Dangerous Drugs

Medication Risks in California

When you trust a prescription or over-the-counter drug, you expect it to help—not harm—you. Sadly, some medications cause unexpected side effects or injuries, leaving Californians facing medical bills, pain, and confusion about their rights. If a drug harmed you or a loved one, you’re not alone. Understanding how California law protects you in these situations can be the first step toward recovery.

Product liability issues around dangerous drugs are a growing concern in California. From prescription painkillers to popular over-the-counter remedies, the risks can be serious. Our team at Attain Law is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complexities of product liability and seek accountability from manufacturers and distributors.

What Are Dangerous Drugs?

A “dangerous drug” is any medication that causes harm when used as directed. This could include:

• Prescription drugs with undisclosed or severe side effects
• Over-the-counter medications recalled for contamination
• Drugs that are marketed for unapproved uses
• Medications with improper or misleading labeling

Not every adverse reaction qualifies as a legal case. But if you experienced harm due to a drug’s defect, undisclosed risk, or marketing failure, you may have options under California product liability law.

Learn more about faulty consumer products and defective medical devices for related risks.

Key Laws Protecting Californians

California has strong product liability laws. Drug manufacturers, distributors, and sometimes pharmacies can be held responsible if a medication is:

• Defectively manufactured (e.g., contamination)
• Defectively designed (inherently unsafe)
• Sold without proper warnings or instructions

Both state and federal regulations apply. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees drug safety, but California courts can hear claims involving FDA-approved medications if there’s evidence of defects or insufficient warnings. Under the California Civil Code § 1714.45, manufacturers can be liable for harm their drugs cause—even if approved by regulators.

Related topics: dangerous drug injuries, defective vehicle parts.

Your Rights Against Drug Makers

You have a right to safe medications. When drug companies fail in their duty, California law allows you to seek compensation for:

• Physical injuries or illness
• Emotional distress
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Medical expenses

It’s important to act quickly. California generally gives you two years to file a claim, but exceptions may apply depending on when you discovered the injury. If you suspect a medication caused harm, document your symptoms and save prescriptions or packaging.

Learn about how to identify a dangerous drug and your options for filing a lawsuit.

Steps to Protect Yourself

If you believe a dangerous drug injured you, consider these steps:

• Seek immediate medical attention
• Save the medication, packaging, and receipts
• Document your symptoms and treatment
• Report the incident to your healthcare provider and pharmacist
• Ask about recalls or FDA warnings related to your drug
• Consult with a product liability attorney

You may also want to review information about medication errors, which can overlap with dangerous drug claims.

How Attain Law Can Help

Navigating drug injury claims is complex. Pharmaceutical companies have teams of attorneys and insurers working to protect their interests. At Attain Law, we help Californians by:

• Investigating drug defects and warning failures
• Gathering medical records and expert opinions
• Handling negotiations with insurers and manufacturers
• Filing claims within all legal deadlines

If your case involves a defective medical device, we also handle medical device lawsuits.

What Damages Can You Seek?

California law allows compensation for:

• Medical bills (past and future)
• Lost income and earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury

In some rare cases, punitive damages may be available if the manufacturer’s conduct was especially reckless.

Read about compensation in consumer product lawsuits and damages in medical device cases.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dangerous Drug Claims

What counts as a dangerous drug in California? A dangerous drug is any medication—prescription or over-the-counter—that causes harm when used as directed, due to defects, contamination, or inadequate warnings.

Who can be held liable for dangerous drug injuries? Manufacturers, distributors, and sometimes pharmacies can be held responsible under California law if their actions or omissions led to your injury.

How long do I have to file a dangerous drug claim? You generally have two years from the date you discovered the injury, but some exceptions may apply. Consult an attorney as soon as possible.

What compensation can I recover for a dangerous drug injury? You may recover medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your injury. Each case is unique.

Do I need expert witnesses for a dangerous drug lawsuit? Most dangerous drug cases require medical or scientific expert testimony to prove the drug’s defect and its link to your injury.

Reach Out for Support

If you or someone you care about has been harmed by a dangerous drug in California, you don’t have to face the process alone. Attain Law is here to guide you through the legal options and help you reclaim your peace of mind. Call us today at (888) 970-8627 or contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to support you.