How Long Do GLP-1 Lawsuits Take?

If you’ve been injured by Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Rybelsus, or Zepbound, you’re probably wondering how long it will take to resolve your claim. The reality is that mass tort litigation involving prescription drugs doesn’t move quickly. These cases require extensive medical documentation, coordinated discovery across thousands of plaintiffs, and often years of procedural work before settlements or trial verdicts begin to materialize.

Right now, GLP-1 cases are being consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 3094) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. This is still the early phase of the litigation. Discovery is underway, expert hearings are being scheduled, and the court is working through motions that will shape how the rest of the MDL proceeds. Bellwether trials — which are test cases used to gauge how juries respond to the evidence — likely won’t begin until late 2026 or 2027. That means most individual settlements won’t happen until after those trial results come in.

That said, not all cases are treated equally. Claims backed by strong medical records — imaging showing bowel obstruction, surgical reports from gallbladder removal, hospitalization records for pancreatitis — are far more likely to result in favorable outcomes. The strength of your documentation, the clarity of your drug exposure timeline, and the severity of your injury all play a role in how your case is valued once settlement discussions begin.

This article walks through the key phases of a GLP-1 lawsuit, from intake and filing to discovery, bellwether trials, and eventual settlement or payout. We’ll also explain what you can realistically expect in terms of timing and how working with experienced legal counsel can help you avoid common delays.

Key Phases of a GLP-1 Drug Lawsuit

Each GLP-1 lawsuit moves through defined procedural and evidentiary stages, and knowing what happens in each phase helps patients and families anticipate the timeline realistically. Here’s what to expect:

1. Intake and Medical Documentation

The first step is building the record, which includes:

• Prescription proof: Pharmacy printouts, refill logs, or insurance EOBs confirming brand-name GLP-1 exposure.
• Objective injury evidence: Operative reports, imaging, pathology, or hospitalization summaries for pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, ileus, or gallbladder removal.
• Symptom and recovery timeline: Notes showing when pain, nausea, or hospitalization occurred relative to medication start and discontinuation.

Early documentation determines whether a claim qualifies for inclusion in the MDL. There are many elements of a product liability claim, but objective evidence is the foundation for proving defect, causation, and damages.

2. Filing and MDL Coordination

Once intake materials are verified, your case is filed and transferred to MDL 3094. The federal judge then coordinates pretrial proceedings and discovery among all plaintiffs. During this stage:

• Plaintiffs’ leadership proposes discovery schedules and expert categories.
• Science days are held to brief the court on GLP-1 pharmacology and gastrointestinal risks.
• Defense counsel may file motions to dismiss certain theories, such as design-defect or failure-to-warn claims.

According to the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation’s official report, over 2,800 cases are now pending, and leadership counsel has begun coordinating standardized discovery requests and science-day presentations related to gastrointestinal injuries.

3. Discovery and Expert Review

This phase represents the core of most product liability litigation and involves both sides exchanging medical records, internal company communications, and expert analyses. Typical tasks include:

• Depositions of treating physicians and pharmacology experts.
• Examination of manufacturer safety data and post-marketing surveillance files.
• Comparative analysis of GLP-1 labeling revisions and FDA correspondence.

During this period, experienced attorneys apply pressure for settlement where documentary evidence shows the manufacturer minimized known gastrointestinal or gallbladder risks. Boesen Law’s mass tort team handles discovery for clients across multiple drug types to ensure local plaintiffs benefit from national-level coordination without losing individualized focus.

Our lawyers have seen defendants stall discovery by requesting unnecessary medical releases or duplicative authorizations. We respond with tailored court motions and protective orders to keep discovery moving — a detail that can shorten case time by months and preserve leverage when settlement discussions begin.

4. Settlement Negotiations and Bellwether Trials

Bellwether trials serve as test cases that shape settlement values across the MDL. Once several representative claims go to trial, both sides gain insight into how juries view the evidence, particularly regarding manufacturer warnings and causation. Settlements usually follow one of two outcomes:

• Global resolution: where the manufacturer agrees to compensate a broad group of plaintiffs based on injury type, proof strength, and damages tiers.
• Individual settlements: where cases with clear diagnostics and strong documentation resolve separately.

In previous mass torts involving drug-related injuries, settlement ranges varied significantly depending on injury severity. Each payout reflects diverse types of damages, such as lost wages, medical costs, and pain and suffering.

5. Individual Review and Payout Process

After a settlement program is established, each case undergoes an individual audit. This involves:

• Confirming drug exposure, dosage, and duration.
• Verifying diagnosis type and confirming surgical proof if applicable (e.g., bowel obstruction, cholecystectomy, or pancreatitis).
• Assigning a tiered value based on medical records and lost wage documentation.

These reviews are conducted by court-appointed administrators. In prior pharmaceutical MDLs, this step alone can take six to twelve months, depending on the number of participating plaintiffs.

6. Realistic Timeline Overview

While many law firm ads suggest fast results, the true GLP-1 litigation timeline spans several years:

This means that from initial filing to potential payment, plaintiffs may see total durations between three and five years, depending on the strength of evidence and court efficiency.

For answers to your questions, call:
(303) 999-9999

How Our Attorneys Guide You Through Each Stage

At Boesen Law, our mass tort lawyers monitor federal updates, advise on your legal options, and provide a clear understanding of potential outcomes and timelines, so you always know what to expect. Communication is our priority: we make sure you’re informed about the status of your case at every stage.

Whether your claim involves gallbladder removal, bowel obstruction, or pancreatitis linked to GLP-1 drugs, we personally manage intake, filing, and negotiation. You can review your case at no cost, as there are no legal fees unless we secure compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions About GLP-1 Lawsuit Timelines

How long do GLP-1 lawsuits take to settle?

Most cases are expected to take three to five years from filing to payout. Some individual settlements may occur sooner if the manufacturer negotiates early with strong cases.

What can delay my claim?

Missing records, incomplete pharmacy proof, or slow MDL discovery phases are the most common delays. Working with experienced attorneys who stay active in the MDL helps keep your case moving.

Will my case be included in the national MDL automatically?

Not automatically. Each lawsuit must be filed in federal court and transferred into the MDL for inclusion. Attorneys handle this procedural step on your behalf.

Are Colorado plaintiffs included in the national litigation?

Yes. Cases from all states, including Colorado, are part of MDL 3094. Local representation ensures your medical and jurisdictional details are handled correctly under both federal and state law.

Call (303) 999-9999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form