Millions of people use over-the-counter and prescription drugs every day without experiencing serious complications; however, some individuals may experience serious or even life-threatening injuries allegedly associated with defective and dangerous drugs.
When a dangerous drug causes harm, pharmaceutical companies can be held legally responsible for damages even if the drug has been approved by the FDA.
If you or your loved one has been injured by a dangerous drug, contact Attorney Group today. Affected patients and their families may be able to pursue a claim and recover compensation with the help of a dangerous drug attorney.
For more information, contact Attorney Group. We offer free, confidential, no obligation consultations. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim, we can connect you with an affiliated attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What are Dangerous Drugs?
Any form of over-the-counter or prescription medication that is believed to have caused damages, injuries, adverse side effects, or death is considered dangerous. Dangerous drugs may cause psychological and emotional injury as well as physical harm. Likewise, injuries may also occur due to inadequate warnings or incomplete labeling.
How Are Drugs Approved?
Drug companies must complete a lengthy process through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), including laboratory studies, application of the new drug, clinical trials, and review before a drug can be sold in the United States. This process is designed to ensure a drug’s safety and effectiveness before it is brought to market.
In some cases, drug makers may pressure the FDA for quicker approvals and less strict testing processes. Fierce competition and the desire to increase profits may lead to a drug’s push for approval despite the known dangers and potentially serious side effects of a certain drug.
While the FDA is responsible for making sure that drugs are safe and effective for consumer use, they are not responsible for testing the drug, and it may be difficult to catch every side effect or complication prior to the drug’s introduction into the market.
As a result, drug manufacturers must continue to monitor medications and their effects, and if any adverse reactions occur after a drug’s use, the drug company is supposed to report such reactions to the FDA.
Can I Still File a Claim If a Drug Has Been Recalled?
Pharmaceutical companies have a responsibility to properly research and test their medications prior to and after releasing them for consumer use. Despite this, drug makers may fail to report or even decide to purposefully conceal the hazards associated with medications from the public.
When a drug company fails to report adverse reactions, information is withheld from the public’s knowledge although many consumers may have already started to use the drug believing that the drug is safe for use.
If a drug manufacturer finds a defect in their product, they can voluntarily decide to issue a drug recall. In some cases, a government agency might issue a mandatory recall if the drug’s defect presents a serious risk to those who use the drug and the general public.
Just because a drug has been recalled doesn’t mean the manufacturer is no longer liable for any injuries associated with the potentially defective or harmful drug. Even if a drug has been recalled, you may still be able to file a claim and seek compensation for your injuries.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim differs from state to state, so it is a good idea to begin the process as soon as possible. Pharmaceutical companies are large corporations with the financial and legal resources to fight claims brought against them, and it can be a difficult task for the average consumer to seek a dangerous drug claim on their own. An attorney with knowledge and experience can assist those wishing to file such a claim and recover compensation due to damages caused by harmful drugs.
