Gout is a buildup of uric acid in the joints that can result in severe pain and limited mobility, especially for senior citizens. When Takeda Pharmaceutical released Uloric in 2009, it was believed that a safe and effective gout treatment finally became available.
Pursuing a Claim as a Mass Tort
Because so many people have suffered harm at the hands of Takeda, they may be able to take advantage of a legal concept called a mass tort. A mass tort allows people with similar claims against a common defendant to combine their efforts in seeking compensation.
Within a mass tort, plaintiffs can share evidence, expert reports, and depositions. However, they still must pursue their claims on an individual basis, and the results at trial or settlement are bound to their individual cases. You can speak with a Lafayette personal injury lawyer to help you pursue compensation.
To qualify as a mass tort, plaintiffs must apply for certification under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23. This requires plaintiffs to demonstrate that they share a common defendant, that joining their claims traditionally would be prohibitive, and that the facts of their claims are substantially similar. A Uloric lawyer could determine if this is the best route to recovery for a particular plaintiff.
