Opioid Drugs Claims

Pursue a Claim with a Personal Injury Lawyer

At Casey Law Offices, S.C., we provide compassionate representation to individuals injured by dangerous drugs. If your doctor prescribed opioid medication, and you suffered harmful side effects, we can evaluate your injuries and represent you as you pursue a financial settlement.

Physicians have a responsibility to prescribe safe, proper medications to patients. If your doctor acted negligently, we can fight to uphold justice for your case.

What Are Opioid Drugs?

Opioid drugs are narcotic substances used for pain relief. They are commonly used for patients suffering from cancer, post-operative pain, and other forms of chronic, persistent pain.

However, an improper dosage, or prolonged use, can lead to addiction and life-threatening conditions. Physicians must use caution when prescribing opioid drugs. They must also work to ensure each patient is responding in a healthy way to the medication.

Common opioid drugs include:

• Methadone
• Percocet, Percodan, OxyContin (oxycodone)
• Vicodin, Lorcet, Lortab (hydrocodone)
• Demerol (pethidine)
• Dilaudid (hydromorphone)
• Duragesic (fentanyl)

Opioid drugs are extremely addictive. In fact, opioid painkillers have a molecular construction that is almost identical to that of heroin. The physical effects are also similar, although heroin is about 3 times stronger. Patients using opioid drugs may experience feelings of euphoria, reduced pain, and physical warmth.

Harmful Effects of Opioid Drugs

Opioid drugs affect a patient’s brain by producing artificial endorphins (hormones associated with feelings of pleasure). Prolonged use can even make the brain stop creating its own natural endorphins.

This makes withdrawal extremely difficult. Symptoms of withdrawal include depression, anxiety, stomach aches, insomnia, elevated heart rate, and muscle spasms. Patients can easily become dependent on the drug when taking an improper dosage for a long period of time. Doctors should monitor a patient’s use of the drug on a regular basis to ensure the treatment is safe and effective.

Opioid drugs may cause severe and even fatal symptoms. These include:

• Coma
• Slow, erratic pulse
• Heart failure
• Decreased breathing
• Loss of consciousness

Constricted pupils and vomiting may also occur with an opioid overdose. In addition, opioids may lead to an increased risk of heart attacks, difficulty concentrating, decreased natural pain tolerance, and inability to breathe.

Over time, the body will build up a tolerance to the drug. This means it will not be as effective, and the patient will begin feeling more pain. When this occurs, doctors may prescribe a larger dose of the opioid drug, or switch to a different method of treatment.

Passionate Representation for Your Case

If you suffered harmful side effects from an opioid prescription, or a loved died from an overdose, Casey Law Offices, S.C. can provide caring legal services. Our dangerous drug attorneys can request medical records, as well as interview physicians and others to determine if your doctor acted negligently. Opioid drugs are extremely harmful and dangerous.

It is important to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our personal injury firm can walk you through the legal process and answer your questions every step of the way.