Losing a loved one is never easy and the resounding impact on you and your family’s life is impossible to calculate. However, when their death was due to the legal use of a substance for testosterone therapy that had undisclosed side effects or was improperly prescribed, the at-fault parties should be held accountable.
While no amount of compensation can bring your loved one back, a compassionate Raleigh testosterone therapy wrongful death lawyer could work tirelessly to file a claim that may help to ease your financial burden. A skilled and tenacious low testosterone attorney could shoulder the burden of gathering evidence and building a persuasive claim so that you may focus on spending time with your family.
Understanding a Wrongful Death Claim for Testosterone Therapy
A wrongful death claim related to testosterone therapy may arise after a person uses products such as Androgel, Axiron, or a number of testosterone injectables and then suffers a heart attack, stroke, or a deep vein thrombosis — such as a massive blood clot in the legs. Any of these injuries can lead to an individual passing away. Therefore, a death that results from one of these injuries following the use of a therapy product could lead to a potential unjust or untimely death claim — so long as a link can be established between the cause of death and use of testosterone products.
Who is Eligible to Bring a Claim in Raleigh?
In North Carolina, a family member of the decedent typically has the ability to bring a lawsuit for wrongful death. If the individual had a will at the time of death and had appointed an executor or executrix, then they would also have the legal ability to bring a claim forward. If not, an estate would then typically be opened on behalf of the deceased and someone would be appointed with this position. After one has been appointed, they could then file a lawsuit.
However, before a lawsuit can be filed, there is often an extensive amount of investigation that must be conducted. During this process, an estate does not always have to be established in order for an investigation to occur. Legally, any member of the family — such as a surviving spouse, surviving child, or next of kin — could reach out to a Raleigh testosterone therapy wrongful death lawyer for more information and subsequently initiate the beginning stages of the claims process.
The History of Wrongful Deaths and Testosterone Therapy Companies
A study in 2014 revealed an extremely increased risk of heart attack or stroke in men who were using testosterone therapy as opposed to those who were not. The FDA has approved certain testosterone treatments solely for use regarding hypogonadism, which is a recognized medical condition that causes the body to produce very little if any testosterone. However, some testosterone therapy companies have started marketing their therapy drugs—such as Androgel, Axiron, and several other types of medications— to any men who are getting older.
Many of these men have not been diagnosed with hypogonadism, but are simply undergoing the natural aging process, meaning their bodies are naturally producing less testosterone. So, if a man was given testosterone therapy for age-related declining testosterone, the company may be deemed negligent. Therefore, if a user then passes away as a result of using this product, a claimant may be able to make a persuasive case for a wrongful death claim.
The Statute of Limitations for Filing a Claim
Essentially, a statute of limitations is a time frame in which a person— or, in untimely death cases, a person’s family on the decedent’s behalf—can bring a lawsuit. In Raleigh and throughout North Carolina, this statute is two years from the date of death.
When considering the numerous steps and nuances of filing a claim, a person looking to take legal action may benefit from contacting a proactive Raleigh attorney when filing a testosterone therapy wrongful death claim. While there may be exceptions to this timeframe, a plaintiff runs the risk of having their claim dismissed after the statute of limitations has passed.
How a Raleigh Testosterone Therapy Wrongful Death Attorney Might Help
After losing a loved one, the resounding impact on your life is often devastating and is often only amplified when their passing was sudden or unexpected. If their death was due to the use of a testosterone therapy drug, you may wish to reach out to a Raleigh testosterone therapy wrongful death lawyer to discuss your legal options.
While the idea of navigating the legal system may seem undaunting, a successful claim may be able to help ease your financial burden so that you can focus on spending time with your family during this difficult time. Whenever you feel ready, call an attorney to begin building a case.