What to Expect While Navigating the Legal Process for Drug and Device Injury Claims

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Hollis Law Firm
LEGALLY REVIEWED BY:
Managing Attorney
Last updated on November 8, 2024

When navigating the legal process for drug and device injury claims, the path may be complex. From understanding your rights to dealing with intricate legal procedures, knowing what to expect can significantly impact your journey toward compensation and justice. 

Whether you’ve suffered from a faulty medical device or adverse effects from a pharmaceutical product, being informed and prepared is essential. Victims should expect to work with the experienced medical malpractice lawyer at Hollis Law Firm to gather extensive medical documentation, work closely with medical experts to prove breach of duty and causation, as well as be prepared for potential challenges from manufacturers and insurance companies. 

Legal Process for Drug and Device Injury Claims

Navigating the legal process for drug and device injury claims involves several crucial steps, each designed to ensure that victims can seek appropriate compensation for their injuries. The following is an overview of the critical phases involved:

Consultation With a Legal Professional:

The first step is to consult with an experienced attorney who has focused knowledge of drug and device injury claims. During this initial meeting, your Hollis Law Firm attorney will evaluate your case, including the nature of the injury, the specific drug or device involved, and the impact on your health and life.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering:

We will investigate the details of your case and gather all necessary evidence. This includes obtaining medical records, consulting with medical experts, and collecting any documentation related to the drug or device. The goal is to establish a clear connection between the product and your injury.

Filing the Claim:

Once sufficient evidence has been obtained, your Hollis Law Firm attorney will file a formal claim against the responsible parties. This typically involves submitting a detailed complaint that outlines the nature of the injury, the alleged negligence or misconduct, and the damages you are seeking.

Pre-Trial Procedures:

Before the case goes to trial, there are several pre-trial procedures to navigate. These include the discovery phase, where both sides exchange information and evidence, and pre-trial motions, where attorneys may argue for certain evidence to be included or excluded.

Settlement Negotiations:

Generally, drug and device injury claims are resolved through settlement negotiations rather than trial. We will negotiate with opposing parties and insurance adjusters to reach a settlement that may adequately compensate you for your injuries. If a settlement is reached, the case is concluded.

Trial:

If a settlement cannot be reached outside of the courtroom, then the case will proceed to trial. During this time, both sides will present evidence and arguments to a judge or jury. Your Hollis Law Firm attorney will advocate on your behalf, aiming to prove the defendant’s liability and secure a favorable verdict.

Post-Trial:

After the trial, there may be additional steps, such as appeals or enforcement of the judgment. We will guide you through these processes to ensure you recover the compensation awarded by the court.

Types of Recoverable Damages in a Drug and Device Injury Claim 

When pursuing a drug and device injury claim, victims may recover various damages, which are intended to compensate for the different ways in which the injury has affected the victim’s life. The following are the primary types of recoverable damages in such claims:

Medical Expenses:

This includes expenses for hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, prescriptions, rehabilitation, and any ongoing medical care related to the injury. Keeping detailed medical records and bills is essential for substantiating these costs.

Lost Wages:

If the injury has caused you to miss work, you may claim losses for lost wages. This includes not only the income you have already lost due to your inability to work but also any future earnings you are likely to lose if your injury affects your ability to work in the long term.

Pain and Suffering:

These are awarded to compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by injuries. This can be more challenging to quantify, but it encompasses the overall impact of the injury on your quality of life, including chronic pain, anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Loss of Consortium:

In some cases, the injury may affect the victim’s relationships with their spouse or family members. Loss of consortium can be awarded to compensate for the loss of companionship, affection, and support resulting from the injury.

Disability and Disfigurement:

If injuries result in a permanent disability or disfigurement, you may recover additional compensation. These damages take into account the long-term impact on your ability to perform everyday activities and the psychological effects of living with a permanent condition.

Punitive Damages:

In cases where the opposing party’s conduct was particularly egregious or reckless, the court may award punitive damages to punish the opposing party and deter similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are not awarded in every case and typically require clear and convincing evidence of gross misconduct.

Loss of Earning Capacity:

If the injury has diminished your ability to earn a living in the future, you may recover loss of earning capacity. This considers factors such as your age, occupation, skills, and the extent to which the injury affects your ability to work.

Each type of damage addresses a specific aspect of the harm you have suffered, ensuring that you are adequately compensated for the wide-ranging effects of your injury.

Speak With the Drug and Device Injury Lawyer at Hollis Law Firm 

When navigating the legal process for drug and device injury claims, having the right legal representation is crucial. At Hollis Law Firm, we bring a unique blend of legal and scientific knowledge to every case we handle. With years of experience in pharmaceutical law, we understand not only the legal intricacies but also the scientific aspects that are essential for building a strong case.

Our approach is thorough and meticulous, ensuring that we gather all necessary evidence, consult with medical experts, and prepare compelling arguments to support your claim. We are dedicated to helping you seek the compensation you deserve while holding negligent parties accountable. If you’ve suffered due to a faulty medical device or harmful drug, contact us at (800) 701-3672 or fill out our contact form.

Author
JASON CHAMBERS, JD
Hollis Law Firm

As the managing attorney at the Hollis Law Firm, Jason Chambers leads complex product liability and personal injury litigations, advocating for clients injured by defective drugs, medical devices, and personal injury accidents. The firm, based in Kansas City, represents victims throughout the Midwest and beyond, offering free consultations to those affected by harmful prescription drugs, defective medical devices, and personal injuries.

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800-701-3672
800-701-3672
800-701-3672
800-701-3672
800-701-3672
Hollis Law Firm
8101 College Blvd, Suite 260
Overland Park, KS 66210