Other AreasFen-Phen
FAQ's
QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE AHP SETTLEMENT AND FILING A CLAIM
I am not represented by an attorney, and I have submitted a form to the American Home Products (AHP) settlement. Have I done all I can do to maximize my claim?
No. Although you are not required to have an attorney represent to you in making a claim against AHP, it is to your benefit to have a knowledgeable team of professionals to assist you. This is because most people are not aware of what they are truly entitled to. One of the biggest obstacles most claimants have is finding a cardiologist who can evaluate and prepare the "green form" (the form to obtain the real "matrix level"damages). Even if the claimant does find a cardiologist, many are not familiar with the settlement and its legal definitions. Our team on knowledgeable professionals will have your claim reviewed and prepared by our own attorneys and cardiology experts - ensuring the maximum allowable recovery. Finally, many of you have submitted merely "blue" and/or "pink forms". Doing so does not automatically entitle you to Matrix level compensation. At best, you would only obtain $6,000.00 through these forms. We can still process a "green form" on your behalf in order to obtain the maximum compensation to which you may be entitled.
I am not represented by an attorney, and I have submitted a form to the American Home Products settlement. When will I receive my money?
Processing of Matrix Level claims and obtaining payment benefits can be multi-faceted undertakings. No two claims are the same and each must be evaluated on its own merits. If you would like us to review your claim click here.
Why should I choose Early, Ludwick, Sweeney & Strauss to represent me if I have a case?
Early, Ludwick, Sweeney & Strauss has a knowledgeable team of highly-trained lawyers and paralegals devoted to maximizing our clients' compensation under the terms of the National Diet Drug Settlement. Unlike many law firms who simply advertise for fen-phen clients but have not handled a single case, we handle all of our cases ourselves.
At Early, Ludwick, Sweeney & Strauss, we pride ourselves on our professional reputation and responsiveness to our clients and their needs. We will always return your phone calls, answer your questions and keep you informed of developments in your case. Indeed, as a law firm, we have received the highest rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the prominent national registry of law firms.
How does ELS&S earn its legal fee?
Clients hire us on a contingent-fee basis. That means we only earn a fee if your claim is successful. If your claim is not successful you owe us nothing.
QUESTIONS RELATED TO FEN PHEN AND RELATED INJURIES
What is Fen-phen?
The group of drugs collectively referred to as "fen-phen" are combinations of Pondimin (fenfluramine) and Redux (dexfenfluramine) and phentermine. Pondimin and Redux have been associated with heart valve damage, pulmonary and cardiovascular damage and neuropsychological damage.
What kinds of physical injuries can result from the use of fen-phen?
Generally, three types of injuries can occur: heart valve damage ("valvulopathy"), primary pulmonary hypertension, and endocardial fibrosis.
What is heart valve damage?
Heart valve damage ("valvulopathy") is the most common injury from the use of fen-phen. Valvulopathy occurs when the heart-valves (typically the aortic and mitral valves) do not open and close properly, causing regurgitation of blood. If the valves are seriously impaired, secondary pulmonary hypertension may result.
What is primary pulmonary hypertension?
Primary pulmonary hypertension ("PPH") is a rare and often fatal condition. PPH results when there is a narrowing or obliteration of the small and medium pulmonary arteries. Symptoms include increased and extreme shortness of breath and tiredness. If you experience these symptoms, do not assume they are due to being overweight. Rather, you should see your doctor.
How long would someone have to take fen-phen for damage to occur?
There is no fixed time frame that indicates when damage will occur.
What types of medical tests determine if I have damaged my heart by using fen-phen?
Heart valve damage can be detected by a Doppler "echocardiogram" (also known as an "echo"). An echo is an ultrasound of the heart, a noninvasive and painless procedure. Your primary care physician can refer you to a cardiologist who will schedule the test. Please note, an EKG is not adequate to determine valve damage.
PPH is diagnosed through a series of tests. First, a pulmonary function test is used to establish that there is hypertension. Then, a series of tests are given to rule out other potential causes for the hypertension. If no cause for the hypertension is found, the hypertension will be classified as "primary"- hence "primary pulmonary hypertension. PPH is a very serious condition.
These tests sound complicated and costly. Are they covered by insurance?
The heart valve and PPH tests can be expensive, but they are usually covered by insurance. Be sure to go through the proper referral process with your primary care physician and tell your doctor you are concerned about fen-phen usage. If you do not have insurance, you may want to seek out federal, town, or hospital based assistance.
If I do have damage to my heart, is it treatable?
Valve injuries are treatable through a range of methods depending on the severity of injury. For a slight valve impairment, your doctor may advise you to get yearly echocardiograms. As a preventative measure, your doctor may also advise you to take prophylactic antibiotics before any invasive medical procedures, including dental examinations. For more severe cases, valve repair or valve replacement surgery may be necessary. In all cases, you should consult a doctor.
PPH may be treated with oxygen supply, heart-lung transplantation, or drugs specially developed for PPH. The drug therapies are relatively new, and not all individuals are able to tolerate them.
