The U.S. pharmaceutical industry is responsible for an enormous slice of the U.S. economy – roughly $300 billion, according to a 2017 Current Therapeutic Research study published by the National Library of Medicine (NLM). With so much money at stake and so many employees around the world laboring to discover the next breakthrough drug, it is perhaps not surprising that the industry has marshaled considerable political power on its side over many years.
Today, pharmaceutical lobbyists are among the most influential in Washington, acting as a lobbying behemoth and wellspring for untold millions of political dollars. Suffice it to say, this is a formidable opponent for individuals harmed by taking unsafe prescription medications to tackle on their own. Without a knowledgeable Louisville dangerous drugs lawyer on their side, the task is impossible.
It’s unfortunate that either a loved one’s or your use of a dangerous prescription drug is what brings us together. However, we wouldn’t want anyone aside from ourselves to help you navigate Kentucky law and your rights to make a financial recovery after a loss other than us at Thomas Law Offices. If a dangerous or defective drug has harmed you or a close relative, get in contact with us to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss the legal options available to you.
How Prescription Medications Cause Harm
There is a dark side to the pharmaceutical business. It’s replete with so much power and influence. Many advocates do not believe that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) possesses the clout or staffing to sufficiently test and review every new drug that makes its way to market. Recent debacles, such as Vioxx, have reminded the American public that not every innovation is safe, and sometimes considerable marketing muscle gets thrown behind treatments that are, at best, unproven and, at worst, hazardous.
Pharmaceutical cases stem from many issues, including simple adverse reactions to destructive drug interactions, organ failure, and systemic rejection of the medication. In extreme cases, the wrong drug is prescribed altogether, leading to an ineffective course of treatment that may introduce significant problems along the way. The simple truth about drug trials is that they tend to involve subjects who are already in perfect health, which results in trials that inadequately predict the harm a drug might cause.
Here in the real world, conflicting ailments and pre-existing conditions can complicate the delivery of any pharmaceutical, giving way to a single victim or a thousand unexpectedly falling ill.
In addition, a growing number of physicians are prescribing medications for ‘off-label’ uses, meaning that the drugs are being prescribed for a treatment that was not approved by the FDA. For example, Ozempic is a medication prescribed to help individuals with diabetes. However, it has been touted by celebrities and influencers as a cure for weight loss. So, doctors now prescribe these medications for off-label purposes to help their patients. But that’s not the only problem; even the drugs sanctioned by the health care industry can come with their own risks.
Holding Pharmaceutical Companies Accountable
According to a 2024 StatPearls study published by the National Library of Medicine (NLM), there were over 1.25 million serious adverse medication events and nearly 175,000 related potentially wrongful deaths reported to the FDA in 2022.
All pharmaceutical companies must ensure the safety of the medications they manufacture and distribute. When they fail to conduct adequate testing, do not warn doctors and patients of potential side effects, or use improper marketing practices, they can be held legally responsible for the resulting injuries. Almost anyone harmed by a dangerous medication can hold a drug maker financially accountable for what happened to them.
Many patients have suffered injuries or experienced a worsening of their preexisting illness after taking a defectively designed or improperly manufactured drug. In some cases, these medications may have lacked sufficient warnings about their risks. Consumers may be entitled to legal action to hold manufacturers liable for adverse outcomes in these instances as well.
When you file a claim with the help of a Louisville dangerous drugs lawyer, you can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. By holding drug manufacturers accountable, you not only receive damages to aid you in your recovery, but in doing so, it helps promote safer practices within the pharmaceutical industry and prevent future harm to others. So, if you’re ready to learn more about your legal options, contact us at Thomas Law Offices for a free consultation with one of our attorneys.
You Need a Louisville Dangerous Drugs Lawyer Ready To Fight for You
Most patients lack the training and ability to investigate cases where dangerous drugs are suspected of being to blame for their health decline on their own. That’s why many of those affected individuals contact a dangerous drug attorney experienced in representing clients in cases like these against pharmaceutical companies.
Legal representatives like ours at Thomas Law Offices work closely with unbiased medical experts who can evaluate your case and advise you and your attorney about how potential wrongdoing occurred and the type of compensation you may deserve.
It is easier than it sounds. If you find yourself experiencing adverse side effects and relentless treatments, seek out the assistance of an experienced Louisville dangerous drugs lawyer. Pharmaceuticals are powerful and often unpredictable, and there is simply no reason to suffer just because you were handed a harmful prescription medication.
If you want to discuss what happened to you or a close loved one with a lawyer well-versed in pharmaceutical case law, please do not hesitate to contact our Louisville office today.