East Ridge Dangerous Drugs Lawyer
Countless Americans are living longer thanks to life-saving prescription drugs, and people’s everyday lives are made better because of over-the-counter medications. However, these medications sometimes prove to be dangerous, causing injury or even death. If you have suffered harmful side effects from medications, or your loved one has died because of them, an East Ridge dangerous drugs lawyer could help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Duty of Care for Pharmaceutical Companies
Drug manufacturers have a duty of care to their consumers to produce safe products, regardless of whether the product is sold over the counter or prescribed by a physician. A wide range of retail locations such as pharmacies, grocery stores, discount stores, and online outlets carry over-the-counter drugs. Manufacturers must comply with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines for suitable ingredients, labeling, and dosages.
Prescription drugs can only be taken by the person to whom a doctor prescribes them, and only for a reason the doctor indicates. The FDA regulates these drugs through a complicated New Drug Application process. If a drug manufacturer breaches the duty to protect consumers from harm, a Tennessee dangerous drugs lawyer could explain the procedure for filing a lawsuit to compensate a party injured by the medication.
Two Ways to Recall a Dangerous Drug
Even when research, development, and clinical trials indicate a drug is safe and allowed into the marketplace, the FDA will continue to compile complaints about side effects and assess any death statistics related to the drug. A medication may be found dangerous, but of significant benefit to patients, so the drug will stay on the market accompanied by warnings. If the drug is more dangerous than beneficial, it will be recalled.
Manufacturer Recalls
Pharmaceutical companies may elect to recall a drug that is found to be ineffective or has unintended and dangerous side effects. In 2004, drug manufacturer Merck recalled its arthritis drug Vioxx due to significantly increased risks for heart attacks and strokes. Doctors had prescribed Vioxx to more than 20 million users. However, voluntary recall of a medication does not necessarily absolve the company of liability.
Federal Recalls
The FDA is the final word when it comes to recalling dangerous drugs that have been approved. If a manufacturer declines to pull a drug off the shelf after the FDA deems in more hazardous than helpful, the FDA can override a manufacturer. A personal injury attorney who has experience handling cases with the effects of dangerous drugs in East Ridge could assess if negligence led to injury.
Statute of Limitations to File a Dangerous Drug Lawsuit
A statute of limitations is the amount of time a person has to file a lawsuit after a particular injury. Dangerous drugs fall under personal injury and product liability. East Ridge victims generally has one year from the date of the incident or from when the incident is discovered. Because filing on time is critical, victims should contact a Tennessee personal injury attorney familiar with the filing procedure for a dangerous drugs lawsuit.
An East Ridge Dangerous Drugs Lawyer May be Able to Help
If you are the victim of debilitating side effects after taking prescription or over-the-counter medication, an East Ridge dangerous drugs lawyer may be able to help you recover financial compensation. We could help you seek damages such as medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Call today to schedule an initial case consultation.
