There were more than 289 million prescriptions written for opioids in 2016, enough for every single adult in the United States to have more than one bottle of pills. National statistics reveal that more than 2 million Americans were addicted to opioids in 2014, and there were more than 183,000 deaths related to prescription opioids reported from 1999 to 2015.
Navigating an Opioid Case in Houston
Time is of the essence when pursuing an opioid death or overdose case in Texas. There are many common mistakes in a Texas opioid overdose case, and it is important for victims to understand these errors in order to protect their claim. Victims of opioid overdose should hire a qualified Houston personal injury attorney at West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD to discuss their legal options.
Expiration of the Medical Malpractice or Product Liability Claim
In Texas, there is a statute of limitations period for medical malpractice and product liability claims, and victims have a two-year timeframe to file a claim. If this period lapses before you pursue either type of claim, you will be unable to recover lost compensation from the at-fault party.
Trusting the Doctor Despite Feelings of Uncertainty
You need to take on an active role in your treatment, and this includes asking our doctor questions related to your care. Patients will often feel intimidated by their physician or completely trust their doctor. However, if the physician is acting in a way that goes against the interests of the patient, it can result in catastrophic consequences.
Failing to Hold the Prescription Manufacturers Accountable
There are times when patients recognize that they were overprescribed opioid medication by their doctor and choose to hold him or her accountable. However, it is crucial to understand that drug manufacturers who failed to properly warn patients of the potential of addiction to opioid medication should also be held responsible. The manufacturers of these medications profit from uninformed or misinformed patients, and victims may be entitled to pursue a claim against them.
Failure to Obtain Legal Advice from the Right Houston Personal Injury Lawyer
Not all lawyers are created equal. Many are ill-equipped to handle an opioid case, and it is important to work with an attorney who understands relevant issues and can provide answers to tough questions. At West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD, we have experience handling similar cases and can help you avoid common mistakes in opioid cases.
Failure to Understand Extent of the Opiate Abuse Epidemic in the United States
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that drug overdose is the leading contributor to accident death across the United States. In 2014, there were 52,404 lethal drug overdoses reported nationwide. Opioids play an important role in this epidemic, with 20,101 overdose deaths related to prescription pain relievers.
Contact an Opioid Overdose Lawyer in Houston
Victims of opioid overdose and their families should consult with a qualified personal injury firm that understands the law and can help you fight for the right to legal compensation by filing a medical malpractice or wrongful death claim.
West Loop Law and the Law Office of Nhan Nguyen, MD, JD has represented the families of Texans killed by opioid addiction. Physicians should only prescribe powerful opioids, including fentanyl, oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, or methadone, for short-term pain recovery. When these drugs are prescribed improperly and result in overdose or death, a Houston opioid lawsuit lawyer should be consulted in order to file a personal injury claim.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of an opioid overdose, contact our offices today at (713) 840-7200.
Recent Comments