Prescription Injuries

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“When my wife was killed by an eighteen-wheeler, my family and I hired Eric Marye. Not only was he a great lawyer, but he also became a friend.” Milton Jensen

“I was in a one-car accident on the job and had a head injury so I couldn’t remember what happened. Eric Marye found two witnesses and sued my company. My life would be much different if I hadn’t hired Eric Marye’s firm.” Robby Thomas

“I hit an 18-wheeler that ran a stop sign on a highway in Louisiana. Eric Marye settled my case for almost two million dollars! I am getting a check each month for the rest of my life.” Lusty Harris

“I got hurt on a cotton gin when the rollers on the condenser unit caught my arm and pulled me into the machine. Eric Marye and he worked on my case for about two years. He got my medical bills paid and I am getting a check every month from the insurance company for the rest of my life.” Jerry Alvarado

In February 2008, CBS News’ 60 Minutes show broadcast an alarming story. The news program reported that 22,000 lives might have been saved if Trasylol -- a drug used to stem bleeding during open heart surgery -- had been taken off the market in January 2006. That’s when concerns were first raised about life-threatening side effects. However, marketing of Trasylol was not suspended until November 2007, and it was not permanently removed from the regular U.S. market until May 2008. One researcher estimated as many as 1,000 patients a month lost their lives because of the delay.

The story illustrates the very real danger of injuries or deaths from pharmaceutical drugs. Despite the regulation of drugs by the Food and Drug Administration, hundreds of patients are seriously injured by their medications every year – and sometimes the side effects are fatal.

Many prescription drugs have the potential to cause side effects. Those can range from very slight discomfort or irritation to severe, life-threatening symptoms. As a result, drug companies are required to conduct extensive testing on any prescription medication before it can be sold in the United States. Any side effects observed in the testing phase, even the most minor, must be disclosed to the FDA, medical professionals and consumers.

However, the pharmaceutical industry is very competitive and sometimes the testing process may be rushed in the interest of launching a new medication. Even when drug companies test extensively, side effects may not show up in the test patients, and potential dangers don’t become apparent until the drug is launched into the marketplace.

Unfortunately, not all side effects are minor or easily treatable. Patients may have delayed reactions that result in permanent organ damage or birth defects in their future children. Some of the more dangerous prescription injuries include:

• Organ damage
• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Blood clots
• Suicidal behavior

Side effects are not the only danger with pharmaceutical drugs. A December 2007 report in the Journal of Patient Safety found that 50 million medication errors occur annually in pharmacies nationwide. This presents a dangerous problem because medication errors can cause adverse drug events and death if not caught before patients take the medications. About four of every 10 people in the U.S. take at least one prescription drug daily.

If you have suffered serious injury from a prescription drug, experienced legal counsel is essential. Drug companies are well-armed against consumer lawsuits and their attorneys work hard to dispute any liability, even arguing that injuries are the fault of the patient or caused by a pre-existing condition, not the medication. Consumers are often overwhelmed and intimidated when dealing with pharmaceutical companies – and may accept settlements that are insufficient to pay for the medical care needed to treat drug-related injuries.

Prescription drug cases are complex and require expert testimony from qualified medical professionals who can clearly illustrate how the drug caused the injury. Prescription injuries can last a lifetime; you need an attorney familiar with Texas product liability and pharmaceutical laws who is committed to obtaining maximum damages on your behalf.

If you have suffered from a prescription drug injury in Texas, you need a law firm with the experience to take on tough product liability cases, and the client dedication to ensure your rights and interests come first. Contact The Law Offices of Eric H. Marye & Associates for a free case review at 888-483-9072 or contact us via email.