Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Bad Faith Insurance, Car Accidents, T-Bone Tractor-Trailer Accidents, Dangerous Drugs
Lawsuits involving the drug Risperdal have drawn national attention. Patients, mostly young males, have claimed that the drug caused them to develop gynecomastia—a condition involving abnormal breast tissue growth. These lawsuits have already led to financial awards, and many are now moving into a new legal phase: punitive damages.
If you or someone in your family was affected by Risperdal, it’s essential to understand how these lawsuits work, what recent court decisions mean, and what steps you can take to protect your rights.
Risperdal is an antipsychotic medication commonly prescribed to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and irritability linked to autism. Manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a division of Johnson & Johnson, the drug was approved by the FDA but has since been the subject of thousands of lawsuits.
The main issue in these cases is gynecomastia, which causes the development of breast tissue in males. Many plaintiffs were minors at the time they took the drug. They argue that the manufacturer failed to warn them and their doctors about this side effect.
According to published court records, more than 6,000 Risperdal-related lawsuits have been filed in Philadelphia alone.
Gynecomastia can be caused by an increase in prolactin, a hormone associated with breast development. Risperdal has been shown to elevate prolactin levels, especially in young males. Several studies and adverse event reports suggest that the risk was known but not clearly communicated in early versions of the drug’s labeling.
In many of these cases, patients did not learn about the cause of their condition until much later—well after emotional and physical damage had occurred.
The FDA has previously required updates to Risperdal’s label to reflect the risk of increased prolactin levels and associated gynecomastia in minors.
Risperdal lawsuits have gone through several stages over the last decade. Many of the early trials focused on compensatory damages, which cover medical costs, emotional harm, and other direct effects. In two notable cases:
Both are now moving forward to determine whether Janssen should pay punitive damages, which are financial penalties meant to punish a company for especially harmful behavior.
Initially, a judge had ruled that New Jersey law—where punitive damages are not allowed in pharma cases—applied to all claims. But in early 2023, the Pennsylvania Superior Court reversed that decision, allowing each plaintiff to use their home-state laws.
In 2023, the Pennsylvania Superior Court ruled that plaintiffs in the Risperdal mass tort may pursue punitive damages under their respective home-state laws, overturning a prior blanket application of New Jersey law.
Plaintiff Name | Year | Compensatory Award | Punitive Damages Status | Governing State Law |
| Nicholas Murray | 2015 | $680,000 | Set for trial | Maryland |
| Timothy Stange | 2015 | $500,000 | Set for trial | Wisconsin |
| Other Risperdal Cases | 2015–2023 | Varies | Pending or Settled | Varies by jurisdiction |
Punitive damages are awarded not to reimburse a victim but to penalize a company for misconduct. Plaintiffs in these Risperdal cases argue that Janssen continued to promote the drug despite knowing about the risk of gynecomastia and failed to update warnings fast enough. Judges are now allowing juries to decide whether that conduct warrants further financial penalties.
In Oklahoma, patients harmed by a prescription drug might be able to file a claim for product responsibility. This can include compensation for physical injuries, emotional distress, and—in some cases—punitive damages if the company acted recklessly or deceptively.
The deadline to file this type of case is generally two years from the date of injury or when the injury was discovered. Oklahoma also follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning that even in the event that you are found to have some responsibility, your recompense may be lowered.
If you live in Tulsa or elsewhere in Oklahoma, speaking with a product liability attorney can help you understand whether your case is still eligible under state law.
If you or someone you love developed unusual side effects after taking Risperdal—mainly male breast growth—it’s essential to act. Here are some recommended steps:
Each situation is unique, and not all cases will qualify. But even if you’re unsure, an initial consultation can help you determine your options.
Most lawsuits claim Risperdal caused young male patients to develop gynecomastia and that Janssen failed to provide proper warnings about this side effect.
You may still be able to file, but Oklahoma generally allows two years from the date of injury or discovery. Speaking with an attorney can help confirm eligibility.
Punitive damages are financial penalties meant to punish a company for especially harmful or deceptive behavior—not just to compensate the victim.
Yes, multiple juries have awarded damages. These include $500,000 to $680,000 in compensatory awards in some cases. Punitive phases are now being pursued.
Most focus on this condition, especially in minors. However, other claims have been brought over off-label use and failure to warn about different risks.
These cases are typically handled by product liability or dangerous drug attorneys with experience in pharmaceutical litigation.
The Risperdal lawsuits show how important it is for drug manufacturers to provide complete and clear warnings. While some patients have already received compensation, others are still fighting in court—mainly as new trials focus on whether punitive damages should apply. If you live in Oklahoma and believe Risperdal harmed you or a loved one, knowing your legal rights is the first step.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers helps individuals and families navigate dangerous drug claims, always with care, professionalism, and local support. Every case is different, and our team is here to help you understand your options.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
