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Dangerous Medication & Defective Medical Devices
Adler & Adler, P.C. represents individuals in Illinois and the Chicago area in matters against companies who have produced, manufactured or sold unsafe or hazardous medical products.
Our attorneys have more than 40 years of combined experience representing clients in individual, class action, and multi-district product liability litigation suits.
We represent those who have suffered serious injuries or illnesses because of dangerous prescription or over-the-counter drugs, implanted medical devices or assistive medical equipment.
Dangerous Prescription & Over the Counter Drugs
Every day, prescription and OTC drugs and supplements are marketed to the general public as promoting health benefits and enriching lives. A number of these are far from safe. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines as well as vitmamin and herbal supplements are often marketed and sold to the public without adequately disclosing known risks so that consumers can make an informed decision about whether the proven benefits are worth the means.
While the FDA requires that new pharmaceutical substances go through years of controlled testing before doctors may prescribe them to patients, some harmful drugs will inevitably get through. The pharmaceutical manufacturers also put significant pressure on the FDA to approve their products quickly through a process called "fast track," which is designed to reduce the time it takes to get FDA approval. History shows that "fast track" is far too fast, too premature and inappropriate. The end result: Sometimes a drug intended to help may actually cause an injury or illness that is worse than the condition being treated.
If the manufacturer had reason to suspect that patients may experience negative side effects but did not disclosed them in the drug's literature, thousands or even millions of people may be harmed and may be entitled to financial compensation. A recent example of this type of product liability is the popular VIOXX arthritis medication, which caused cardiac problems in patients.
The FDA also regulates the environments in which pharmaceuticals are manufactured. Drugs that are normally safe can cause harm if they are contaminated by other substances during production. The drug Heparin headlined the news with cases of severe allergic reactions and death due to substituted ingredients during manufacturing.
In addition to Heparin and VIOXX, other recent medications have been in the news, including: Celebrex, Bextra, Zyprexa, Rezulin, Propofol, as well as several others.
Black box warnings and voluntary recalls do not exempt manufacturers from responsibility.
If you or someone you know has been injured by a medication, OTC drug or supplement, it is important that you contact attorneys who have experience in this area. Adler & Adler, P.C. has successfully represented many patients and their families against those responsible for manufacturing and distributing defective, dangerous medicines and supplements. We’re here to help.
Defective or Dangerous Medical Devices or Equipment
As medical science advances, many health problems that were either disabling or fatal are now managed with the use of external prosthetics and/or internal devices, including implanted defibrillators, myocardial assist devices, replacement joints, supportive meshes and more. Each device must be designed and manufactured at the most detailed level and at the highest standards. All potential dangers and/or side effects must be fully disclosed. The same applies to many advanced instruments and machines used in healthcare settings. Should a medical device turn out to be defective, liability may fall on the company responsible for its design or manufacture.
Current medical devices that have caused complications, injuries and/or illnesses in patients include:
• Vaginal Mesh & Bladder Sling devices, including manufacturers Gynecare Prolift Total Pelvic Floor Repair System, the Bard Avaulta system and other vaginal mesh and bladder sling product manufacturers
• Pain pumps
• Multiple DePuy hip & knee implants
• Medtronic Sprint Fidelis defibrillator leads
• Zimmer hip & knee replacement implants
