If you suffered a serious complication after taking a GLP-1 drug (such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound, Rybelsus, Trulicity, Saxenda, or Victoza), you may be wondering how the legal process works. Most people have never been involved in a product liability case, and the steps can feel unclear.
This page explains the typical GLP-1 lawsuit process, what happens at each stage, what claimants are usually asked to provide, and how cases often move toward settlement or trial.
Step 1 — Initial Case Review (Eligibility Screening)
The process usually starts with a brief review of:
- which GLP-1 drug you took
- approximate start/stop dates
- symptoms and diagnoses
- hospitalizations, ER visits, or surgeries
- whether symptoms persist today
This step helps determine whether your injury aligns with patterns commonly seen in active GLP-1 claim evaluations.
➡️ Start here: File a Claim
➡️ Eligibility criteria: Criteria
Step 2 — Medical Records & Documentation Collection
If your case appears potentially eligible, the next step typically involves collecting supporting records, such as:
- hospital admission and discharge summaries
- ER visit notes
- imaging (CT/MRI/ultrasound)
- lab testing (kidney function, pancreatic enzymes)
- GI testing (gastric emptying studies)
- surgical reports (gallbladder removal, bowel intervention)
- specialist notes (GI, nephrology, surgery)
Strong documentation is one of the most important factors in whether a claim progresses.
➡️ Records checklist: Medical Records
Step 3 — Injury Confirmation & Case Strength Evaluation
Legal teams commonly review:
- whether diagnosis is confirmed
- whether injury required significant treatment
- whether symptoms persist long-term
- whether there is a clear timeline linking drug use to injury onset
- whether alternative explanations are documented or ruled out
Cases involving hospitalization, surgery, or permanent impairment are often treated as higher priority.
➡️ What lawyers look for: What lawyers look for
Step 4 — Filing (If the Case Moves Forward)
If a claim proceeds, legal counsel may file:
- an individual lawsuit, OR
- a claim that becomes part of a coordinated mass tort
Filing depends on:
- your jurisdiction
- legal strategy
- your injury type
- current litigation structure
Filing also must occur within time limits (statutes of limitation).
➡️ Time limits: Statute of Limitations
Step 5 — Case Coordination (Mass Tort / MDL Structure)
Many large pharmaceutical cases move into coordinated structures to manage thousands of claims efficiently.
Common structures include:
- MDL (Multidistrict Litigation)
- state-based consolidated proceedings
- coordinated mass-tort dockets
Coordination allows the court to:
- standardize evidence handling
- streamline discovery
- schedule test cases
- encourage resolution
➡️ Litigation status: Current Litigation Status
Step 6 — Discovery and Evidence Development
Discovery is the phase where evidence is gathered and analyzed, which may include:
- medical records and expert review
- prescribing and pharmacy history
- corporate documents (warnings, internal assessments, marketing)
- depositions (sworn testimony)
- scientific and regulatory data analysis
Claimants are not typically required to do “court work” daily — much of this is handled by legal teams. But claimants may be asked to confirm information or provide records.
Step 7 — Expert Review (Medical and Scientific)
Product liability cases often involve experts who analyze:
- how the drug works biologically
- whether it plausibly contributed to the injury
- whether warnings reflected known risks
- whether long-term harm was foreseeable
- how injury patterns compare across claimants
Experts are especially important in claims involving:
Step 8 — Bellwether Trials (Sometimes)
Some litigations use bellwether cases as “test trials” to evaluate:
- how juries respond to evidence
- how defendants may be exposed to risk
- what claim values may look like
- whether settlement becomes more likely
Most cases do not reach trial — but bellwethers often shape settlement negotiations.
➡️ Settlement guide: Settlements
Step 9 — Settlement Negotiations
If litigation progresses, defendants may negotiate:
- a global settlement framework
- tier-based compensation categories
- or individual settlement agreements
Settlement structures often weigh:
- diagnosis severity
- hospitalization and surgery
- long-term impairment
- documentation strength
- economic loss
➡️ Compensation categories: Compensation
Step 10 — Claim Processing and Resolution
If a settlement occurs, claims are typically processed through:
- eligibility verification
- documentation review
- tier placement or scoring
- payment distribution according to settlement terms
If settlement does not occur, cases may proceed further toward trial, though many resolve before reaching that stage.
What Claimants Are Usually Asked to Do
In most cases, claimants may need to:
- provide accurate medical timeline details
- sign record request forms
- share prescription history
- update the team on new diagnoses
- document ongoing limitations
- possibly answer written questions (interrogatories)
Most claimants are not expected to appear in court unless a case becomes highly individualized.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Timelines vary depending on litigation stage and case complexity. Most large pharmaceutical cases take time because they involve:
- expert review
- evidence collection
- coordinated court schedules
- settlement framework development
Starting early helps preserve documentation and protect your rights.
How to Start Your Case Review
If you believe you suffered a serious injury after GLP-1 drug use, the first step is a confidential eligibility screening.
➡️ Start here: File a Claim
➡️ Eligibility criteria: Criteria
➡️ Contact page: Contact
Related Internal Links
The GLP-1 lawsuit process typically begins with eligibility screening, followed by medical record collection, case evaluation, potential filing, coordinated litigation steps, expert review, and then settlement or trial resolution. Documentation and a clear symptom timeline are key at nearly every stage.
If you experienced severe complications after GLP-1 drug use, you can begin a case review to determine whether legal options may apply.
➡️ Start your review: File a Claim