Over the years, drug manufacturers marketed opioids as a painkiller, and healthcare professionals prescribed them to patients to relieve their condition. But none of them ever informed the users about its side effects and addictive potential. Now that opioid abuse has almost reached the proportions of an epidemic in Houston, and across the US, people seek the help of Houston opioid lawyers to file lawsuits against these deceivers.
If you are in Houston and have been a victim of an opioid-related injury, here are a few things you must know before filing opioid litigation.
What Opioids are?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, an opioid is a drug meant to block pain pathways of the brain. It works by binding its molecules with opioid receptors in the brain and blocking signals of pain. However, in addition to relieving pain, it also causes euphoria that encourages people to get hooked. Initially, most people take opioids to relieve pain, but gradually they start taking them for recreation.
According to reports, there has been a 17% increase in opioid overdoses in Houston in the second quarter of 2020. As a result, even the Houston Fire Department has been given naloxone to recover respiration in people reported with opioid overdose quickly in the present situation.
Proving Liability for an Opioid Overdose
Proving liabilities is the hardest part of opioid litigation. The opposite party has one argument that can convince the jury, “you took the opioid yourself.” However, since thousands of victims in the US are filing similar lawsuits, the chances of holding the drug manufacturer liable increases.
Drug manufacturers argue that people harmed themselves by not following the drug prescriptions and used it for recreation. However, an opioid attorney can hold them liable by pointing out their illegitimate marketing techniques and the absence of any warning on their products.
You may also hold doctors and healthcare professionals responsible for your opioid-related injury because they were the ones who prescribed you opioids without warning you about its side effects.
On the other hand, they may argue that the drug companies did not inform them about the addictive nature of opioids at the time of marketing. So, eventually, the liability lies on the drug manufacturer. But you can take the help of Houston opioid lawyers to prove liability and get compensated.
Who Can File an Opioid Lawsuit in Houston?
Any individual who got addicted to opioids even after taking the drugs as directed can file an opioid lawsuit. Someone who lost a loved one due to an opioid overdose can also file such a claim. Other than harmed individuals and their families, parties like schools, cities, counties, states, and tribes can also file a claim to recover the costs to manage the epidemic.
For instance, in 2017, Texas saw its first governmental authority – Upshur County suing more than 12 pharmaceutical companies for their alleged role in Opioid addiction. Houston’s own Harris county has also engaged in a similar slew of lawsuits against drug companies.
Why File an Opioid Lawsuit in Houston?
Massive costs are involved in treating opioid addiction and its effects on families and communities. Filing an opioid lawsuit against the drug maker can recover such damage. It helps you to secure the funds you need to fight against opioid abuse.
The average price for a certified Opioid treatment in Houston can start from $126 per week or $6552 per year and can vary based on different factors.
Opioid Overdose Damages You Can be Compensated for
Here are the types of damages you may recover with a lawsuit against drug manufacturers, suppliers, and healthcare professionals:
- Medical expenses
- Medical transportation
- Hospitalization
- Medical treatment
- Drug rehabilitation programs
- Drug treatment costs
- Prosecution
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
How can an Opioid Lawyer Help?
An experienced opioid lawyer can take your case and represent you while filing a lawsuit against the drug manufacturer or supplier. Opioid lawsuits are complex and can be handled only by a knowledgeable and skilled lawyer. They evaluate the potential of your claims and evaluate their merits. They file the claim within the allowed timeframe and help you recover damages that you went through.
It is reported that Harris County is set to receive more than $2 Million grant from CDC to combat opioid overdoses. Since opioid overdoses are prevalent in Houston, it’s vital to know about safe usage of opioid.
Get in touch with Houston opioid lawyers today and know about your rights. If you have suffered due to opioid overuse, you can schedule a meeting with an attorney and see how they can help you.