In the first hormone therapy trial since the Connie Barton case where the jury awarded $3.7 million in compensatory damages and an undisclosed amount in punitive damages (the specific amount has been posted in unconfirmed reports on the web), a second Philadelphia jury has determined that Pfizer (which purchased Wyeth, the original manufacturer of the drug) owes plaintiff Donna Kendall $6.3 million in compensatory damages. The jury will reconvene on Monday to determine the amount of punitive damages that should also be awarded, to punish Pfizer for its conduct.
The Plaintiff, Ms. Kendall, took hormone therapy for 11 years, developed breast cancer, and had to have a double mastectomy (surgical removal of her breasts). Of course, no amount of money can repay her for her injuries. And likely, no amount of money awarded can adequately punish Wyeth for their negligence. But it’s a good start.