Prescription drugs can provide much-needed relief to patients for all sorts of ailments or conditions. Pharmaceutical companies are constantly lobbying and marketing new drugs to medical professionals and the public alike.
However, many of these drugs can have severe adverse effects. Some medications, for example, are known to be highly addictive and potentially deadly at high doses. While the dangers of these drugs are well-known, they are still prescribed at an alarmingly high rate. In some cases, pharmaceutical companies place profits over the safety of their consumers.
If you or a loved one suffered harm or serious illness after taking a prescription or over-the-counter medication, you should consider speaking with a knowledgeable local attorney. A South Bend dangerous drugs lawyer could review your case and determine if you are eligible for financial compensation from the negligent pharmaceutical company.
What Makes a Medication Dangerous?
In general, a medicine is considered dangerous if the risks and side-effects outweigh the potential benefits. This could be due to the drug’s design or a manufacturing error. In some instances, adverse side-effects may include congenital disabilities, organ failure, or even death.
Often, it is difficult for a patient to know that their ailment is directly related to the use of unsafe drugs. However, since a typical consumer is not expected to have knowledge of the potential side effects of prescription or over-the-counter medications, it is essential that drug manufacturers put adequate warnings of potential hazards from taking the medicine.
In order for medical patients to make sound decisions regarding their health, they must be well-informed. It cannot be expected for a person outside of the medical field and without medical knowledge to know the dangers or likelihood of adverse side effects associated with a medication outside of a clear warning. Under Indiana Code §16-42-1-8, labels must provide adequate warnings and instructions and appear clearly outside the container or packaging of any prescription drug.
Furthermore, under IC §16-42-1-7, advertisements for medical treatment, devices, and medications must not be misleading. False claims of a drug’s ability to treat certain conditions or failure to address dangerous adverse effects may leave a company vulnerable to litigation.
A South Bend lawyer could investigate what caused the medication to become dangerous and help an injured patient put together a strong claim against the responsible party.
Recovering Damages from a Negligent Pharmaceutical Company
Dangerous drug cases can be extremely difficult to win. Pharmaceutical companies are often well-represented by large legal teams. Therefore, properly challenging a drug company through litigation requires the skill and knowledge of a well-practiced attorney in South Bend.
Fortunately, a plaintiff who can successfully show that they suffered harm due to taking a dangerous prescription or over-the-counter medicine can obtain financial compensation. An injured party may seek compensation for their:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
- Loss of consortium
While financial compensation cannot truly solve every issue an injured party may face, it can go a long way to provide relief. Furthermore, a successful claim can help prevent others from injury resulting from the same dangerous drugs that caused the plaintiff harm.
Consult with a South Bend Drug Attorney Right Away
If you are suffering from an adverse reaction to a faulty medication, you may want to contact a South Bend dangerous drug lawyer immediately. You may be eligible for substantial financial compensation from the negligent pharmaceutical company.
We could discuss ways to help and seek compensation on your behalf. Call now and schedule a consultation.
