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Family Attorney: Johnson & Johnson Failed To Convey Risks Of Children's Motrin

KINGSTON (CBS) - The lawyer for the family of a Kingston girl who had severe and life-altering reactions to a common drug says Johnson & Johnson failed to let consumers know of the risks associated with Children's Motrin.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey reports

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A Plymouth Superior Court jury awarded the settlement Wednesday to Samantha Reckis and her parents, a total of $109 million, including interest, saying Johnson & Johnson did not do enough to warn them or others about potentially devastating side effects.

"She was pretty profoundly blind when she was discharged from the hospital. She could see light and shadows and maybe count fingers a few inches out, " Reckis' attorney Brad Henry told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Nightside With Dan Rea Wednesday night. "She also had very severe pulmonary damage. She has about 20-percent lung capacity even today. "

Reckis, now 17, was 7-years-old when she took the drug.

The reaction burned 90-percent of her skin and caused massive liver and lung damage.

"We're not suggesting ibuprofen should be taken off the market or that this isn't a good and useful drug to many, many people," Henry told Dan Rea. "What we are saying, however, is that drug companies need to take responsibility and be responsible to let consumers know of certain risks."

Johnson & Johnson says they disagree with the ruling and they're reviewing their legal options.

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