CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - Lawmakers are pondering a move that would open the door for civil action against manufacturers and prescribers of prescription drugs if patients suffer injury as a result of becoming addicted to the medicine.
Democratic Sen. Tick Segerblom of Las Vegas presented the measure Wednesday to his Senate Judiciary Committee.
If a suit is filed and the patient prevails, the drug providers would be liable for rehabilitation fees for breaking the addiction, attorney's fees and punitive damages. Any controlled substance or dangerous drug that can only be obtained through legal prescription would qualify under this bill.
Opponents say the measure would tie doctors' hands when dealing with patients because most medical prescriptions or procedures have possible adverse side effects.
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