Matrixx Initiative's recalled Zicam products Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel & Swabs, have been linked to the loss of smell and taste by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). It's a serious problem that has led to countless product liability lawsuits against the manufacturer. So, what should you do if you've been injured? Our legal expert provided some answers.

Zicam Attorney Doug Kreis

According to Zicam Attorney Doug Kreis, anyone who believes they may have been injured by Zicam products should:

• Seek medical attention. A consumer who has used Zicam that believes they may have suffered an injury should initially and immediately go to their family physician or internist to have their nasal passage examined. They may likely be referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist who will examine and look at the olfactory epithelium.

  There are tests they can undergo which will identify whether there has been a loss of smell and if so, to what degree. If the loss is minimal or partial, the manufacturer has historically still been held accountable for that through civil litigation. There is a way that we quantify this loss in the law and a person should be compensated for that loss.

• Consult with an attorney. The natural human response is to overcome any sort of infirmity. The human brain is marvelous in that it will compensate for the loss – and attempt to overcome it. However, it's still a true loss – and as we understand it – is permanent in nature for many. So, immediately go to the doctor, go through diagnostic testing, identify the nature and extent of the loss and then contact legal counsel to see what your rights are.
• Be conscious of statute of limitations. There are obviously statute of limitations in each state and there is greater urgency in some states as opposed to others. Some states only provide you with one year to seek legal counsel after you first suffer your loss; other states allow for a greater period of time.

  It's important to keep in mind that every day that passes that a person doesn’t secure legal counsel once they have identified a loss, they could be waiving their legal rights – which is exactly what the manufacturer who is liable for these losses would certainly like and is what we try to protect against as consumer justice attorneys.

  So we’re trying to get the word out that this product has been definitively linked with these losses, and we certainly avail our services and experience to these consumers to seek immediate redress.

If you've been injured due to Zicam products, you can have a free case evaluation to determine whether you may have a case against the manufacturer.