Columbia Dangerous Drugs Lawyer
Prescription drugs are meant to help individuals recover from illnesses and injuries, but some drugs can also be dangerous and lead to serious injuries. This can occur due to various factors such as a faulty manufacturing process, incorrect labeling, or poor drug design.
In such cases, individuals who have been prescribed dangerous drugs may have a right to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for their injuries. Call a Columbia dangerous drugs lawyer today for help.
Statistics on Dangerous Drugs and Injuries
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are an average of 1.3 million adverse drug events (ADR) in the United States each year. Approximately 350,000 of these require further hospitalization for treatment after an emergency room visit. In addition, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are as many as 106,000 deaths of hospitalized patients directly linked to adverse drug events annually. This would make ADRs the fourth leading cause of death in the U.S., ahead of even pulmonary disease, diabetes, and automobile accidents. Some of the most commonly prescribed drugs that have been linked to dangerous side effects include opioid painkillers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics.
Injuries Resulting from Dangerous Drugs
Injuries resulting from dangerous drugs can be severe and life-altering. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Addiction: Addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem, and individuals who have been prescribed opioid painkillers, such as OxyContin or Vicodin, are at an increased risk of developing an addiction.
- Overdose: Overdose is a major concern with prescription drugs, particularly opioid painkillers. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 47,000 people died from opioid overdoses in 2017.
- Heart problems: Some prescription drugs have been linked to heart problems, including heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
- Liver damage: Certain prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, can cause liver damage when taken in large doses.
- Birth defects: Some prescription drugs, such as Zofran and Accutane, have been linked to birth defects when taken during pregnancy.
If you have been prescribed a dangerous drug and have suffered injuries as a result, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim. In order to file a claim, you must be able to prove that the drug manufacturer was negligent in some way. Some examples of this could include not adequately testing the drug, failing to warn of potential side effects, or using misleading marketing tactics. Failing to adequately label the drug or improper manufacturing can also be used as evidence of negligence.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dangerous prescription drug, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. After seeking treatment for your hazardous drug-related injuries, it is recommended that you consult with a skilled lawyer in Columbia to discuss your legal options.
The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer in a Dangerous Drugs Case
A personal injury lawyer can assist with dangerous drug injuries by helping you to build a strong case and negotiate with the drug manufacturer to obtain a fair settlement. A dangerous drugs lawyer will also be able to handle any legal paperwork, communicate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. They will investigate the case, gather evidence, interview witnesses, review medical records, and evaluate the extent of your damages.
Contact an Attorney in Columbia After a Dangerous Drugs Injury
The Law Office of Chris Miller has years of experience handling dangerous drug personal injury cases and can help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Our team of experienced lawyers will work with you to build a strong case and work tirelessly to obtain a fair settlement.
We understand the impact an injury from dangerous drugs can have on your life, and we are here to help you seek justice. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of dangerous prescription drugs, contact us today for a free consultation.