How to File a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a hypersensitivity Type IV adverse skin reaction that occurs when a patient reacts to certain over-the-counter drugs or prescription medications.
SJS is characterized by severe skin reactions that cause painful, damaging rashes, blisters, lesions, and ulcers on the skin and mucous membranes. Severe SJS can result in permanent injuries and conditions, including permanent skin damage, internal organ damage, sepsis, shock, and even death.
If you or a loved one suffered from Stevens-Johnson syndrome due to product defects, a knowledgeable SJS lawyer can help you seek compensation. Learn how to file a Stevens-Johnson syndrome lawsuit, who can be liable, and how an experienced attorney can help.
Do You Have a Valid Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Product Liability Claim?
Evidence is the foundation of a pharmaceutical liability claim. To establish a valid case, you must show that:
- Your Stevens-Johnson syndrome occurred due to a reaction to medication
- The drug manufacturer failed to provide adequate warning
- You suffered Stevens-Johnson syndrome due to the drug maker’s negligence
- Your injuries due to Stevens-Johnson syndrome caused you to suffer injuries, illness, and actual losses
A skilled team of drug injury lawyers can review your case and advise you on whether you have grounds to proceed with a legal claim. If the attorneys take your claim, they can help you gather evidence to support your case, including medical records, medical bills, and expert testimony.
Steps To Take To File an SJS Lawsuit
Stevens-Johnson syndrome claims are extremely complex. The following steps apply to your SJS lawsuit:
Determine What Caused Your Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Your first step is to establish what caused your Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Your treating physician can often pinpoint the drug that caused your SJS. However, you benefit from obtaining a medical evaluation from a Stevens-Johnson syndrome specialist doctor who has experience determining the cause of SJS.
Gather Evidence to Prove Your Claim
Successful pharmaceutical cases rely on proving fault and establishing the value of your damages. Keep copies of all medical bills, paperwork, prescriptions, pill bottles, instructions, receipts, and invoices for the drug that caused your injuries. Request copies of medical records for diagnostic procedures and treatments related to your condition.
Photograph your injuries and document ways that your condition prevented you from working, earning money, or engaging in daily activities. If you must pay for childcare, domestic assistance, or handicap modifications due to your SJS-related injuries, document these expenditures as well.
Hire a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Attorney
Hire a pharmaceutical law firm that specializes in SJS claims. Lawyers that sue pharmaceutical companies are well-versed in medical conditions, legal procedures, and strategies giant pharmaceutical companies use to avoid accountability. They know how to gather evidence and build a winning case to defend your legal right to fair compensation.
Liability in SJS Cases
Determining who is responsible for your Stevens-Johnson syndrome can be a complex process. A skilled pharmaceutical liability lawyer will consult with medical professionals to determine which drug led to your SJS. Common drugs that can cause SJS include:
- Allopurinol
- Anticonvulsants
- Sulfa drugs
- Antibiotics
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Pharmaceutical Litigation for SJS Claims
Pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and advertisers have a duty to warn of potential side effects and hazards related to their over-the-counter or prescription drugs. When they fail to provide adequate warnings about side effects and allergic reactions, patients may suffer adverse effects, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
If you suffered injuries due to a pharmaceutical company’s defective product or failure to warn, you may be able to pursue compensation through a product defect lawsuit. Pharmaceutical litigation can be complicated, so consult with a skilled drug injury attorney to learn about your best legal options.
SJS and TEN Lawsuits
When Stevens-Johnson syndrome causes skin to detach from more than 30% of the patient’s body area, it is called toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). SJS and TEN have both been grounds for lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies. Numerous lawsuits have been successfully resolved in the patient’s favor.
Settlement Amounts for These Types of Cases
A Stevens-Johnson syndrome settlement is based on the extent and severity of your SJS injuries. A knowledgeable pharmaceutical litigation attorney specializing in Stevens-Johnson syndrome cases can help you establish the full scope of your losses and pursue the compensation you deserve.
File an SJS Lawsuit With Our Specialized Pharmaceutical Litigation Lawyers
If you or a loved one suffered from Stevens-Johnson syndrome due to a pharmaceutical drug, the compassionate pharmaceutical liability lawyers at Dunn Sheehan can help.
We have extensive experience helping clients seek justice and fair compensation for injuries they sustained due to Stevens-Johnson syndrome. We are well-versed in pharmaceutical litigation, and will aggressively pursue the maximum compensation for your losses.
Contact our attorneys today to find out if your claim provides grounds for an SJS lawsuit. During your free consultation, we will review the available evidence and explain your legal rights. If we decide to take your case, we will handle negotiations, legal filings, and legal correspondence so you can take the time you need to recover.
If you're unsure whether you have grounds for litigation, try our free Case Tool to get feedback about your unique situation from an expert in SJS lawsuits.