What Constitutes a Dangerous Drug?

Many medications have negative side effects, but dangerous drugs are medications that cause unintended harm, negative health risks, or wrongful death. Medications can cause harm in a number of ways.

For example, a medication you are taking could interact badly with another medication you are taking, leading to a negative health incident such as a stroke. Another example is if a drug manufacturing company incorrectly labeled a medication found on store shelves, causing consumers harm.

Sometimes, it can take years for users to notice the harm that a medication has done to them. For instance, years later, it could be discovered that a medication can cause liver disease, heart malfunctions, or other health problems. While these medications might be recalled, they have already done damage to those who used them. Here are some common ways medications can cause harm to consumers:

  • Mislabeled medications
  • Medication that has a poor interaction with another medication
  • Doctor or healthcare worker provides an incorrect dosage or wrong prescription
  • Medication discovered to cause negative health effects
  • Doctor fails to read patient’s chart before prescribing medication
  • Design defects
  • Manufacturing defects

Whether the medication you were taking is over-the-counter or a prescription, you can seek justice for harm you suffered due to dangerous drugs.

Who Could Be Liable for Dangerous Drugs?

As you can see, a person can be injured due to dangerous drugs in a number of ways. Liability for your damages will depend on who was responsible for the harm you suffered.

For example, if your New Orleans doctor was the one who prescribed a medication that they should have known you were allergic to, then the doctor and healthcare provider could be liable for your injuries and related suffering.

If you were harmed by the drug itself, which is later discovered to have not been properly safety tested, the pharmaceutical company or safety lab could be liable for harming you.

By investigating your health problems and the involved medications, a New Orleans dangerous drugs lawyer can determine what caused your injuries. Then the liable party can be pursued through the legal process of filing an injury claim or lawsuit.

Possible liable parties involving dangerous or defective drugs include:

  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Drug manufacturers
  • Medical providers (hospitals)
  • Healthcare workers including doctors
  • Pharmacy staff

Injuries Caused by Dangerous Drugs

When people are injured due to defective or harmful drugs, their health can be severely impacted. Dangerous drugs can cause a number of issues for victims, such as damage to vital organs, strokes or heart attacks, or failure to treat the illness or health problem the drug was being taken for.

For example, if you were taking a drug intended to treat you for heart disease, you could experience a heart attack if you were given the wrong medication.

For some people, dangerous drugs can permanently impact their health in a negative way. Those who caused such damage to your health could be held accountable for their actions through an injury claim or suit.

Here are a few examples of injuries caused by dangerous, defective, or improperly labeled drugs:

  • Heart palpitations
  • Stroke
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Seizures
  • Internal bleeding
  • Infection
  • Wrongful death

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

Elizabeth Lachney was super helpful in explaining a lot of things i didnt understand about my case. Very respectful and seemed so welling to help me! ...

Elizabeth Lachney was super helpful in explaining a lot of things i didnt understand about my case. Very respectful and seemed so welling to help me! She is the best, I 1000% recommend her if you have any questions!

s
skylar bachman

New Iberia

Working with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers was an incredible experience from beginning to end. Jeanne and Kaitlyn were absolutely amazing - profession...

Working with Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers was an incredible experience from beginning to end. Jeanne and Kaitlyn were absolutely amazing - professional and always on top of everything. They kept me informed throughout the entire process and made sure I understood every step along the way. My case was resolved better than expected. I can’t thank them enough.

M
Melody Johnson

New Orleans

I had an amazing experience working with my paralegal, Wesley Guillory, at Laborde Earles Law Firm. Wesley went above and beyond for me throughout the...

I had an amazing experience working with my paralegal, Wesley Guillory, at Laborde Earles Law Firm. Wesley went above and beyond for me throughout the entire process. He was always patient, knowledgeable, and quick to respond to any questions I had. What stood out most was how genuinely he cared. He made sure I understood every step and always made me feel supported and informed.

Wesley’s professionalism and compassion truly set him apart. He made a stressful situation so much easier, and I’m incredibly grateful for all of his hard work. I highly recommend Wesley and the entire Laborde Earles team. They really do put their clients first.

J
Jaine Fisher

Lafayette

Bridgette is absolutely phenomenal! She's one of the most professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated paralegals I've ever had the pleasure of working ...

Bridgette is absolutely phenomenal! She's one of the most professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated paralegals I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Her attention to detail is unmatched.
She catches things most people would overlook, and she always makes sure every document is perfect before it leaves her hands.
Beyond her incredible skill set, Bridgette is also kind, reliable, and a true team player. She communicates clearly, stays organized under pressure, and goes above and beyond to make sure clients and attorneys alike feel supported.
You can tell she genuinely cares about her work and the people she helps.
If you're lucky enough to have Bridgette as your paralegal, you're in the best possible hands. Five stars isn't enough for someone this exceptional!

B
Brittany Johnson

Alexandria

Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is q...

Working with Toni Stelly has been a great experience. She is compassionate and listens to me when I have a concern or need some information. Toni is quick to respond to my questions and gets things done!! Good experience working with this firm.

k
kelly

Lake Charles

I highly recommend hiring Laborde Earles for your personal injury needs. They have the most professional, friendly and communicative staff who are gua...

I highly recommend hiring Laborde Earles for your personal injury needs. They have the most professional, friendly and communicative staff who are guaranteed to work hard on your case and get the outcome you deserve. Brittani C. is one of the most organized, thorough and helpful paralegals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. She keeps you informed and answers all your questions throughout the litigation process.

P
Patrick Conner

Baton Rouge

Michelle Brouillette is always so pleasant whenever I call or stop by the office. She always has a smile on her face.

C
Christine G.

Renee McCaslin is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and always goes above and beyond to make the legal process smooth and stress-free. I truly a...

Renee McCaslin is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and always goes above and beyond to make the legal process smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciate her attention to detail and genuine care for her clients!

C
Courtnie Heltz

New Orleans

Toni at LE is seriously so dedicated and a hard worker! LE is lucky to have this chick. She's so sweet but a little spicy (in a good, funny way!) whic...

Toni at LE is seriously so dedicated and a hard worker! LE is lucky to have this chick. She's so sweet but a little spicy (in a good, funny way!) which is always a breath of fresh air to be around someone who is genuine. She's a doll and anyone who comes into contact with her is a lucky one!

H
Hannah Johnson

Baton Rouge

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

Read More Testimonials

Damages in a New Orleans Dangerous Drugs Case

You probably understand that you can seek financial compensation for your injuries and suffering, but you have likely experienced other damages caused by your injuries. For example, if dangerous drugs caused you to suffer a stroke, you could be missing time from work or be unable to work entirely.

Injuries can be permanent, which could mean never being able to return to work again. Treatment of your health issues caused by dangerous drugs can be expensive. Additionally, many people suffer mentally due to their physical injuries and are unable to enjoy their life as they once did.

Damages that could be sought through the personal injury claim process include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of income
  • Lost ability to work
  • Mental distress and treatment
  • Medical expenses
  • Permanent damage to health
  • Lost quality of life

What Does a New Orleans Dangerous Drugs Attorney Do?

To recover justice and financial compensation for a personal injury caused by dangerous drugs, a personal injury claim or lawsuit will have to be filed. But there’s no reason for you to handle a legal process without help. A New Orleans dangerous drugs lawyer can assist you with the process of pursuing damages for your injuries. A dangerous drugs lawyer can:

  • Investigate your injuries and help you understand your options
  • Assist with evidence collection, including interviewing witnesses and looking at similar cases involving the same drug
  • Provide legal advice and assistance
  • Communicate with insurance companies or other involved parties
  • Handle any court proceedings
  • Assist with legal documentation and court filings
  • Document your damages and help you seek justice

When a lawyer at our firm takes your dangerous drugs case, they can work out a contingency fee arrangement with you. This allows you to pay legal fees only after you’ve won compensation through a settlement or successful lawsuit.

person with pills in hand

Get in Touch with a New Orleans Dangerous Drugs Lawyer Today

Learn more about filing a claim or lawsuit for injuries caused by dangerous drugs. Negligent drug manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, and medical staff can be held accountable if they hurt you.

Reach out to Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers to learn more about the process of seeking compensation through an injury claim or lawsuit. Don’t delay in reaching out to our firm, as there are legal time limitations that could impact your Louisiana injury case (CC Art. §3492 ).

View More Articles Trusted Voices Sharing What Matters

closeup of a car with a crashed hood

Blog Louisiana’s New Comparative Fault Law (2026): What the 51% Rule Means for Your Compensation

If you were injured in Louisiana, a recent change in the law could determine whether you recover compensation or nothing at all. As of Janua...

Read Full Article
woman in neck brace talking to lawyer

Blog Louisiana Sets New Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Tort Claims

Now that Louisiana has set a new two-year statute of limitations on tort claims, injury victims will have more time to take legal action for...

Read Full Article
law statue

Blog Digger Earles Honored With Appointment to GLP-1 Plaintiff Steering Committee

In a significant victory for plaintiffs in the high-stakes multi-district GLP-1 litigation, renowned Lafayette personal injury lawyer Digger...

Read Full Article
big rig car accident

Blog $1,400,000 Settlement for Alexandria Woman in Car Accident

When it comes to being injured in a car accident, choosing the right attorney can be the difference between getting $1,400,000 in 9 months i...

Read Full Article

Guidance you can trust, from people who actually know.

View All FAQs View All Articles

Our Locations Find Your Local Office

Get Legal Help Today Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

25+ Attorneys Collaboration on every case

Call Anytime Speak to our local team 24/7

(504) 777-7777
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Send Message
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (337) 223-9925.