Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the skin and mucous membranes.
Unlike many other autoimmune disorders, doctors know what causes most cases of SJS. This syndrome results from an allergic reaction, and the primary culprit is a reaction to medication.
What Is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?
SJS can develop when your immune system’s T cells attack healthy tissue. In its early stages, you may experience the following flu-like symptoms:
- Fever
- Sore throat and mouth
- Body aches
- Fatigue
As the reaction advances, the symptoms of Stevens-Johnson syndrome become more serious. Advanced SJS can cause the following:
- Skin pain
- Rash
- Blisters
- Peeling skin
- Lesions on the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, nose, and genitals
SJS is similar to a more severe condition called “toxic epidermal necrolysis” (TEN). The severity of the reaction determines whether doctors classify the condition as SJS or TEN. You might be diagnosed with SJS if less than 10% of your skin is affected. SJS/TEN overlap occurs when 10-30% of the total body surface area is impacted. TEN is more severe and involves at least 30% of the skin’s surface.
Unfortunately, doctors have few options for treating SJS. They must first identify the cause and eliminate it. After that, doctors can treat the symptoms. They will keep your sores clean and may prescribe steroids to reduce inflammation. Your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to treat infections.
People with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to SJS. They are also the ones who have the greatest difficulty fighting it.
After recovering from SJS, you may have disfiguring scars. You might also become susceptible to another SJS outbreak, particularly if you are exposed to the same allergen.
Filing a Case for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
To file a case for SJS or TEN, you and your Stevens-Johnson syndrome attorneys must identify the cause. The following medications are linked to SJS:
- Antibiotics, especially sulfa drugs
- Anticonvulsants
- Gout drugs
- Kidney stone medications
- HIV medications
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including over-the-counter drugs
Pharmaceutical companies can be held liable for injuries caused by their products. Stevens-Johnson syndrome lawsuits against drug companies should be considered in certain circumstances.
Damages Recoverable for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
You can pursue a settlement or a jury verdict to cover the following losses:
- Past and future medical costs
- Lost income
- Diminished future earnings due to permanent disability, among others
You can also seek compensation for non-economic losses. This compensation accounts for the changes to your quality of life:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish from worrying about your health
- Disfigurement due to scars from the condition
- Disability, if the condition temporarily or permanently disabled you
Your lawyer may collect your testimony, medical records, and financial documents to demonstrate these losses.
FAQ
Do I Have a Claim for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?
You may have a claim if you took a drug that triggered an outbreak of SJS. We would need to review the medication you took as well as its label to determine the pharmaceutical company’s liability.
Do I Need to Use a Local Lawyer to File a Case for SJS?
No. Since pharmaceutical companies are national or multinational corporations, you can use a lawyer in any state with the experience to handle your case.
How Do I Prove a Drug Caused SJS?
We work with the top Stevens-Johnson syndrome experts in the nation and have particular experience in analyzing which drug caused an SJS reaction.
Contact Us to Learn How We Can Help
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is our pharmaceutical litigation team’s core practice area. We have extensive experience litigating against pharmaceutical companies for patients harmed by SJS. Contact us for a free consultation to learn how we will fight for you.