What Is Drug Liability and When Do You Have a Case?~2 min read

If you were seriously harmed after taking a prescription or over-the-counter drug, you may have a legal claim. Drug liability cases often involve hidden side effects, manufacturing errors, or misleading marketing. You do not have to figure this out alone. A qualified attorney can help you explore your options.

What Is Drug Liability?

Drug liability refers to the legal responsibility drug manufacturers, distributors, or others in the supply chain may have when a medication causes harm. These cases typically fall under product liability law, which means someone is responsible for putting a dangerous or defective product into the hands of consumers. Drug liability claims can involve prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or even supplements.

When You Might Have a Case

You may have a case if you suffered serious health problems that were not properly disclosed or warned about. For example, if a medication caused internal bleeding, stroke, or organ damage, and you were never warned about the risks, the drug-maker may be held responsible.

You can also have a case if the medication was contaminated or not made properly. Sometimes, manufacturing errors lead to unsafe batches of drugs. In other situations, the drug may have been marketed for uses that were never approved or tested.

Common Types of Drug Liability Claims

There are four main ways a drug can lead to a legal claim:

1. Defective Design – The drug was dangerous from the start, even if it was made correctly.
2. Manufacturing Defect – Something went wrong during production that made the drug harmful.
3. Failure to Warn – The company did not provide proper instructions or warnings about known risks.
4. Wrong Dose – A pharmacy or doctor provided the wrong dose.

Each situation is different. You do not have to prove all three types to have a valid case. One issue may be enough.

What You Can Do

If you believe a drug caused you harm, seek medical attention first. Then, gather any information you have, including prescription records, product packaging, and notes from your doctor. A drug liability attorney can help you understand if the law supports your case and what steps to take next.

Contact Springer & Lyle

If you have suffered serious side effects or injuries after taking a medication, it may be time to speak with an attorney. At Springer & Lyle, we understand how upsetting it can be to deal with unexpected health problems caused by a drug you thought was safe. Our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and help you take the next step.  Contact us today at 940-387-0404 to schedule a free consultation.