Washington DC Drug Injury Lawyers

INJURED BY A DEFECTIVE DRUG? CALL FAY LAW GROUP.

While many prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications can provide a number of benefits, even saving lives, if these drugs are improperly tested, marketed for off-label use, or are otherwise defective or misused, they can cause serious and even deadly side effects. Patients may experience debilitating injuries and families may lose loved ones.

Fay Law Group is committed to representing patients and families across Maryland and the District of Columbia in cases involving dangerous and recalled drugs. These matters can be extremely complex, involving medical and physiological issues as well as in-depth investigations into drug testing and clinical trials, but we have the resources to uncover negligence or wrongdoing. Our Washington DC drug injury lawyers understand that your future is stake. We are here to maximize your recovery and therefore your opportunity at a more stable life for you and your family.

Injured by a defective drug? Contact us today at (202) 589-1300 for a free consultation and let our experienced team help you seek justice.

Holding Pharmaceutical Companies Accountable

The side effects associated with dangerous drugs are varied, ranging from an increased cancer risk to suicidal thoughts. Through the decades, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled numerous drugs and has required certain drugs to carry “black box” warnings of particularly dangerous side effects, but unsuspecting patients continue to suffer harm.

Some notable investigations and lawsuits pertaining to defective drugs include:

• Diabetes drugs linked to cancer, ketoacidosis, and heart failure
• Off-label Zofran® use linked to birth defects
• Blood thinners linked to strokes, blood clots, and severe bleeding
• Chemotherapy drug Taxotere® linked to permanent hair loss
• Testosterone drugs linked to heart attacks
• Erectile dysfunction drugs linked to skin cancer
• Heartburn drugs linked to kidney disease
• Antipsychotic drug Abilify® linked to hypersexuality and compulsive gambling

Types of Drug Injuries We Handle

Drug injuries can occur from a variety of drugs, including prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and illegal substances. Here are some examples of the types of injuries our firm handles:

• Prescription Medications: These drugs are often prescribed by doctors to treat specific conditions, but when defective or misused, they can cause serious harm. For example, blood thinners like Xarelto® can lead to excessive bleeding, while certain chemotherapy drugs like Taxotere® may result in permanent hair loss.
• Over-the-Counter Drugs: OTC drugs are available without a prescription, but they still pose risks. Medications like antacids or heartburn drugs (e.g., Prilosec®) can lead to kidney damage if used long-term. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can also cause liver damage if misused.
• Illegal Drugs: Although not regulated like prescription or OTC medications, illegal drugs can also cause serious health issues. For example, drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine have led to severe overdoses and long-term organ damage.

Each of these categories can result in injuries, including organ failure, neurological damage, allergic reactions, and even death. We help victims of these injuries seek justice and compensation.

Understanding FDA Drug Regulations

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a vital role in ensuring that drugs are safe for public use. Here’s a breakdown of how the FDA regulates drugs:

• Clinical Trials: Before a drug is approved, it must undergo clinical trials to test its safety and effectiveness. The FDA reviews data from these trials to determine if the drug should be approved for public use.
• Post-Market Surveillance: Even after a drug is approved, the FDA continues to monitor its safety. If reports of adverse reactions emerge, the FDA may require additional studies, label warnings, or even recalls.
• Drug Recalls: When a drug is found to be dangerous or defective, the FDA can issue a recall. This removes the drug from the market to prevent further harm, but it’s often only after many people have already been affected.

How Defective Drugs Impact Families

Defective drugs don’t just affect the individuals who take them—they can have a ripple effect on entire families. Here’s how:

• Emotional Impact: Families often face emotional distress when a loved one suffers from a drug injury. This can include anxiety, depression, and trauma, especially if the injury is severe or leads to long-term disability.
• Financial Burden: Medical bills from treating drug injuries can pile up quickly, and families may experience lost income if the injured person cannot work. In some cases, the cost of ongoing medical care and rehabilitation may strain a family’s finances for years.
• Caregiving Responsibilities: If a person is severely injured by a defective drug, family members may need to take on caregiving responsibilities. This can be physically and emotionally exhausting, as well as time-consuming.