The pharmaceutical industry is worth over $1.48 trillion and frequently introduces new drugs due to intense competition between pharmaceutical companies. However, as some hurry to release new drugs, sometimes medications can be released without adequate testing.
Drugs can react differently in everyone's body, and sometimes insufficient testing can result in pharmaceutical companies not knowing or disclosing all the side effects properly. This can pose harm to many. If you're a victim of these dangerous drugs, you can file for compensation. In this guide, we explain what dangerous drugs are, who must be held liable for them, and why you need to hire a lawyer to advocate your case.
What Are Dangerous Drugs?
Any prescription drugs that have caused you damage due to their hazardous side effects are dangerous drugs. If you file a lawsuit, you'll need to prove these injuries to show that you have suffered because of prescription medications. The evidence you need to gather is your medical records, such as the investigation, medical tests, diagnosis by your doctor, treatment, medications you took to treat it, expert testimonies from your doctors, and your medical expenses. You can get compensated for the following damages:
● Non-economic damages: Mental and physical pain and suffering
● Medical bills: This includes the cost of present and future hospital stays, doctor visits, tests and imaging prescribed by the doctor, physical therapy, and mental health treatment, all done to treat the adverse effects of the drug.
● Lost wages: You can be compensated with any present and future lost wages if you prove that you cannot hold a job and work due to the injury caused by the medication, like permanent disability.
● Funeral costs: If your loved one died due to dangerous drugs.
Who Can Be Held Responsible in a Dangerous Drug Lawsuit?
Pharmaceutical companies most commonly face involvement in dangerous drug lawsuits when their actions can be connected to injuries, such as incorrect statements regarding medication side effects, failure to disclose harmful side effects, addiction, or inadequate testing before releasing it for consumption.
Sales representatives can also be held responsible if they promote a drug to doctors without correctly stating the dangerous side effects and dangers of the drug. While it is the primary duty of pharmaceutical companies to deliver safe drugs, medical providers like doctors, physicians, and pharmacists can also be held responsible for not conveying all the information about the dangerous side effects of the drugs. They can hold liability if they prescribe the wrong medication to their patients or fail to adequately inform them about the dangers of a drug.
Why Should You Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Dangerous Drug Lawsuit?
Victims often aren't aware of their rights or do not know who to hold liable for dangerous drug cases. This is where a lawyer comes in. They can help you explore all your legal choices and understand what compensation you can receive. Additionally, dangerous drugs can have multiple people held responsible, like doctors, drug manufacturers, and pharmacists, so a lawyer can help you decide who to keep liable in your lawsuit.
If you feel like you suffered from a dangerous drug, you should file a claim immediately and contact a lawyer like injury attorney Stephen Babcock. If you wait too long to discuss your case, it can damage your potential legal claim. The statute of limitation of the case can expire, or you and your witnesses may experience trouble recalling facts. You must also prioritize treatment for your injuries. Delayed diagnosis and treatment make it challenging to connect your injury to the consumption of the specific drug.
Endnote
Sometimes, due to inadequate testing or undisclosed side effects, drugs can have a harmful reaction to your body. In that case, you can hold the pharmaceutical company, sales representative, or medical staff liable. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and your compensation and facilitate you to decide on who to sue. If you're a victim of a dangerous drug and thinking of holding someone liable, do it immediately before the statute of limitation expires, or you forget the facts.
