Dangerous drug claims involve lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies or other entities responsible for manufacturing, distributing, or selling defective medications that cause harm. These claims can be complex individual lawsuits or part of larger legal actions such as class actions or mass torts.
A Houston dangerous drugs lawyer is essential for individuals who have suffered harm due to defective or unsafe medications. Our personal injury attorneys have an extensive track record of successfully facing powerful pharmaceutical companies and their legal teams. We will exhaust all efforts to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
How Do Dangerous Drug Claims Work?
There are three main lawsuit categories based on the type of defect in the drug or medication: defective design, defective manufacturing, and failure to warn. Defective design asserts that the drug’s design itself is inherently unsafe, regardless of how it is manufactured or used. Defective manufacturing means the drug’s design may be safe, but a mistake during the manufacturing process makes specific batches or units of the drug dangerous. Failure to warn applies when the manufacturer does not adequately warn about potential side effects or dangers associated with the drug’s use.
In product liability lawsuits, plaintiffs can bring claims about dangerous drugs under different legal theories, including strict liability or negligence. Under the strict liability theory, which is often easier to prove, the drug manufacturer can be held liable for injuries caused by a dangerous drug regardless of whether they were negligent or not.
In a negligence claim, the injured victim must prove that the drug company or other parties breached their duty of care and that this directly caused harm and damages. If you believe a drug caused you harm due to a defect, consulting with a dangerous narcotics attorney in Houston is crucial to understanding your legal options and potentially pursuing a claim.
Common Injuries in Dangerous Drug Claims
Dangerous or defective drugs can cause a wide range of severe injuries and health complications, which can lead to personal injury claims against pharmaceutical companies and other potentially liable parties. These injuries can significantly impact your life, causing physical pain, emotional distress, and financial burdens due to medical expenses and lost income. Common injuries include:
- Allergic reactions: Unexpected and severe allergic reactions can occur, potentially causing rashes, swelling, breathing difficulties, or life-threatening anaphylaxis
- Gastrointestinal damage: Some medications can cause severe digestive issues, including ulcers, bleeding, or other gastrointestinal problems
- Organ damage: Medications can harm organs such as the liver, kidneys, or heart, potentially resulting in organ failure or requiring transplants
- Cardiovascular complications: Dangerous drugs may increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, and other cardiovascular problems
- Birth defects: When taken during pregnancy, some drugs can harm fetal development, resulting in birth defects or developmental disorders
- Neurological damage: Certain drugs can cause nerve damage, leading to conditions such as seizures, memory loss, cognitive impairment, or other neurological disorders
- Cancer: Some medications may increase the risk of developing various types of cancer, such as thyroid, bladder, or ovarian cancer
The specific injuries and side effects can vary depending on the particular drug involved and your unique health situation. If you suspect that a hazardous substance has harmed you, seeking legal counsel from an experienced attorney is paramount to pursuing a successful claim in Houston.
Liability and Compensation for Dangerous Drug Injuries
A Houston attorney could help you hold several parties liable for your injuries in a harmful drug case. These could include the drug manufacturer, in the case of manufacturing defects, design defects, or improper marketing.
If your doctor prescribed the wrong medication, gave incorrect dosage instructions, or failed to provide necessary information about side effects, they may be held responsible. If the pharmacy dispensed the wrong medication or an improper dosage, or errors at the testing laboratory resulted in a dangerous drug reaching the market, these parties could also be liable.
Texas has a statute of limitations for filing dangerous drug claims under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. Generally, you must file a claim within two years from the date of the injury or when you discovered the injury.
Contact a Dangerous Drugs Attorney in Houston Today
Drug manufacturers have substantial resources to protect themselves, and a skilled attorney can help ensure you are not intimidated or pressured into accepting an inadequate settlement. If a settlement is not possible, a Houston dangerous drugs lawyer at Williams Hart & Boundas can represent you in court and advocate for your best interests during trial. We will craft compelling arguments and effectively examine witnesses.
Our dedicated attorneys actively advocate for your rights. We will ensure your case is well-prepared and seek the compensation you deserve if you have suffered potentially devastating injuries caused by dangerous medications. Contact us today to request your free, confidential case review.