When medications cause harm, the consequences can be life-altering. Patients trust that the prescriptions they take are safe, effective and, if given in a hospital or other medial setting, properly administered. Unfortunately, medication-related injuries are shockingly commonplace. They may occur due to dangerous drug designs, manufacturing defects, labeling errors or mistakes made by health care professionals. When this happens, seeking accountability is not only a path toward compensation—it can also help prevent others from suffering the same fate.
Medication-related harm can result from a variety of sources. A drug may have undisclosed side effects, or it may be improperly labeled, leading to misuse. Sometimes a drug is safe, but a pharmacist fills the wrong prescription or a doctor fails to consider a dangerous interaction with other medications. These situations can cause serious injuries, long-term health complications or even death.
Navigating the aftermath of such harm
Victims of medication-related harm may have grounds to file a legal claim under theories of product liability law, medical malpractice law or both, depending on the cause of the harm in question. If it was caused by a defective drug—due to its design, manufacture or labeling—a drugmaker may be held liable. By contrast, if the harm resulted from a health care provider’s mistake—such as prescribing the wrong medication or failing to monitor a patient’s response—a medical malpractice claim may be appropriate. In both types of cases, the plaintiff must prove that the error caused significant harm and that the provider or manufacturer failed to meet accepted standards.
Medication should never cause more harm than good. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a medication error or defective drug, having experienced legal guidance can help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
