Defective Drug Information

A defective drug is a drug that causes serious side effects, known as adverse events, including deaths. If you or someone you love is injured by a defective drug, a product liability attorney can help you understand your rights.

Manufacturing Guidelines

In clinical terms, a defective drug has risks that outweigh any benefits seen when using the drug. For example, if the incidence of heart attacks suddenly increases within a group of patients who were administered a certain allergy drug, there is a good chance this may be a defective drug. Before a drug becomes marketed and available to consumers, it must pass through a series of preclinical and clinical trials to prove the drug is safe and effective. The results of these trials must be reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the federal agency that reviews and decides whether to approve a drug. However, a pharmaceutical company driven by profit might try to submit reports that downplay a serious risk associated with the drug, hoping to advance their drug to market sooner. Sadly, this is often how a defective drug gets into the hands of the consumer.

Liability for Injuries

Ultimately, drug manufacturing companies have the responsibility of testing the safety of the drug adequately before seeking FDA approval. Drug manufacturers should provide all information about the drug. If any risks are known, those risks should be included in the drug packaging or label. Thus, a drug company could be held liable for any injuries or deaths caused by their defective drug. If you or someone you know has experienced an unexpected side effect from a defective drug, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim seeking compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering. If your loved one has died after using a defective drug, you can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for funeral expenses, loss of support, and related damages.

If you think you may have a personal injury or wrongful death claim, you should speak with a product liability attorney as soon as possible. Let an experienced attorney advise you in seeking the compensation you deserve under the law.