Can I sue my doctor for prescribing me to a medicine and not informing me that I would withdrawal from it?
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Can I sue my doctor for prescribing me to a medicine and not informing me that I would withdrawal from it?
About 2 years ago my doctor put me on a medicine. He did not explain any of the side effects. Not knowing the seriousness of them, I didn’t think it was important. After 6 months, I decided to stop taking it. I was so sick. Severe flu-like symptoms. I had to continue. At this point I’ve gone from 145 pounds to 95. Non-stop fatigue. I always feel it is killing me slowly. But I am unable to discontinue the use, as the “withdrawals” are unbearable and from research have found it can last over month. I have lost 2 jobs due to the side effects. It has seriously affected my life.
Asked on March 24, 2012 under Malpractice Law, Washington
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You should speak with a medical malpractice attorney; you might have a cause of action. Malpractice is the provision of care which is below accepted standards, usually due to carelessness of one kind or another. It may well be the case that prescribing medication which could have side effects and/or withdrawal problems lik those you desribe, without first discussing those risks with the patient, could be malpractice, since doing this may fall short of accepted medical standards. If it is malpractice, you could potentially recover for additional medical costs, lost wages, and/or pain and suffering.
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