Just about everyone has heard a long list of side effects being read on TV or over the radio at the end of an advertisement for a prescription or over-the-counter medication, and those lists are there for a very good reason. Drug manufacturers who fail to properly warn doctors and consumers about all the possible effects their product could have when taken normally may hold civil liability for any injuries and losses caused by an undisclosed side effect — and unfortunately, many corporations in this industry act irresponsibly in just that way much more often than you might think.
Even if you have valid legal grounds to file suit over harm you sustained from a medication you thought was safe, enforcing your rights can be extremely difficult without having a skilled personal injury attorney on your side. Big pharmaceutical companies will fight lawsuits like this tooth and nail in order to protect their business interests, and a Gilbert dangerous drugs lawyer from Phillips Law Group can be a vital source of support for fighting back and protecting your own best interests.
How Do Dangerous Drugs Get on the Market?
Broadly speaking, “product liability” law in the United States does not expect pharmaceutical companies to be perfect about identifying every single possible effect a new drug could have, for fear of discouraging further research and development that could help sick people in the future. However, these companies do have a legal duty to perform reasonably diligent testing on all new products to make sure they are safe to be used as directed, and they also must warn consumers about any harmful side effects from the product that their research uncovers.
Unfortunately, oversight from federal authorities on companies who are supposed to comply with these rules is not as strong as it should be, and there are several “loopholes” in the normal Food and Drug Administration approval process for medications which can sometimes lead to dangerous products being put up on sale before they are fully tested.
Some manufacturers even put products on the market that they know are unsafe and intentionally hide dangerous side effects in order to make money — a scenario that seasoned Gilbert dangerous drugs attorneys have seen all too often.
Understanding “Mass Tort” Litigation
Another problem with drug company regulation as well as civil litigation against them over dangerous drug injuries is the immense amount of money these corporations have at their disposal. Even with a dedicated and experienced lawyer on their side, people who try to go up against companies of this size alone rarely get good results from their civil claims.
Fortunately, it is often possible in situations like this to join forces with other people injured by the same drug in the same way, increasing everyone’s collective chances of obtaining financial restitution for the harm they have sustained. A dangerous drugs lawyer in Gilbert can help join — or potentially start — a “mass tort” claim which involves multiple people pursuing their independent claims together, or a “class action” lawsuit which involves multiple people combining their independent claims into one central settlement demand.
Discuss Your Legal Options With a Gilbert Dangerous Drugs Attorney
From Actos to Zantac and everywhere in between, unexpectedly dangerous medications have harmed hundreds of thousands of Americans and caused millions — if not billions — of dollars in losses. Nevertheless, taking effective legal action against “Big Pharma” is still extremely difficult under the best of circumstances, and not something anyone should try to manage entirely on their own.
A conversation with a Gilbert dangerous drugs lawyer can give you the courage and confidence you need to proactively pursue the compensation you deserve. Call today to speak with a member of our team here at Phillips Law Group and learn more about your options for moving forward.
We are passionate about helping people just like you seek justice. Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have! Call now to learn more.
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