Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Drugs and medical devices law covers the regulation, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, prescribing and post-market surveillance of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. In the United States, the federal Food and Drug Administration - FDA - sets baseline rules for safety, efficacy and labeling for drugs and devices. In Columbus and the rest of Ohio, state law and state agencies add additional rules for licensing, controlled-substance monitoring, professional discipline and consumer protection. Cases involving drugs and devices can include regulatory compliance matters, product liability claims, medical malpractice when a drug or device harms a patient, criminal charges for illegal distribution or prescribing, and business disputes for manufacturers and suppliers.
Legal issues involving drugs and medical devices are often complex, technical and time-sensitive. You may need a lawyer if any of the following situations apply:
- You or a family member was injured by a prescription drug, over-the-counter medication or medical device and you want to explore compensation or file a product liability claim.
- A manufacturer, distributor or healthcare provider is recalling a product or advising you to stop use and you need help preserving evidence and documenting damages.
- You are a healthcare professional facing state discipline, criminal investigation or civil liability for prescribing controlled substances or for conduct related to drugs or devices.
- You are a company that manufactures, imports or distributes drugs or devices and need help with FDA compliance, state registration, recalls, adverse event reporting or defending enforcement actions.
- You received a recall notice or an adverse event notification and want to know your legal rights and options.
- You are facing allegations of Medicare or Medicaid fraud related to drugs or devices, or have contractual disputes with suppliers, hospitals or payors.
Key local and state legal frameworks that apply in Columbus include:
- Ohio Controlled Substances Law - Ohio Revised Code sections dealing with controlled substances set criminal offenses and penalties for unlawful possession, distribution and improper prescribing. Prescribers and pharmacists must follow both federal and Ohio rules when handling controlled substances.
- Ohio Board of Pharmacy and Ohio State Medical Board - These state boards regulate pharmacy practice, pharmacist licensing, drug distribution in Ohio, and physician licenses and discipline. Complaints about professional conduct, diversion or improper prescribing are handled by these boards.
- Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System - OARRS - Ohio operates a prescription drug monitoring program that tracks controlled substance prescriptions. Prescribers and pharmacists in Columbus must check OARRS as required by Ohio law to help detect diversion and misuse.
- Product liability and personal injury law - Injury claims in Columbus are governed by Ohio civil law, including statutes of limitations. For most personal injury claims, including many product suits, the general limitation period is two years from the date of injury or discovery. Medical malpractice claims have unique timing rules under Ohio law - consult counsel promptly.
- Federal rules remain central for drugs and devices - FDA premarket approval, clearance pathways, labeling and post-market reporting obligations apply everywhere in the United States, including Columbus. Many device and drug recall processes, adverse event reporting and regulatory enforcement are handled at the federal level.
- Local courts and enforcement - Civil claims are typically filed in Franklin County courts if the harm occurred in Columbus. Criminal drug prosecutions follow state or federal charging paths depending on the facts. The Ohio Attorney General and local prosecutors handle consumer protection and criminal enforcement at the state level.
Focus first on health and safety - seek medical care and follow your provider's instructions. Preserve all evidence - keep the product, packaging, prescriptions, medication bottles, receipts, and store any emails or notices. Write down symptoms, dates and the names of providers. Report the event to your treating provider and consider reporting to the manufacturer and to the FDA and state authorities. Contact an attorney experienced in drugs and medical devices early to protect your legal rights and statute of limitations.
Both. The FDA enforces federal rules for approval, clearance, labeling, manufacturing practices and recalls for drugs and devices. Ohio state agencies - including the Ohio Board of Pharmacy, Ohio State Medical Board and the Ohio Department of Health - regulate licensing, prescribing, dispensing and some consumer protections within the state. Local prosecutors and the Ohio Attorney General may pursue enforcement for violations of state law.
Yes - if a drug or medical device is defective and causes harm you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor or others in the supply chain. Claims can include design defect, manufacturing defect, or failure to warn. Product cases are often complex - they require medical records, device analysis, and expert testimony. An experienced attorney can assess your claim and explain legal options.
Time limits vary by claim. The general statute of limitations for personal injury in Ohio is two years from the date of injury or discovery. Medical malpractice has special rules - often one year from discovery but subject to an outer limit (commonly four years from the act). Federal claims and specific product liability rules can affect timing. Because deadlines can be strict, contact a lawyer promptly to avoid losing your right to sue.
Adverse events can be reported to the FDA through its adverse event reporting mechanisms and to the manufacturer. In Ohio, you can also notify the Ohio Board of Pharmacy or the Ohio Department of Health if a regulated professional or facility is involved. Your healthcare provider can assist with reporting. Keep copies of your reports and any responses you receive.
If a licensed professional in Columbus is investigated for improper prescribing, diversion or dispensing errors, the Ohio State Medical Board or Ohio Board of Pharmacy may open a disciplinary action. A lawyer can represent the professional during the investigation and hearing process. If you are a patient harmed by professional misconduct, you may pursue a malpractice or negligence claim and file a complaint with the appropriate board.
Manufacturers and distributors operating in Columbus must comply with federal FDA rules and applicable Ohio registration or licensing requirements. Ensure compliance with good manufacturing practices, adverse event reporting, state drug distributor licensing, record-keeping and OARRS reporting obligations if you handle controlled substances. Local economic development or county resources can also help with permits and inspections.
Yes - successful product liability, malpractice, or negligence cases can recover economic damages such as medical expenses and lost income, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. The types of recoverable damages, caps and proof requirements depend on the claim and whether the case is in state or federal court. A lawyer will evaluate your damages and likelihood of recovery.
Many personal injury and product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis - you pay no fee unless you recover money. For regulatory defense, licensing matters or corporate compliance, lawyers often charge hourly fees or flat rates. Ask about billing structure, likely costs, expenses for experts and the attorney's experience in drugs and devices before signing an engagement agreement.
Look for attorneys or firms with experience in product liability, FDA regulatory matters, healthcare law or white-collar criminal defense if criminal charges are possible. Check credentials, case history, and whether they work with medical and scientific experts. Local resources to locate counsel include the Columbus Bar Association and the Ohio State Bar Association.
Below are types of organizations and agencies that can provide information or handle complaints related to drugs and medical devices in Columbus and Ohio:
- Federal agencies - Food and Drug Administration - FDA. The FDA handles approvals, recalls, adverse event reporting and many device-related enforcement matters.
- State boards - Ohio Board of Pharmacy and Ohio State Medical Board. These boards license and discipline pharmacists, pharmacies and physicians.
- Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System - OARRS - Ohio's prescription drug monitoring program used to track controlled substance prescriptions.
- Ohio Department of Health and Ohio Attorney General - State agencies that investigate public health issues and consumer protection matters.
- Local courts - Franklin County Common Pleas Court and Columbus municipal courts handle civil and criminal matters that may arise from drugs and devices incidents.
- Professional associations and patient advocacy groups - National patient safety and advocacy organizations and local patient support groups can assist with information and support if you are affected by a harmful drug or device.
- Medical centers and hospitals in Columbus - Treating providers can document injuries and provide medical records needed for claims. Major health systems in Columbus can also be a resource for clinical questions and second opinions.
If you need legal assistance involving drugs or medical devices in Columbus, consider the following practical steps:
- Seek immediate medical care - Your health is the priority. Make sure injuries are documented by medical professionals.
- Preserve evidence - Keep the product, packaging, prescriptions, medication labels, receipts and any notices. Photograph injuries and the product. Save emails and records of communications with providers or manufacturers.
- Collect documentation - Obtain medical records, billing statements, prescriptions, pharmacy records, and any communications related to the product or treatment.
- Report the event - Notify your treating provider, the manufacturer and consider reporting to the FDA and the appropriate Ohio board. Keep copies of all reports.
- Contact an experienced attorney - Look for counsel with experience in product liability, FDA matters, healthcare compliance or criminal defense depending on your situation. Ask about experience, fee structure and potential case strategy.
- Act promptly - Legal deadlines are strict. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence and meet filing timelines.
- Plan for next steps - Your lawyer can advise on investigations, expert opinions, potential settlement or litigation, and whether to pursue administrative complaints or civil claims. They can also coordinate with medical experts to document causation and damages.
Getting informed, documenting everything and seeking experienced legal help are the most important actions you can take if you face a drugs or medical devices legal issue in Columbus.
