In December 2023, Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bipartisan bill that holds drug companies accountable for wrongdoing. People harmed by prescription drugs now have the right to pursue legal action against drug manufacturers – no more immunity for drug companies, more compensation for people who have suffered.
The Law Now: Holding Drug Companies Accountable
Michigan is the last of the 50 states to repeal legislation that protected drug manufacturers from being held accountable if a person or their loved one was harmed by one of their pharmaceuticals. “When you take a prescription drug,” said Governor Whitmer, “you should have confidence to know that it is safe, and if it harms you or your family, you deserve accountability.”
In short, the new legislation is designed to fight for consumers while also ensuring that drug companies that prioritize good work over profit can continue to deliver quality products and outperform their less considerate competitors. “Let’s keep working together to make Michigan a safer place where you can get better when you’re sick and have a great quality of life,” said Whitmer.
Here are some details of Senate Bill 410 that repeals Michigan’s law prevented state lawsuits against drug manufacturers:
- Pulls the drug immunity shield repeal.
- Allows legal action against pharmaceutical companies and distributors for the first time in 30 years.
- Residents and state and local governments can sue for injuries caused by a company’s drug products.
Past Problems: The Immunity Shield That Protected Drug Manufacturers
For far too long, Michigan prevented residents from seeking justice against pharmaceutical companies for harming them or someone they love. “The repeal of our state’s immunity law for the drug industry restores accountability for drug manufacturers and vital access to justice for our state and its people,” said State Senator Jeff Irwin.
Some of the problems that occurred before the passing of this new legislation:
- Though cumulative settlements from the opioid crisis exceeded $800 million for Michigan, the state’s drug immunity law made this win more difficult to achieve.
- Michigan’s immunity shield law was cited by a federal judge in a case against a company whose heartburn drugs caused chronic kidney injuries and over 200 Michigan claims were dismissed.
- Anyone who suffered harm because of a drug manufacturer or their product were prevented from receiving the compensation they deserved for their suffering.
Get Compensation for Harm Caused by Prescription Drugs
The repeal of the immunity shield – and the strength that now comes from being part of a nation of like-minded legislation – will allow Michigan residents to get the restitution they deserve. If you believe you have a case against drug manufacturers or pharmaceutical companies, it’s time to find out if you have a personal injury case. Schedule a consultation with Thurswell Law to discuss your case by calling (248) 354-2222 today. Find out how you can get compensation. We do not charge any fees until we win.
