Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Lawyers in Texas
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a painful condition that can result in scarring, pain, permanent injuries, and can become fatal. This condition is linked to several medications, and most of these cases could have been prevented.
If you believe that the medications you took caused you to experience SJS, you need an advocate who understands the severity of this illness and the profound effect it has had on your life. Our firm has helped many victims of SJS to recover significant damages, and we may be able to help you.
When the drugs that are supposed to make you feel better cause you to experience injuries, you may be able to pursue compensation with a product liability lawsuit. The Texas Stevens-Johnson syndrome lawyers of Greg Jones Law will help you fight to get the compensatory damages you need.
What Is Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?
Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or SJS, is a very rare condition that results in rash and flu-like symptoms. The rash can spread very quickly and may affect the mouth, nose, eyes, throat, intestines, lungs, and genitals.
A skin rash on 10% of the body or less is called SJS, however, when it progresses to cover 30% of the skin or more, it results in a dangerous and possibly fatal condition called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN).
People who experience SJS or TEN can experience permanent changes to their health and may develop blindness, scarring, disfigurement, or other complications. This allergic reaction to medications can progress quickly and may be fatal in extreme cases.
Causes of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is linked to several medications. Though SJS is rare, and the risk of getting it is low, certain people have reactions to medicine that causes them to experience this illness.
- Epilepsy medicines, such as phenytoin, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, lamotrigine, and carbamazepine
- Antibiotics, such as sulfamethoxazole and other sulfa antibiotics, Zithromax, Zpax, Cipro, Avelox, and others
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin), and naproxen sodium (Aleve)
- Anti-gout medications with allopurinol, such as Aloprim and Zyloprim
- Anticonvulsant medications with carbamazepine, such as Tegretol XR, Tegretol, Carbatrol, Equetro, and Epitol
- Anti-seizure medications with phenytoin, such as Phenytek, Dilantin Infatabs, Dilantin Kapseal
- Lamotrigine, an anticonvulsant and seizure medication sometimes used for bipolar disorder, such as Lamictal
- Nevirapine, a medication used to treat HIV infection and slow progression of the disease, such as Viramune and Viramune XR
- Oxicam anti-inflammatories, such as meloxicam and piroxicam
Stevens-Johnson syndrome can sometimes be caused in children by cold, flu, or other infections. Children can also develop the syndrome from Motrin. There have also been many Motrin lawsuits to compensate teens and kids who have suffered blindness and irreversible damage to their skin, lungs, and brain.
If you or your child have experienced the symptoms of this condition after taking any medication, a Stevens-Johnson syndrome lawyer in Texas can help you determine if you have the legal grounds to pursue a personal injury claim.
Risk Factors for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
People with HIV, AIDS, or pneumonia can develop SJS more frequently than others, but there are several other risk factors that can increase your risk:
- Weakened immune system: People with autoimmune diseases such as HIV or organ transplant recipients can be at greater risk.
- Cancer: Cancer patients, especially those with blood cancer can be at greater risk of developing SJS.
- Genetic variations: Certain genetic factors can increase your risk of developing Stevens-Johnson syndrome, particularly if you are taking anti-seizure or, gout medications, or drugs to treat mental illness.
- Previous history of Stevens-Johnson syndrome: This condition can recur if you have experienced it before. If you take the medication that caused your previous incidence of SJS, you are likely to develop it again.
- A family history of Stevens-Johnson syndrome: If your immediate blood relations have experienced SJS, you are at an increased risk.
Seeking Medical Treatment for SJS
A burn center can provide the wound care, fluid resuscitation, and additional treatments you need to manage your condition. Top burn centers in Texas include:
- Southwestern Regional Burn Center—Parkland Memorial Hospital
- University of Texas Medical Branch—Blocker Burn Center
- Shriners Hospital for Children-Galveston
- Memorial Hermann Hospital—John S. Dunn Burn Center
- Timothy J. Harnar Burn Center
- US Army Institute of Surgical Research—Fort Sam Houston
- Medical City Plano—The Burn and Reconstructive Center of Texas
To find a burn center near you, use the American Burn Association’s burn center finder.
Recoverable Damages in a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Claim
The damages in an SJS claim can be considerable, as the treatment for the injuries and the interruption to your life can be significant. The insurance companies and defendants are likely to wage a battle to protect their interests and avoid paying you the full amount of damages you are owed.
A Stevens-Johnson syndrome attorney in Texas will fight to defend you and protect your right to claim the financial compensation you will need. An SJS lawyer can calculate the damages in your case to ensure that all your losses are accounted for, and negotiate aggressively to ensure that you are treated fairly.
The damages in an SJS lawsuit can include:
Medical Expenses
Any medical expenses you incur as a result of your injuries will be included. Your lawyer may work with financial professionals, economists, or health care planners to determine the costs of ongoing care. Your hospitalization, follow-up treatments, medical and mobility devices, prescription costs and other expenses will be added.
Lost Wages
The treatment of your injuries and recovery time will likely require you to miss a substantial amount of work. The income you lose while being treated should be considered in your damage package. If you become disabled, vocational rehabilitation, the loss of benefits, loss of future earning potential, and loss of retirement can also become factors.
Non-Economic Damages
SJS can result in severe pain and suffering. The emotional and psychological trauma, the amount of pain involved in the injuries and treatment, and the disruption to your life will all be factors of your damage claim.
The value of damages in personal injury cases in Texas is not capped unless the claim is related to medical malpractice. Since these claims are generally governed by product liability laws, malpractice is less likely to be a factor.
An SJS lawyer experienced with these claims can calculate the real value of the damages in your case and fight to recover the full value of your compensation.
Contact a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Law Firm in Texas Today
We understand that the physical and financial challenges you face can be overwhelming. We do not charge a fee for our in-depth case evaluation and our attorneys can help you on a contingency basis. The Texas SJS attorneys of Greg Jones Law can review your claim and help you to understand your rights and legal options. Our firm is committed to helping people seek justice for their injuries, and we have built our careers helping injury victims to get the compensation they need.
Contact us today to see how we can put our experience to work for you.