Every consumer should be aware that defective or dangerous products can lead to personal injuries. One type of product that is often at the heart of personal injury claims are pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceuticals can have many benefits and can help to regulate dangerous health conditions, however, they can also have serious side effects that can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. If you sustained injuries or additional health issues because you were prescribed a dangerous pharmaceutical, you may be able to hold the manufacturer of the drug liable for your losses.
Medication For Mental Illnesses Can Cause Unhealthy Behaviors
More than one million people in the United States take a prescription drug called Abilify to treat a variety of mental disorders including major depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. While Abilify can help control the symptoms of these disorders, many users of the drug have developed other serious problems. Specifically, Abilify has been linked to compulsive and destructive behaviors including:
- Compulsive gambling;
- Hypersexual behavior; and
- Obsessive binge eating.
These behaviors can lead to substantial losses for Abilify users. For example, many users claimed they were driven to gamble even though they could not afford to do so. They borrowed money or racked up significant credit card debt due to their uncontrollable compulsion to gamble. In addition, repeated binge eating can lead to significant and quick weight gain, which can cause many otherwise avoidable health issues. Hypersexual behavior can lead to unsafe choices such as unprotected sex with multiple partners, which can result in serious sexually transmitted diseases or infections. As a result, many people who have been injured by Abilify have filed lawsuits against the manufacturing companies Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceutical Company.
Normally, products liability cases stemming from pharmaceutical products or medical equipment involve physical injury or health issues that stem directly from taking the drug, including cancer, kidney issues, and more. In Abilify cases, the link between the drug and the injury is not so direct. For instance, the companies may argue that it is actually the drug user’s own behavior and choices (e.g. to gamble or have sex) that causes their injuries. There are still many ways to prove that Abilify was responsible for the financial losses and injuries, however, so injured Ailify users should not lose hope. They should ensure that they consult with a highly skilled and experienced products liability attorney who understands how to successfully seek compensation in your case.
Discuss Your Case With A Boca Raton Products Liability Attorney As Soon As Possible
In many cases, proving that a product led to injury and losses for you can be challenging. In addition, products are often manufactured by large corporations that have extensive resources to dedicate to defending against liability for your injuries. At the Boca Raton law office of Lavalle, Brown & Ronan, we represent the rights of injured individuals against even the most formidable opponents. Our products liability attorneys can help you obtain the recovery you deserve, so please call our office at 888-646-1315 today for a free consultation.
