GLP-1 Lawsuit Attorneys

GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, sold under brand names like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, have been prescribed to millions of Americans for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and, increasingly, for weight loss. These drugs have produced meaningful results for many patients, but the latest research and litigation reveal that some people have suffered severe, life-altering injuries after using them. Some of these injuries are related to side effects that manufacturers may have failed to adequately warn consumers about.

If you or someone close to you has experienced serious health problems after taking a GLP-1 medication, you may have the right to pursue compensation. The weight loss drug attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can review your situation and help you explore your legal options.

Our law firm represents individuals in Chicago, Cook County, and throughout Illinois who have been harmed by dangerous and defective products. For over 40 years, our firm has stood at the forefront of complex personal injury and product liability litigation. We have recovered more than $3.5 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured clients, including the highest compensatory verdict in Illinois state history awarded to an individual plaintiff. We have also secured meaningful results in many product liability cases, including a $4 million settlement in a product liability wrongful death case in Lake County and a $3.15 million product liability settlement, also in Lake County.

When you choose Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., you align yourself with a firm that has earned national recognition for litigating the most complex cases. Our team of over 20 accomplished attorneys works closely with leading medical experts to build the strongest possible cases for those we represent. We start by investigating the full scope of your injuries and establishing the link between your GLP-1 weight loss medication use and the harm you suffered, and then pursue maximum compensation for your losses.

The manufacturers of GLP-1 medications have significant resources and will vigorously defend themselves against these legal claims. You deserve a legal team with the experience, skill, and proven track record to match that kind of resistance. Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. today to arrange a free consultation and learn more about what our GLP-1 lawsuit attorneys can do for you.

What Are GLP-1 Drugs?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications that mimic glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone the body produces naturally in the gut after eating. This hormone plays a key role in regulating blood sugar by stimulating insulin secretion, suppressing glucagon production, and slowing the rate at which the stomach empties food into the small intestine. Pharmaceutical versions of this hormone amplify these natural effects, which makes GLP-1 medications effective tools for managing type 2 diabetes and, at higher doses, for promoting weight loss.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved GLP-1 medications for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. As clinical experience with these drugs accumulated, their capacity to produce significant weight loss became widely known, and off-label use for obesity and weight management grew substantially. The FDA subsequently approved certain higher-dose formulations specifically for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or weight-related health conditions. Today, GLP-1 medications are among the most widely prescribed drugs in the United States. According to the nonprofit health policy organization KFF, approximately 12 percent of adults in the United States (more than 31 million Americans) currently use a GLP-1 medication.

The same mechanisms that make GLP-1 drugs effective, however, also carry the potential for serious health risks. The slowing of gastric emptying that helps patients feel full longer can, in some users, progress to a severe and potentially permanent disruption of normal digestive function. Emerging research has also identified possible links between GLP-1 medications and serious conditions affecting the eyes, gallbladder, and pancreas. For some patients, the consequences of taking these popular weight loss medications have been irreversible.

Common GLP-1 Drugs Linked to Lawsuits

Several specific GLP-1 receptor agonist medications have been named in product liability lawsuits now pending in federal and state courts across the United States. The following drugs are among those explicitly identified in court filings, multidistrict litigation (MDL) proceedings, or both:

Ozempic (semaglutide): Manufactured by Novo Nordisk and FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is the most frequently named drug in the current GLP-1 litigation. Approximately three-quarters of the federal lawsuits reviewed in a recent USA TODAY report involved Ozempic litigation. This drug has been named in both MDL 3094 (gastrointestinal injuries) and MDL 3163 (vision loss) GLP-1 lawsuits.
Wegovy (semaglutide): Also manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic but at a higher dose and with FDA approval specifically for chronic weight management. Wegovy has also been named in both MDL 3094 and MDL 3163.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Manufactured by Eli Lilly and FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors and has been widely prescribed off-label for weight loss. It has been named in MDL 3094 and in a significant number of individual lawsuits.
Trulicity (dulaglutide): Manufactured by Eli Lilly and FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, Trulicity has been named in both MDL 3094 and MDL 3163 and appears in approximately one quarter of the federal GLP-1 drug lawsuits reviewed by USA TODAY.
Rybelsus (semaglutide): An oral formulation of semaglutide manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Rybelsus has been named in MDL 3094.
Zepbound (tirzepatide): Manufactured by Eli Lilly and FDA-approved for chronic weight management, Zepbound contains the same active ingredient as Mounjaro and has been referenced in current GLP-1 litigation.
Saxenda (liraglutide): Manufactured by Novo Nordisk and FDA-approved for chronic weight management, Saxenda has been named in MDL 3163.

If you took one or more of these prescription drugs and subsequently developed a serious health condition or severe complications, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against a manufacturer. The product liability attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can evaluate your situation and advise you on your legal options.

GLP-1 Drug Side Effects and Health Risks

GLP-1s work by slowing digestion, stimulating insulin production, and suppressing appetite. These mechanisms, while therapeutically useful, also carry the potential for serious harm. Researchers, regulators, and courts have identified a range of severe health risks associated with these drugs, several of which form the basis of the lawsuits now pending against manufacturers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly:

Gastroparesis: Also known as stomach paralysis, gastroparesis occurs when the stomach muscles weaken to the point that the stomach can no longer empty food into the small intestine at a normal rate. Symptoms of gastroparesis stomach paralysis include chronic and severe nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, and malnutrition. Severe cases may require hospitalization, feeding tubes, or surgical intervention. Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that GLP-1 drug users faced a higher risk of gastroparesis compared to users of other weight loss medications or diabetes drugs.
Intestinal Obstruction and Bowel Injuries: Some GLP-1 users have also reported bowel obstructions, intestinal blockages, and, in the most severe cases, colon rupture. Research has associated GLP-1 medications with a higher risk of bowel obstruction compared to other weight loss drugs. Several plaintiffs involved in this current pharmaceutical litigation have required emergency surgery and, in some cases, permanent colostomy or ileostomy procedures as a result of these injuries.
Pancreatitis: GLP-1 medications have been associated with acute pancreatitis, including potentially fatal hemorrhagic and necrotizing forms. GLP-1 manufacturers have included pancreatitis as a known risk in their prescribing information. However, plaintiffs have argued that these warnings fail to adequately convey the potential severity of the condition or the full range of circumstances under which it can occur.
Vision Loss and NAION: A condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) has also emerged as a serious concern among GLP-1 users. NAION results from reduced blood flow to the optic nerve and can cause sudden, permanent vision loss in one or both eyes. A 2024 study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that semaglutide users faced a higher risk of developing NAION when treated for diabetes or obesity. In December 2025, federal courts consolidated NAION lawsuits into an MDL proceeding in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Gallbladder Disease: A meta-analysis of GLP-1 research identified an elevated risk of gallbladder and biliary disorders among users of these medications, particularly at higher doses and with prolonged use. Some plaintiffs have required surgical removal of the gallbladder as a result.

Recent research has also associated these diabetes drugs with decreased bone health since they can reduce bone mineral density and increase bone turnover, potentially increasing fracture risk. Patients who have taken these drugs have a higher risk of osteoporosis and gout, as discussed during the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ annual meeting, according to NBC News.

These injuries can be permanent, debilitating, and life-altering. If you suffered any of these conditions after taking a GLP-1 medication, you may have grounds to pursue legal action against the pharmaceutical companies responsible for your harm. Contact our legal team today for a free case evaluation.

Who Is Eligible to File a GLP-1 Lawsuit in Illinois?

Not every person who has experienced side effects from a GLP-1 medication will have a viable product liability claim. However, a significant number of injured patients do meet the threshold requirements to pursue legal action. If you meet the following criteria, the lawyers at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. are happy to provide a clear assessment of your legal options in a free initial consultation:

Prescription Use of a GLP-1 Medication: To pursue a claim, you must have taken a prescription GLP-1 receptor agonist medication, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Zepbound, Rybelsus, or Saxenda.
A Documented Serious Injury: Your claim must be supported by medical documentation of a qualifying injury. The injuries most commonly at issue in current GLP-1 litigation include gastroparesis, intestinal obstruction, bowel injury, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and sudden vision loss caused by NAION. A diagnosis supported by appropriate medical testing, such as a gastric emptying study for gastroparesis or an ophthalmological evaluation for NAION, can strengthen your claim considerably.
A Causal Connection Between the Medication and Your Injury: Your attorney and the medical experts they retain must be able to establish a credible link between your GLP-1 use and the injury you suffered. This link does not require absolute medical certainty, but it does require evidence sufficient to support your claim in court.
Use Within the Applicable Statute of Limitations: Illinois’s statute of limitations imposes a strict deadline on product liability claims. If you wait too long to take legal action, you could lose your right to sue for compensation regardless of the merits of your claim. The specific deadline that applies to your case depends on when your injury occurred and when you discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, its connection to the medication.
Measurable Losses Resulting from Your Injury: You must have suffered actual, measurable losses as a result of your injury to secure compensation for those losses. These may include financial losses, such as medical expenses and lost income, or personal losses, such as pain and suffering or diminished quality of life.

Compensation Available in GLP-1 Lawsuits

Patients who file successful GLP-1 drug lawsuits may be entitled to recover compensation for the full range of personal and financial losses they have suffered because of their injuries. Product liability law in Illinois allows plaintiffs to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic losses, such as:

Medical Expenses: Plaintiffs may recover compensation for medical costs associated with their GLP-1-related injuries. This includes the costs of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, prescription medications, and any future medical care their conditions require.
Lost Income and Diminished Earning Capacity: Serious GLP-1 injuries have left some plaintiffs unable to work, either temporarily or permanently. Compensation can cover both income lost during recovery as well as any long-term reductions in a plaintiff’s ability to earn a living.
Pain and Suffering: Plaintiffs may seek compensation for the physical pain and discomfort their injuries cause, both past and future. For those who have suffered conditions like gastroparesis, bowel rupture, or permanent vision loss, this category of compensation can be substantial.
Emotional Distress and Lost Quality of Life: Courts may also award compensation for psychological harm, anxiety, depression, serious side effects that diminish enjoyment of life, and the loss of the ability to participate in activities and relationships that defined a plaintiff’s life before their injury.
Wrongful Death Damages: In cases where a GLP-1-related injury causes the death of a loved one, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. If successful, survivors may recover compensation for expenses such as funeral costs and loss of financial support.

In rare cases involving particularly egregious manufacturer conduct, courts may award punitive damages in addition to the types of compensation listed above. Punitive damages are monetary awards that courts sometimes order defendants to pay as a form of punishment, not as compensation for the plaintiff’s losses. Their purpose is to punish serious wrongdoing and to discourage similar wrongdoing in the future. Punitive damages may be available in cases where the evidence shows that a company concealed known risks or failed to update its warning labels in a timely manner.

The potential value of any individual GLP-1 claim depends on the severity of the plaintiff’s injuries, the strength of the evidence, and a range of other case-specific factors. The attorneys at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can provide a thorough assessment of your potential claim during a free initial consultation.

How to File a GLP-1 Lawsuit in Chicago

The process of filing a weight-loss drug lawsuit in Chicago involves a number of complex legal and procedural steps that require the knowledge and resources of an experienced product liability attorney. At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., our lawyers manage every stage of that process on your behalf, from initial investigation through resolution. The following is an overview of what the legal process typically involves:

Free Initial Consultation: First, your GLP-1 lawsuit attorney will meet with you to review your medical history, the GLP-1 medication you took, the injuries you suffered, and the timeline of your medical treatment. This initial consultation allows your lawyer to assess the strength of your potential claim and to help you evaluate your legal options at no cost or obligation to you.
Medical Record Collection and Review: Next, your attorney obtains your complete medical records. They may also work with qualified medical professionals and experts to document your diagnosis, establish the severity of your injuries, and identify any connection between your GLP-1 medication use and the harm you experienced.
Investigation and Evidence Preservation: Your attorney conducts a thorough investigation into the drug manufacturer’s conduct. They evaluate the manufacturer’s knowledge of the risks associated with its medication, its communications with the FDA, and the adequacy of its warning labels. They also take steps to preserve all relevant evidence from other parties before anything is lost or destroyed.
Filing Your Lawsuit: Once they have all the relevant evidence organized, your attorney prepares and files a formal complaint in the appropriate court. This complaint identifies the defendants, the legal theories supporting your claim, and the compensation you are seeking. Depending on the circumstances, your lawyer may file your claim in state or federal court.
MDL, Class Action, or Mass Tort Coordination: Given the scale of GLP-1 litigation, your attorney may evaluate whether to file your case as part of an existing MDL proceeding or another coordinated legal action. Currently, thousands of federal GLP-1 lawsuits have been consolidated before a single federal judge in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Coordination with these proceedings can streamline discovery and strengthen the overall case, though individual MDL claims remain separate and your compensation will reflect your specific injuries and losses.
Discovery: After your attorney files your case, they engage in the formal discovery process, which involves exchanging evidence and information with the defendants. This can include obtaining internal corporate documents, correspondence with regulators, and clinical trial data that may demonstrate the manufacturer’s awareness of the serious risks associated with its product and its failure to provide an adequate warning about them.
Expert Testimony: Product liability cases of this nature rely heavily on expert witness testimony. Your attorney may retain and prepare medical experts, pharmacologists, and other specialists to support your claim and to counter the arguments the drug manufacturer’s legal team will raise.
Negotiation and Settlement: Many weight-loss medication lawsuits are resolved through settlement before they ever reach trial. Your lawyer can negotiate aggressively on your behalf to pursue a settlement that fully accounts for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. They will not accept any settlement offer on your behalf without your approval.
Trial: If the defendants do not offer fair compensation, your attorney can take your case to trial. Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. has a long record of success in the courtroom and is fully prepared to litigate your claim before a judge and jury if necessary.

Illinois Statute of Limitations for GLP-1 Lawsuits

Illinois’s statute of limitations is a law that imposes strict deadlines on the filing of product liability claims, including GLP-1 claims. Under this law, plaintiffs in Illinois generally have two years from the date of their injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. In product liability cases, however, the filing window does not always begin on the date of injury. Instead, under the “discovery rule,” the two-year filing window only begins on the date the plaintiff discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, that the product might have caused their injury.

This distinction is relevant in many GLP-1 cases since the connection between a patient’s injury and their medication use is not always immediately apparent. Not every patient who develops gastroparesis or vision loss while taking a GLP-1 drug is informed by their physician of the potential link at the time of diagnosis. In such circumstances, the filing window may not become active until the plaintiff becomes aware, or should reasonably have become aware, of that connection.

Regardless of the specific deadline, a plaintiff who waits too long to act forfeits the right to pursue compensation, no matter how strong their underlying claim may be, as injured claimants are also subject to a maximum time limit by a separate law, known as the statute of repose. If you know or suspect you may have a GLP-1 drug lawsuit, contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. as soon as possible to start protecting your legal rights.

Contact Our Chicago Product Liability Lawyers

The manufacturers of GLP-1 medications have denied wrongdoing and pledged to aggressively defend against legal claims tied to their dangerous drugs. Additionally, time is limited under Illinois law to take legal action. The sooner you contact our GLP-1 lawsuit attorneys, the sooner our legal team can begin preserving evidence, documenting your injuries, and building the strongest possible case on your behalf.

Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. is currently accepting clients for weight-loss drug lawsuits in Chicago and throughout Illinois. If you or a loved one has suffered serious harm after taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or another GLP-1 medication, we want to hear from you. Contact our firm today to arrange a free consultation with our experienced Chicago product liability lawyers.