When Medical professionals fail to meet the expected standards of care, resulting in harm or injury to patients, the victims have the right to seek justice. In Philadelphia, a city known for its thriving legal community, there are numerous exceptional Malpractice lawyers who specialize in advocating for those affected by medical negligence. These legal professionals possess extensive expertise, dedication, and a track record of successfully litigating complex malpractice cases. In this article, we will delve into the world of malpractice law in Philadelphia and highlight some of the best malpractice lawyers in the city.

Nancy H. Fullam is a highly respected attorney with a successful track record in medical malpractice litigation. As a partner at Kline & Specter, P.C., one of Philadelphia's most prestigious law firms, Fullam has dedicated her career to fighting for justice on behalf of injured patients and their families. Her expertise spans various areas, including anesthesia errors, emergency room negligence, and nursing home malpractice. Nancy H. Fullam's compassionate approach, combined with her tenacity and extensive legal knowledge, has resulted in substantial compensation for her clients.

Recognized as a trailblazer in the field of catastrophic injury and medical malpractice law, Robert J. Mongeluzzi is a force to be reckoned with in Philadelphia's legal arena. He co-founded Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky, P.C. and has achieved remarkable success in high-profile cases involving medical negligence. Mongeluzzi's unparalleled dedication to his clients has led to record-breaking verdicts and settlements, including a $100 million jury award in a birth injury case. His expertise extends to cases involving surgical errors, hospital negligence, and defective medical devices.

Shanin Specter, a renowned trial lawyer and founding partner at Kline & Specter, P.C., has made significant contributions to the field of medical malpractice law in Philadelphia. His relentless pursuit of justice, coupled with his extraordinary courtroom skills, has earned him a reputation as one of the city's most formidable litigators. Specter has obtained substantial compensation for victims of medical negligence, including those affected by misdiagnosis, medication errors, and surgical malpractice. His passion for advocacy has not only benefited his clients but has also led to positive changes in the healthcare system.

Slade H. McLaughlin, a founding partner of McLaughlin & Lauricella, P.C., is recognized as a top-tier malpractice lawyer in Philadelphia. With over three decades of experience, he has successfully represented countless clients in complex medical negligence cases. McLaughlin's expertise spans a broad range of areas, including brain injuries, birth trauma, and cancer misdiagnosis. He is known for his meticulous attention to detail, strategic approach, and commitment to obtaining justice for his clients. Slade H. McLaughlin's reputation as a fierce advocate has resulted in numerous multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts.

A BIG WIN FOR A DANGEROUS DRUG VICTIM

A Philadelphia jury ordered Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals to pay $80億 in drug-induced gynecomastia cases. 

Nicholas Murray, 26, developed abnormally large breasts in 2003. He was taking the antipsychotic Risperdal to control the symptoms of his autism spectrum disorder.

In a statement, J and J said it would appeal the "highly disproportionate" award. There are thousands of other Risperdal/Gynecomastia cases pending in Pennsylvania and nationwide.

Johnson and Johnson faces many other legal issues.

In August, a federal judge in Oklahoma ordered the company to pay more than $550 million in penalties for its campaign to sell "false and dangerous" opioid pain relievers.

Victims of J&J's asbestos-laced talcum powder products have also won millions of dollars in favorable judgments.

RISPERDAL, GYNECOMASTIA, AND POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

Risperidone (Risperdal) is one of many drugs associated with Drug-induced gynecomastia . Risperdal is a second generation or a typical antipsychotic.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Risperdal for the limited treatment of patients with extreme schizophrenia. However, doctors also prescribe this drug for many other uses, as outlined below.

Atypical antipsychotics emerged in the 1990s as a response to typical antipsychotics.

Thorazine, loxatane, and other antipsychotics synthesized in the 1950s were relatively effective but had rather troublesome psychotic side effects.

Risperdal and others essentially block serotonin receptors in the brain and increase dopamine levels. Hormonal imbalance affects not only the brain but also the body.

Pregnancy hormones change women's breasts, and artificial hormones also change men's breasts.

Gynecomastia side effects include severe chest pain and a 500% increased risk of breast cancer .

The condition also has severe social and emotional consequences, especially in young men and boys.

As soon as the drug hit the market, both the FDA and Johnson and Johnson began filing reports about a link b/w risperdal overuse and gynecomastia.

Yet J&J refused to pull Risperdal off the shelf or even issue a stronger warning. 

OFF LABEL USE

Manufacturers issue warnings or recall products only in extreme circumstances.

Too much economic pressure.

Some estimates put the cost of bringing a new drug to market in excess of $2.5 billion .

Manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson have to sell a lot of pills in a very short time to recoup these costs and make a healthy profit.

Only a few years later, the availability of cheaper generic equivalents reduces demand for the expensive original.

As a result, manufacturers not only avoid actions such as harsh warning labels that can limit the sale of their products.

They often encourage doctors to use drugs in ways that are not technically approved by the FDA.

Risperdal is a good example. Because it is a serotonin blocker, doctors have prescribed it for a wide range of mental disorders.

Note that in the above case, the doctor diagnosed the victim with an autism spectrum disorder.

Thus, the victim took this powerful hormone-altering drug when perhaps a weaker one would have sufficed.

Can you see where this is going? Risperdal does not usually cause gynecomastia unless used excessively.

That's exactly what happened in this example.

CLAIM FOR DAMAGES

Legally, manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson are strictly liable for damages caused by defective products.

This causality is easier to establish in New York than in some other states.New York courts use more relaxed, victim-friendly standards for evaluating physician and other expert witnesses. using.

The jury will award stratospheric damages in some of these cases for punitive damages. Negligence or lack thereof is irrelevant with respect to the victim's economic damage, such as medical expenses, or non-economic damage, such as pain and suffering.

But negligence, and in this case recklessness, is relevant to the issue of punitive damages.

When a company clearly puts profits ahead of people, jurors usually react accordingly.

Indeed, the High Court will likely reduce this amount on appeal. But even with damages cut in half, $4 billion is still a huge amount. 

Procedurally, dangerous drug allegations are often sent to central locations for pretrial purposes. Multidistrict litigation offers significant benefits to plaintiffs.

Victims pool resources against pharmaceutical companies. And solving one case often sets off a domino effect.

If a particular case is not resolved out of court, it is usually returned to the jurisdiction of its home country for trial.

The problem with all of these is that in order to get maximum compensation in dangerous drug cases, lawyers must have sufficient resources and sufficient experience.

At Napoli Shkolnik PLLC, we have the credentials of experienced New York personal injury attorneys . Get your free consultation now.