Thousands of lawsuits allege Depakote manufacturer, Abbott Laboratories, failed to adequately warn about the drug’s potential for causing severe birth defects and other serious side effects. Despite settlements and a black box warning, litigation continues, seeking billions in compensation for affected individuals and families.
| Complete Date | Case | Citation | Court | Short Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 – Ongoing | Thousands of Individual Lawsuits | N/A | Various U.S. District Courts | Plaintiffs allege Depakote caused birth defects like spina bifida due to inadequate testing, misrepresented safety, and insufficient warnings. Ongoing cases seek compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering. |
| 2006 | FDA Black Box Warning | N/A | U.S. Food and Drug Administration | FDA mandates strongest warning label due to confirmed birth defect risks. |
| 2012 | $1.5 Billion Depakote Birth Defect Settlement | In re: Depakote (Divalproex Sodium) Birth Defect Litigation, MDL No. 2299 (E.D. Tenn.) | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee | Mass settlement resolves thousands of claims related to birth defects. |
| 2019 | $434 Million Depakote Suicide Lawsuit Settlement | In re: Depakote (Divalproex Sodium) Antipsychotic and/or Mood Stabilizer Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 2809 (E.D. Pa.) | U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania | Settlement reached in lawsuits alleging Depakote increased suicide risk. |
| 2022 | $2.3 Billion Jury Verdict in Depakote Neurological Disorder Case | Lisa Smith v. Abbott Laboratories, Case No. 3:19-cv-00209-WJD (N.D. Ga.) | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia | Jury awards record-breaking damages to woman who developed rare neurological disorder allegedly linked to Depakote. |
Specific Allegations:
- Inadequate pre-market testing for birth defects.
- Misleading safety information provided to doctors and patients.
- Insufficient warnings about birth defect and other serious side effects risks.
- Continued marketing to pregnant women despite known risks.
Future of Depakote Lawsuits:
- Ongoing litigation suggests potential for future settlements and verdicts.
- New evidence may lead to additional lawsuits.
- Legal landscape surrounding Depakote is likely to evolve as cases progress.
Recommendations:
- Individuals concerned about Depakote’s potential risks should consult their healthcare provider and legal counsel.
- This information is for general knowledge only and does not constitute legal advice.
Note: This table and summary are based on publicly available information and may not be exhaustive. For specific legal guidance, please consult with an attorney.
