Many people rely on the prescriptions by their doctors to improve or control certain medical conditions they are dealing with. While the purpose of many medications is to help a patient improve their health or quality of life, there are instances where an individual may suffer more harm than good from the drug prescribed by their doctor. There are many dangerous drugs on the market that doctors may prescribe, but which can cause irreparable harm to a patient who does not realize the severe dangers and potential side effects the drug can have on them.
How do You Know What Is a Dangerous Drug?
There are many drugs on the market that have become notorious for their dangerous effects on patients that take them. While for some people the risk may be worth the benefit of a dangerous drug, that is not the case for the majority of people that take a drug under the belief it will help them but then ends up causing them serious injury or possible death. Manufacturers of dangerous drugs may fail to properly test the medications sent to the market, fail to account for sensibilities in certain patients, or not consider all the dangers the drug can pose to the health of its users.
Any drug that causes harm to a patient can be a potentially dangerous drug. While a dangerous drug may work to heal or help with certain conditions, it can cause harm to the health of a patient in other ways. Injuries from a dangerous drug can be severe or life-threatening.
Some of the most dangerous drugs on the market are also some of the most popular. While a significant portion of the population might have some benefit from many of these drugs, there are some victims of dangerous drugs whose lives will never be the same after suffering terrible effects and injuries from their use. In most instances, the victims who suffer injuries from a dangerous drug had no idea that they were at risk of such injuries or illness from taking the drug prescribed by a doctor.
For a free legal consultation with a Dangerous Drugs lawyer serving Lafayette, call 800-537-8185
How Do You Know If You Have Been a Victim of a Dangerous Drug?
When a person is dealing with health problems and challenges, it can be difficult to pinpoint whether they are a victim of a dangerous drug. In some cases, it can take some time for victims of dangerous drug effects to come to the realization that the culprit of their deterioration of health is a drug they are taking to treat another condition. Doctors may have a hard time distinguishing when a patient is suffering from health issues that stem from a medical condition and one that stems from the use of prescription drugs.
Once you know that a prescription or medication you have been taking is causing you side effects or concerns for your health, you must immediately contact a dangerous drug attorney for further guidance in your case and seek medical care to help you recover and treat the damage you have suffered as much as possible.
Proving Fault for Injuries Arising from Dangerous Drugs
The liability for a dangerous drug taken by you will depend on the facts of your particular case. The party liable to you will also affect the legal standard to prove liability in a dangerous drug situation. Your knowledge of the risks and side effects, as well as any potential contraindications from a drug, may also play a role in the determination of fault following a dangerous drug injury or illness.
The following parties may be found liable for the injuries of an individual in a dangerous prescription drug case:
- Your prescribing doctor – If a doctor fails to inform and advise you of the dangers of medication when they are aware of such potential side effects and harm to patients, they may be liable to you for any harm you sustain in its use.
- The drug manufacturers – Drug producers and pharmaceutical companies that do not provide a safe product for consumer use are potentially liable for the harm that arises from their manufacturing of inherently dangerous substances.
- Your pharmacy – Errors in dosage, labeling, or warnings by a pharmacy when providing a dangerous drug to a customer can result in liability on them when the customer suffers injuries or illness following the use of the drug.
- A healthcare facility – Hospitals, nursing homes, or other medical facilities that provide patients with medications that are hazardous to their health causing you unexpected harm and/or pain may be liable to you under the law.
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The Statute of Limitations for a Dangerous Drug Case in Lafayette
When a victim suffers an injury due to a dangerous drug, they may be able to pursue compensation for negligence or a product liability case. The type of case you are facing can determine the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit or claim for your losses against the parties responsible. In Louisiana, most cases that involve personal injury or product liability claims must abide by the one-year statute of limitations to be valid under the law.
According to the statute of limitations, a victim has only one year from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit in court to seek compensation for their damages. If you do not file within the allotted time, you will likely be barred from seeking compensation in your case. The best strategy for avoiding problems related to the statute of limitations is to contact a dangerous drug lawyer in Lafayette as soon as possible following the discovery of an injury or illness related to the use of a dangerous medication.
How a Dangerous Drug Attorney in Lafayette Can Help You
A Lafayette dangerous drug lawyer will guide you through the process of filing a claim through insurance or a lawsuit against the parties you discover to potentially be at fault for your injuries. Dangerous drug cases are complicated and defendants in these cases will use various tactics to deflect blame for your injuries or deny liability. An attorney on your behalf will work with you to hold them accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve following the injuries and harm you suffer.
Contact a Lafayette dangerous drug attorney for a free case evaluation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.