We take over-the-counter and prescription drugs in order to feel better, take away pain, and improve our health. However, in far too many cases, the medicine that is supposed to heal us harms us instead. If you or a loved one have been injured by a defective or dangerous drug, you should speak to a Las Vegas dangerous drug attorney at De Castroverde Law Group immediately.
Although the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) is in place to regulate the drug industry and protect the public against harmful products, dangerous drugs end up on pharmacy shelves every day. In fact, in 2014, there were 836 drug recalls by the FDA. This included over one hundred Class I recalls, in which there is reasonable probability that a drug can cause a serious health problem or death.
At De Castroverde Law Group, a Las Vegas product liability attorney specializes in helping the victims of dangerous drugs and their families secure the compensation that they need and deserve. This compensation could include money for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages.
Examples of Dangerous & Defective Drug Claims
A drug can be dangerous or defective in a number of different ways:
- The drug has a manufacturing defect. In these cases, the drug may have been tainted with a foreign substance or material, the drug could have been bottled or packaged incorrectly, or the drug could have been processed in the wrong way. These problems usually only affect specified lots of the medication or drug.
- The drug has previously unreported dangers. For example, the drug may have a side effect that was not reported or found in earlier tests. In other cases, the drug may have a dangerous interaction with another drug that was previously unknown to doctors and patients.
- The drug has poor labeling or marketing. In a surprising number of cases, a drug isn’t dangerous except for the fact that the label does not properly warn users of dangerous drug interactions, overdose information, or side effects. Or the drug’s marketing campaign does not properly explain side effects, drug interactions, or proper use.
What To Do If You Are Taking A Dangerous Or Defective Drug
If you are having an adverse reaction to a drug that you are taking, or if you have been alerted to a drug recall, or if you have been alerted to a dangerous drug claim involving a drug you are taking, a Las Vegas dangerous drug attorney at our firm recommends the following steps:
- Talk to your doctor immediately. It can be just as dangerous or even more dangerous to suddenly stop taking a drug that you have been taking than to stop taking a drug that may be defective. Only your doctor can tell you the best action to take.
- Tell your doctor all of your symptoms. It is vital that your doctor knows exactly how the drug has been affecting you and exactly how you feel, both for the good of your treatment and for your possible product liability lawsuit.
- Follow your doctor’s advice regarding the drug. You may be asked to stop taking the drug immediately or to cycle off of the drug slowly. In some cases, for specific reasons, you may be asked to continue taking the drug.
- Don’t throw away your medication. Your medication may be evidence in your case. Keep it in a safe place, out of reach of children, and where no one will mistakenly take the drug.
- Get a second opinion if necessary. If you question your doctor’s advice, or if you are still suffering adverse effects from the drug you are taking, seek a second opinion from a different doctor.
- Contact a defective drug attorney to find out your rights. A product liability attorney can listen to the details of your case, research the drug in question, and outline possible plans for legal action.
Talk to a Las Vegas Dangerous Drug Attorney Today
De Castroverde Law Group has the skill, experience, knowledge, and assertiveness to take on your Nevada dangerous drug case. To learn more about our legal services, or to request a free, private consultation, please contact our Las Vegas injury attorneys today.