Estradiol is a human made medication form of estrogen, a female sex hormone, that plays a crucial role in regulating various processes within the body. Specifically, the medication Estradiol is involved in regulating the menstrual cycles, reproductive health, and other physiological functions related to female development and well-being.
As far as the various forms that estradiol may come in, it is available as an oral tablet, topical gel, skin patch, vaginal cream, and may also be administered as an injection. In general, the medication is used to alleviate symptoms that are related to menopause, such as vaginal discomfort and hot flashes. Additionally, it also alleviates symptoms such as low estrogen levels, prevents bone loss, and helps lessen risk of developing breast or prostate cancer.
Adverse Effects of Estradiol
The use of Estradiol has been linked to several severe side effects, such as heart disease, increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and certain types of cancers, including breast cancer. As such, it is important for individuals that have been prescribed Estradiol to undergo regular physical exams, including breast exams. Additionally, endometrial hyperplasia, which can lead to cancer in the uterine lining, has also recently been linked to Estradiol use.
Importantly, if an individual has undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, liver disease, or a history of heart conditions, such as a history of a heart attack, stroke, or blood clots, they should be careful in using Estradiol, given the increased probability of side effects. As such, it is important to consult with an experienced physician and communicate a complete medical history prior to beginning to use Estradiol.
Current Status of Estradiol
Importantly, Estradiol is a widely circulated and effective way to deal with symptoms of menopause. Currently, many physicians prescribe taking progesterone along with the Estradiol in order to reduce some of the severe side effects that may result from the use of Estradiol.
However, if you have developed any medical issues, such as an unexplained cancer, and you believe that it is linked to your use of Estradiol, then you may be able to hold the manufacturer of the drug liable for your injuries. Additionally, you may also be able to hold the medical professional that prescribed you Estradiol liable for any injuries related to the use of Estradiol in certain situations.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Estradiol Injury?
As far as who may be held liable for an injury caused by Estradiol, it is important to consult your local state and jurisdiction’s laws on personal injury. Specifically, injuries related to the use of prescription drugs will typically fall under the umbrella of medical malpractice laws.
Medical malpractice laws are the set of laws that allow an injured person, most often a patient, to bring a legal claim against a negligent medical professional for the harms that were caused by the professional’s substandard conduct.
Specifically, medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional, such as a pharmacist, doctor, and/or a healthcare organization, falls below the standard duty of care that is required of them when they are managing, diagnosing, and/or treating a patient.
It is important to note that the deviation from the standard duty of care by the medical professional must result in an actual injury in order for it to be considered medical malpractice. The deviation from the standard duty of care that is required of all medical professionals is generally the result of an act of negligence by that medical professional.
For instance, in the case of a pharmacist printing the wrong directions for the use of Estradiol, such a negligent act may fall below their duty of care and result in an injury to a patient. If that is the case, such negligence may result in a medical malpractice suit being filed by the Estradiol user.
Examples of common parties that can be held liable for drug injuries resulting from the use of Estradiol include:
- Medical professionals, especially if there is negligence, malpractice, or diagnosing errors involved with the treatment of an individual requiring the use of Estradiol;
- Manufacturers of drugs, such as manufacturers or wholesalers under product defect laws;
- Pharmacists, pharmacies, or other medical professionals, especially if there is a prescription error, such as if a doctor prescribes the wrong dosage, prescribes the wrong drug or prescribes a drug to the wrong person.
In any of the above situations, a person injured by the use of Estradiol may require legal action to resolve their legal disputes or conflicts arising from their injury. In most cases, this will mean initiating a personal injury lawsuit against the party that is responsible for their injuries and demanding compensatory damages to cover their injuries.
What Are the Legal Consequences Associated with Estradiol Injuries?
As mentioned above, the main legal consequence associated with Estradiol injuries is the plaintiff receiving compensatory damages. A damage award is a specific monetary amount that is intended to reimburse the injured person (i.e. the plaintiff) for any losses that they suffered as a result of the medical malpractice or negligent act occurring.
Examples of common damage claims that are included in a Estradiol injury claim include, but is not limited to:
- Hospital expenses, including the cost of past treatments performed on the plaintiff;
- Treatments that are necessary to treat the manifestation of the adverse effects that resulted from the use of
- Estradiol, including the necessary treatments to correct or reverse any medical malpractice negligent action;
- Lost wages or lost earning capacity, if the plaintiff missed work or cannot return to work; and/or
Pharmaceutical costs.
In some cases, medical malpractice claims based on the use of Estradiol may result in considerably high damages awards, especially when the plaintiff suffered serious or egregious bodily damage because of the negligence of the medical professional.
For example, if a doctor prescribes a higher than normal dosage of Estradiol knowing that their patient had a history of heart issues, and then their patient suffers a heart attack, the doctor may face punitive damages in addition to being held liable under medical malpractice laws.
Additionally, in cases where a product defect is involved, remedies may also include a drug recall and/or a class action lawsuit being initiated by the group of people who are alleging they were harmed by Estradiol.
Once again, in order for a person that was harmed by Estradiol to receive damages for their injury, they must prove all of the necessary elements of their medical malpractice or personal injury claim. The most difficult element to prove in a malpractice lawsuit involving injuries resulting from Estradiol is that of causation, i.e. that the physician’s acts actually caused the injuries.
In general, in order to prove that a medical professional fell below their standard of care, testimony from another expert witness that is a medical professional familiar with the drug is often necessary. As such, an experienced attorney may be needed to assist the plaintiff with building their civil case.
Do I Need a Lawyer for Help with Estradiol Lawsuit?
As can be seen, drug injuries resulting from the use of Estradiol can be serious and often require legal action. As such, if you have been injured by using Estradiol, it may be in your best interests to consult with an experienced class action attorney. An experienced class action attorney will be able to help you determine if there are any class action lawsuits involving Estradiol that you may be able to join.
Additionally, an experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to advise you as to your best course of legal action and how you may be able to recover from your injuries. An attorney will also be able to help you determine the party responsible for your injuries, and can assist you with initiating a private personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party or parties. Finally, an attorney will also be able to represent you in court, as necessary.
