Not everyone who experienced side effects from Ozempic, Wegovy, or other GLP-1 medications qualifies for a lawsuit. Eligibility depends on specific injury criteria, documentation requirements, and legal factors that attorneys evaluate when reviewing potential claims. Understanding these requirements helps patients determine whether pursuing legal action makes sense for their situation.
Primary Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a GLP-1 lawsuit, patients generally must demonstrate three essential elements: they took a qualifying medication, they suffered a qualifying injury, and the injury occurred during or after medication use.
Qualifying medications include semaglutide products (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus), tirzepatide products (Mounjaro, Zepbound), and dulaglutide (Trulicity). Patients who took these medications for either diabetes management or weight loss may qualify if they meet injury criteria.
Qualifying injuries forming the basis of current litigation include gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), bowel obstruction, pancreatitis, and severe gallbladder disease requiring surgical intervention. Less severe side effects like temporary nausea, constipation, or mild digestive discomfort—while unpleasant—typically do not meet the threshold for litigation.
Specific Injury Criteria
Gastroparesis claims require documented diagnosis of delayed gastric emptying through appropriate testing such as gastric emptying studies. Symptoms must be significant enough to require medical treatment, and cases involving permanent gastroparesis, feeding tube placement, or hospitalization represent the strongest claims.
Bowel obstruction claims require medical records showing diagnosed intestinal blockage during or after GLP-1 use. Emergency room visits, hospitalization, and surgical intervention strengthen these claims significantly. Complete obstructions requiring surgery represent the most serious cases.
Pancreatitis claims require documented acute pancreatitis diagnosis through elevated enzyme levels and imaging studies. Hospitalization and intensive treatment support claim strength, while recurrent episodes or chronic pancreatitis resulting from GLP-1 use increase potential compensation.
Gallbladder disease claims require documented cholecystitis, gallstones, or other gallbladder conditions that developed after starting GLP-1 medication, particularly those requiring cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal surgery).
Documentation Requirements
Strong GLP-1 claims require comprehensive documentation establishing both medication use and injury causation:
Prescription records proving you received and filled prescriptions for Ozempic, Wegovy, or other GLP-1 medications. Pharmacy records, insurance claims, and physician prescription records all serve this purpose.
Medical records documenting the onset of gastrointestinal symptoms during or after medication use, diagnostic testing confirming your condition, treatment received, and any ongoing complications or permanent effects.
Timeline correlation showing that symptoms began during GLP-1 use or within a reasonable period after starting the medication. Cases where gastrointestinal conditions existed before starting GLP-1 drugs face significant challenges proving causation.
Who May Not Qualify
Certain circumstances may disqualify patients from GLP-1 litigation or significantly weaken their claims:
Pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions present before starting GLP-1 medication create causation challenges. If you had diagnosed gastroparesis, chronic pancreatitis, or frequent gallbladder problems before taking Ozempic or Wegovy, proving the medication caused or worsened your condition becomes more difficult.
Mild or temporary side effects that resolved without significant medical intervention typically do not meet litigation thresholds. Nausea, vomiting, and digestive discomfort common during the adjustment period—while unpleasant—are acknowledged risks that generally do not support legal claims.
Lack of medical documentation proving your condition severely limits claim viability. Patients who experienced serious symptoms but did not seek medical treatment or whose records do not clearly establish diagnosis and causation face significant barriers.
Statute of Limitations Considerations
Time limits apply to pharmaceutical lawsuits, and waiting too long can permanently bar your claim. Statutes of limitations vary by state but typically range from one to four years from the date of injury or discovery of injury.
Because GLP-1 litigation is ongoing and statutes of limitations continue running, patients who believe they may qualify should consult with an attorney promptly. Filing preserves your legal rights while the litigation proceeds, even if resolution takes years.
The Evaluation Process
Attorneys evaluating potential GLP-1 claims typically follow a structured process:
Initial consultation involves reviewing your medication history and symptoms to determine preliminary eligibility. Most pharmaceutical attorneys offer free consultations and can quickly assess whether your case warrants further investigation.
Medical records review allows attorneys to examine diagnostic testing, treatment records, and physician opinions establishing your injury and its connection to GLP-1 medication.
Case acceptance occurs when attorneys determine sufficient evidence supports your claim. Because GLP-1 cases are handled on contingency, attorneys only accept cases they believe have merit and potential for recovery.
Taking the Next Step
If you experienced gastroparesis, bowel obstruction, pancreatitis, or severe gallbladder disease after taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or similar medications, you may qualify for compensation. Gather your prescription records and medical documentation, then consult with an attorney experienced in pharmaceutical litigation for a free case evaluation.
Even if you are unsure whether you qualify, an initial consultation costs nothing and provides clarity about your legal options. Time limitations apply, so patients with potential claims should seek legal guidance promptly.