Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Lawyers in Georgia
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a serious condition affecting the skin and the mucous membranes. This rare condition is most often the result of a reaction to a medication. The condition usually begins with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful rash that blisters. If the problem spreads to over 30% of your skin, it is classified as Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).
If left untreated, this condition has the potential to be deadly. If you suffered from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome as the result of a defective drug, you may be able to recover compensation. At Greg Jones Law, our experienced SJS attorneys in Georgia can put you in the best position to get the money you need.
Who Is Liable for My Damages?
In most legal cases related to SJS, the manufacturer of the drug that caused the illness is the defendant. A manufacturer may be liable for your damages if they failed to provide an adequate warning about the risk of SJS when using their product. However, drug manufacturers are not the only potentially liable parties in SJS lawsuits.
A doctor could also hold a level of liability if they prescribed a drug that can cause SJS and failed to warn you of the risks. Additionally, if you have a condition such as HIV or cancer, which can increase your risk of contracting SJS, or if you have a family history of SJS and your doctor prescribed a medication known to cause this condition, they could be at fault.
A pharmacist could potentially face legal action if they failed to warn you of the risks of a medication when you picked up the drug.
Statute of Limitations for Filing a Lawsuit
If you are filing a lawsuit related to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in Georgia, you will generally have two years to file a lawsuit against the liable party. If you don’t file your lawsuit within this time frame, you could miss your chance to recover compensation from the at-fault party.
However, you must realize that many exceptions could apply depending on the specifics of your case. In some situations, you may find that you are still able to file even if the two years have already passed. At the same time, you could find that you actually have far less time to file. Rather than years, you could be faced with mere months to file a lawsuit against the liable party.
The best way to ensure your claim gets filed on time is by hiring an SJS lawyer in Georgia as soon as possible after receiving your diagnosis. Your attorney can ensure that all deadlines get met and that you don’t lose your right to pursue compensation.
Damages You Can Claim in an SJS Lawsuit
If you were diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome after taking medication, you may be able to recover a wide range of compensatory damages. There are several economic and non-economic damages you will likely be eligible to claim.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to any losses you suffered that directly cost you money. This can mean that you were forced to spend money as a result of your condition or that you were unable to earn money you could have otherwise made. Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to claim damages for:
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning ability
- Medical costs
- Future medical expenses
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover a wide range of losses. Essentially, any losses you suffer that do not directly affect your finances are considered non-economic damages. These losses can be quite varied. However, one thing non-economic damages typically have in common is that they tend to have a significant and lasting impact. You may be able to recover damages for:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability
- Loss of consortium
- Diminished quality of life
Seeking Medical Treatment for SJS
A burn center can provide the wound care, fluid resuscitation, and other treatments you need to manage your condition. Top burn centers in Georgia include:
- Grady Memorial Hospital Burn Center
- The Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctors Hospital
- The Joseph M. Still Burn Center at WellStar Cobb Hospital (Austell, GA) Inpatient and Outpatient Clinic
To find a burn center near you, take a look at the American Burn Association’s burn center finder.
How Much Does an SJS Attorney in Georgia Charge?
Unlike many lawyers who charge their clients high hourly rates regardless of the outcome, an SJS lawyer will only charge you a single fee, which is entirely based on the compensation you receive from the liable party. When you hire an SJS attorney in Georgia, you will agree to pay them a fixed percentage of the money you receive in damages.
Under this payment arrangement, you can feel confident that your lawyer will do everything within their power to ensure you get as much money for your case as possible, since the amount they will receive for their services is directly linked to how much you get for your damages.
While a large payout means a good payday for your lawyer, if they fail to secure compensation on your behalf, they won’t make a single cent for the work they put into your case. This system also ensures that any SJS victim can hire legal representation since you won’t have to pay your lawyer out of your own pocket.
Contact a Georgia SJS Attorney for a Free Case Review
At Greg Jones Law, we have the necessary experience to give you the best chance of recovering compensation if you suffered from Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. SJS can be deadly, and even if the condition is diagnosed early, you can still face lifelong consequences. Recovering damages can be vital when attempting to put your life back together.
If you were diagnosed with SJS, you may be entitled to significant compensation from the at-fault party. Give us a call, use our legal chat tool, or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free case review today. One of our Georgia SJS lawyers will review your case and answer any questions you may have.