Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) is one of the most nightmarish conditions a person can be diagnosed with. Often, children are the victims of this life-threatening skin condition. Many people must be admitted to burn units in order to receive proper care and treatment, which can be both traumatizing and expensive.

When this disorder strikes, the skin and mucous membranes usually react negatively to a specific medication, virus, or infection. SJS is considered a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. The key to making a full recovery is seeing a doctor right away and getting the proper diagnosis. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. In fact, SJS is one of the most misdiagnosed conditions out there. There are numerous reasons for this, namely that the signs and symptoms of SJS often mimic those of other conditions.

What are the Signs of SJS?

SJS and its advanced version – Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN) – are extreme adverse reactions to a drug. This condition is painful and can be fatal if left untreated. Because the symptoms are often difficult to diagnose, SJS is often the result of medical malpractice. Before we look at the top three things you should keep in mind before filing an SJS lawsuit, let’s go over the most common signs associated with this serious skin condition:

• A shocking red rash that may have a “bullseye” in the center
• Blistered skin that peels off in sheets
• Blisters around the mouth, eyes, and genitals
• Blisters inside the nose
• Swelling of the skin
• Feeling as if your skin is on fire

If you have noticed any of the above after starting a new medication, stop taking the drug right away and call your doctor.

Top Considerations Before Filing a Lawsuit

If you have been diagnosed with SJS and are considering filing a lawsuit against your doctor, hospital, or another medical provider, the following tips may help you decide if this is the right move for you:

• Did your doctor misdiagnosis your condition? This could be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit against your doctor or medical team.
• Did the drug’s manufacturer neglect to warn consumers and doctors about the potential side effects, including SJS? Many Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawsuits are successful because generic manufacturers failed to provide warnings about the risks of SJS. If this is the case, you may be able to move forward with an SJS lawsuit.
• Did your doctor fail to advise you to stop taking the medication after you showed signs of an allergic reaction? SJS often appears like an allergic reaction or even the flu, which can be misleading. If you had an allergic reaction to prescribed medication, and your doctor did not tell you to stop taking that drug immediately, you may have a lawsuit on your hands.

To learn more about the steps you must take to file a Stevens-Johnson Syndrome lawsuit, please contact our lawyers today and schedule a free consultation.