Opioid Addiction Affects Young People: But Can You Sue For Product Liability?
Opioid addiction is greatly affecting young people in the United States, especially those between the ages of 12 and 25. Find out how you might be able to recover damages for your opioid addiction and other side effects of prescription opioids under the legal theory of product liability.
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Opioid Addiction Affects Young People: But Can You Sue For Product Liability?

Posted By Simpson Law Group LLP Trial Attorneys Posted in:Product Liability

August 17 2018

An estimated over 2 million Americans have developed an addiction to prescription opioids, with young people accounting for nearly one-third of that figure.

Opioid addiction is greatly affecting young people in the United States, especially those between the ages of 12 and 25. Find out how you might be able to recover damages for your opioid addiction and other side effects of prescription opioids under the legal theory of product liability.

“The biggest problem of opioid addiction among young people in our country is that a large portion of these teenagers and young adults are introduced to painkillers and opioids through their friends and relatives,” says our San Diego product liability attorney at the Simpson Law Group.

The problem of the opioid crisis in the U.S.

Only an insignificant percentage of these young Americans who have developed an opioid addiction began using opioids through a legitimate prescription from a physician, doctor, or pharmacist. In fact, young people are twice as likely to get access to painkillers and opioids through their friends and family members than get a prescription from a medical professional.

This makes the problem of the opioid crisis in the United States so much worse, as many people are potentially losing their right to sue drug manufacturers for defective drugs if the medication was not properly administered and was not prescribed in the first place.

Signs of opioid addiction to watch out for

Since the young people who get access to opioids through their friends and family members are not under the supervision of a qualified doctor, these people are more likely to become addicted to opioids. In fact, family and friends may not even recognize signs of addiction before it is too late.

That is why we invited our experienced product liability attorney in San Diego to outline some of the signs of opioid addiction to watch out for:

  • Isolation from friends, family members, and society as a whole
  • Avoidance of family and friends
  • Inability to enjoy previously enjoyed activities and loss of interest in these activities
  • Restlessness and anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sudden mood changes for no reason
  • Distraction and inability to concentrate.

In fact, young people addicted to opioids may even develop suicidal tendencies. It is highly advised to get help from a qualified medical professional if you believe that your child or loved one is addicted to opioids. The sooner you get help, the better.

Can you sue drug manufacturers for your opioid addiction?

If your child or family member has begun administering opioids before the age of 18, be warned that they are at a higher risk of addiction. But if you or your loved one develop an opioid addiction, is there any chance to hold drug makers liable for all the harm the addiction and other side effects have caused and will likely cause for years and decades to come?

Several states, including California, have engaged in the ongoing legal battle against drug companies that manufacture, produce, distribute, and sell prescription opioids. In recent years, California counties have successfully sued many drug manufacturers, including Purdue Pharma, Cephalon, and Johnson & Johnson, for deceptive marketing practices.

In their lawsuits against the opioid manufacturers, governments argue that the companies have overstated the benefits of opioids and understated the risks and side effects, including but not limited to addiction, associated with opioid use.

As an increasing number of courts rule in favor of consumers and determine that drug companies have engaged in deceptive marketing procedures when selling and distributing opioid drugs, you have a higher chance of seeking compensation for any injuries and harm caused by opioid use.

Contact the Simpson Law Group to get a free consultation about your particular case. You might be entitled to compensation. Call our offices at 619-236-9696 or fill out this contact form today.

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