Harmful Medication Side Effects: Who to Sue
If you’ve ever seen a commercial for prescription medication, you’re probably aware that they often come with many side effects: nausea, dizziness, heartburn, a decrease in appetite, and so on. You probably push those reactions to the back burner because you were told they are minor, common, or that they disappear after the first few doses.
On the other hand, you may have noticed a more dramatic change in your health after beginning a particular medication. Every year, 4.5 million Americans report going to the emergency room or their physician for the reason of extreme, unexpected side effects from medication, according to a research done by the Federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. This may be caused by negligence on the part of either the manufacturer or your healthcare provider.
If you believe that your medications are worsening your health rather than improving it, you could be entitled to file a lawsuit and receive compensation for your pain and suffering. Here’s what you need to know before you schedule a free consultation with us and file a drug side effect lawsuit.
What Side Effects Are Worth Pursuing a Lawsuit?
The reactions you or a loved one are experiencing can determine whether or not you have a lawsuit worth attempting. These side effects range from internal and external physical pain to psychological effects and can affect anyone.
Physically weakening signs, such as joint pain, abdominal pain, ulcers, or muscle spasms.
Liver damage has an extreme, long-term effect on your body that often goes overlooked
Strokes are common with medications that affect your blood pressure and circulatory system
Cardiovascular conditions including heart attacks, blood clots, and heart failure
Suicidal thoughts can emerge when taking medications like antidepressants or stimulants
Birth defects can occur when a pregnant mother is taking said medications
Death can stem from any of the above symptoms and is more often than not preventable
On the other hand, there are examples of side effects and situations that are most likely not reason enough to pursue compensation.
When Do I Not Have a Case?
There are a few exceptions to the idea that every person who suffers from reactions of medication has grounds to sue the party at fault. You may not have a compelling argument if:
Your physician or pharmacist clearly warned you about the side effects you’re experiencing
The medication came with clear descriptions of its side effects
In the case that you fall under any of these exceptions, it is still recommended that you meet with an attorney to ensure all of your legal bases are covered. Contact our firm in the Greater Denver, Colorado area today to schedule a free consultation. We will analyze your case to see if a lawsuit is your best option.
Who Can You Sue for Your Harmful Medication in Colorado?
There are two different varieties of drug lawsuits: medical malpractice lawsuits and dangerous product lawsuits, each with unique causes and at-fault parties.
Medical malpractice lawsuits involve the negligence of a healthcare worker. This is probably the preferred lawsuit if you have reason to believe that your doctor or pharmacist didn’t exercise enough caution when prescribing or filling your medication.
Dangerous product lawsuits are filed when evidence is found that a pharmaceutical manufacturing company didn’t perform adequate testing for their products before putting them into the hands of consumers. FDA approval doesn’t automatically protect the company or manufacturer from a lawsuit.
Medications to Look out For
Chances are if you have experienced extreme side effects from any given medication, other people have also seen its negative consequences. Here is a list of medications that have already been put under the microscope because of previous lawsuits:
Abilify
Accutane
Avelox
Cymbalta
Granuflo
Levaquin
Lipitor
Lyrica
Nexium
Paxil
Pristiq
Risperdal
Rogaine
Taxotere
Testosterone
Xarelto
Yaz/Yasmin
Zoloft
And many more
If the medication that’s causing you issues isn’t on this list, you still may have a chance at compensation.
Easily Accessible Personal Injury Attorney
Your injuries that resulted from a medication that was given to you by a trusted healthcare worker can result in costly expenses, physical pain, and emotional suffering. Our law firm has provided many clients with financial resolve with their harmful drug lawsuits.
Our office is based in Aurora, Colorado, but we serve much of the front range and Denver metropolitan area including Parker, Centennial, Castle Pines, and Englewood.
Your job is to focus on recovery and becoming healthy again. Our job is to make sure your voice is being heard so you aren’t given the short end of the stick.
Schedule a free consultation with us today.