No one wants to imagine themselves or someone they love being affected by HIV, but millions of people live with the disease all over the world, and it continues to spread rapidly even today. Unfortunately, one of the medications that is often used as a treatment, Truvada, has been linked to some concerning side effects, which has led to pending litigation concerning whether or not the medication increases the risk of certain bodily injuries. If you think you may have been affected, keep reading for a basic checklist to use when hiring a lawyer for your Truvada claim.
What should be on your checklist for hiring a Truvada lawyer?
Before getting into what you should look for in Truvada lawyers, you should take some time to learn more about the pending litigation first. Truvada is an antiviral medication that is widely used to treat HIV infections and prevent contraction of the disease in HIV-negative individuals. The drug’s manufacturer, Gilead Sciences, is currently being sued due to the fact that it has been linked to health risks like kidney and bone injuries in patients. The first thing on your checklist should be finding a lawyer with a complete command of the facts of the case.
You should also take a law firm’s reputation into account. Most quality firms will have details on their website about their history of successful judgments and settlements. You can learn a lot about your odds of success based on a lawyer’s track record, and you can even find testimonials from previous clients. Reading them should definitely be on your list, as it’s the most effective way to get an idea of what it’s like to work with a particular firm or attorney.
If you’re thinking about adding “affordability” to your checklist, you don’t have to worry about that. Most personal injury attorneys work on what’s known as a contingency fee basis. That means they take their fee as a percentage of your final judgment or settlement so you won’t be responsible for the out-of-pocket cost while your case is still in the process of being resolved. You should never let fear of the cost stop you from pursuing justice.
What else should you know about HIV and HIV medication?
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, which is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. When it isn’t treated, HIV will eventually develop into AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Unfortunately, there is no effective cure, so anyone who contracts the disease will have it for the rest of their lives. With proper medical care, HIV can be controlled and prevented from developing into AIDS. With treatment, individuals with HIV can live long, healthy, and productive lives.
One of the most distressing things about the Truvada litigation is the fact that those affected were trying to do the right thing for themselves and their health. Seeking treatment for an HIV infection and taking steps to prevent transmission are essential if we want to prevent the spread of the virus. However, it’s important for everyone to be aware of all potential side effects that are associated with a medication. If you have concerns related to Truvada, you should talk to your health care provider to learn more.
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with HIV or you’re HIV-negative, if you’ve been prescribed Truvada and developed a subsequent injury that may be connected to the drug, you should schedule a free consultation with a Truvada lawyer today. Considering how expensive it can be to treat these medical issues, a settlement that covers the damages associated with your condition can make a meaningful difference in your overall quality of life. There are few things more worth your time than making sure you receive any compensation you’re entitled to as a result of your injury.