Is There a Way to See Money Donated to Doctors by Medical Manufacturing Companies?

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

Our firm believes in transparency when it comes to lobbying efforts associated with drug and medical device companies.

Often, these multi-billion dollar companies spend massive amounts of money lobbying doctors and teaching hospitals in an attempt to get them to use their products. This money can be donated in the form of compensation for research activities, gifts, speaking fees, meals or travel.

This can have devastating consequences when a company releases a drug or device that is defective. In addition, it can potentially lead to medical care providers unnecessarily prescribing or treating patients using the products in an attempt to appease donors.

Remember, if you have been injured or have lost a loved one because of a defective product, you may be able to bring a products liability suit against the manufacturer or seller for compensation for your disability, pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost wages.

This is common in the pharmaceutical and medical industry, where recalls occur regularly due to issues like sterility, design defects and general safety problems.

This is why our firm is pleased that there is now a database available showing how much manufacturers are spending on consulting fees, research grants, travel, free lunches and other items provided to doctors and hospitals.

To visit the database online, you can click here. The database comes from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and is part of a bipartisan transparency initiative contained in the 2010 Affordable Care Act, according to the Washington Post.

Who Should I Talk to If a Defective Drug or Medical Device Injures Me?

If you have suffered injuries due to a defective drug or medical device, you could end up with substantial medical bills, extended pain and suffering and lost time from work.

You should not have to suffer through these issues because of a company’s negligence. Hold the manufacturer liable for putting a dangerous product out in the marketplace. You can collect damages, which can be used to help you recover.

Speak with an attorney in the Washington D.C. area to learn what types of recovery are available to you.

Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P.

Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia Injury Attorneys

Sponsored by: Attorney William P. Lightfoot

Did you know? The FDA reported a 97 percent increase in the recall of medical devices between the fiscal years 2003 and 2012.

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/09/30/you-can-now-track-the-billions-that-drug-companies-pay-doctors-and-hospitals/

Video Link: http://youtu.be/uuxfF_bZZXQ

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.