Nov. 2, 2012
A recent Meningitis outbreak, the result of a Massachusetts drug manufacturer’s negligence, has caused nearly 30 deaths and sickened almost 400 individuals. However, history may be an indication that the company who made the contaminated products is unlikely to face harsh penalties.
A story published by USA Today recently discussed why a lenient punishment is probable, but also how citizens may be able to hold these companies accountable better than the government.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received reports of more than 200 “adverse events” linked to compounded medications during the past 22 years. However, the government has very little regulatory control over the industry, which allows companies to often proceed with business as usual in the wake of drug injuries being caused by their products.
History shows several instances where the filing of personal injury lawsuits has harshly penalized a negligent drug manufacturer. This is due to the fact that court-ordered penalties and damages awarded by a jury are often significantly larger than fines imposed by government agencies.
So far, only three of the 14,000 individuals exposed to Meningitis through the contaminated injections recently have filed drug injury lawsuits.
The Colorado Springs Personal Injury Lawyers with McDivitt Law Firm are here to answer any questions you may have regarding your legal rights if you have been harmed by a medication given to you by a physician.
