Kline Specter wins first Risperdal verdict

A $2.5 million verdict was handed down against Janssen Pharmaceuticals for failure to warn that it’s antipsychotic drug Risperdal can cause boys to develop female breasts – a permanent condition known as gynecomastia. The first-in-the-nation verdict was won by Tom Kline of Kline & Specter in Philadelphia, where more than 1,200 Risperdal lawsuits have been filed in addition to thousands more across the country. The trial lasted five weeks and the bellwether verdict came for Austin Pledger, now 20, of Alabama. Kline proved during the trial that Janssen failed to issue adequate warnings about the side effect and was not forthright in informing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, doctors and patients that Risperdal can cause increased levels of a hormone that promotes the growth of female breast tissue. Kline’s co-counsel in the case were Christopher A. Gomez, of Sheller, PC, and Kristen Sipala, also with Kline & Specter. Kline & Specter and Sheller, PC are co-counsel in the litigation pursued for years by Stephen A. Sheller.