Opioid Addiction: Are You Entitled to Compensation?
The opioid crisis has destroyed hundreds of thousands of lives in the United States and financially burdened families, and state and local governments. Addiction kills thousands of Americans each year, with about 130 people dying from an opioid overdose every day. Almost a third of those who are prescribed opioids will misuse them, and about 10% of those people become addicted. According to a poll by the American Psychiatric Association, more than a third of Americans say they know someone who is or was addicted to opioids.Opioid manufacturers like Purdue Pharma, creator of OxyContin, have made record profits. Since 1999, opioid prescriptions have increased by 300%. In September of 2019, facing increasing scrutiny and lawsuits over opioid sales, Purdue Pharma declared bankruptcy. As part of the settlement, the drug manufacturer agreed to contribute $10 billion to compensate victims of the opioid crisis.
Opioid Side Effects and Complications
The symptoms of opioid abuse can include:
- Vomiting
- Pinpoint pupils
- Clammy or pale skin
- Unconsciousness
- Confusion
- Limp extremities
- Purple lips or fingernails
- Slow respiration or heart rate
Any of these symptoms can be a sign of an opioid overdose, which can lead to death.
Can I File a Claim?
If opioids have harmed you or a loved one, you may be entitled to compensation. This harm includes the death of a loved one, opioid addiction, dependency, or withdrawal, addiction treatment costs, health care costs, treatment for neonatal withdrawal or complications, you or a loved one may be able to file a claim.
Which Medications?
Lawsuits include the following brand name and generic medications:
Brand Name Medications:
- OxyContin®
- Hysingla ER®
- Butrans®
- Dilaudid®
- Ryzolt
- MS Contin®
- MSIR®
- Palladone®
- DHC Plus®
- OxyIR®
- OxyFast®
Generic Medications:
- Oxycodone Extended-Release Tablets
- Buprenorphine Transdermal System
- Hydromorphone Immediate-Release Tablets
- Hydromorphone Oral Solution
- Tramadol Extended-Release Tablets
- Morphine Extended-Release Tablets
- Oxycodone Immediate-Release Tablets
- Oxycodone and Acetaminophen Tablets (generic to Percocet®)
- Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen tablets (generic to Vicodin® or Norco®)
Time is Running Out
To join the settlement, you must file a claim by July 30, 2020. If you do not file a claim by this date, you may forfeit any right you have to file a claim in the future.
If you believe you or a loved one may qualify for compensation due to opioid use, call the Madeksho Law Firm as soon as possible at 888-910-6376 or through our online form. Your consultation is free, and we work on a contingency fee basis. You will not owe us a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
