If you developed symptoms of canalicular stenosis after being given the chemotherapy drug Taxotere, call Hotze Runkle PLLC immediately. You might qualify for financial compensation if you suffered severe side effects as a result of the medication. Canalicular stenosis is a condition breast cancer patients could develop from undergoing Taxotere chemo treatment. While most might regard your symptoms as a minor inconvenience, those who experience it know how debilitating it is. It negatively impacts your daily routine and interferes with your ability to perform simple tasks.
The Ohio Taxotere lawsuit lawyers from Hotze Runkle PLLC understand the devastating effects of your symptoms. You’re in pain, unable to work, and stressed about the medical bills you’re receiving. It’s our goal to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available. We seek justice for clients who were wronged by negligent companies. When you hire us, you can feel confident knowing you’re in the hands of experienced and dedicated legal professionals.
Did Taxotere Cause My Canalicular Stenosis?
It’s difficult to believe that a drug designed to cure your breast cancer caused any adverse reactions. Sanofi-Aventis, a pharmaceutical company responsible for manufacturing Taxotere, created the drug to treat cancer patients. Its purpose is to prevent cancer cells from growing and spreading to other areas of the body. It’s most commonly used for breast cancer but proved helpful in treating cancer of the stomach, lung, prostate, neck, and head.
In 2014, Sanofi-Aventis and the FDA released warnings about possible side effects associated with taking Taxotere. Breast cancer survivors filed lawsuits stating Sanofi hid the dangers of their chemo drug. They also explained that the manufacturer’s failure to disclose adverse side effects prevented the option of exploring other treatments.
Infection, eye-watering, and blurred vision are just a few of the debilitating symptoms experienced by individuals taking Taxotere. The canaliculus functions as a passageway for tears to travel from the tear ducts to the nasal cavity. If the canaliculi become obstructed, they no longer function properly. That leads to epiphora, which is excessive eye-watering.
Studies performed on breast cancer survivors showed the interaction of Taxotere with vital structures in the eye. As tears pass from the ducts to the nasal cavity, they come in direct contact with secretions from the drug, which causes inflammation. Chronic inflammation leads to infection, which creates an obstruction that prevents tears from funneling through the nasal passages. If left untreated, it could lead to the diagnosis of canalicular Stenosis.
Symptoms of canalicular stenosis range from mild to severe. In some cases, medical intervention is necessary. The most common symptoms include:
- Swollen eyelids
- Watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- Clouding of the lens of the eye
- Headaches
- Eye infections
- Dry eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Swollen eyelids
- Loss of areas of vision
If you suffered from any of the symptoms above, your diagnosis could relate to your treatment. The Ohio Taxotere lawsuit lawyers from Hotze Runkle PLLC understand these side effects are more than just a small inconvenience. It’s a debilitating medical condition that affects many aspects of your life.
What Can I Do to Treat My Symptoms?
In the beginning stages of canalicular stenosis, you might only experience epiphora. With early intervention, your ophthalmologist could monitor your condition and prevent it from developing into something more severe. You could even continue chemo treatments while managing your symptoms.
Unfortunately, many people wait until their symptoms progress before seeking treatment. Canalicular stenosis is incurable, and in severe cases, irreversible. Depending on how much it progressed, you could opt to undergo dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). DCR involves the placement of a stent that allows tears to avoid the obstructed tear duct and travel through a new passageway. It’s an expensive and invasive procedure that could potentially cause health problems. The most common risks associated with DCR include:
- Full or partial blindness
- Significant facial scarring
- Infections
- Displaced stent
- Stent migration
- Excessive bleeding
- Abnormally fused tissue
- Unsuccessful results
Your options are limited if your canalicular stenosis advanced past the point of minimal intervention. Surgery could cause issues far worse than your original diagnosis. That’s why it’s essential to seek treatment as soon as you notice peculiar symptoms.
Can I Sue If I Received A Diagnosis of Canalicular Stenosis?
It seems unfair that you beat cancer only to face a whole new set of health challenges. Sanofi knew about the potential dangers of their drug and failed to disclose it to the public. That’s gross negligence, and you’re entitled to seek compensation from them.
Whether your symptoms started recently or affected you long-term, you must seek representation from one of our Ohio Taxotere lawsuit lawyers immediately. We know the critical laws and statutes in the state of Ohio regarding product liability cases. When you hire us, we will gather all the necessary evidence proving Taxotere caused your side effects. We never back down from a fight and will use all the resources at our disposal to try to win your case.
What Are the Laws for Filing A Lawsuit in Ohio?
The statute of limitations is a time limit for bringing legal action. In Ohio, the statute of limitations in product liability cases is two years. That means you have two years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit against the liable party. Once two years pass, you lose your right to seek compensation, now or in the future.
After filing a lawsuit, your lawyer will collect evidence to justify the amount of money requested to compensate for your damages. Damages are losses incurred from an accident or injury. Economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, are not limited to a maximum amount. However, noneconomic damages, such as emotional distress, are capped at $250,000 or three times the total amount of economic damages, whichever is higher.
The most common economic and noneconomic damages incurred in product liability cases include the following:
- Medical Expenses: All medically necessary treatment sought by the plaintiff, including, but not limited to, ER visits, hospital stays, surgery, and prescription medications.
- Pain and Suffering: Significant physical pain associated with the negligent party’s product.
- Lost Wages: If you’re unable to work, you could seek compensation for unearned salary, promotions, commissions, and bonuses.
- Emotional Distress: Severe emotional trauma suffered as a result of your injury
- Wrongful Death: If an individual dies as a result of the injury, their immediate family could seek compensation for funeral costs and other expenses resulting from their loved one’s death.
The extent of your symptoms and how long you undergo treatment directly affects how much money you could receive from your lawsuit. If we effectively prove negligence and provide powerful evidence, the court could force the defendant to pay you.
What’s the Difference Between An Insurance Claim and Lawsuit?
An insurance claim gets filed against the at-fault party’s liability insurance carrier. During the process, the insurance adjuster requests documentation and evidence your lawyer obtained. After reviewing everything, they will either approve your claim or deny it. If approved, negotiations between the adjuster and your lawyer occur until they agree to a settlement amount. If the claim gets denied, you could file a lawsuit against the negligent party.
Rather than going through a third party, a lawsuit gets filed directly against the liable person or entity. Instead of only seeking compensation for expenses, you could also seek compensation for punitive damages. Punitive damages punish the individual or entity for their careless actions. In a lawsuit, the plaintiff’s involvement is much higher than in an insurance claim. You’re required to sit through depositions, mediations, and court proceedings. Additionally, the timeline of a lawsuit is more condensed than that of a claim because of the strict deadlines you must follow.
When you meet with one of our Ohio Taxotere lawyers, they will explain your legal options and advise which choice they believe is best in your case. We keep your best interests in mind at all times. You can count on us to guide you down the path that results in a positive outcome.
Take the Quiz to See if You Qualify
Hotze Runkle PLLC takes great pride in the level of customer service we provide. We approach all our clients with respect, compassion, and professionalism. When you hire us, we will make you a priority. We understand the financial challenges you’re facing and aim to relieve your burden. We will handle every aspect of your case from beginning to end so you can focus on your recovery.
Our legal professionals are available 24/7, so you’re able to reach us when you need us. We believe in the importance of maintaining open communication at all times. We will answer all your questions and explain the legal process, so you understand what to expect. We know you want to put this difficult time in your life behind you as soon as possible. We will work hard to ensure your case doesn’t drag on longer than it should.
Take the quiz today to find out if you have a lawsuit. Our Ohio Taxotere lawsuit lawyers will be ready to meet with you and discuss your case free of charge. There’s no risk or obligation to seek our advice and help decide what your best option is moving forward. Call (800) 763-6155 now.