Read Blog
related attorneys
Related practice area
Every year, there are countless numbers of prescriptions written for opiates for patients. These are supposed to be painkillers, designed to help people dealing with the pain of serious injuries and conditions.
While there are a large number of people who use these prescriptions responsibly, there are others who have developed an addiction to the powerful drug. Not many people recognize that these legal opiates can harness the same dangers as illegal heroin sold on the streets.
Now, legal representatives like our team at The Ferraro Law Firm are stepping up to join the fight against what has become a serious epidemic. That’s because abuse of these prescription drugs can be dangerous and sometimes, deadly.
Here are some of the effects that opiates can have on the human body:
- The Brain: Use of opiates can cause the individual to feel sleepiness or depressed as a result of the use.
- The Respiratory System: Opiates make it difficult for the individual using the drug to breath. Slow breathing from respiratory depression can lead to death.
- The Digestive System: Opiate use can impact the user’s digestive system, causing slow digestion, nausea, and vomiting.
- The Nervous System: Hyperalgesia is common side effect of opiate use causing pain and sensitivity increase. It can also slow physical movement.
- The Immune System: The overuse of opiates can lead to problems with the immune system, making the user more susceptible to infection.
- The Liver: Liver damage is common when using opiates in access. Too much damage to the liver can cause the body significant harm, especially when other factors are involved.
These are just the damages caused by taking opiates in excess. There are even more potential hazards when injecting opiates—a common choice for addicted individuals. This can include pulmonary embolism, Hepatitis C, collapsed veins, endocarditis, HIV, and clogged blood vessels.
At The Ferraro Law Firm, our Florida opiate attorneys are putting our foot down. We’re currently representing Palm Beach County in the fight against big pharmaceutical companies—with 29 already facing legal action.
We encourage others to join the fight and help protect those in our communities. We want to improve the health and life of those in South Florida and we’ll work to see a successful resolution in these matters.
Call us today at (888) 554-2030 to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
01.
How can I confirm if a medication I’ve been prescribed is dangerous or defective?
Start by checking FDA announcements, recalled drugs lists, and public safety reports. You can also consult an attorney to determine if others have filed claims regarding the same product.
02.
Why do I need a lawyer for a dangerous drug lawsuit?
Taking on pharmaceutical companies or multiple parties can be complex. An attorney helps you navigate deadlines, gather evidence, and hold responsible parties accountable.
03.
How do I pay for legal assistance in my defective drug claim?
We offer a free consultation and operate on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we obtain compensation for you.
04.
Do I have a case if I was taking a drug off-label or for a different intended use?
Possibly. If your doctor prescribed a medication in a way that caused serious side effects or harm without proper warnings, you may still have grounds to file a claim.
05.
Can Ferraro Law handle my case if I live outside of Florida?
Yes, Ferraro Law represents clients nationwide. Our experience in complex litigation helps provide effective advocacy, no matter where you live.
have more questions?
Featured Articles
our attorneys
James L. Ferraro
Founding Shareholder & President
Marc P. Kunen
Shareholder
James L. Ferraro, Jr.
Shareholder
Andrew J. Ferraro
Litigation Attorney
Angelica L. Novick
Partner
Daniel J. Di Matteo
Partner
The Hon. Leslie Rothenberg (Ret.)
Partner
Ignacio J. Segurola
Litigation Attorney
Client Experiences
When individuals and families face the challenges of mesothelioma and asbestos exposure—coping with complex treatments, escalating costs, and emotional strain—they turn to Ferraro Law for clarity, guidance, and steadfast support. Through meticulous case preparation, empathetic counsel, and strategic representation, our attorneys build compelling cases that secure meaningful settlements to cover medical expenses, provide financial relief, and offer a path toward stability during difficult times.
Stephanie and all the folks at the Ferraro Law Firm were professional and excellent in handling my case. Even more importantly they were very kind and treated me like family. I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone. Thank Y’all so much.
Matthew F.
Working with Daniel J. Di Matteo, Attorney and Partner at The Ferraro Law Firm was and is a life-changing forever experience. He is committed to a level of professionalism and attention to detail that is at the 100th percentile. Daniel handled everything with calmness, sensitivity and support that I needed through this difficult time. He always protected me and had my best interests. I am completely satisfied with the results.
If you need an attorney that operates at the highest level, that attorney is Daniel J. Di Matteo.
Harvey W.
Ferraro Law is wonderful and I am forever grateful to them. My attorney Daniel Di Matteo fought like a tiger for me against a multibillion dollar corporation and obtained a substantial settlement for me. This settlement is life changing for me. If you need an attorney call Ferraro Law and if you’re lucky Daniel will take your case.
Florence T.
Not too long ago I picked up the phone and called the Ferraro Law Firm not quite knowing what to expect. From the moment I reached out, the team made me feel heard and taken care of — not just like another case walking through the door.
Nikki Hurtado was my first primary contact. After speaking with her I knew that I had picked the right firm. She walked me through the process in plain understandable language. Even after numerous calls, she never made me feel like I was asking too many questions, and I always felt confident that my case was in expert hands.
My litigator was Daniel Di Matteo. If there was ever anyone that you would want by your side in a court of law, it would be him. He was everything that you would want in an attorney—calm, cool, always prepared, communicative and most importantly–experienced. He knew everything that was going to happen before it occurred but was prepared for any contingency. He is a fantastic attorney.
What really set them apart was their communication. I was kept informed at every stage — no chasing down updates, no wondering what was happening with my case. Calls and emails were returned promptly, and they proactively reached out whenever there was a development.
The professionalism of the entire team — from the attorneys to the support staff — was exceptional. Everyone I interacted with was kind, compassionate, and genuinely invested in my well-being, not just the outcome of my case.
And the outcome? Better than I could have hoped for. They fought hard on my behalf and secured a result that truly reflected the impact this injury had on my life.
You could ask for no better firm or attorney.
Keeth K.
Free Case Consultation
Our Trial and Appellate Attorneys Are Ready to Fight for You
If you were seriously injured, remember that it is crucial to choose the right law firm to represent your interests. We have been doing this for more than 40 years, and have the resources you need to challenge any opponent!
