Dangerous Drug Attorneys
Trial Lawyers Representing Victims of Dangerous Drugs Nationwide
When large pharmaceutical companies prioritize profit margins over patient safety, individuals and families pay the ultimate price. Fighting multinational drug manufacturers requires significant financial resources, technical medical insight, and seasoned trial experience.
At Matthews & Associates, we bring nationwide litigation power to every individual case:
.2401021128579.png "David Super Lawyers 20 years")
.2401021129535.png "David Superlawyer top 100")
.2401021130548.png "Super Lawyers David")
We're Ready to Fight For You!
-
“Very informative and professional.”
- Lydia C.Very informative and professional. Answer thoroughly all my questions and concerns.
-
“Always available & answers questions promptly.”
I've been working with Matthews & Associates for 2 years. I am impressed that the firm is always available and answers questions promptly. I am very satisfied with the services they provide and would recommend them.- Kweli Y. -
“Matthews and Associates are very informative. Kept me up to date on what was happening with my case.”
- Ron S.Matthews and Associates are very informative. Kept me up to date on what was happening with my case. They were always polite when they were talking to me. Very professional and polite.
-
“Matthews & Associates is one of a kind.”
Matthews & Associates is one of a kind. They treat you with respect. They support you when needed. Plus they have locations in Texas and California with wonderful customer service. Bilingual service is always available.- Sorangel T. -
“Very professional from the beginning”
- Jeffrey E.Very professional from the beginning. always answered questions and had amazing follow through on insuring data submitted was accurate
-
“They are so helpful, kind, and knowledgeable.”
I love these guys! They are so helpful, kind, knowledgeable, smart, and good with people. They answer all your questions and if they don't know the answer, it doesn't take them long to get you the answer! I wouldn't want anyone else to handle my suit. They are AWESOME!- Genie S.
When is a Drug Considered Dangerous?
Legally speaking, a drug could be labeled as dangerous if it's linked to severe medical complications despite being used as directed. These complications can range from physical ailments, such as organ damage or heart conditions, to mental health issues, including depression or suicidal thoughts. It's crucial to remember that a drug's dangerous nature often depends on individual health circumstances and the specific way the drug interacts with one's body, which can vary widely among users.
Significantly, even drugs that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can later be categorized as dangerous. This can occur when post-market surveillance reveals new risks or when the rate of complications is higher than previously reported during clinical trials. In such cases, the FDA may issue safety warnings, mandate additional label warnings, or even recall the drug. It's in these scenarios that legal intervention becomes essential to protect the rights of those affected and to seek appropriate redress for their injuries.
FDA Approval Doesn't Guarantee Safety — Here's Why That Matters for Your Claim
One of the most common misconceptions people have after being harmed by a medication is that FDA approval means the drug was proven completely safe. In reality, FDA approval reflects a determination that a drug's benefits outweigh its known risks at the time of approval — based on clinical trial data that often involves a limited number of participants over a limited period of time.
Serious risks frequently surface only after a drug reaches the broader public, through what's known as post-market surveillance. This is how many of the drugs named in litigation today — including several listed on this page — came to be associated with injuries that weren't fully understood, or weren't disclosed, at the time of approval.
Drug manufacturers can be held legally responsible when:
- They failed to adequately warn patients and physicians about known or reasonably knowable risks
- They misrepresented or downplayed a drug's side effects in marketing materials
- The drug had a manufacturing defect that made a specific batch or lot more dangerous than intended
- They failed to update warning labels after new risks were identified through post-market data
- They rushed a drug to market without adequate testing or ignored red flags in clinical trial data
If you were harmed by a medication — even one that was, and still is, FDA-approved — that approval is not a legal shield for the manufacturer. It's a starting point for your attorney's investigation, not the end of it.
Understanding Mass Torts and Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in Drug Cases
Many dangerous drug cases aren't filed as a single, isolated lawsuit — they're part of a larger legal process known as multidistrict litigation, or MDL. When a large number of people are harmed by the same drug in similar ways, their individual lawsuits can be consolidated before a single federal judge for pretrial proceedings. This is different from a class action: each plaintiff still has their own case, their own damages, and their own settlement or verdict — the MDL process simply streamlines discovery, expert testimony, and pretrial motions so cases move more efficiently.
Why this matters if you've been harmed by a dangerous drug:
- Efficiency without losing your individual voice. Your case retains its own value based on your specific injuries, medical history, and damages — it isn't diluted by being grouped with others.
- Stronger collective evidence. MDLs allow attorneys across the country to pool resources, share scientific and medical evidence, and build a more powerful case against a well-funded drug manufacturer.
- Bellwether trials set the tone. Early "test" trials within an MDL often influence how manufacturers approach settlement negotiations for the remaining cases.
- Deadlines still apply. Being part of an MDL doesn't pause your state's statute of limitations for filing — timing still matters, which is why early consultation with an attorney is critical.
Matthews & Associates has represented clients in numerous mass tort and MDL proceedings involving dangerous drugs and defective medical devices. We understand how to position an individual case for the strongest possible outcome within a larger litigation, whether that means pursuing an early resolution or preparing for trial.
Every drug liability case is unique, but successful claims generally seek full recovery for both economic and non-economic damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income & earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death damages
- Punitive damages
Active Dangerous Drug Lawsuits We Are Pursuing Nationwide
Drug manufacturers are legally obligated to thoroughly test their products and clearly warn the public and medical community about all known side effects. When they fail to warn consumers, we hold them accountable. Our trial team is currently investigating and accepting cases involving:
- Suboxone®: Claims involving severe, irreversible dental issues—including tooth decay, erosion, and tooth loss—caused by the acidic sublingual film.
- Depo-Provera®: Lawsuits connecting long-term use of the contraceptive injection to intracranial meningiomas (brain tumors).
- Zantac® (Ranitidine): Claims linking NDMA contamination in heartburn medications to bladder, stomach, esophageal, and liver cancers.
- Dupixent®: Inquiries regarding unexpected severe side effects and adverse reactions linked to long-term use.
Take Action – Call Our Team Today!
-
David P. Matthews Attorney"When the judge read the verdict in Martha Salazar’s case ($73 Million), and we learned the jury ordered [the medical device maker] to pay Martha, (we) knew they believed every word she said. We realized they knew the defendant was truly guilty."
Assistant Editor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long do I have to file a claim for a dangerous drug injury?
The timeline to file a claim, known as the statute of limitations, depends on your state. Generally, you have one to three years from the date of injury or discovery of harm, but this varies. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing your deadline.
What evidence is needed for a dangerous drug case?
To build a strong case, gather the following evidence:
- Medication packaging, labels, and receipts
- Medical records showing the injury
- Documentation of symptoms or side effects (photos, journal entries)
- Reports from your healthcare provider linking the injuries to the drug
- Any correspondence with the drug manufacturer or pharmacist
Can I still file a claim if I stopped using the drug?
Yes, you can file a claim even if you discontinued use. The key is proving the connection between your injuries and the medication. An attorney can help collect the necessary evidence to link your injury to the drug.
What makes a drug dangerous?
A drug is considered dangerous if it causes severe side effects or injuries, even when used as directed. This includes complications like organ damage, birth defects, or life-threatening allergic reactions.
Is there a difference between a class action and a dangerous drug lawsuit?
Yes. In a class action, plaintiffs are grouped together and typically share in a single collective settlement. In most dangerous drug litigation, including MDL proceedings, each plaintiff files an individual lawsuit and receives compensation based on their own specific injuries and damages — even though the cases may be coordinated for efficiency.
What if the drug that harmed me has already been recalled?
A recall can actually strengthen a case by helping establish that the manufacturer knew, or should have known, about the risk. However, a recall alone doesn't automatically entitle you to compensation — you'll still need to show that the drug caused your specific injury.
Can I file a claim on behalf of a family member who passed away after taking a dangerous drug?
In many cases, yes. Surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim if a loved one's death was caused by a dangerous or defective drug. An attorney can evaluate the details of your situation and explain your options.
Do I need an attorney for a dangerous drug case?
While it’s not legally required, having an experienced attorney increases your chances of success. Dangerous drug cases are complex and involve extensive knowledge of medical and legal issues.
How much does it cost to hire a dangerous drug lawyer?
Our team at Matthews & Associates works on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay us unless we win your case, so there’s no financial risk to you upfront.
Nationwide Reach, Local Attention
Dangerous drug litigation rarely stays confined to one state. A single pharmaceutical company can be headquartered in one state, manufacture a drug in another, and distribute it to patients across the entire country — which is exactly why Matthews & Associates built a practice designed to operate nationwide.
With a principal office in Houston, Texas and additional locations in New York, NY and Salinas, California, our attorneys are positioned to represent clients coast to coast, while staying deeply familiar with the specific statutes of limitations, filing requirements, and court procedures that vary from state to state. Combined with virtual consultations, this means your location is never a barrier to getting experienced legal representation.
Whether your case is filed individually in your home state or becomes part of a larger multidistrict litigation, our team manages the complexity so you can focus on your health and recovery.
To schedule a free consultation, call (888) 923-7001 or contact us online today.
Offices in California & Texas
PROVIDING LEGAL REPRESENTATION AND GUIDANCE NATIONWIDE
-
Firm Roots
David P. Matthews founded our firm after 16 years as a partner at a prominent Houston law firm.
-
Medical Experts & ExperienceWe have longstanding experience of representing injured people in serious auto and truck accident claims, workplace injuries, aviation accident claims, dialysis injury claims, and a broad array of medical device claims, from transvaginal mesh to hip replacement surgery injury claims.
-
Nationwide RepresentationIn dangerous pharmaceutical drug cases, medical device cases, and several others including FELA lawsuits, and many more, we also represent clients on a nationwide basis.
