Anyone who has suffered a bacterial infection in Florida may have been instructed to take the antibiotic drug Levaquin (Levofloxacin). This drug became so widely used that it was America’s most popular antibiotic in 2010. Unfortunately, many of those patients who have used the drug are now experiencing serious side effects. Furthermore, some of these have proven to be long-term and as severe as nerve-damage.
If you or a loved one has suffered side effects after being advised to take Levaquin, then you may be entitled to receive compensation. Greedy drug companies have allowed many people to use their products without warning them of the possible health risks. At The Law Place, we believe this unacceptable practice should not go unpunished.
Our team has over 75 years of combined experience in fighting for justice. We have represented others affected by drugs that were promoted as safe and reliable. If you have suffered nerve damage as a result of taking Levaquin, then we can help you, starting by offering you a free consultation with one of our team.
We are always here for you when you need it most, so call us today at (941) 444-4444. Phone lines are open 24/7.
The Law Place Is Here to Help You
If you or a loved one has suffered nerve damage as a side effect of using Levaquin, then the first thing to do is hire an experienced attorney to defend you. Florida law is complex and can be hard to navigate, especially on your own. This is why the representation of a law firm that has a strong track record with cases like yours is so important when fighting to get the compensation you deserve. At The Law Place, we have the experience and confidence to face up to large pharmaceutical companies on behalf of our clients.
There is no reason as to why you should have to suffer pain and suffering because of someone else’s malpractice. Our personal injury lawyers are waiting to answer all your questions 24 hours, seven days a week.
What Kind of Nerve Damage Can Levaquin Cause?
It has been discovered that Levaquin (Levofloxacin) induces peripheral neuropathy. When this happens, the damage is caused to the nervous system, which controls all the signals transmitted between your brain and your body. If Levaquin affects the nerves, it can lead to damage to both sensory and motor nerves, leaving the possibility of irreparable consequences.
In the body, our sensory nerves have a variety of uses. Some of our sensory nerves control both our sense of touch and hearing, and damage can cause side effects, such as:
- Abrupt pain or change in temperature.
- Serious touch sensitivity.
- A loss of sensation, e.g., an inability to feel pain or temperature changes.
- Slow reflexes.
- Reduction in coordination.
The nerves that control bodily movements are called motor nerves. These nerves are in charge of moving our arms and legs, so any change can affect everything from your ability to walk to getting dressed. You may notice the following if your motor nerves have been damaged:
- Muscular cramps.
- Muscular twitching.
- Physical weakness.
- Atrophy, which is the wasting of the muscles in the body.
Peripheral neuropathy nerve damage often leads to people suffering large amounts of severe pain, sometimes leaving those afflicted with problems walking. Levaquin has led to many people suffering life-altering side effects, with peripheral neuropathy starting as soon as a few days after consumption of the drug. These physical effects have been known to last up to a year and, in some cases, even longer.
Levaquin has the ability to leave your nerves permanently damaged, and such damage is extremely serious. Restrictions in your movement or physical pain caused by movement will have a huge impact on your happiness and have the potential to cause mental health issues further down the line. No one should have to accept a reduction in their quality of life for trusting the medical advice they were given. At The Law Place, we’re here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Who Makes Levaquin and Are They Aware of Its Side Effects?
The producer of Levaquin (Levofloxacin) is a Johnson & Johnson company called Orth-McNeill-Janssen Pharmaceuticals. It may be unsurprising to hear that the company has been aware of the dangers their product poses since the early 2000s. Cases displaying that fluoroquinolone drugs can lead to nerve damage were presented by scholars who voiced concerns. However, manufacturers were not interested, ultimately ignoring these warnings based on the assumption that the side effects would be uncommon.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made an announcement in 2013 stating they were changing the information printed for all fluoroquinolone drugs. Their labels were now going to include warnings that the user could potentially develop peripheral neuropathy from using these products.
In 2016 the FDA further updated this information when they urgently warned doctors not to issue patients with fluoroquinolone drugs for a minor infection that could be treated with a safer alternative. The FDA announced that they believed the risk of peripheral neuropathy was too high for these drugs to be deemed beneficial.
Who Is Liable for Your Peripheral Neuropathy?
A company can be held liable for your suffering if they value money over the safety of their consumers. There have been several lawsuits brought against the producers of Levaquin and other pharmaceutical drugs like Avelox and Cipro. These lawsuits often state that:
- The manufacturer failed to inform consumers or doctors about possible side effects, despite knowing its risks.
- The manufacturer purposely withheld the risks, deceiving both consumers and doctors.
- The manufacturer instead promoted the benefits of the drug as a safe way of treating bacterial infections. Such promotion was done whilst knowing that the product could cause peripheral neuropathy.
If your case against Johnson & Johnson is successful and they are found liable for the nerve damage you have suffered, then you will receive compensation to cover the money you have lost. Expenses suffered as a result of nerve damage can include medical bills, lost income, and compensation for the reduction in your quality of life.
Sadly, no amount of compensation you receive will be able to reverse the effects Levaquin has had on your life. However, pursuing your claim is the best way to hold the drug manufacturer responsible for their actions. Let the Florida legal system help you in the best way it can.
The Law Place
The best chance your case will have for success is by being represented by an experienced lawyer. Finding a law firm with the knowledge to take on large companies is the first step towards justice.
For a free consultation and some confidential advice, call The Law Place today at (941) 444-4444. Phone lines are open 24/7.
