John Richmond, Co-Founder and CEO
- March 20, 2026
Recent scientific studies and thousands of reported cases have linked popular GLP-1 receptor agonist medications—originally designed for Type 2 diabetes but widely prescribed for weight loss—to life-altering side effects.
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), NAION (vision loss), or other severe complications after taking a GLP-1 weight loss drug in New York State or across the United States, our highly awarded and experienced attorneys are here to help you. Richmond Vona is a team of trial attorneys and dedicated legal professionals who are proud to help those injured.
Why are Lawsuits Being Filed?
Pharmaceutical companies have a legal obligation to ensure their products are safe and to warn patients and doctors about all potential risks. Current litigation alleges that the manufacturers of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy:
- Failed to Warn: The drug labels did not adequately disclose the risk of severe gastrointestinal and ocular (eye) conditions.
- Deceptive Marketing: Aggressive marketing tactics downplayed serious risks while promoting the drugs as “miracle” weight loss solutions.
- Design Defects: The drugs may be inherently dangerous due to how they interact with the body’s natural digestive and vascular systems.
Medications Under Investigation
While Ozempic is the most well-known, several other GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists are included in this litigation:
- Ozempic (Semaglutide)
- Wegovy (Semaglutide)
- Rybelsus (Semaglutide)
- Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
- Zepbound (Tirzepatide)
- Trulicity (Dulaglutide)
- Saxenda (Liraglutide)
Qualifying Injuries for the Ozempic Lawsuit
While many early cases focused on general “stomach paralysis,” the courts now look for specific diagnoses and documented medical interventions.
1. Vision Loss (NAION)
One of the most significant developments in 2025 is the inclusion of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION).
Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) is a condition that occurs when blood flow is blocked to the optic nerve and can be referred to as a ‘stroke of the eye’.
It often results in:
- Sudden, painless vision loss in one or both eyes, often noticed when walking
- Permanent partial or total blindness
- Blurred vision or “shadows” in the field of vision
- Legal Weight: Because NAION is often permanent and irreversible, these cases are currently among the highest-valued claims in the litigation.
2. Gastroparesis & Stomach Paralysis
Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis) is a severe condition where the muscles in the stomach stop working correctly, preventing the stomach from emptying. You may also qualify if you’ve been diagnosed with chronic vomiting syndrome or cyclic vomiting syndrome after starting use of a weight loss drug. Symptoms include:
- Chronic nausea and severe, persistent vomiting
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Feeling full after only a few bites of food
Note: Many courts now require a Gastric Emptying Study (Scintigraphy) for a viable claim.
For a “qualifying” claim, lawyers typically look for:
- Documented Diagnosis: A formal diagnosis of gastroparesis or gastric stasis.
- Surgical Intervention: Cases involving the placement of a gastric pacemaker or other surgeries to aid digestion.
- Hospitalization: Repeated ER visits for “cyclic vomiting” or severe dehydration lasting four weeks or longer.
3. Severe Bowel Injuries
Beyond the stomach, the drug can affect the entire digestive tract, especially with a painful blockage that prevents food or liquid from passing through the small or large intestine such as:
- Ileus: A condition where the rhythmic contractions of the intestines stop, leading to a life-threatening blockage.
- Intestinal Obstruction: Physical blockages that often require emergency surgery to remove portions of the bowel.
4. Gallbladder & Pancreatic Complications
- Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy): If you required surgery to remove your gallbladder due to stones or inflammation while on Ozempic, you may qualify (provided the use began before specific warning labels were added in 2022).
- Necrotizing Pancreatitis: A severe form of inflammation where the pancreatic tissue begins to die, often leading to organ failure or long-term digestive disability.
- Gallbladder Disease: Including gallstones or the need for emergency gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy).
5. DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and Blood Clots
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) & Pulmonary Embolism: Dangerous blood clots that can travel to the lungs have also been reported with Ozempic and GLP-1 usage. These clots can be fatal or life-altering.
Current Status of the Litigation
The Ozempic litigation is currently moving forward in a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL 3094) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Unlike a class action where everyone shares one settlement, an MDL allows individual plaintiffs to maintain their own case while streamlining the “discovery” process (gathering evidence from the drug companies).
Key Updates:
- Vision Loss Focus: While gastrointestinal claims are ongoing, cases involving NAION (blindness) are emerging as some of the strongest claims due to the sudden and permanent nature of the injury.
- Labeling Changes: Regulatory bodies in other countries have already moved to update warning labels for vision loss, providing further support for North American plaintiffs.
What Compensation Can You Seek?
By filing a lawsuit, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital stays, surgeries, diagnostic tests, and ongoing treatments.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work due to your illness or disability.
- Pain and Suffering: For the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your diagnosis.
- Loss of Quality of Life: Especially in cases of permanent vision loss or incurable stomach paralysis.
Evidence Checklist for Your Consultation
The legal landscape changed in August 2025, when court rulings (MDL 3094) established stricter requirements for objective medical proof. You will likely need the following documents to move forward. If you don’t have all or most of these documents but were affected by GLP-1s, please contact us today to see how our team can help:
1. Proof of "Brand Name" Usage
Lawyers generally cannot pursue claims for compounded or “generic” semaglutide from weight-loss clinics. You must prove you used the official manufacturer’s product.
- Pharmacy Records: A printout showing the drug name (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Mounjaro), dates filled, and dosage.
- Prescription Labels: Physical photos of your prescription boxes with your name and the date clearly visible.
- Insurance Statements: Explanation of Benefits (EOB) showing coverage or payment for the brand-name drug.
2. Gastroparesis (Stomach Paralysis) Diagnostics
Following a significant 2025 court ruling, a “clinical diagnosis” (doctor’s observation of symptoms) is no longer enough. You must provide results from at least one of these objective tests:
- Gastric Emptying Scintigraphy: The “gold standard” test, where you eat a meal with a radioactive tracer and are scanned over 4 hours.
- Gastric Emptying Breath Test: A test measuring carbon dioxide in your breath after a specialized meal.
- Wireless Motility Capsule: A “SmartPill” that tracks transit time through your digestive tract.
3. Vision Loss (NAION) Documentation
If you are filing for vision loss, your case relies on ophthalmology-specific imaging:
- OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography): Scans showing optic nerve head edema (swelling).
- Visual Field Testing: Results documenting the specific patterns of vision loss (often “altitudinal” loss).
- Neuro-Ophthalmologist Notes: Specifically looking for the exclusion of other causes like “arteritic” issues or stroke.
4. Emergency & Surgical Records
To prove the severity of the injury, lawyers look for “acute” medical events:
- ER Discharge Papers: Specifically for bouts of “cyclic vomiting” or dehydration lasting weeks.
- Operative Reports: If you had surgery for an Ileus (bowel obstruction) or gallbladder removal.
- Pathology Reports: Lab results from tissue removed during surgery (e.g., gallbladder or intestinal tissue).
How Richmond Vona Can Help You
Taking on a multi-billion-dollar corporation like Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly is nearly impossible for an individual. Our legal team provides the resources and expertise necessary to level the playing field.
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
We don’t just look at your prescription; we analyze your entire medical history. We determine if your injury aligns with the current legal theories being argued in the MDL 3094 proceedings and identify the specific “failure to warn” timeline that applies to your case.
Gathering and Preserving Evidence
A successful claim requires more than just a doctor’s note. We handle the heavy lifting of:
- Pharmacy Records: Proving you used the brand-name drug (not a compounded version).
- Medical Sequencing: Establishing a clear “causation” timeline between your first dose and the onset of symptoms.
- Expert Testimony: We provide access to world-class gastroenterologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, and other medical professionals who can testify that the drug—not a pre-existing condition—caused your injury.
Navigating the MDL Process
Most Ozempic cases are consolidated into Multidistrict Litigation (MDL). This is a complex federal process that requires extensive knowledge, thorough investigation, and meticulous care. Our lawyers manage these strict court deadlines and this unique process with expertise and care. At Richmond Vona, our team is familiar with handling MDLs and ensuring you and your loved ones get the care you deserve in your time of need.
No Upfront Costs
We work on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- $0 out-of-pocket: We cover all costs of filing, expert witnesses, and discovery.
- No fee unless we win: You only pay legal fees if we successfully secure a settlement or jury award for you.
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John Richmond and the team at Richmond Vona did an incredible job with my complicated personal injury case. They made sure no stone was unturned and got me the settlement I deserved for my situation. They treat you well, explain everything you need to know and more so you are always in the loop about the status of your case. John was easy to get in touch with anytime during the process and made signing paperwork easy and understandable. Their entire staff is professional and helpful throughout the process These guys are fair, trustworthy, and will stand up for you!
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