Legal Options for Adverse Drug Reactions

Several legal options are available for individuals who experience adverse drug reactions, including filing a lawsuit. Some drugs may be liable for injuries caused by their side effects, and individuals may be able to collect monetary damages from the manufacturer or distributor of the drug.

Here, we explain how these options work and what individuals should do if they think an adverse drug reaction has harmed them.

Signs of Adverse Drug Reactions

What may constitute an adverse drug reaction will vary from case to case, but common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fever, and other unpleasant symptoms. In severe cases, these symptoms may be life-threatening. Individuals who experience such symptoms after taking a drug should report them to their doctor as soon as possible. The symptoms may sometimes not go away even after taking medication.

When a medication doesn’t provide the expected benefits or causes serious side effects, it is referred to as an “adverse drug reaction.” Tepezza is an example of a drug that has been recalled because of severe adverse reactions among its users. 

Tepezza was supposed to treat a rare condition called Graves’ Eye Disease. However, this drug’s adverse severe side effects resulted in some patients having various issues. An ongoing Tepezza lawsuit attempts to get justice for those affected by these terrible side effects.

Drug manufacturers are required to list all known side effects of the drugs they produce, but they are not required to list all of the potential side effects of the medications. This means that in some cases, individuals may not realize that they are experiencing a severe adverse drug reaction until it is too late.

Filing a Lawsuit Against A Manufacturer

Suppose an individual has suffered serious injury or death due to taking a particular medication. In that case, they may file a lawsuit against the manufacturer to recover financial compensation for their losses. To do this, they must prove that the side effects of the medication injured them and that the drug company was negligent in labeling and/or producing the drug. An experienced attorney can help them prepare their case and obtain a favorable outcome.

A personal injury lawyer may also assist with filing lawsuits against doctors and other healthcare professionals who were negligent in treating the patient. In such cases, the courts may award compensation to the patient to compensate for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of income, and loss of enjoyment of life. 

The victim may also be able to recover punitive damages against the doctor and the hospital in order to punish them for their negligence and discourage similar behavior in the future. It is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after an adverse drug reaction has occurred.

What To Look For In A Lawyer?

Before hiring a lawyer to represent you in a medical malpractice case, it is important to shop around and find an attorney with the skills and experience necessary to get the best possible results in your case. You should meet with several attorneys before you decide which one will represent you and make sure that you feel comfortable with them. 

You should also ask about their track record, the level of personal attention that they will provide, and the costs that they charge for their work. Once you have found an attorney with the skills you need and whose fee structure is affordable, you should stick with him/her throughout the process.

Consult the disciplinary history of the lawyers you are considering using. Check with their respective state bar associations to ensure that there are no disciplinary actions against them. Finally, consider the geographic area of the lawyer’s practice to ensure that you have plenty of options if you have to move your case to another jurisdiction.

Conclusion

Adverse drug reactions are a serious risk for many people who take prescription medications, and they can result in serious injury or even death in some cases. If a prescription drug has injured you or someone you love, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of that drug in order to recover compensation for your losses. 

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you evaluate your claim and help you determine whether you have a valid legal case against the responsible party. Knowing what to look for in a lawyer is an important part of the process, and you should consult with an attorney as soon as you are able to following your injury. Ask friends, family members, and colleagues for recommendations, and talk to several different lawyers before making your decision.