Modern medicine can work wonders for patients in need so long as they are taken in a safe and appropriate manner. However, this is not always the case. There are thousands of deadly medication overdoses in the Houston area every year. These sudden accidents often provide virtually no time to seek emergency help. Those who have lost a loved one in this manner can have their lives altered in an instant. Medication overdoses and wrongful death claims can be overwhelming. However, you have the right to seek compensation from the responsible party if you have a loved one who was harmed or killed due to an unsafe medication.
Seeking compensation due to medical errors can be complex, and it’s important to have a lawyer who is experienced in this field. The Krist Law Firm, P.C. has helped many clients after they have fallen victim to dangerous medications and unsafe products. Do not delay and contact our Houston wrongful death lawyers if you are ever in this difficult situation.
Call (281) 283-8500 or contact us online to set a free, no-risk consultation, where we can discuss what happened and your legal options. There are no up-front costs to you and we are only paid when you recover damages.
Who Is Responsible For A Medication Overdoses?
The devastating effects of a medication accident or overdose can change your life forever. Your loved one may be permanently harmed, or possibly even killed. Thousands of deaths are caused each year throughout Texas due to medication overdose. But who holds responsibility? It can be difficult to determine the answer to this question. The medical world is highly technical, and the parties involved will use their vast resources to try and avoid any responsibility for an accident. Without a complete and proper investigation, it may not be possible to know whose actions caused a medical overdose.
The attorneys at The Krist Law Firm, P.C. understand that recovering compensation after a medication overdose can only happen if the negligent party is identified. This requires gathering all relevant evidence and consulting with expert witnesses.
The party responsible for a medication overdose can include:
- Doctors and other medical care providers – a doctor must understand what effects a powerful drug will have on their patients. Failing to do so can result in a deadly accident after a medication is prescribed.
- Pharmacists – Drugs that are improperly labeled or counted can lead to deadly consequences. A pharmacist must understand how to safely handle medications.
- Pharmaceutical companies – A drug that is improperly made can prove deadly to many people, or simply to a small number of patients under certain circumstances. Your lawyer will have to know how to investigate a possible case of a poorly developed or manufactured drug.
- Non-medical professionals – There are many cases where a person give a dangerous drug to an unsuspecting person either for recreational use or perhaps to cause harm. This serious situation often results in death, and the reckless or malevolent party can be held responsible.
Wrongful Death Claims After An Overdose
Tens of thousands of Americans are killed every year due to medication overdoses. The burden left on a family can be significant. Fortunately, Texas law allows for close survivors to seek wrongful death compensation from the responsible party. These cases can be brought by spouses, parents, and children of the deceased, or by a representative of the deceased person’s estate.
A wrongful death case can be very hard fought. The parties involved will understand that they can be subject to paying significant financial damages after someone is suddenly killed in a medication overdose. That’s why it’s important to have a lawyer who is experienced in building a strong case and securing damages for those who lost close loved ones.
You and your family can secure damages for the following after losing a loved one:
- Lost companionship and society
- Mental anguish, pain, and suffering
- Lost earning capacity
- Lost future inheritance
- Lost care, support, and counsel
Many Medications Cause Deadly Accidents
Doctors and medical professionals constantly prescribe patients with powerful drugs. These medications are meant to help us, and they generally do. However, they can result in deadly accidents even if you take a dosage as recommended. Accidents happen when medical professionals or drug makers negligently miss important details. For example, drugs can kill if they are mixed with other medications, or if the patient is improperly informed of how to take a dosage. While every case is different, some drugs are known to be much more deadly than others.
The Centers for Disease Control have listed the following prescribed medications as the most common drugs involved in deadly overdoses:
- Fentanyl – This synthetic opioid can be 100 times more powerful than morphine.
- Prescription Pain Medications – Drugs like OxyContin, Percocet, and Vicodin are prescribed to manage pain, but are highly addictive and are often abused or misprescribed.
- Benzodiazepines – These are sedatives, commonly prescribed to treat seizures, anxiety, and panic disorders. While relatively safe on their own, when combined with other medications or alcohol the risk of overdose significantly increases.
The Krist Law Firm, P.C. Can Help After A Medication Overdose
Victims of serious or deadly drug accidents are generally caught off guard. As the survivors of an overdose victim, you and your family want answers. Furthermore, you have the right to seek compensation from the party who holds responsibility for your loved one’s death. These cases are complex, and medical providers have significant resources to defend themselves against liability. For this reason, we encourage you to contact The Krist Law Firm, P.C without delay. Texas’ statute of limitations will not allow you to seek damages if you wait for too long. Therefore, call a knowledgeable Houston lawyer today.
If someone’s negligence resulted in a fatal medication being given to your loved one, contact The Krist Law Firm, P.C. to speak with a Houston wrongful death claims lawyer today. Call (281) 283-8500 or submit the details online to set a free, no-risk consultation. We will review your case, advise you of your next steps, and when appropriate help you hold those responsible accountable.