At PWHD, our experienced dangerous drug lawyers in Newport News have extensive knowledge of how defective medications can harm victims physically, emotionally, and financially.

When we manage your case, we tirelessly investigate every aspect of your case to determine how a pharmaceutical company, manufacturer, or other party failed in their duty to protect you. We work diligently to maximize the compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.

These cases are extremely complex and difficult to prove, but there is no need to try to take on this legal challenge alone. Our knowledgeable dangerous drug attorneys in Newport News have the staff, determination, and resources to stand up against powerful pharmaceutical companies on your behalf.

What Counts as a Dangerous or Defective Drug?

A dangerous or defective drug could be any prescription medication that causes harm to patients when taken as directed. These drugs may have hidden risks, improper warnings, or flaws in how they were made. Federal law requires pharmaceutical companies to reasonably ensure their products are safe before releasing them to the public.

Drugs considered dangerous or defective typically fall into three categories:

• Manufacturing Defects: The drug was contaminated or incorrectly made during production, making it different from the intended design and potentially harmful.
• Inadequate Warning: The pharmaceutical company failed to provide the public and patients with proper warnings about known side effects, drug interactions, or health risks.
• Design Defects: The drug is deemed inherently dangerous due to its chemical composition or formulation, making it unsafe even when manufactured and labeled correctly.

Who May Qualify to File a Defective Drug Lawsuit in Virginia? 

You may qualify to file a defective drug lawsuit in Virginia if you suffered harm after taking a prescription medication as directed by your healthcare provider. Your injury must be directly linked to a defect in the drug itself, not from misuse or taking the medication in ways other than prescribed. Victims who develop serious health complications, require additional medical treatment, or experience a significant decline in their quality of life may have grounds for legal action.

Family members who lost a loved one due to a dangerous or defective drug may also have the right to file a wrongful death claim. Each case is unique, which means you need a careful review of your medical records, prescription history, and the specific medication involved to determine if you have a valid case.

How Much Compensation Can I Recover for a Dangerous Drug Injury in Newport News?

The compensation you may recover depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, and how the defective drug has impacted your life. Every case is different, so the value of your case and type of damages you may be eligible to receive will also be unique. Under Virginia law, eligible victims may recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses.

Potential compensation in a dangerous drug case may include:

• Medical Expenses: Includes the past and future costs of any hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and other ongoing treatments related to your drug injury.
• Lost Wages: Accounts for income you lost while recovering from your injuries or attending medical appointments.
• Lost Earning Capacity: Compensates you if you experienced a reduced ability to work or earn income in the future due to permanent injuries or disabilities caused by the defective drug.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish resulting from your injuries.
• Loss of Quality of Life: Includes compensation if the drug-related injuries you sustained prevent you from being able to enjoy activities, hobbies, or relationships you once valued.

What Types of Injuries Could a Dangerous Drug Cause?

Defective drugs can cause a wide range of serious health problems. Some injuries appear quickly after starting a new medication, while others develop gradually over time. The severity of these injuries often depends on the specific drug, dosage, and how long you took the medication.

Common injuries caused by dangerous drugs include:

• Cardiovascular Damage: May include heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, irregular heartbeat, or other heart-related complications.
• Organ Failure: Kidney damage, liver failure, or other vital organ dysfunction requiring transplant or ongoing medical care.
• Neurological Disorders: Seizures, nerve damage, memory loss, or permanent cognitive impairment.
• Birth Defects: Congenital disabilities in children whose mothers took the medication during pregnancy.
• Cancer: Development of malignant tumors linked to long-term use of certain medications.
• Internal Bleeding: Uncontrolled bleeding in the digestive tract, brain, or other areas of the body.
• Severe Allergic Reactions: Life-threatening responses including anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

What Symptoms May Indicate Harm Caused by a Defective Drug?

Recognizing the warning signs of drug-related harm can be difficult because symptoms sometimes mimic other common health conditions. When you start any new medication, it is crucial that you pay close attention to any new symptoms or worsening health problems after starting a new medication. Not all side effects indicate a defective drug, but certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention and further investigation.

Watch for these potential warning signs:

• Unexplained Pain: New or severe pain in your chest, abdomen, joints, or other areas after starting the medication.
• Breathing Difficulties: Shortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness in your chest that was not present before starting the new medication.
• Unusual Bleeding: Blood in your urine or stool, excessive bruising, or bleeding that does not stop easily.
• Extreme Fatigue: Overwhelming exhaustion or weakness that interferes with daily activities.
• Mental Health Changes: Sudden depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or other mood changes unrelated to your underlying condition.
• Skin Reactions: Onset of severe rashes, blistering, peeling skin, or hives that spread rapidly.
• Digestive Problems: Persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite that does not improve.

How Long Do I Have to File a Defective Drug Lawsuit in Virginia?

Virginia, like most states, has strict deadlines for filing dangerous drug lawsuits. The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Virginia is generally two years from the date you discovered or reasonably should have discovered your injury. This deadline applies to most defective drug claims, though there may rarely be certain circumstances affect that timeline. Missing this deadline typically means permanently losing your right to pursue compensation.

Some defective drug cases involve complex legal issues that may extend or shorten the filing period. If you suspect harm due to a dangerous drug, we strongly recommend you consult with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal right to compensation. The sooner you seek legal help, the more time your attorney has to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case on your behalf.

Who May Be Liable for Damages Caused by a Dangerous or Defective Drug?

Multiple parties may share responsibility when a defective drug causes harm. To have a solid case and ensure you are fairly compensated, your attorney will need to identify all parties who may be liable. Pharmaceutical companies often have substantial resources and legal teams working to minimize their liability.

Potentially liable parties in a dangerous drug case include:

• Drug Manufacturers: Companies that design, develop, and produce the medication may be held accountable for defects or failure to conduct adequate safety testing.
• Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives: Individuals who misrepresent a drug’s safety or effectiveness to healthcare providers.
• Distributors and Wholesalers: Entities responsible for handling and distributing medications that become contaminated or damaged in transit.
• Pharmacies: Facilities that dispense the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or fail to warn patients about known risks.
• Testing Laboratories: Companies that conduct inadequate or fraudulent safety testing before a drug receives approval.
• Prescribing Physicians: Healthcare providers who negligently prescribe medications despite known contraindications or fail to monitor patients properly.

What Should I Do If I Suspect My Injuries Were Caused by a Defective Drug?

Taking immediate action is a critical step that protects both your health and your legal rights. Document everything related to your injury and the medication you believe caused you harm. The steps you take now can significantly impact your ability to pursue compensation later.

Follow these important steps:

• Seek medical attention immediately
• Inform your treating doctor about all medications you are currently taking
• Request copies of all medical records, test results, and documentation related to your injuries.
•  Save the prescription bottle, packaging, and any remaining medication in a safe place.
• Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms, when they began, and how they affect your daily life.
• Maintain an accurate record of any medical appointments or treatments you undergo.
• Avoid posting about your injury or medication on social media, as insurance companies may use these posts against you.
• Contact an experienced dangerous drug attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters or pharmaceutical company representatives.

Why Seek Legal Help From Our Dangerous Drug Lawyers in Newport News

Pharmaceutical companies have teams of attorneys working to protect their interests and minimize payouts to injured victims. Without experienced legal representation, you face an uphill battle against corporations with vast resources and legal expertise.

How Our Law Firm Protects Your Legal Rights

Our dangerous drug lawyers in Newport News level the playing field by conducting thorough investigations, consulting with medical professionals, and building compelling cases that demonstrate the full extent of your damages.

We handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on your recovery and your family.

Worried About the Cost of Hiring a Lawyer? Don’t Be

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We understand the challenges you face after a drug injury and provide compassionate, personalized attention to every client we represent.

Find Out if You Have a Defective Drug Case – Your Consultation With PWHD Law Firm Is Completely Free

You deserve answers about what happened and to find out whether you have legal options. Our knowledgeable dangerous drug attorneys review defective drug injury cases at no cost and with no obligation.

During your consultation, we listen to your story, answer your questions about the legal process, and evaluate the merits of your potential claim.

Contact PWHD today to schedule your free consultation with one of our highly qualified dangerous drug lawyers in Newport News.