The Opioid Crisis: Has It Hurt Your Family?

The Opioid Crisis has reached epidemic proportions. The CNN article “Opioid Crisis Fast Facts” states that in 2016, there were 63,600 overdose deaths. More than 66 percent of those deaths involved prescription opioids.

The following pain relievers are among the dangerous drugs available by prescription:

• Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
• Oxycodone (OxyContin and Percocet)
• Oxymorphone (Opana)
• Codeine (including Tylenol with Codeine)
• Morphine (Kadian and Avinza)
• Fentanyl

The very element that makes opioids effective also makes them extremely dangerous. Opioids are painkillers — they are often prescribed after routine surgeries. They make the pain go away, and in some instances, they also give a feeling of euphoria. It does not take long for a patient’s body to begin building a tolerance to opioids and requiring more and more doses to achieve the same pain-free, euphoric effect. Opioids are highly addictive, and the addiction can begin sooner than one may think.

The attorneys at McGraw Law, LLC, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, have seen lives end and families torn apart by opioid overdose. We have seen big pharmaceutical companies get rich pushing opioids in areas across this country where the addiction crisis has grabbed hold. We have sued doctors who are over-prescribing opioids and other dangerous prescription meds because they valued money over patient safety. We have sued pharmacies for refilling addictive prescription drugs too soon and at too high a dose, and turning a blind eye to doctors that over-prescribe. Doctors and pharmacies are gate-keepers who are tasked with keeping patients safe and educating patients on the risks and side effects of prescription drugs. We have seen enough, and we know that you have, too. If your family has been affected by an opioid overdose, do not hesitate to call us at 575-523-4321 for a free phone consultation. 

Murphy v. Ready Pharmacy, LLC, and Pawan Jain, M.D.

Attorney Mollie McGraw brought suit on behalf of the wrongful death estate of a 43-year-old man who died of an overdose from morphine. During the lawsuit, attorney McGraw argued that the man’s doctor recklessly prescribed dangerous prescription medications to him too frequently, and the pharmacy filled the patient’s prescriptions despite evidence that the man was having difficulty breathing and had become addicted to the medication.

Stop Putting Profits Over Safety

Pharmaceutical companies, physicians and pharmacies are aware of the dangerous side effects and deaths that are occurring at an alarming rate due to overuse of opioids. The awareness alone will not stop the drug industry though. It will take concerted legal action spearheaded by concerned and passionate attorneys to stand up against big pharma, doctors and pharmacies. 

Attorney Mollie McGraw successfully sued doctors who over-prescribe and pharmacies that do not place their patients’ safety first. It is possible to protect people and families whose lives have been forever altered by the Opioid Crisis. If you would like to speak with attorney Mollie McGraw about your concerns, contact us online, or call 575-523-4321.