About Lamictal Lawsuits
Your Rights After a Lamictal Injury
Our modern medical world offers a variety of healthcare solutions that were not available in the past, including medications that often help with symptom management and healing. Even though testing and FDA approvals are essential in the pharmaceutical industry, there are times when injuries happen.
One drug, Lamictal, has been linked to devastating injuries such as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). If you have been affected by these injuries, then you may have legal rights. Our law firm is here to offer the legal representation that you need to win the settlement that you deserve.
What You Need to Know:
Lamictal and SJS/TEN
Lamictal (lamotrigine) is a prescription medication that is typically used for epilepsy and bipolar disorder. While this drug can be effective for managing symptoms, there are rare instances where patients experience life-threatening reactions, known as SJS and TEN. The skin and mucous membranes are attacked, which results in blistering all over the body, as well as skin detachment and internal damage.
While SJS and TEN are similar, TEN is a more severe form of this reaction based on the percentage of skin affected. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is the diagnosis when less than 10% of the body is affected. But if over 30% of the body is affected, then it is categorized as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.
Initially, the symptoms of SJS and TEN are mild, starting with flu-like symptoms. But, as the injury progresses, rashes and blisters start to form on the skin, and it can lead to possible organ injuries as well.
How Lamictal Can Cause SJS/TEN
Read the fine print, and you will see that Lamictal has a “black box” warning that it can cause rare skin reactions. The problem is that most patients don’t read the warnings and their healthcare providers don’t communicate the potential risks of this medication.
Certain factors can increase the risk of SJS and TEN, such as fast dosing increases or the use of another medication that can boost Lamictal levels (such as valproic acid).
Most patients experience symptoms within 2–8 weeks after they start taking Lamictal. But there are times when the SJS or TEN symptoms might be delayed even more.
Every patient is unique, which is why it’s important to find medical providers and legal representation that understand the nuances of these cases.
The Long-Term Consequences of Lamictal and SJS/TEN
The side effects of Lamictal can be quite severe, sometimes leading to hospitalization, ICU stays, and even time in the burn unit because of the skin damage. These complications can cause severe and permanent injuries, such as:
- Permanent skin damage and scarring
- Organ damage
- Eye damage and blindness
- Genital/gynecological injuries
Plus, there is a major emotional and psychological toll since patients are dealing with the trauma of life-threatening illness, permanent disfigurement, and chronic pain. When a person experiences SJS or TEN, their quality of life is forever changed.
Other consequences of these Lamictal side effects can be financially devastating. In addition to costly medical bills and long-term care, patients are unable to work and face lost wages. There are often other financial expenses for the lifestyle adjustments that need to be made.
As you can see, SJS and TEN are more than just a rash. The severity of these side effects can alter a person’s life forever.
Legal Help for Lamictal Cases
There’s no question that Lamictal side effects can be medically complicated, which is why it’s critical to find an attorney who understands both the medical science and the law. In order to win a case, it’s necessary to establish liability, which can be quite challenging for a lawyer without related experience.
This legal strategy needs to show that the doctor and/or manufacturer knew (or should have known) the risks associated with the medication. Other liability concerns could be related to a failure to warn patients about the risks, dosage errors, or mistakes in the prescription.
As a Lamictal victim, you probably feel powerless, especially since you are facing a giant pharmaceutical corporation. You need expert legal help to level the playing field. It’s critical that you hire a specialized firm instead of settling for a general attorney.
Legal experience matters, and your lawyers’ related experience can be the factor that makes or breaks the outcome of your case. You deserve to be working with a legal team that has industry connections with the experts and a proven track record with other SJS and TEN cases.
Contact a Lamictal Lawyer for Personalized Legal Support
When you need legal services for Lamictal injuries, our team is just a phone call away. We are ready to build and fight a case that will get you the results you deserve.
Not only does our experienced team offer full-service legal solutions, but we can also connect you with medical providers that can support your recovery. We work on a contingency basis, so you won’t have any upfront legal fees.
We only get paid when you win the case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about the ways our legal team can help.
Schedule a Consultation with an Lamictal Attorney
Contact us today to learn more about the legal representation we provide for SJS and TEN victims. We are always just a phone call away.