Prescription painkillers are drugs that many Houston residents might take in their lifetime. These drugs are prescribed after a surgery, for chronic pain and many other reasons related to pain management. But for some patients, these drugs could be misused and cause serious injuries. The failure to recognize the risks of prescription painkillers by medical professionals could lead to unexpected consequences and a worsened condition.
A recent survey has shown that many primary care doctors do not know how risky prescription painkillers can be for their patients. Many believe that painkillers that can’t be crushed and snorted are less addictive than the ones that are standard. Also, many believe that the painkillers are safe when they are in the abuse-deterrent state but that is simply not the case.
Prescription painkillers in both the standard form and the abuse-deterrent form are both addictive and have led to the incredible rise of overdose death rates. Despite this, doctors often believe that painkillers in the abuse-deterrent state are safe.
The use of prescription painkillers has nearly doubled between 2000 and 2010 in the U.S. Doctors who overly prescribe these medications because they think they are safe are putting their patients at risk of overdose. An individual who has suffered from a prescription painkiller overdose or his or her loved ones impacted by the situation may want to speak with a legal professional skilled in medical malpractice. An attorney can help review medical records and determine what may have happened to cause the unexpected injury.
A person who has been injured because of a negligent doctor may be eligible for compensation for their unexpected medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering and other damages. An attorney can help the family protect their legal rights.
Source: health.usnews.com, “Many doctors underestimate risks of prescription painkillers: Survey,” Mary Elizabeth Dallas, June 16, 2015
