Injured by a dangerous prescription drug? There are various ways a prescription drug may be considered dangerous and could result in injuries or death. Tainted medications that have been contaminated, for example, can cause serious illness.
This can result from an unsterile environment or from certain tainted ingredients that could result in harm. Some drugs may be laced with other substances that could cause serious injury.
After receiving proper medical care, seeking legal advice with medical malpractice attorneys in Long Island should be your next step if you find yourself adversely affected by tainted drugs. An attorney can evaluate the details of your case to determine if you have a viable claim.
Dangerous Prescription Drugs Stemming from Tainted Medications
One of the most widespread cases involving a tainted drug occurred over the past few months. It was discovered that certain steroid injections were causing fungal meningitis. Most of these injections were given to patients in the ankle, knee, shoulder or joints.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of December 28, 2012, there were 664 cases involving 19 states. It has resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals. New York has reported just one case. Michigan has the highest number of cases at 234, followed by Tennessee with 140.
Some of the health effects and complications of the tainted medication have included:
- meningitis;
- stroke;and
- other types of infections.
Unfortunately, the numbers may continue to go up, as the CDC has estimated that about 14,000 people may have received the contaminated steroid injection.
Once a case such as this becomes public knowledge, doctors should familiarize themselves with the signs so they can properly treat any patients who become ill. They should also immediately stop using the dangerous drug. Failure to do so could result in liability for any subsequent injuries or adverse effects of the drug.
In some cases, pharmacies and other medical facilities/providers could be responsible as well. Medical malpractice attorneys in Long Island can investigate the circumstances surrounding such a case.
Causes of Tainted Medications
It can be hard to understand how tainted drugs could make their way into the bodies of patients, but it’s an unfortunate reality for some. In many cases, it is the result of poor practices. For instance, an unclean environment at a facility that manufactures the drug can lead to contamination. Areas in a manufacturing company that should be sterile may be contaminated with bacteria or other contaminants.
Dangerous prescription drugs may be the result of improper compounding or incorrect labeling.
Drugs can also become tainted when medication vials, syringes, or IV bags are misused or reused, leading to serious consequences like:
- HIV;
- Hepatitis B; and
- Hepatitis C.
Seeking Help from Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Long Island
If you or someone you love has suffered serious or fatal injuries caused by tainted medications, talk with an attorney at Gacovino, Lake & Associates. Compensation could be available for medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages you may experience.
In addition to determining if you have a viable claim, an attorney can help collect the evidence that will be necessary to build a strong case. Don’t delay seeking legal counsel when you or a loved one has been harmed by dangerous prescription drugs.
