SJS, or Stevens-Johnson syndrome, is a rare medical emergency affecting skin and mucous membranes. The most serious form of the syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), has a death rate of 30-80%. Usually, SJS and TEN are caused by an allergic reaction to a medication
You shouldn’t have to bear the burden of a drug company’s negligence when you’re already suffering from SJS. Seek compensation from drug companies by working with an SJS lawyer. We have 20 years of experience with SJS claims and can help you see that justice is served.
What an SJS Attorney Can Do for You
You can end up with severe damages from SJS, including costly medical bills, ongoing rehabilitative treatments, and psychological and subjective pains. A lawyer for SJS victims works to ensure that those responsible for your injury compensate you for those harms.
Having experienced representation will allow you to focus on your recovery while your lawyer handles the complicated legal system on your behalf.
Gathering Evidence in an SJS Case
SJS typically stems from reactions to over-the-counter or prescription medications. However, medications are not the only cause of SJS. Depending on the details related to your situation, a SJS attorney may gather the following information:
Filing a Lawsuit Against the Drug Company
Most product liability claims, including a complex pharmaceutical trial, are hard-fought and require an experienced attorney. However, it’s important to remember a few key facts:
- Studies show that people with skilled and experienced attorneys average higher settlement amounts than those without lawyers.
- The insurance agents and attorneys for the at-fault party have one goal: to pay you as little as possible
Stevens-Johnson syndrome has no cure, and managing your care can be extremely costly. The drug company is unlikely to pay you fair value without an experienced SJS attorney.
Taking Your SJS Case to Court
We are not afraid to take cases to the courtroom at Greg Jones Law. While negotiating is typically the stage in which lawsuits are resolved, the other side needs to know that you will fight for your rights in court if they don’t pay what they should.
What Is the Value of a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawsuit?
People frequently ask when seeking compensation for a severe injury like SJS, “How much is my case worth?” The truth is that there is no single answer. The value of your compensation is tied to the value of your damages, and these are split into two categories: those that affect your finances directly and those that are more subjective in nature.Each case is unique, and no two will have the exact same outcome. However, here are some of the results we have secured on behalf of past clients:
- $8M (multi-plaintiff)
- $2.5M
- $3.3M
- $1.5M
- $5.5M (multi-plaintiff)
- $4.1M (multi-plaintiff)
- $1.25M
Understanding Your Economic Damages
Your financial harms are the easiest to determine, as they usually have receipts, bills, or dollar amounts attached to them. They can include items like:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical, rehabilitative, or therapeutic care costs
- Disability insurance benefits
- The cost of necessary accessibility modifications to your home
- Lost wages as a result of your injury
- Lost earning capacity if your SJS leaves you unable to work
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages can make up for losses that don’t cost you a specific amount of money. These damages are more difficult to calculate since they don’t come with ready-made price tags. They can include harms like physical pain, loss of enjoyment in life, loss of consortium with your spouse, and mental or emotional anguish.The best way to determine how much your case is worth and how much compensation you are owed is to discuss your case with a qualified Stevens-Johnson syndrome attorney.
How Patients Develop SJS
Patients develop SJS in response to certain medications. There are also several risk factors that are known to increase your likelihood of being diagnosed with SJS. Learning about the causes of SJS can help you understand your diagnosis and get adequate legal help.
Medications Associated With SJS
There are a number of different prescription and over-the-counter drugs that have been linked to SJS symptoms and diagnoses. If you’ve been diagnosed with SJS, it may have been triggered by one of the following medications:
- Antibiotics
- Anticonvulsants
- Anti-gout medications
- Anti-seizure medications
- Lamotrigine
- Meloxicam and Piroxicam
- Nevirapine
- OTC pain medications
Motrin has also been found to cause children to develop symptoms associated with SJS. If you or your child have experienced the signs and symptoms of SJS after taking one of the medications listed above, seek medical attention from a healthcare provider ASAP. Once you’ve sought treatment, a SJS lawyer can help you file a claim.
SJS Risk-Factors
Researchers have identified several health conditions and traits that may predispose you to develop SJS. If you are considered to be at risk for SJS, speak with your doctor before taking the previously mentioned medications. Risk factors for SJS include:
- Low immune function: HIV patients, organ transplant recipients, and individuals with other immune system issues may have a higher chance of developing SJS.
- Cancer: Cancer patients, especially those with blood cancer, are more likely to experience SJS.
- Genetic factors: Individuals who carry the HLA-B*1502, HLA-B*5801, HLA-B*5701, or HLA-A*3101 genotypes may have a higher risk of developing SJS in response to certain medications.
- Previous SJS diagnosis: Patients who have suffered from SJS in the past have a greater likelihood of developing the disorder again. The same goes for individuals who have a family history of SJS.
Seeking Treatment for SJS
If you’re experiencing symptoms of SJS or have received an official diagnosis, you’ll want to seek medical treatment as soon as you can. Treatment for SJS may include fluid replacement, wound care, and eye care.
A doctor may also prescribe pain medication, anti-inflammatory medicine, antibiotics, and other medications used to treat SJS. The majority of SJS patients receive medical treatment from burn units. If you’re unsure where the closest burn unit is, visit the American Burn Association’s burn center finder or use our top menu to find resources for your state.
Statute of Limitations for SJS Lawsuits
If you’ve developed SJS after using a prescribed or OTC medication, you’ll need to file a product liability lawsuit before the deadline imposed by your state’s statute of limitations. Failure to submit a suit before the filing deadline could prevent you from getting the financial support you deserve.
SJS claimants in California must abide by Cal. Civ. Proc. Code §312, which allows you two years from the date of your injury to file a suit. If you reside in Georgia, you’ll also have two years to take action. Those who live in North Carolina and South Carolina have a three-year statute of limitations.
It’s important to note that certain states have exceptions to the filing deadline for product liability claims. If you believe your lawsuit’s due date has passed, don’t give up hope! Contact a Stevens-Johnson syndrome attorney to find out what your options are. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUSbtJLWgpI
Get a FREE Consultation With an Experienced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawyer Today
The team at Greg Jones Law has the knowledge and experience necessary to help you get the compensation you deserve. In fact, one of our main areas of focus is on Stevens-Johnson syndrome lawsuits. We’ll leverage our experience and work hard to deliver the best results possible.
If you suffer from SJS and believe your disorder was exacerbated or caused by someone else’s negligence, schedule a FREE consultation with an SJS lawyer today.