Philadelphia Dangerous Drugs Lawyer
While the purpose of any pharmaceutical drug is to improve health and well-being, many drugs produce severe side effects, which may be even more detrimental to a person’s health than the condition being treated. The pharmaceutical companies, pharmacists, and physicians who prescribe them have a legal and ethical obligation to ensure that the drugs they give patients are safe.
A victim of an unsafe pharmaceutical drug who is injured as a result of the use of a drug may be entitled to compensation for damages in a personal injury lawsuit. For this, you will need an experienced Philadelphia dangerous drug lawyer. In cases where many people are harmed by taking a particular pharmaceutical drug, a class action lawsuit may be brought against the drug’s manufacturer.
At the Philadelphia personal injury law firm of Hill & Associates – Leonard Hill Personal Injury Lawyers And Car Accident Lawyers, our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to represent you when an unsafe pharmaceutical drug has damaged your health. With a solid record of getting victims generous compensation in personal injury cases, Leonard K. Hill and his team will fight to make you or your loved one whole again after you’ve suffered from pharmaceutical drug-related injuries.
WHY SOME PHARMACEUTICALS ARE UNSAFE
These are some of the common reasons that unsafe drugs make it onto the market:
- Defects in manufacturing
- Inadequate or insufficient testing
- Falsified study results
- Failure of the manufacturer to post warnings of potential side effects, interactions, and recall notices by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Pharmaceutical representatives promoting off-label prescribing by doctors
When duty is breached, and a patient suffers. As a result, the responsible doctor, hospital, or another healthcare provider may be liable for the patient’s resulting damages. As accomplished Philadelphia dangerous drug lawyers, we are known for our results-oriented approach and the caring, personal attention we give each of our clients.
COMMON DRUGS KNOWN TO BE UNSAFE
The following are just a few of the many drugs that are known to cause harm in some patients.
- Actos: a medicine used in the treatment of diabetes that has been found to cause congestive heart failure and worsen existing heart conditions.
- Fosamax: used in the treatment of osteoporosis and certain other bone conditions. Ironically, this drug has been found to cause damage to bone tissue. The American Association of Endodontics reported in 2006 that the class of drugs that includes Fosamax can cause the decaying of the jaw bones, also known as osteonecrosis. Osteonecrosis can cause significant pain in the jaw area, infection, and even disfigurement. Furthermore, research suggests that women who take this type of drug are more likely than non-users to develop brittle bones, which can lead to fractures throughout the body.
- NuvaRing: a birth control medication that is associated with increased risks of heart and circulatory conditions. Research also suggests that NuvaRing increases the risk of thrombosis in the brain, legs, heart, and lungs, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. Other potential complications include jaundice, liver tumors, and gallstones.
- SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors): a class of drugs used to treat major depressive disorders. The brand names of this class of drug include Zoloft, Celexa, Prozac, Lexapro, Effexor, and Paxil. This medicine works by changing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. SSRIs have been associated with significant birth defects in babies when their mothers take these drugs while pregnant. Other research suggests that this class of drugs can cause the fetus to have high blood pressure while it is developing, which can cause severe heart and lung problems. Other known side effects in infants include oral cleft, clubfoot, and possibly autism. Some patients using these drugs have experienced violent or psychotic episodes.
- Topamax: a drug used to treat epilepsy and migraine headaches. It has been associated with birth defects, osteoporosis, glaucoma, and kidney stones.
- Painkillers: drugs such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, and Percocet have a high potential for abuse and are a leading cause of death, especially among young people in the United States.
It is important for us, as Philadelphia dangerous drug attorneys, to educate mistreated patients and their families who may have unknowingly survived these medical errors only to be left with severe damages to their health much later on.
HOW DEFECTIVE AND UNSAFE DRUGS MAKE IT TO MARKET
Drug manufacturers have a legal duty to ensure their prescription drugs are safe for patients. Despite this, defective drugs sometimes make it to market due to inadequate testing, ignored warning signs, and, in some cases, falsified data.
Unsafe drugs, which may include prescription and over-the-counter drugs often marketed aggressively, can result in harmful side effects, serious injury, and even death. When pharmaceutical companies fail to warn doctors and patients of potential side effects or known risks, they may be liable for harm caused by their negligence.
For victims harmed by defective drugs, the guidance of a Philadelphia dangerous drugs lawyer is essential. Whether due to harmful drug interactions or other complications, affected patients can seek compensation for injuries suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
TYPES OF INJURIES CAUSED BY DANGEROUS DRUGS
Dangerous drugs can lead to various injuries, including physical and emotional suffering. Patients who experience significant pain due to defective medications may suffer long-term effects, such as osteoporosis, organ damage, or debilitating conditions like osteoporosis or osteonecrosis.
Birth defects are another severe risk, especially when certain drugs are taken during pregnancy. Medications like SSRIs and painkillers may cause developmental issues in infants, affecting their overall health and quality of life. Other potential injuries include severe allergic reactions, loss of mobility, and psychological distress.
COMMON DRUG MANUFACTURER NEGLIGENCE
Pharmaceutical companies must test their products rigorously and disclose all risks. Unfortunately, some manufacturers cut corners to release new medications quickly. This negligence can lead to severe side effects or unexpected drug interactions that put patients at risk.
When the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issues recalls or safety warnings, it often reveals flaws in the original testing or marketing practices. An experienced dangerous drug attorney can help injured parties understand their rights, assess the manufacturer’s liability, and file a defective drug lawsuit to recover compensation for their suffering.
SEEKING COMPENSATION FOR DANGEROUS DRUG INJURIES
Patients harmed by unsafe or defective drugs may be eligible for compensation. This compensation often includes coverage for medical bills, lost wages due to time off work, and the cost of ongoing care. In cases of severe injuries or wrongful death, family members may seek additional damages to cover funeral expenses and emotional suffering.
Working with a law firm experienced in defective drug cases can help injured parties gather medical evidence, calculate fair compensation, and pursue a personal injury claim against responsible parties.
THE ROLE OF A PHILADELPHIA DANGEROUS DRUGS LAWYER
Navigating a dangerous drug case can be complex, especially when pharmaceutical companies are involved. A Philadelphia dangerous drugs lawyer can evaluate the details of your case, gather expert medical opinions, and represent you in negotiations or court.
They operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless you win a financial recovery. With an attorney’s help, victims and their families can hold manufacturers accountable, seek justice, and gain peace of mind knowing they’ve taken action to protect themselves and others from harmful drugs.
DANGEROUS DRUG LAWYERS IN PHILADELPHIA
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to taking any prescription medication, the compassionate attorneys at Hill & Associates – Leonard Hill Personal Injury Lawyers And Car Accident Lawyers are available to help. We are deeply committed to protecting the public from dangerous and harmful drugs and making greedy companies pay.
Call our office at (215) 567-7600 or contact us online today for an initial free legal consultation. Defective drug cases are signed on a contingency fee basis, so you never pay expenses or legal fees unless we win a financial recovery for you.
Philadelphia Office Location
1700 Market St Suite 3150,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
215-567-7600