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Pharmaceutical Litigation Attorney in Indianapolis, IN

Prescription drugs are supposed to help patients, but when a medication is defectively designed, improperly manufactured, or sold without adequate warning of its risks, the harm can be significant and, in some cases, affect large numbers of people who took the same drug. Pharmaceutical litigation covers claims against drug manufacturers for injuries caused by dangerous or defective medications, including cases involving undisclosed side effects, manufacturing defects, and inadequate warning labels.

These cases are generally brought under Indiana’s Product Liability Act, which allows claims based on design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to warn theories, and they’re often litigated as part of a larger group of similar claims against the same manufacturer, sometimes through a multidistrict litigation proceeding that consolidates cases from around the country for certain pretrial purposes while still preserving each individual’s right to their own outcome. Because pharmaceutical companies typically have significant resources and experienced defense teams, these cases usually require substantial scientific and medical evidence to establish that the drug actually caused the harm and that the manufacturer knew, or should have known, about the risk. Manufacturers also have an ongoing duty to update warnings as new safety information becomes available after a drug reaches the market, and a failure to do so can itself support a claim.

At RileyCate, we represent individuals harmed by dangerous or defective medications, working with medical and scientific experts to build the evidentiary record these cases require. We evaluate claims involving a wide range of prescription drugs and pursue manufacturers directly, whether the case proceeds individually or as part of a larger litigation involving similarly injured patients.

Pharmaceutical litigation involves sophisticated scientific evidence and well-resourced corporate defendants, which is exactly the kind of case that calls for trial-tested representation. Will Riley and Russell Cate lead our pharmaceutical litigation team. Russell Cate is recognized as a Super Lawyer, and his civil litigation background, including product liability experience, along with his appellate work before the Indiana Court of Appeals and the Indiana Supreme Court, gives our clients real depth in this area. Will Riley’s Super Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, and AV Preeminent recognition reflects that same trial-tested approach.

Will and Russell personally oversee every case we take on, drawing on our skilled and resourceful team of attorneys, associates, and staff in whatever mix the size and complexity of your matter calls for, so your claim gets careful, informed attention.

Why Choose Us

Nobody plans to need a lawyer. When something goes wrong, what you need first is someone who will listen, tell you honestly where you stand, and take the next steps off your plate. That is how every case at RileyCate, LLC begins.

We represent individuals, families, and small businesses across Fishers, Indianapolis, and surrounding counties in personal injury and complex litigation, business and real estate disputes, criminal defense, and appeals.

Will Riley and Russell Cate personally oversee every matter, staffing each case to its size and complexity. Both are recognized as Super Lawyers and have argued before the Indiana Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. Will also holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a Top 100 Trial Lawyer designation.

We are trial-tested, not just settlement-focused. We have tried hundreds of cases, because insurance companies, opposing businesses, and prosecutors negotiate differently with a firm willing to go the distance.

About RileyCate

Pharmaceutical cases often involve complex scientific questions about causation, since the injury alleged frequently overlaps with underlying health conditions the patient already had. These cases also frequently involve federal regulatory issues tied to how the FDA approved and labeled the drug. Because of this complexity, pharmaceutical claims usually require more extensive expert evidence than a typical defective product case.
Multidistrict litigation, or MDL, is a federal process that consolidates similar cases from around the country before a single court for pretrial purposes, like discovery and certain motions, while each case generally still proceeds toward its own individual outcome. If a significant number of people have filed similar claims against the same manufacturer, your case might be transferred into an existing MDL. An attorney can explain what this process would mean for your specific claim.
You generally need to show that the drug had a design defect, a manufacturing defect, or inadequate warnings about its risks, and that this defect actually caused your injury. Establishing causation often requires expert testimony connecting the specific drug to your specific harm. This is typically the most contested and evidence-intensive part of a pharmaceutical claim.
A recall can support your claim by showing the manufacturer or the FDA identified a safety issue with the drug, but a recall alone doesn’t automatically establish that the drug caused your specific injury. You’ll still need to connect the recall to your particular circumstances and harm. An attorney can help you understand how a recall affects your case.
Indiana’s Product Liability Act generally requires a claim to be filed within two years of when the injury was discovered or should have been discovered, subject to an overall ten year statute of repose from when the product was first delivered to the initial user, with an exception allowing two additional years to file if the injury occurs in years eight through ten. Because pharmaceutical injuries sometimes aren’t connected to the medication until well after they occur, understanding when your clock started running is an important first step. An attorney can help you evaluate the timeline for your specific claim.
Depending on your injury, you may be able to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases punitive damages if the manufacturer’s conduct was particularly egregious. The compensation available depends heavily on the severity of your injury and the strength of the evidence connecting it to the drug. An attorney can help you understand what a fair outcome looks like for your specific situation.
If a broader settlement fund already exists for the medication that harmed you, it’s still worth having an attorney evaluate your individual case, since some claims are better pursued individually depending on the severity of the injury and the specific facts involved. Joining an existing settlement isn’t always the option that provides the most compensation for your specific injury. An attorney can help you understand which path makes sense for your situation.
No, you don’t necessarily need to have stopped taking a medication before pursuing a claim, though you should always discuss any concerns about a prescription with your treating physician before making changes on your own. Continuing or discontinuing use is a medical decision separate from the legal claim. An attorney can help you understand how your current treatment relates to a potential claim.

If you were harmed by a prescription medication, we can help you understand whether you have a claim against the manufacturer. We offer a consultation to review your situation and explain your options. Reach out to RileyCate today to speak with a pharmaceutical litigation attorney about your case.

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