As reported in 2015, 100,000 people in the United States die each year due to reactions to prescription drugs according to the FDA. This is the fourth largest cause of death in America.
One crucial part of any pharmaceutical companies’ success is to introduce new drugs to the market. Unfortunately, this can lead to the release of drugs that have dangerous side effects. If a prescription or over-the-counter medication contains a manufacturing or marketing defect, the FDA considers it dangerous. In addition, mistakes are sometimes made by pharmacies in giving wrong medicines or wrong dosages to a customer.
All prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs have benefits and risks. However, the consumers that take them may not be aware of all of these risks. If you suffered an injury after taking a medication, contact a Philadelphia dangerous drug lawyer immediately to discuss the details of your case. Our personal injury attorneys could work with you to get the compensation that you deserve.
Recoverable Damages in Dangerous Drug Cases
Claimants in dangerous drug cases could be eligible to collect compensation for damages. Compensation could include money to cover past and future medical bills and more. Other examples of compensation claimants could be eligible to collect due to a defective drug include:
- Past and future pay for lost time at work
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
Overall, a successful lawsuit against drug manufacturers or other responsible parties could provide you with the compensation you need to pay off medical debt and reimburse you for lost wages. While compensation will not take away the claimant’s injury, it can help economically and emotionally. A knowledgeable attorney in Philadelphia could help people who suffered dangerous side effects from a drug calculate damages and file a claim for compensation.
Safety Standards and Injuries
Pharmaceutical companies must test and inspect every product and then warn the consumers of any potential side effects or drug interactions. After stringent testing, the drugs must meet FDA strict guidelines. While the FDA has a process for reviewing all medications before they reach the market, the process is not without flaws. Despite all of this testing, countless injuries occur every year. Dangerous drug and medication injuries we commonly see include:
- Brain damage
- Medication-induced diabetes
- Heart failure or attacks
- Kidney or liver failure
- Internal bleeding
- Blood disorders
- Stroke
- Suicidal thoughts or death
After taking a dangerous medication, any person who suffers an injury should contact a Philadelphia attorney to begin working on their claim for compensation.
Legal Time Limit to File Defective Drug Lawsuit
Under 42 Pennsylvania C.S. §5524, the statute of limitations generally requires that an individual file a lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company, manufacturer, pharmacy or any other responsible party within two years of suffering an injury, or possibly longer if the injured party does not realize the injury is from the medicine and a court feels this extra time is reasonable.
If the party seeking compensation does not file the legal action within the statute’s allowable timeframe, a court may dismiss the case without a hearing. A lawyer in Philadelphia could file a dangerous drugs legal action with the court within the allowable time and avoid any delays.
Schedule a Consultation with a Philadelphia Dangerous Drugs Attorney
If you suffered losses because of a pharmaceutical company’s negligence, you do not have to face this alone. Experienced counsel understands what you are going through and the complexities of defective medication cases.
A compassionate and experienced Philadelphia dangerous drugs lawyer could help you get justice and pursue the maximal amount of compensation that you deserve. Call today and begin preparing your claim for damages immediately.