daniel Trevino in Cook County Circuit Court.
Listen to the full interview here: