Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Lawyers in South Carolina
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a rare condition that affects the skin and the mucous membranes. This condition has the potential to be extremely serious, especially if it is not diagnosed early. SJS is typically the result of a reaction to a medication. SJS has been linked to a variety of both over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
SJS generally first presents with flu-like symptoms, followed by a painful rash that begins to blister. If left untreated, the condition will spread. Once over 30% of your skin is affected, it is reclassified as a potentially deadly condition called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). At Greg Jones Law, we understand the challenges you face after an SJS diagnosis.
Our team of South Carolina SJS lawyers has a long history of helping victims recover the compensation they need after an accident.
Liability for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Most lawsuits brought in relation to SJS are against drug manufacturers. If you developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome from taking a medication that has been linked to this condition, you may have a legal case against the drug company.
Winning your case will likely depend on the labeling of the drug. Insufficient warnings of potential side effects can be grounds for a defective drug lawsuit.
Depending on the particulars of your situation, there are other parties that could also be liable for your damages. If your doctor prescribed a drug that has been linked to SJS, and you have a family history of SJS or a medical condition that makes you more susceptible to the illness, like cancer or HIV, you might be able to bring legal action against them.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?
When considering filing an SJS lawsuit, you need to pay attention to the statute of limitations. In South Carolina, you will generally have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party. However, you must realize that the statute of limitations is not immovable. Special circumstances may apply to your case, which could alter the amount of time you have to file.
In some situations, you may be able to file a lawsuit long after the typical two years have passed. On the other hand, you could find that you actually have far less than two years to file in some cases.
By hiring an experienced SJS attorney in South Carolina shortly after receiving your diagnosis, you can ensure that all deadlines will be met and your right to recover compensation from the liable party will be protected.
An SJS Attorney Gets Paid Based on the Outcome of Your Case
Stevens-Johnson syndrome lawyers and other personal injury attorneys typically charge their clients, on a contingency fee basis. That means that their pay depends entirely upon the results they are able to get in your case. Unlike other attorneys who charge a high hourly rate regardless of the outcome, an SJS attorney will only charge you if you receive compensation.
When hiring an SJS lawyer, you will agree to pay a contingency-based fee which will be assessed as a fixed percentage of the money you recover from the liable party. This fee will be the only money your attorney will get paid for their services on your case. Because of this, you can feel confident that your attorney will do everything they can to ensure you collect.
The more money you receive from the at-fault party, the bigger the payday will be for your lawyer. Conversely, should you fail to recover compensation, your attorney won’t get paid. This system also works to ensure that all SJS victims have the ability to hire legal counsel since they will never have to pay their lawyer a single cent out of their own pocket.
Seeking Medical Treatment for SJS
Burn centers provide burn care, fluid replacement, and other procedures you need to manage your wounds. Top burn centers in South Carolina include:
- Medical University of South Carolina Burn Center (Adults and Pediatrics
To find a burn center near you, try using the American Burn Association’s burn center finder.
Recoverable Damages in an SJS Lawsuit
If you received a Stevens-Johnson syndrome diagnosis after taking medication, there are a variety of damages you may be able to recover from the liable party. Which damages apply to your case will depend on the specifics of your situation.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are any losses suffered that cost you money. These damages can include being forced to spend money in one way or another because of your condition, as well as not being able to earn money that you would have made otherwise. Some of the economic damages you will likely be able to recover in an SJS lawsuit include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical costs
- Lost wages
- Lost earning ability
Non-Economic Damages
All the rest of your losses resulting from your accident are categorized as non-economic damages. Non-economic damages cover a wide range of losses, which can be quite varied. However, the one thing that these damages often have in common is that, for the most part, they have a profound impact on your life and are irreplaceable.
Non-economic damages you may be able to claim in an SJS lawsuit include:
- Decreased quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Permanent disability
Speak With an SJS Lawyer in South Carolina About Your Case Today
At Greg Jones Law, we have helped countless SJS victims recover the money they need to put their life back together. If you have been diagnosed with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, our team of SJS attorneys in South Carolina can help get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today by phone, through our online contact form, or by using a free legal chat tool. You can schedule a free case review with a member of our team. At your case review, we will look over your case and answer any questions you may have.