A defective drug can cause severe injuries and death for individuals who use the drug. Unfortunately, a person may not be aware that there has been an adverse report related to the drug. They may not be aware they need to begin the defective drug legal process to hold a drug manufacturer accountable for injuries or harm caused by dangerous drugs.

When Are Drug Manufacturers Liable for Injuries?

All drugs have potential side effects. Drug manufacturers could be liable for damages if they fail to include adequate warnings of potential risks. They may also be liable if they conceal known hazards and risks associated with a product.

Drug manufacturers are liable when they negligently produce and sell a defective drug. Failing to perform adequate testing to determine the drug’s side effects and risks could also be a reason to begin the defective drug legal process.

Numerous drugs on the market are subject to litigation. Individuals alleged the drugs caused harm because they are dangerous or defective. Examples of drugs subject to litigation include:

  • Zantac
  • Belviq
  • Elmiron
  • Taxotere
  • Onglyza & Kombiglyze
  • Risperdal & Invega Gynecomastia

Sadly, there are many more drugs on the market that have the potential of causing significant harm and death for patients.

What Is the Defective Drug Legal Process?

If a defective drug caused you harm or injury, immediately notify your physician. Your doctor can discuss alternative medications to treat your condition. You may also require medical treatment for the injuries caused by a defective drug.

It is also wise to talk to a New Orleans defective drug attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can review your case to determine whether you have a claim. Depending on the drug and the facts of your case, you could be eligible to join a class-action lawsuit. If many individuals allege that a drug caused injuries, the claims may be grouped together in one lawsuit. Parties with the same claim can join in the litigation instead of filing a separate lawsuit.

In other cases, the court might combine lawsuits filed in multiple districts into a Multi-District Litigation or MDL. The lawsuits are combined for pre-trial proceedings and discovery to make the process more effective. The cases may be heard by the same court or referred back to the courts with original jurisdiction for trial.

The defective drug legal process is generally lengthy and extremely complicated. The investigation into a defective drug could take more than a year to complete. The complicated nature of the evidence generally requires experts to interpret the evidence and provide expert testimony to support the allegations.

It is generally in your best interest to hire an attorney who has experience handling defective drug cases. The attorney already has the experience, skills, knowledge, and resources to handle such a complex case.

Call Our New Orleans Defective Drug Attorneys for a Free Consultation

Attorney Fred Olinde and the attorneys of The Olinde Firm have extensive experience handling cases involving defective drugs. Our law firm has the resources necessary to investigate and pursue claims involving dangerous drugs.

Contact our office now by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule your free consultation with a New Orleans defective drug lawyer.