Dangerous Drugs Lawyer

Prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs are meant to heal, not harm. When we visit a doctor or pick up a prescription from a Raleigh pharmacy, we trust that the medication is safe, effective, and thoroughly tested. Unfortunately, that trust is sometimes misplaced. Each year, dangerous and defective drugs cause serious injuries, long-term illnesses, and even deaths. Victims and their families are left with medical bills, lost wages, and profound uncertainty about the future.

At Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our skilled dangerous drugs lawyer law firm in Raleigh, NC are on top of it when it comes to fighting back against negligent pharmaceutical companies. With decades of combined experience handling product liability and injury claims, we know how to hold manufacturers accountable when unsafe drugs devastate lives.

Understanding Dangerous Drug Litigation

Pharmaceutical litigation is a type of product liability law. These cases involve claims that a drug was defectively designed, improperly manufactured, or marketed without adequate warnings and instructions. Unlike ordinary personal injury cases, dangerous drug lawsuits often pit individual victims against multinational pharmaceutical corporations with vast resources.

Drug manufacturers have a legal duty to:

Design medications that are reasonably safe for their intended use.
Test drugs thoroughly in clinical trials before releasing them to the public.
Warn doctors and patients of known side effects and risks.
Manufacture medications consistently according to quality standards.

When they fail in these duties, patients can suffer severe harm ranging from organ damage to neurological injuries—or even death.

Common Types of Dangerous Drug Cases

Dangerous drug claims in Raleigh and nationwide often arise from the following situations:

Defective Design

A drug may be inherently unsafe due to its chemical makeup. Even when properly manufactured and prescribed, some medications pose unacceptable risks.

Manufacturing Defects

Sometimes a drug’s design is safe, but mistakes occur during the manufacturing process. Contamination, incorrect dosages, or improper labeling can turn an otherwise safe drug into a dangerous one.

Failure to Warn

Drug companies are required to provide adequate warnings about side effects and interactions. If they withhold information or fail to warn doctors and patients, they may be liable for any injuries that occur.

Examples of Dangerous Drug Litigation

Many well-known medications have faced litigation over the years. Some recent or ongoing examples include:

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound)

Initially developed for diabetes treatment and now widely prescribed for weight loss, these drugs have been linked to severe gastrointestinal issues, gallbladder problems, and other complications. Lawsuits allege that manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients of these risks.

Opioids

Major pharmaceutical companies have faced litigation for their role in fueling the opioid epidemic. Claims focus on aggressive marketing tactics and the downplaying of addiction risks that led to widespread misuse and thousands of deaths nationwide.

Blood Thinners (Xarelto, Pradaxa, and Others)

Popular blood thinners have been linked to uncontrollable bleeding and other life-threatening side effects. Because these drugs are often prescribed to prevent strokes or blood clots, the risks of serious complications can outweigh the intended benefits.

Antidepressants and Antipsychotics

Certain antidepressants and antipsychotic medications have been connected to birth defects when taken during pregnancy. Others have been shown to increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior, particularly in children and young adults.

Cholesterol Medications (Statins)

Some statins, commonly prescribed to lower cholesterol, have been associated with muscle damage and an increased risk of developing diabetes. Patients taking these drugs may not have been fully warned about the potential for severe, long-term side effects.

While each case involves unique facts, the common theme is that patients were harmed because manufacturers failed to prioritize safety.

The Impact of Dangerous Drugs on Patients

The injuries caused by defective medications can be devastating. Victims may experience:

Severe organ damage (kidneys, liver, heart)
Gastrointestinal complications and chronic pain
Neurological damage or strokes
Birth defects in children exposed in utero
Life-threatening allergic reactions
Psychological harm from unexpected side effects

These injuries often require long-term medical treatment, expensive hospitalizations, or permanent lifestyle changes. Families may also face the loss of income when victims are unable to work.

Why Choose Ricci Law Firm for Dangerous Drug Cases?

At Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we have over 150 years of combined experience holding negligent corporations accountable. We have earned a reputation for protecting clients, investigating claims, and pursuing justice. Families choose us because we:

Offer free consultations.
Work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win.
Have experience with both individual claims and complex mass tort litigation.
Are deeply rooted in our community and committed to standing up for victims.

Proving Liability in a Dangerous Drug Case

Duty of Care

Drug manufacturers have a legal duty to design, test, and market medications that are reasonably safe for their intended use. This includes conducting thorough clinical trials, monitoring side effects, and ensuring doctors and patients are properly informed about potential risks.

Breach of Duty

A breach occurs when the pharmaceutical company fails to uphold this duty. That could mean releasing a drug with known but undisclosed dangers, manufacturing it improperly, or downplaying serious risks in its marketing and labeling.

Causation

To succeed in a lawsuit, victims must also show that the defective or dangerous drug directly caused their injuries. Establishing causation often requires expert medical testimony and scientific evidence linking the drug to the harm suffered.

Damages

Finally, victims must demonstrate that the injury resulted in measurable harm. This may include medical bills, lost income, reduced earning capacity, ongoing treatment costs, or pain and suffering caused by long-term health complications.

Evidence in Dangerous Drug Cases

Because drug manufacturers often rely on FDA approval as a defense, strong evidence is essential. Key evidence may include medical records, testimony from treating physicians, expert opinions, internal company documents, and FDA filings that reveal what the manufacturer knew about the risks—and when they became aware of them.

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP)

Not all cases involving dangerous drugs result in lawsuits against pharmaceutical companies. Some injuries caused by vaccines are addressed through a federal program known as the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP).

The NVICP was created to provide compensation to individuals harmed by certain vaccines while also protecting the vaccine supply by shielding manufacturers from direct lawsuits in most cases. Instead of suing in civil court, victims file a claim in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, where special masters review the evidence.

Compensation may include:

Medical expenses
Lost wages or future earning capacity
Pain and suffering (capped by statute)
Death benefits in fatal cases

At Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our Raleigh dangerous drug attorneys help clients navigate this unique program and pursue justice through vaccine injury claims. Learn more about our vaccine injury representation here.

GLP-1 Drug Lawsuits: A Growing Concern

In recent years, GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have gained widespread popularity. Initially designed for type 2 diabetes, these drugs are now being prescribed for weight loss at unprecedented rates.

However, lawsuits are emerging that allege patients developed severe gastrointestinal issues, including gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), as well as gallbladder disease and other complications. Injured parties argue that drug manufacturers failed to adequately warn doctors and patients of these risks, despite knowing or should have known about the dangers.

Because these drugs are prescribed so widely in Raleigh and nationwide, the scope of litigation is expected to grow. Our firm is closely monitoring these developments and representing victims who have suffered serious injuries after taking GLP-1 medications.

Damages Available in Dangerous Drug Cases

Victims of defective or unsafe medications may be entitled to significant compensation, including:

Medical Expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term treatment.
Lost Wages: Income lost while recovering, as well as diminished earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
Loss of Consortium: For spouses deprived of companionship and support.
Punitive Damages: In cases where manufacturers acted with reckless disregard for safety.

Because injuries from dangerous drugs often last a lifetime, damages must account for future costs as well as past and present losses.

How a Raleigh, NC Dangerous Drug Lawyer Can Help

Taking on a pharmaceutical company is no easy task. These corporations have deep pockets, large legal teams, and experience fighting claims. That’s why hiring a well-versed dangerous drug attorney in Raleigh is essential.

At Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers, we:

Investigate the history of the drug and its approval process.
Consult with medical experts to prove the link between the drug and your injuries.
Review company records and FDA filings for evidence of negligence.
File lawsuits in state or federal court, or pursue claims through programs like NVICP when applicable.
Negotiate settlements or take cases to trial when needed.

We prepare every case as if it will go before a jury, ensuring we are ready to hold drug companies accountable at every stage.

Steps to Take if You Suspect a Dangerous Drug Injury

If you believe a medication harmed you or a loved one, act quickly to protect your rights:

Seek immediate medical care. Make sure your health and safety are the top priority.
Preserve the medication and packaging. This may be critical evidence in your case.
Document your symptoms. Keep detailed notes about side effects, hospital visits, and daily struggles.
Report the issue. Your doctor can submit an adverse event report to the FDA.
Contact an attorney. A Raleigh dangerous drug lawyer can evaluate your case and explain your options.

Challenges in Dangerous Drug Litigation

Pharmaceutical litigation presents unique challenges, including:

FDA-Approval Defenses: Companies argue that FDA approval shields them from liability, though courts often reject this argument if warnings were inadequate.
Causation Disputes: Proving that the drug—not another condition—caused the injury can be complex.
Preemption Issues: Federal law sometimes limits state-based claims.
Mass Tort Structures: Many cases are consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL), requiring coordination among plaintiffs nationwide.

These challenges underscore the importance of having experienced legal representation.

Dangerous Drug Risks in Raleigh

Raleigh is home to a thriving medical and pharmaceutical community, with institutions such as UNC REX Healthcare, WakeMed, and Duke Raleigh Hospital serving thousands of patients annually. While these facilities provide exceptional care, patients in the Triangle are also among the millions prescribed powerful drugs that may carry hidden risks.

Residents of Raleigh may encounter unsafe medications through local pharmacies, hospitals, or even national chains. When harm occurs, families deserve local attorneys who understand both the medical landscape of Raleigh and the complexities of nationwide pharmaceutical litigation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dangerous Drug Cases

Can I file a lawsuit if the FDA approved the drug?

Yes. FDA approval does not guarantee a drug is safe. Manufacturers may still be liable if they failed to warn of risks or concealed dangers.

What is multidistrict litigation (MDL)?

MDL is a process in which similar lawsuits are consolidated in one federal court for efficiency. Each case remains separate, but evidence is shared to streamline proceedings.

What if a vaccine harmed my child?

In many cases, vaccine injuries are handled through the NVICP rather than traditional lawsuits. Our dangerous drug attorneys can help you through this process.

How much is my dangerous drug case worth?

The value depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and long-term impact on your life. Catastrophic injuries may result in substantial awards.

Contact Our Dangerous Drugs Lawyer Law Firm in Raleigh, NC

When the medications we trust cause harm instead of healing, accountability is essential. Victims of dangerous drugs face steep medical bills, lost income, and permanent changes to their health and quality of life. But you don’t have to face pharmaceutical giants alone.

For a free consultation with experienced dangerous drug lawyers in Raleigh, NC, contact our law firm online. You can also request a free case review by calling (252) 777-2222.