Can You Sue a Pharmaceutical Company?
People of all ages commonly use prescription medication. Across the country, Americans rely on them to treat and prevent illness. For the most part, these substances are thoroughly tested and researched. Unfortunately, pharmaceutical companies sometimes cut corners to rush a product to the market.
These companies spend a fortune developing new medications, and the window to recoup those expenses is often tiny. This can lead them to rush clinical trials, cut corners on testing, and avoid thoroughly vetting their product. When this occurs, the chance of a severe side effect going undetected rises substantially. These side effects could have dangerous– and sometimes fatal– consequences.
While bringing a civil action against a large corporation might seem daunting, you are entitled to pursue damages. If you have suffered injuries from a dangerous prescription drug, you could have a viable claim for monetary compensation against the pharmaceutical company. To discuss your legal options, contact us at Rutter Mills, a personal injury law firm.
The right to sue a pharmaceutical company
If you have suffered a medical injury caused by a dangerous drug, you could have a claim similar to any defective product. While the law allows you to file suit against a drug manufacturer in many cases, there is nuance to this rule.
First, drug manufacturers are generally protected from lawsuits if they show they took reasonable steps to warn of its risks. If you were on notice of a potentially dangerous side effect, it is unlikely you will be able to recover compensation for your injuries.
Since 2013, there has also been additional protection for the manufacturers of generic drugs. That year, the Supreme Court decided a case known as Mutual Pharmaceutical Company vs. Bartlett. In this decision, the Court ended the ability for consumers to seek compensation for a generic drug manufacturer’s defective design claim.
Types of dangerous drug claims
Three broad categories encompass nearly every defective drug claim. Before filing suit against a pharmaceutical company, you must first identify the type of claim you will pursue. The three categories include:
- Defective Manufacturing
- Dangerous Side Effects
- Defective Marketing
A defective manufacturing claim involves a defect that occurs while creating it. This could happen at any point– from the design to the moment it reaches the consumer. These defects alter the drug, making it far more dangerous than intended.
Other common claims involve dangerous side effects. Determining when a side effect could result in a viable claim is tricky. Every drug has side effects, and manufacturers are typically protected from claims when they warn of them. However, some side effects are so dangerous– they are unreasonable.
Finally, there are also defective marketing claims. Also known as “failure to warn” claims, this relates to the instructions and warnings that come with medication. Remember, a pharmaceutical company is generally protected from a lawsuit if they adequately warn of a side effect. If it is missing, they will not enjoy that protection. The same is true if a drug lacks instructions on taking it as intended.
Pursuing other parties
While it is understandable that the drug maker should face responsibility for a defect, other parties could also face some liability. Many of these claims are based on the theory of failure to warn. For example, doctors and pharmacists must consider the side effects of a substance before writing or filling a prescription. If a doctor fails to review your medical record and prescribes something harmful to you, you could also pursue them for compensation.
One entity that you may not hold responsible is the Food and Drug Administration. Even if the FDA is negligent in approving the drug that injured you, it is impossible to pursue legal action against them. They are protected by sovereign immunity. This legal doctrine prevents you from suing the government for the performance of their intended duty. While compensation might be available in your case, your options are limited against them.
How Rutter Mills can help
At Rutter Mills, we take pride in serving as advocates for those injured by reckless drug companies and pride ourselves in being excellent drug injury attorneys. We understand the stress and worry of these medical issues, and we have the experience necessary to help you with your claim.
If you live with the consequences of a defective drug, you deserve compensation. Our drug injury lawyers at Rutter Mills will work to ensure your claim receives the attention it deserves. To begin the process of litigating your claim, schedule a consultation with us right away.
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