Every single person, thing, and technology, is subject to failure every now and then. While inconvenient, we expect that we will face issues every now and then. However, what about when that failure leads to injury or death? When it comes to defective drugs, such as over-the-counter or prescription medications, the side effects can be serious, and sometimes deadly. But what causes those failures? And what responsibility does the manufacturer have when you’ve been injured at their expense?
Defective Drugs: Cause and Liability
Most commonly, people reserve medications for when they’re not feeling 100% like themselves. Therefore, you’ll usually follow the guidelines provided on the bottle, or from your doctor. We assume that the medicine is reliable, safe, and we’ve been provided the proper instructions for taking it. So, when something unexpected happens, we have a few people in mind to blame. And when that resulting injury is serious, or a cause of death, the costs can be pretty high. From pain and suffering, to medical bills— who is responsible? In short, the manufacturer is responsible.
Manufacturer responsibility for defect
As a consumer of medication, whether prescription or over-the-counter, you assume that the medicine your taking is safe, and as it’s supposed to be. But when that’s not the case, and defective drugs hinder your way of life, it is 100% up to the manufacturer to take responsibility. There is the potential for receiving payment for medical bills, pain and suffering, and so forth. While a settlement of any kind will not fix, or change, what happened to you or your loved one— it can create financial ease while you deal with the aftermath. But, one of your first questions, will likely be: why? Why did this happen? And what was the cause?
Causes for Defectiveness
Defect in the product. One reason for defective drugs may be a defect within the makeup of the product. In some cases, it could be that manufacturers are using harmful chemicals that do not interact well with one another. While plenty of testing should warn against these issues, that is not always full proof. Furthermore, there could be a defect in the making of the drug.
Incomplete labeling. Another common cause of defective drugs is incomplete or insufficient labeling. In short, without proper labels, consumers don’t know what they are taking. Therefore, they have no knowledge of how their body may react to it, or how it may react with other foods and medication.
Insufficient warnings. Like incomplete labels, insufficient warnings can leave a consumer unaware of how to take their medicine. All medications should include a list of instructions informing people how to take the drugs. In addition, that list should also include warnings as to how not to take the medicine.
As we’ve said, no amount of money can make your pain and suffering go away. But, it can ease the financial burden of your healing. If you, or someone you know, has been the subject of defective drugs, urge them to reach out to a personal injury attorney today. After explaining the details of your product liability case, an experienced attorney will be able to help you find the right recourse. Lastly, you might not be the only person who has faced injury or death at the hands of that manufacturer. So, coming forward might just help to save someone else…