Accutane Lawsuit Filed By Actor James Marshall

Some of Hollywood’s more notable names are turning their focus on the prescription acne medication Accutane, as actor James Marshall has filed a lawsuit against the drug’s makers, Hoffman-LaRoche. Marshall, 43, is claiming that his once-promising acting career was derailed when his use of Accutane led to the removal of his colon. Actors Martin Sheen and Brian Dennehy will testify on his behalf, as will director Rob Reiner, who worked with Marshall in 1992 on the Academy Award-winning film A Few Good Men.

Marshall is seeking more than $11 million in damages from Roche over his bout with inflammatory bowel disease, which has been identified as a very serious side effect of the medication in a growing number of lawsuits. Marshall began acting on television in 1985, but made his big screen breakthrough in 1992 starring alongside Dennehy and Cuba Gooding Jr. in the fighting film Gladiator. His peers believe that his illnesses stemming from IBD held him back from becoming a star.

More than 1,000 lawsuits have been filed against Roche and the many physicians who have prescribed the drug since it was first introduced in 1980s. Plaintiffs are claiming that the drug has caused a variety of serious gastrointestinal disorders, including IBD, Ulcerative Colitis, and Chron’s disease, as well as a variety of liver and kidney illnesses.

While Marshall may be the first well-known victim of Accutane’s side effects, he’s hardly the first. Roche and other defendants have paid out more than $60 million in settlements thus far, and the ever-increasing number of cases in the New Jersey courts almost guarantees that the settlement amount will increase accordingly.

Roche discontinued production and prescription of Accutane in 2009; however, generic versions are still being prescribed and, even worse, Accutane is still being marketed and sold illegally by independent vendors.

If you or a loved one has experienced serious side effects or health complications with Accutane, contact Newsome Law Firm and fill out a case evaluation form today. Our team of attorneys has experience specific to complications associated with prescription medication. Not only can they give you the legal guidance you need, they can help you get the compensation you deserve.
 

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