Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawyer in New York City

Experienced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Attorneys Fighting for the Rights of Victims and Families Suffering Due To Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawyer in NYC Shaevitz & ShaevitzFollowing the use of some specific types of pharmaceutical products, a small number of patients develop a condition known as “Stevens-Johnson Syndrome,” or SJS. A more severe version of this condition is known as “Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis,” or TEN. While SJS is a skin condition that may involve isolated portions of the patient’s tissue, TEN occurs when at least 30% of the patient’s skin is affected.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with either of these rare conditions, you may have the right to financial compensation. Negligent pharmaceutical companies will often downplay the possibility that their products contribute to SJS or TEN. Downplaying the risks and disavowing the responsibility allows these corporations to increase their profits while decreasing the risk that they will be held accountable.

If you have been affected by either SJS or TEN and you believe that you are owed compensation, speak with a skilled Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attorney through Shaevitz & Shaevitz Law Offices in New York as soon as possible.

Why Should You Call a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Attorney?

The massive drug companies whose products cause SJS and TEN have the power to greatly reduce the number of instances of these diseases. Applying proper warning labels to the drugs that these corporations sell would allow consumers to make informed choices regarding the potential risks of their products.

However, most pharmaceutical companies avoid this approach because it could result in a reduction of sales. This is deeply irresponsible. It is important to hold reckless pharmaceutical companies financially responsible. If you have been diagnosed with either SJS or TEN, reach out to a trusted Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyer to seek the financial compensation that you are due.

Be very careful when discussing your symptoms or health with an insurance provider. It might seem normal for your insurance company to collect information from you regarding your medical expenses and care, but you need to understand that insurance providers are not operating with your best interests in mind. Their goal is to minimize the amount of financial compensation that they pay to you.

Often, these companies will record every phone conversation that you have with them. Even the most innocent comment may be recorded and used in later court proceedings to undermine your claim and reduce your financial recovery. That is why it is crucial to have a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attorney advocating for you.

Whether you are dealing with an uncooperative insurance provider or a negligent pharmaceutical company, you should have an experienced legal advocate on your side.

What Are The Common Symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is an uncommon type of skin disease, which is usually caused by using medications that feature COX-2 inhibitors or other types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds. SJS and associated conditions–erythema multiforme major (EM) and TEN­–initially cause flu-like symptoms including aching, nausea, and fever.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Lawyer in NYC Shaevitz & Shaevitz - SJS Attorney - Toxic Epidural Necrolysis LawyerFollowing the initial flu-like symptoms, these illnesses present a range of worsening conditions. These can include:

  • Skin irritations
  • Red or purple skin rashes that spread over time
  • Fatigue
  • Widespread pain or burning in the skin
  • Blisters in the mouth
  • Blisters in the nose
  • Blisters on or around the eyes
  • Blisters on the genitals
  • Inflammation of mucus membranes
  • Shedding of skin on or around blistered areas

In rare instances, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome can cause death. While Caucasian people face higher levels of risk, anyone may develop SJS. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and related conditions occur when the body responds adversely to an infection or to the use of certain medications.

The body’s response causes reactions in the skin and mucus membranes. The outer-most layer of skin (epidermis) detaches from lower layers of skin (dermis). This damaging condition may appear only on certain areas of the body, or it may affect the entirety of the patient’s skin (this is often the case with TEN).

If you have any of the symptoms that are commonly associated with this condition, you may be entitled to compensation for the associated costs and damages. It is important to have an experienced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attorney review the details of your case.

What Pharmaceutical Products Are Associated with SJS and TEN?

Some of the drugs most commonly associated with a diagnosis of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis include:

  • Dilantin® and Phenytoin®
  • Allopurinol®
  • Ansaid
  • Anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs (e.g., Daypro®)
  • Dolobid
  • Celebrex® or other Cox-2 inhibitors
  • Clinoril
  • Bextra
  • Bactrim® and other antibiotics
  • Cataflam
  • Carbamazepine (mood-stabilizing products, including Tegretol®)
  • Ibuprofen (Advil® and Motrin®)
  • Children’s Advil (Motrin®)
  • Feldene
  • Indocin
  • Toradol
  • Vioxx
  • Zithromax

When you or someone you love has been diagnosed with SJS or TEN following the use of any of these medications, obtain the services of a legal representative immediately. Both SJS and TEN can result in long-term or life-long conditions. You should seek medical care and legal representation if you have been diagnosed.

What Costs Are Associated with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Like any illness, SJS and TEN can result in escalating costs for the patient. When these conditions are the result of using certain pharmaceutical products, you have the legal right to seek compensation from those who are responsible. Common costs for which you can seek compensation include:

  • Medical bills (e.g., further medications, hospitalization, surgeries)
  • Necessary therapies
  • Long-term care costs
  • Missed paychecks and lost wages
  • Decreased earning potential
  • Mental anguish
  • And more

The stress of being treated for an illness should not be exacerbated by skyrocketing costs and financial losses. A knowledgeable Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawyer can help you recover the compensation that you deserve. Reach out to Shaevitz & Shaevitz Law Offices to speak with a skilled legal professional about your case.

What Are The Symptoms of Untreated SJS and TEN?

Seeking appropriate medical attention for SJS in a timely manner is incredibly important. Most of the deaths associated with SJS and similar conditions are the result of a lack of timely medical care. Regardless of when the condition is treated, it typically requires some amount of hospitalization.

Effective treatments for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome are similar to the treatments used for patients with extensive thermal burns. If left untreated, SJS and TEN can result in the following, more severe, consequences:

  • Organ failure
  • Acute respiratory failure
  • Permanent discoloring of the skin
  • Loss of hair
  • Eye inflammation
  • Loss of hearing/deafness
  • Loss of vision/blindness
  • Sepsis – Infection in the bloodstream
  • Sepsis-related shock
  • Death

Depending on when the condition is treated and the severity of symptoms, patients may require weeks or months to recover from SJS. This rare disease often requires surgical intervention to remove those areas of the patient’s tissue that have been affected.

You should not bear the financial burdens associated with SJS and TEN on your own. This is especially true if your condition is the result of a pharmaceutical corporation’s negligence. Contact Shaevitz & Shaevitz Law Offices in New York to speak with a skilled Stevens-Johnson Syndrome attorney.

Schedule A Free Consultation With Our Experienced New York Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Attorneys

The friendly and experienced team at Shaevitz & Shaevitz Law Offices in New York has over 65 years of combined experience. Our knowledgeable lawyers have a long track record of winning cases against uncooperative insurance providers and negligent pharmaceutical corporations.

Our attorneys will fight hard in order to secure the maximum possible compensation in your SJS or TEN case. Call Shaevitz & Shaevitz Law Offices today at 718-291-3400 or 718-LAW-SUIT. We will happily provide you with a free legal consultation to discuss your case and determine what our premier legal team can do for you.