In the United States, almost 1 million lives have been lost to drug overdoses in the past two decades; at the center of this complex crisis are opioids (SOURCE). Fatal overdoses of commonly prescribed drugs for pain can occur following patient error; however, sometimes opioid overdoses can occur due to medical error or negligence. If you have experienced the overdose death of a loved one, a medical malpractice attorney will help you get the justice you deserve.
This article is meant for informational purposes only and not to take the place of medical or legal advice.
In recent years, the opioid crisis has become an epidemic that has brought awareness to the need for physicians to change their prescription behavior. In 2019, the CDC released an Rx Awareness campaign to increase patient and medical professionals’ awareness (SOURCE). The educational efforts did decrease the number of opioid prescriptions being written; however, there are still situations that would incite filing a wrongful death claim:
- Incorrect dosage is written that leads to the patient taking medication as directed, causing death from overdose.
- Pharmacy dispenses the wrong strength or directions of an opioid, leading to an overdose and death.
- The physician fails to educate the patient fully about the side effects, risks, and potential for addiction. The patient becomes addicted due to the physician’s negligence, resulting in death from an overdose.
- False marketing by drug manufacturers and distributors, hiding side effects, risks, and potential for addiction.
If you have experienced the overdose death of a loved one, let The Law Offices of Reginald Keith Davis investigate the facts surrounding your claim. We will help you get the justice you deserve and the closure you are owed. Contact us for your confidential consultation @ (913) 299-8789.