PENNSYLVANIA OPIOID OVERDOSE AND ABUSE ATTORNEY

This overprescription means that patients had access to opioids when other, safer options were available. The highly addictive properties of opioids mean that people quickly become dependent on them, costing them financially and healthwise as the drug abuse takes its toll. Furthermore, the high cost of legitimate forms of the drug mean that many people dependent on them then have to turn to illegal street forms of the drug like heroin, putting their health and safety further at risk.

When a family loses a loved one due to an opioid overdose death, they may have recourse against the manufacturers and distributors of the drugs. A death in the family is a horrible emotional burden that takes a toll on everyone involved. At Richard Hollawell & Associates, we believe in bringing justice to families that have lost a loved one to opioid addiction. We’ll walk you through some of the basics of opioid lawsuits so your family can get the compensation they deserve.

What Are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs, designed to have the same ability to relieve pain that opium does. As a medication, it’s usually given to manage pain after surgeries, serious injuries, or for terminal illness. What makes the group of drugs so addictive is the way that it interacts with the brain. While it temporarily reduces pain it also triggers the reward center of the brain, causing the release of dopamine, which creates a pleasant, euphoric feeling.

For the past few decades, opioids have been more widespread because they’ve been pushed to doctors and healthcare providers by the pharmaceutical companies that make them. The result is that many patients who were prescribed an opioid for legitimate medical reasons become addicted to them as they rehabilitate and stay addicted to them once they’ve healed. When this happens people have to take measures to secure more of the prescription drug or turn to illegal street drugs like heroin or street-made fentanyl.

What Are The Most Common Type of Opioids?

• Some of the most common opioids are:
• OxyContin
• Fentanyl
• Hydrocodone
• Morphine
• Roxicodone

As awareness of the dangers of these drugs has grown, our communities have gotten a better understanding of the relationship between the over-prescription of opioids and the increase in opioid addiction and abuse.

Pennsylvania Opioid Lawyers

Pharmaceutical companies have known about the dangers of opioids for some time. The federal government first charged pharmaceutical executives for misleading doctors and consumers on the addictive qualities of opioid-based medications over a decade ago. Despite this, these drug manufacturers have continued to push their products and dodge responsibility.

Personal injury and wrongful death laws exist to hold these drug manufacturers and distributors accountable for the damage they cause families. If you believe a loved one suffered from an opioid-related overdose you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Only a knowledgeable attorney can help you pursue all of your legal options.

Richard Hollawell has made headlines in his fight against the greed of opioid producers and the damage they cause. He brings that fight and his compassion to every client he serves. Contact us at 1-800-681-3550 or use the contact form for a free consultation of your case today.