Generally, the Food and Drug Administration’s approval process requires hundreds of millions of dollars. And with lawmakers recently lowering drug exclusivity periods, cheaper generic equivalents usually become available after just a few years. That means drug companies have limited time to recoup their high costs and generate profits. As a result, they often hide negative information about their drugs to keep sales strong.
Despite what TV commercials claim, drug companies are most concerned with profits—not patients. At MichieHamlett, we put your well-being first. A Roanoke dangerous drugs lawyer from our team will review your case quickly, explain your legal options, and build a strong claim for damages. Throughout the process, we keep you informed every step of the way so you are never left in the dark.
Contact our seasoned personal injury attorneys today.
In the 1990s, the federal government began allowing drug companies to promote their products directly to consumers. That change led to a flood of powerful new medicines. Because of the strength of these drugs, they often have some unintended consequences. Some examples include:
Since drugs are tested so extensively, drug companies usually know about these problems, but they keep selling the medicine anyway. This callousness usually sets the stage for significant compensation, as outlined below.
Drug makers are strictly liable for the injuries their defective products cause. Generally, our Charlottesville dangerous drug attorneys focus on the drug company’s failure to warn consumers about the potential risk. Drug manufacturers, like all other manufacturers, have a legal responsibility to sell products which are safe for normal use.
Although the burden of proof is low, these cases are often difficult to win in court. Drug companies routinely produce experts who confidently testify that, despite evidence to the contrary, the drug is as safe as mother’s milk.
The good news is that Virginia’s expert witness qualification rules are a bit more informal than the rules in other states. So, a Charlottesville dangerous drug attorney can partner with experts who are both well credentialed and able to effectively communicate with jurors.
A few dangerous drug claims rely on the public nuisance doctrine. This doctrine requires victim/plaintiffs to prove that the company unleashed a hazardous product that injured a significant number of people at the same time. Generally, these claims require less evidence than defective product claims. But public nuisance claims have a number of moving parts.
All kinds of dangerous drug claims usually settle out of court. These settlements speed compensation to victims and give the parties more control over the outcome.
Damages in these cases usually include compensatory damages, for things like medical bills and emotional distress, as well as punitive damages. These additional damages punish wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.
Companies are responsible for the injuries their dangerous products cause. For a free consultation with an experienced Roanoke dangerous drugs lawyer, contact us at MichieHamlett today. Remember, you have only a limited time to take legal action.
