Note: We serve the entire Bay Area, including San Rafael, Santa Rosa, San Jose, Oakland, Alameda, San Francisco, and the broader region.
With the continued uptrend in the use of pharmaceutical drugs for the treatment of most illnesses, concerns about food and drug safety are paramount for patients. Most consumers depend upon the expertise and professional judgment from the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and the data provided to the FDA by big pharmaceutical companies to keep these drugs safe for public use. However, when drug manufacturers prioritize profits over safety, consumers can suffer unnecessary harm, leading to serious health and financial consequences.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by a defective drug or unsafe medical device, you don’t have to suffer these consequences in silence. With help from a Bay Area pharmaceutical lawyer, you can take legal action to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable and seek just compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.
At Synergist Law, P.C., we understand the devastating impact that pharmaceutical and other medical errors can have on your family’s life. Our team doesn’t just feel for you—we have the experience and resources to fight for you to get the justice you deserve.
Why Consult a Bay Area Pharmaceutical Attorney
When it comes to pharmaceuticals and medical devices, absolute safety is difficult to guarantee. However, many injuries and deaths caused by these products could be prevented if manufacturers act responsibly. Large pharmaceutical companies may be aware of the hazards and severe health risks posed by their products but fail to disclose them to doctors, regulators, or the public. In some cases, they knowingly allow dangerous drugs or devices to remain on the market. In others, poor manufacturing methods introduce impurities or defects, leading to significant harm to patients.
Under California law, consumers harmed by defective drugs or devices can take legal action against manufacturers and other responsible parties for the harm they’ve caused. However, the path to justice can be intimidating without qualified legal support. Representation from a skilled pharmaceutical attorney is essential in helping victims take action effectively.
At Synergist Law, P.C., our team is prepared to help you stand up for your rights against powerful corporations and guide you through the complex process of filing a claim.
Cases a Bay Area Pharmaceutical Injury Lawyer Handles
At Synergist Law, P.C., we’ve represented clients who’ve suffered a variety of painful and often life-altering consequences due to defective drugs or medical devices. Here are the major types of claims we address.
Pharmaceutical Injuries
A significant number of pharmaceutical injuries involve harmful side effects from prescription drugs. In many cases, manufacturers may know about these dangerous potential side effects and fail to warn consumers about the risks involved, such as in the following cases:
- Antidepressants. SSRIs have been associated with severe conditions such as serotonin syndrome, which causes life-threatening nerve system disruptions or increased risks of suicidal ideation, particularly in adolescents and young adults.
- Blood thinners. Although critical for preventing blood clots, these can lead to uncontrollable internal bleeding or strokes when improperly manufactured or prescribed. Without proper warning, patients are vulnerable to fatal complications.
- Opioids. Addiction, overdose, or respiratory depression are just some of the potential dangers linked to opioids. Unfortunately, the harm of opioids has often been exacerbated by manufacturers’ misleading marketing tactics that downplayed the risks of dependency.
When pharmaceutical companies distribute and irresponsibly market these drugs despite the significant risks, they could be held liable for the harm they cause to consumers.
Defective Drugs
Manufacturing defects in prescription drugs can cause serious and widespread harm. Drug defects can include:
- Medications contaminated during production,
- Prescriptions produced with incorrect dosages, or
- Products that fail to perform as intended.
Even if these drugs are recalled quickly after they go to market, pharmaceutical manufacturers can still be held legally responsible for any negative effects.
Medical Device Issues
Some medical devices can cause harm when malfunctioning or improperly designed, especially when they interact with prescription drugs. When this happens, patients relying on these devices might experience unexpected drug overdoses, underdoses, or other dangerous mechanical failures that can lead to serious injuries. In some cases, surgical implants can even release toxic materials into the body that can lead to serious and even life-threatening harm.
Understanding the Pharmaceutical Injury Claim Process
Filing a pharmaceutical injury claim involves several critical steps.
Investigation
First, your attorney will thoroughly investigate your case to establish a clear connection between the harm you experienced and the defective drug or medical device. The investigation process includes collecting detailed medical records, analyzing the product’s design and testing history, and consulting with pharmaceutical experts to assess the cause of your injury.
Identify Liable Parties and File a Claim for Damages
Once sufficient evidence is gathered, your attorney will identify all responsible parties. This could include drug manufacturers, testing laboratories, prescribing doctors, or pharmacies who filled the prescription. At this point, your lawyer will file a formal complaint that details the legal basis for your claim and the damages you are seeking.
Negotiation and Trial
Next, the parties enter into negotiations to try to reach a settlement and avoid going to trial. Your lawyer will present evidence of liability and proof of your losses. Then, they will present what your claim is worth and request a settlement. This phase can continue for a while as each party negotiates for their desired result.
If the parties agree to a fair settlement, the case resolves. While many cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, your attorney must be prepared to proceed to trial if necessary. Therefore, if the parties cannot agree to a settlement amount, the litigation process begins. During the trial, your lawyer will present evidence and arguments that directly link your harm to the defective drug or device. They will also call expert witnesses such as pharmaceutical professionals, toxicologists, and medical practitioners to testify in support of your claim.
Timeline
Because pharmaceutical injury claims often involve complex medical and regulatory issues, case timelines can vary widely. If a case is relatively straightforward, it could only take a few months to resolve. However, when a drug or device is subject to FDA regulations or recalls, the timeline can extend beyond a year. A Bay Area pharmaceutical lawyer is best positioned to evaluate your situation and help you understand the time and potential steps involved in a claim.
Synergist Law, P.C. Can Help If You Were Harmed by a Drug or Medical Device.
Cases involving pharmaceutical drug and medical device injuries often necessitate hiring a firm with pharmaceutical expertise. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward the justice and compensation you deserve. At Synergist Law, P.C., we can help people like you seek fair and just compensation when a drug you are taking or medical device you are using has caused an injury. The pharmaceutical injury lawyers at Synergist Law, P.C. have superior training concerning drug defects and medical device problems.