Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is triggered primarily by drug reactions. Under product liability law, manufacturers are strictly liable for injuries caused by their products.
However, to recover compensation, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attorneys must assemble the evidence and legal arguments to persuade a court of the manufacturer’s role in the outbreak.
Steps for Holding Pharmaceutical Companies Responsible for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Injuries
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) results from a powerful immune response that kills your skin and mucous membrane cells, leaving you with painful and potentially life-threatening injuries. The skin damage is so severe that a victim may require treatment in a burn unit.
These catastrophic injuries can have devastating physical, mental, and financial consequences. It can cause disfiguring scars and long-term skin and immunological issues, including a recurrence if you are exposed to a triggering substance.
A Stevens-Johnson Syndrome claim for these effects requires careful planning. Your SJS lawyer needs evidence to prove the cause of your outbreak and the losses you suffered. There are several steps involved in preparing a case.
Investigation
Your Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attorneys will gather your medical records from the hospitals and doctors who treated you. This thorough review will include your pre-outbreak records to determine the medications you were taking.
Careful investigation will help them identify the potential trigger of your SJS outbreak and the drug manufacturer that may be responsible.
The following medications are often to blame for drug-related SJS outbreaks:
- Allopurinol, an anti-gout medication
- Anticonvulsants and antipsychotics
- Sulfonamides and other antibacterial sulfa drugs
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like acetaminophen and ibuprofen
Scientists have identified over 200 medications that can trigger Stevens-Johnson Syndrome.
Collaboration
Your SJS attorney will work with medical experts to analyze your case. Specifically, your legal team will gather expert opinions on the following issues:
- Causation of your outbreak
- Severity of your condition
- Medical treatment you may need
- Long-term effects you could experience
One of the most important issues analyzed by medical experts is causation. We will identify the manufacturer of the medication that triggered your outbreak and the defect that caused the problem. Examples of product defects an expert may find include the following:
- Mislabeled drugs that omit ingredients that may cause SJS
- Adulterated drugs containing contaminants that can trigger SJS
- Labels that fail to warn of SJS risks
The experts will provide written reports based on their scientific analysis. They will also testify in court in any litigation against the drug manufacturer.
Documentation
Your Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attorneys will work with you to gather records showing the losses you incurred from your outbreak.
You can seek compensation for past and future economic losses, such as medical costs, out-of-pocket expenses, and lost earnings. Your legal team documents these losses using financial records such as doctor’s bills, receipts, and bank statements.
Additionally, you can seek compensation for non-economic losses, such as pain, suffering, disability, and disfigurement. Since these losses are non-financial, your lawyer will document them using your medical records, your testimony, and the testimony of your family, friends, and doctors.
Preparation
Your SJS lawyers prepare your case using all available legal resources, including expert witness testimony, clinical guidelines, and product safety reports. At the same time, they will tailor a legal strategy to seek compensation for your unique losses and accomplish your specific goals.
Negotiation
SJS cases often begin with a claim filed with the pharmaceutical company’s product liability insurer. Your lawyer presents the evidence to the insurer and negotiates with the claims adjuster to overcome low settlement offers and fight for fair compensation.
Litigation
Litigation is not required in all cases. However, it may become necessary if a fair settlement is not possible. Your attorney takes your case to court and advocates for your rights in a bench or jury trial.
FAQ
How Much Do Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Attorneys Charge?
SJS law firms charge a contingency fee. You only pay this legal fee if your lawyer wins or settles your case.
What Can I Do If My Loved One Died From Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?
An SJS attorney can file a wrongful death claim against any pharmaceutical company responsible for your loss. This claim can provide financial compensation and justice for your loved one’s death.
Can I Sue for My Child’s Case of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?
Parents and legal guardians can usually sue on behalf of a minor child. An SJS injury claim can provide for the child’s future medical and financial needs.
Contact Us to Start Building Your Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Case
You can pursue compensation for the losses caused by Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Contact Dunn Sheehan to discuss your outbreak and the injury claim we can prepare for you.