Defective Prescription and Over the Counter Drugs

As any medication can be the center of a defective drugs lawsuit, both over the counter and prescription drugs have been the center of many successful ones, where substantial compensation was awarded to the victims. When you consider the sheer amount of drugs that are produced each year, it’s no surprise that so many adverse side effects are so common. Some drugs have been the center of more lawsuits than others. Some of the drugs to have recent lawsuits filed against them include:

  • Zantac
  • Elmiron
  • Ranitidine
  • Injectafer
  • Pradaxa
  • Losartan
  • Belviq

Some of the issues caused by these drugs included Parkinson’s disease, increased cancer risk, and uncontrolled bleeding. A New Orleans defective drugs attorney can help if you suspect you’ve been adversely affected by any drug.

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Symptoms of Defective Drugs To Look Out For

Although most drugs do come with some side effects (even significant ones), this does not necessarily make them defective. If you have recently been prescribed a new type of drug, it’s important to look out for the following symptoms:

  • Heart palpitations
  • Seizures
  • Skin lumps
  • Infections
  • Rashes
  • Blurry vision
  • Stroke
  • Breathing issues

If you are experiencing any of these issues, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Even if the symptoms feel mild, it’s still best to get an expert opinion from your doctor.

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Holding Pharmaceutical Companies Accountable for Defective Drugs

Product liability laws state that pharmaceutical companies are responsible for making sure their drugs are safe for the public. Any company that has a hand in the distribution, manufacturing, or marketing of the drug can be held responsible if individuals begin to experience adverse side effects.

The approval process includes the company manufacturing the drugs and testing them for safety before sending them to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be approved for the public. The labeling must disclose all side effects to prevent any potential harm to those being prescribed the drug. These disclosures are what the FDA uses to approve or disapprove a drug, so this step mustn’t be overlooked or manipulated in any way. However, this is not always the case.

Pharmaceutical companies make millions of dollars on these drugs, and naturally, want to get them approved as quickly as possible. At times, pharmaceutical companies may falsify information that could cause harm to the consumer to have the drug brought to market, which is negligent considering the danger it could pose to the consumer.

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Which Parties can be Held Liable for Defective Drugs?

Once a drug is approved, the pharmaceutical company remains liable for ensuring the safety of its product. They have a responsibility to market the drug suitably, and doctors have the responsibility to prescribe the drugs at the correct dosages. Several parties can be held liable when a drug is defective, including the doctor who prescribed the drug and the company that distributed the drug.

The victim could be eligible for compensation if one of the aforementioned parties proved negligent in their responsibility to ensure the drug is safe for consumption. A New Orleans defective drugs lawyer from our firm can help you get the justice you deserve for the pharmaceutical company’s wrongdoing. We have the resources and experience to help you pursue compensation and hold all parties responsible for their neglect.

Compensation in a Defective Drugs Case

If you have been injured or made ill by defective medications, a lawyer from our firm can determine which damages you can seek, possibly including:

  • Related medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Lost future income (if your injuries will keep you out of work for an extended period)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish

If you lost a loved one to a defective drug, you could file a wrongful death suit and pursue compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, loss of consortium, and more.

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Period for Filing a Defective Drugs Suit in Louisiana

The period for filing suit in Louisiana is generally two years from the date of harm. Each state has its own time frame for filing a suit, and the statute of limitations exists to provide you with enough time to file your suit. A New Orleans defective drugs lawyer from our firm can help you file your lawsuit within the given time frame.

Contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today

The team at Laborde Earles injuries lawyers is ready to help you if you or a loved one has been harmed by the negligence of pharmaceutical companies. We can fight for your rights and go after the compensation and justice you deserve while you rest and recover from your injuries.

We can help by gathering evidence, hiring experts, and, if necessary, going to court with you to prove your case. If a drug is defective and dangerous, we can use every resource possible to convince the court that the medication should not have been allowed on the market for consumers.

For a free consultation, get in touch with the team at Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today.

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