Fentanyl pain patches have become a widely prescribed method for managing severe pain, particularly in patients dealing with chronic pain conditions or those recovering from surgery. However, patients must understand just how powerful these patches are. Drop for drop, fentanyl is 80 to 100 times more potent than morphine.

Unfortunately, there are an unusually high number of deaths associated with these pain patches. While they can be effective, their misuse or improper application can lead to serious complications and raise concerns about fentanyl patch wrongful death.

If you have lost a loved one due to a fentanyl pain patch overdose, call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp at 833-997-1774 for a free and confidential consultation. We will examine all circumstances to determine whether it was an appropriate medication for your loved one and if there was any negligence involved in their death.

What Is Fentanyl?

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid that is significantly stronger than morphine, making it effective for managing severe pain. Fentanyl pain patches deliver a steady dose of the medication through the skin over a specified period, usually 72 hours.

Fentanyl pain patches have become a widely prescribed method for managing severe pain, particularly in patients dealing with chronic pain conditions or those recovering from surgery. While they can provide effective pain relief, the potency of fentanyl also increases the risk of overdose and severe side effects. Their misuse or improper application can lead to serious complications and raise concerns about medical negligence.

What Are the Risks Associated with Fentanyl Pain Patches?

Patients using fentanyl patches may experience various side effects, including respiratory depression, sedation, confusion, and even death in cases of overdose. These risks can be exacerbated by factors such as drug interactions, incorrect dosage, or patient misuse (e.g., applying multiple patches or using the patch without proper medical supervision).

Certain patient populations, such as the elderly, those with pre-existing respiratory conditions, or those who are opioid-naive, may be particularly vulnerable to adverse effects. Doctors and other healthcare providers must take these factors into account when prescribing fentanyl patches.

What Are the Causes of Fentanyl Patch Wrongful Death?

Failure to Provide Adequate Information

One of the most common grounds for wrongful death related to fentanyl patches is the failure of healthcare providers to adequately inform patients about the risks associated with the medication. Patients must be aware of potential side effects, proper usage, and what to do in case of an emergency.

Inadequate Monitoring

Medical professionals have a duty to monitor patients using fentanyl patches closely. If a provider fails to follow up on a patient’s response to the medication or ignores signs of adverse reactions, they may be liable for medical negligence if the patient suffers an injury or death. This includes not recognizing symptoms of overdose or severe side effects.

Incorrect Dosage or Prescription

Prescribing the wrong dosage or failing to consider a patient’s overall health status and medication interactions can lead to severe complications. If a doctor prescribes a higher dosage than is safe for a patient or fails to adjust dosages based on the patient’s condition, they could be found liable for malpractice or wrongful death should something happen to that patient.

Improper Patch Application

If a healthcare provider fails to properly apply the patch or instruct the patient on its correct use, this can lead to complications. For example, improper placement or failure to instruct the patient on how to apply the patch can result in insufficient pain control or an overdose.

What Damages Can Families Pursue in a Wrongful Death Claim?

A fentanyl patch wrongful death lawyer will evaluate your case to determine what types of damages your family may be entitled to. These damages are generally categorized into economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

  • Medical expenses: Compensation for medical costs incurred before the death, including hospital stays, treatments, and emergency services related to the overdose.
  • Funeral and burial costs: Expenses related to the funeral, burial, or cremation services.
  • Lost income: If the deceased was a primary breadwinner, the family may seek compensation for lost wages and benefits, both past and future.

Non-Economic Damages

  • Loss of companionship: Compensation for the emotional and psychological impact of losing a loved one, including the loss of love, companionship, and support.
  • Pain and suffering: This may cover the mental anguish experienced by the family due to the circumstances of the death.
  • Emotional distress: Compensation for the trauma, anxiety, and emotional suffering experienced by the family following the overdose and subsequent loss.

A personal injury lawyer who specializes in fentanyl patch wrongful death cases can assess your situation to determine the appropriate damages to seek for your family’s loss.

How Can Your Personal Injury Law Firm Help?

At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we understand that no amount of money will ever make up for the loss of your family member, but we also know that a wrongful death claim is often the only way a family will ever receive any justice for their loved one’s death.

Call 833-997-1774 today to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation with one of our dedicated wrongful death lawyers and find out what legal recourse you may have.