(407) 712-7300Florida Dangerous & Defective Drugs Attorneys Serving Clients Nationwide
Pharmaceutical companies introduce hundreds of new drugs each year, promising relief and recovery to patients in need. However, some of these medications—despite rigorous FDA testing and approval—can cause harmful side effects that outweigh their intended benefits. This can leave patients and their families facing unexpected health challenges and financial burdens. With integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice, the Orlando dangerous drugs lawyers at Colling Gilbert Wright stand ready to help those affected.
Drug manufacturers and distributors are legally obligated to ensure their products are safe. When these entities fail in their duty, resulting in injury, suffering, or wrongful death, our team holds them accountable. We handle complex cases with empathy, always striving to obtain fair compensation for our clients’ physical, emotional, and financial hardships.
If you or a loved one has been harmed due to a dangerous or defective drug, contact our Orlando dangerous drugs lawyers. Call (407) 712-7300 or contact us online today to schedule your FREE case evaluation.
We represent clients nationwide on a contingency fee basis, so there is No Fee Unless We Win. Let us walk with you from start to finish, pursuing the justice you deserve.
There are many details involved in dangerous drugs claims, and our lawyers want you to know:
- When to File a Dangerous Drugs Claim
- What Makes a Drug Dangerous or Defective?
- Dangerous & Defective Drugs Currently on the Market!
- What Are Some Common Dangerous Drug Injuries?
- Who Can Be Held Liable for a Defective or Dangerous Drug?
- Compensation for a Defective or Dangerous Drugs Claim
- How Long Does a Florida Dangerous Drug Lawsuit Take?
- What Is the Statute of Limitations for Dangerous Drugs Lawsuits in Florida?
- How Can a Product Liability Lawyer Help You?
- What Kinds of Cases Can a Florida Dangerous Drugs Lawyer Handle?
When To File a Dangerous Drugs Claim
When pharmaceutical companies put a new drug on the market, they have a responsibility to you, as the consumer, to make sure what they are selling is safe. If unforeseen problems develop while the drug is available to consumers, these same companies are responsible for alerting doctors and consumers to the problem.
Unfortunately, some unscrupulous companies continue to market the drugs even after serious health hazards and side effects (even wrongful death) have been reported. This is often because the companies prioritize profit over patient safety.
You could have a dangerous drug claim if a medication you were prescribed caused adverse side effects you were not made aware of, including:
- Your medication has been linked to cancer, and you were diagnosed with cancer after taking the drug.
- You suffered an injury such as heart failure or kidney damage due to the medication.
- You experienced significant gastrointestinal bleeding or liver failure due to a prescribed blood thinner.
- Your antidepressant led to severe birth defects when taken during pregnancy.
- You developed neurological disorders or chronic pain because the drug caused unintended neurological damage.
Time is of the essence when pursuing a claim regarding dangerous drugs and their effect(s). If you suspect that your medication has caused you harm, consult the Florida dangerous drugs attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright to understand your rights and discuss your options.
We are here to help guide you through this challenging process. We will make sure the proper steps are taken to secure the justice you deserve.
What Makes a Drug Dangerous or Defective?
While drugs undergo rigorous study before hitting the market, some pharmaceutical manufacturers manipulate the system to boost profits. The U.S. Supreme Court has stated that manufacturers are responsible for accurate and comprehensive labeling since they are the only parties with access to the necessary data.
Unfortunately, some companies conceal risks and push dangerous drugs to maximize profits. They hope any adverse effects will only surface after reaping their rewards.
Defective or dangerous drugs can result from various causes, including:
- Design Flaws: Defective design leads to adverse reactions despite proper use.
- Production Errors: Contamination or incorrect dosages during manufacturing.
- Unpublicized Side Effects: Known health risks are not clearly disclosed.
- Deceptive Marketing: Marketing misrepresents safety or efficacy, leading to misuse.
- Off-Label Uses: Drugs prescribed for non-approved purposes without sufficient studies.
- Inadequate Testing:
- Short Studies: Insufficient duration to assess long-term side effects.
- Accelerated Approval: Approved quickly due to similarity to an existing drug.
- Unregulated Facilities: Drugs manufactured in unapproved facilities lacking proper oversight.
- Suppressed Research: Sales representatives downplay risks or labeling omits side effects despite research confirming the hazards.
Can Pills Be Defective?
Yes, pills can be defective. Defects can occur due to contaminated ingredients, incorrect dosages, or errors in labeling. They can also arise from improper production or storage conditions, leading to compromised quality. Furthermore, if a pharmaceutical company provides inaccurate safety information or omits known side effects, the pill can become dangerously defective for consumers.
Dangerous & Defective Drugs Currently on the Market!
Unfortunately, having a dangerous or defective product taken off the shelves can be a long and arduous process. In the meantime, millions of people may risk adverse effects when taking these drugs. Currently, there are several open dangerous drug lawsuits. Some of the potentially harmful drugs that are still on the market include:
Mounjaro® & Ozempic®
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are Type 2 diabetes drugs that have also been used for weight loss. These drugs may cause gastroparesis, ileus, or intestinal blockage/obstruction. Mounjaro/Ozempic lawsuits are still in their early stages, with no settlements reached as of May 2024.
Singulair
Singulair (montelukast) is a medicine that treats severe allergies and asthma in adults and children. In March 2020, the FDA added a black box warning to Singulair’s drug label, claiming a risk of mental health disorders, including:
- Major depressive disorder
- Anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Suicidal ideation
- Homicidal thoughts
- Other neuropsychiatric disorders
Singulair lawsuits are still in the early stages.
Suboxone®
Suboxone is a medication used to treat opioid dependence; however, it also causes severe dental issues, including:
- Cavities
- Tooth loss
- Tooth decay
- Oral infections
- And more
Suboxone claims have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) case as of February 2024.
Taxotere®
Taxotere is a chemotherapy drug that is often used in cases of breast cancer. This medicine—meant to save lives—might also cause hair loss and eye damage. These lawsuits have been separated into two MDLs as of May 2024.
Tepezza®
Tepezza (teprotumumab) is prescribed to treat thyroid eye disease (TED). In the course of trying to help with one sense, it is alleged to cause severe damage to another. Patients have suffered hearing loss and tinnitus after using the drug. As of May 2024, hundreds of cases have been consolidated into an MDL, but no settlements have been reached or trials scheduled.
Valsartan
Valsartan is a blood pressure medication allegedly contaminated with the cancer causing substances N-nitrosodimethylamine and N-nitrosodiethylamine. Possible injuries caused by this contamination include:
- Bladder cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Liver injury
- Pancreatic cancer
- Stomach or gastric cancer
We take medications to heal or relieve symptoms and illnesses. When those drugs that were meant to help end up injuring us further, we must take action.
If you have suffered injury or illness due to a dangerous or defective drug, there are physical, emotional, and financial ramifications. There’s no need for you to handle the stress of legal action as well. Consulting a product liability lawyer in Orlando gives you some relief so you can focus your remaining energy on getting better.
What Are Some Common Dangerous Drug Injuries?
The injuries and illnesses associated with dangerous and defective medications are as varied as the drugs themselves. However, some of the more common dangerous drug injuries include:
- Stroke or heart attack
- Kidney or liver damage
- Severe allergic reactions
- Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis
- Birth defects or pregnancy complications
- Neurological disorders, such as memory loss or seizures
- Cancer or other malignancies
If you or a loved one has experienced any of these after taking a prescription or over-the-counter medication, seek medical help immediately.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Defective or Dangerous Drug?
There are many moving parts when it comes to the release, production, and distribution of a pharmaceutical drug, and each party has a responsibility to follow the FDA’s guidelines. When a medication harms a patient, they may be able to file a dangerous drug claim against the responsible party for negligence, strict product liability, or failure to warn.
Our dangerous and defective drugs lawyers can help you determine who is at fault for your injuries or the loss of a loved one, which may include:
- Manufacturer
- Testing facility
- Pharmaceutical sales representative
- Doctor (medical malpractice)
- Pharmacy
- Hospital or clinic where you were treated
Compensation for a Defective or Dangerous Drugs Claim
When harmed by a defective or dangerous drug, you may be able to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical expenses (current and future treatment)
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain & suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death, if applicable
Each case is unique. After consulting a dangerous or defective drugs attorney to ensure your claim is viable, they can help you to assess your losses and pursue the compensation you deserve.
How Long Does a Florida Dangerous Drug Lawsuit Take?
A Florida dangerous drug lawsuit can take anywhere from several months to multiple years; however, most class action lawsuits and MDLs will take years to resolve.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Dangerous Drugs Lawsuits in Florida?
The statute of limitations for filing a dangerous drugs lawsuit in Florida typically falls under product liability laws, which allow a 2-year window from the date of injury or the discovery of the injury or illness. The same 2-year statute of limitations applies to wrongful death claims. If you delay beyond these limits, you may forfeit your right to seek compensation.
In addition, identifying adverse effects and proving causation can be challenging and time-consuming. It is critical that you reach out to a dangerous and defective drugs attorney promptly so your legal team has time to gather evidence and establish liability while still within the statutory period.
How Can a Product Liability Lawyer Help You?
Dangerous or defective drug claims can be overwhelming, especially because you are already facing recovery from your ailments. A product liability attorney in Orlando can provide invaluable support by taking steps on your behalf, including:
- Investigating the details of your case
- Identifying the responsible parties
- Reviewing medical records
- Meeting critical deadlines
- Handling legal technicalities
- Working with medical experts
- Establishing causation
- Negotiating with insurance companies or pharmaceutical representatives
- Representing you in court, if necessary
A dedicated dangerous and defective drugs lawyer understands the toll these injuries can take, not just physically but emotionally and financially. With compassion and skill, they will fight for a settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering. And if a fair settlement isn’t offered, they’re ready to advocate in court on your behalf.
What Kinds of Cases Can a Florida Dangerous Drugs Lawyer Handle?
Dangerous and defective drugs lawyers handle a range of cases involving pharmaceutical drugs that have led to serious health issues. The focus is on medications that have caused significant harm due to poor testing, misleading labeling, or unscrupulous marketing. Some examples include:
Drugs Causing Severe Side Effects
A person takes an acne medication expecting clearer skin, only to experience severe gastrointestinal issues that deeply affect their quality of life.
Medications Linked to Chronic Conditions
Someone uses a common heartburn drug but years later develops cancer after it is discovered the drug contains a carcinogen.
Off-Label Drug Prescriptions
An older adult is given a high-strength anti-seizure medication to address mild sleep disturbances. However, instead of relief, they suffer severe cognitive impairment, leaving them unable to carry out daily activities.
Misleading Advertising or Inadequate Warnings
Trusting advertisements that a painkiller is safe, people take it as directed and find themselves battling a life-altering addiction due to a lack of proper warnings.
The tragedies pharmaceutical companies can cause because of simple greed are horrific. That’s why it is so important for us to join together to hold these companies accountable for their actions and secure compensation for those whose lives have been affected. Our Orlando dangerous drugs lawyers advocate for victims, doing the right thing for the right reasons.
Contact Our Orlando Dangerous Drugs Attorneys Today
Dangerous and defective drugs can cause life-altering injuries and devastate the lives of victims and their families. In pursuit of profit, pharmaceutical companies sometimes put products on the market with insufficient testing or warnings, leading to unforeseen and often severe side effects.
The Orlando dangerous drugs lawyers at Colling Gilbert Wright are known for their compassion and commitment to justice. We understand the severe impact a pharmaceutical injury can have on your life, from mounting medical expenses to physical and emotional turmoil. We are proud to help victims obtain the compensation they deserve.
Our experienced product liability attorneys will handle your claim with integrity and care. We aim to secure the support and compensation you need to rebuild. Let us shoulder the legal burden while you focus on healing and recovery.
Reach out today to schedule a FREE consultation by calling (407) 712-7300, contacting us online, or filling out the form on this page. Colling Gilbert Wright can help you seek justice and peace of mind. We serve clients in Orlando, throughout Florida, and nationwide.
