While the American public generally trusts both over-the-counter and prescription drugs to be safe, some, unfortunately, are not. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 40,000 Americans are killed by dangerous pharmaceutical drugs annually. In fact, it is estimated by the CDC that more than half of the medications available in America today have the potential to cause serious injuries.
If you believe you were negatively affected by taking a dangerous drug, you may benefit from contacting a seasoned Bolingbrook dangerous drugs lawyer. With a dedicated attorney’s help, you may be able to file a successful lawsuit in civil court and acquire compensation for your injuries and losses. En Español.
Dangerous Drug Symptoms
Not all drugs that have side effects are classified as dangerous drugs. By the legal definition of the term, dangerous drugs have serious side effects that can cause significant or lasting harm. Common side effects of dangerous drugs include:
- Blood clots
- Migraine
- Strokes
- Heart attacks
- Circulation problems
- Mental problems, including confusion, depression, anxiety, and/or suicidal ideations
- Increased cancer risk
A Bolingbrook dangerous drugs attorney could discuss with potential plaintiffs their over-the-counter and prescription drug use history, as well as known side effects, to determine if they may have a legal claim.
Dangerous Drugs on the Market
Many victims of dangerous drugs wonder how their medication made it on the market in the first place. Federal laws require that all medications must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to being released on the market.
However, as per 21 CFR 807 Subpart E, the FDA also allows drug manufacturers to apply for the 510(k) premarket program. With this program, pharmaceutical manufacturers are not required to complete a full range of tests on the drug they want to introduce. If a similar drug is already on the market, limited or no testing may be performed.
This can put patients in grave danger, as even though some medications can be nearly identical, how they react to unique people and in combination with other medications can be quite different. Without complete and thorough pre-market testing, a drug can certainly be dangerous. When pharmaceutical companies skip the complete testing process, they risk injuries and death to the American people.
Payment for Damages
If the plaintiff in a dangerous drugs suit wins their case against a pharmaceutical company, they may be awarded damages in several different areas. These include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of companionship, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish. A Bolingbrook dangerous drugs lawyer could help an individual determine what damages they may be eligible to seek compensation for given their circumstances and injuries.
How a Bolingbrook Dangerous Drugs Attorney Could Help
If you took a medication that you believed to be safe and are now facing serious or even life-long consequences, a Bolingbrook dangerous drugs lawyer may be able to help you on your quest for justice and for fair compensation for your damages. An attorney who is well-versed in FDA and personal injury law could be well-equipped to face large pharmaceutical companies who may only be looking out for their own financial gain.
Bolingbrook dangerous drugs attorneys believe in holding pharmaceuticals accountable for their mistakes and setting a precedent for how drug testing should be conducted. To learn more about how a lawyer’s services may help you after taking dangerous drugs, call today.