Corrupt Doctors Blamed for Opioid Crisis
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, every day, more than 115 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids. But you probably already know this because the opioid crisis has been an ongoing epidemic across the country for many years now.
It all began in the late 90s when pharmaceutical companies claimed that patients would not become addicted to prescription opioids for pain relief. They were prescribed more frequently and use became widespread and eventually led to misuse. Only then did it become clear that these prescription opioids were actually highly addictive, leading to increasing overdose rates over the years. The country is still looking for someone to blame, and recently, it was the attorney general who pointed the finger at corrupt doctors.
BE WARY OF WHAT YOU ARE PRESCRIBED
It may be hard for you to agree and point your finger at your doctor or other medical professionals. Your health has been entrusted to them and their title is enough of a reason to believe them when they diagnose you and prescribe medication.
What the attorney general is getting at though, is the unfortunate fact that there are corrupt doctors out there who value money over the health of their patients. Pushed by pharmaceutical companies or by gifts and other incentives, doctors have prescribed opioid pain relievers to patients that may not need them. This can lead to addiction for many, as between eight and 12 percent develop an opioid use disorder. Between four and six percent of those who misuse prescription opioids will end up transitioning to heroin. Inevitably, it leads to overdoses — many of which can be fatal.
CONSULT PENNSYLVANIA ATTORNEYS FOR JUSTICE
The dangerous misuse of prescription opioids can lead to a world of trouble and trauma. At the end of the day, it may be the prescribing doctor who is responsible or the pharmaceutical company responsible for making and distributing the drug. Regardless of which party is responsible, the attorneys at Marrone Law Firm, LLC, will defend you and your rights. They handle wrongful death claims, medical malpractice suits and product liability, all of which intertwine in the world of prescription opioids.
If you or a loved one have suffered at the hands of a negligent doctor, then you should be picking up the phone now. Call 866-732-6700 to begin discussing your legal options today.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
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