
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a vital role in protecting the public from defective or potentially harmful drugs. When a drug is recalled, the FDA oversees the company’s recall strategy, assesses the adequacy of the recall, and classifies the recall.
Recall Classification
The FDA classifies recalls into three categories:
- Class I: This is the most serious type of recall, and it involves products that could cause serious health problems or death.
- Class II: This type of recall involves products that could cause temporary health problems or pose a slight threat of serious health problems.
- Class III: This type of recall involves products that are unlikely to cause any adverse health reactions, but that violate FDA labeling or manufacturing laws.
Alerting the Public
The FDA does not always announce recalls on its website or in the news media. However, the agency will generally issue a public notification if a product has been widely distributed or poses a serious health hazard. The FDA may also issue a public notification if a company does not issue its own notification.
Patients can learn about a drug recall from a variety of sources, including:
- The FDA website
- The news media
- The manufacturer’s website
- Their healthcare professional
- Their pharmacist
What to Do If Your Medication Is Recalled
If you have a drug that has been recalled, you should talk to your healthcare professional about the best course of action for your health. In some cases, you may need to stop taking the drug and switch to a different medication. In other cases, you may be able to continue taking the drug, but you should be monitored closely by your healthcare professional.
If you have any questions about a drug recall, you can contact the FDA’s Consumer Complaint Coordinators at 1-888-463-6332.
Weekly Enforcement Report
The FDA publishes a weekly enforcement report that lists all recalls that have been issued in the past week. The report includes the name of the product, the manufacturer, the reason for the recall, and the classification of the recall. The report can be found on the FDA’s website.
Determining the Effectiveness of the Recall
The FDA evaluates the effectiveness of a recall by assessing the company’s efforts to properly notify customers and remove the defective product from the market. If a recall is determined to be ineffective, the FDA may request the company take additional actions.
The Importance of Hiring an Attorney for a Product Injury Lawsuit
If a defective product has injured you, you may be entitled to compensation. However, filing a product liability lawsuit can be a complex and challenging process. An experienced product liability attorney assists you in navigating the legal system and maximize your chances of a financial recovery.
A product liability attorney can help you in a number of ways, including:
- Investigating the accident and determining the cause of your injuries.
- Identifying the responsible party or parties.
- Gathering evidence to support your claim.
- Negotiating with the insurance company.
- Filing a lawsuit.
- Representing you in court.
An attorney can also assist you in understanding your legal rights and options to make sure that you are not taken advantage of by the insurance company or the other party.
If you or a loved one have been injured by a dangerous product, it is very important that you contact an attorney as quickly as possible. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering full compensation for your injuries.
Here are some of the reasons why it is important to hire an attorney for a product injury lawsuit:
- Attorneys have the experience and knowledge to navigate the legal system. Filing a product liability lawsuit is a complex and time-consuming process. An attorney can help you understand the law and your legal options and ensure that your case is handled properly.
- Attorneys have access to resources that you may not have. Attorneys have access to investigators, experts, and other resources that can help them build a strong case on your behalf.
- Attorneys negotiate on your behalf. The insurance company may try to offer you a low settlement amount. An attorney can negotiate with the at fault party to obtain the compensation your case deserves.
- Attorneys can represent you in court if necessary. If your product liability case goes to trial, an attorney will represent you and fight for your compensation.
If you or someone you loved have been harmed by a defective product, it is essential to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. An experienced product liability attorney can help you understand all of your legal rights, options, and protect your financial interests.
The cost of hiring an attorney is usually outweighed by the compensation you may be able to recover. If you have been injured by a defective product, do not hesitate to contact our law firm for your free case review. At Parker Waichman LLP, we do not charge up-front, out-or-pocket legal fees. We only receive a portion of any negotiated settlement or jury award that we obtain on your behalf.