An analysis by the National Safety Council revealed that in 2017, for the first time in history, Americans are more likely to die from an accidental opioid overdose than a car crash.
In the midst of an opioid epidemic, the odds of dying from an accidental opioid overdose (1 in 96) officially surpassed the odds of dying in a motor vehicle crash (1 in 103), and falling (1 in 144). It is now the leading cause of death from a preventable injury.
In some cases, these deaths are the result of medical providers overprescribing or failing to properly monitor the prescribed opioids, making them preventable. Even as the government implements policies to curb the overprescribing of opioids, the death toll keeps rising. According to the report, there are 466 lives lost each day from an accidental opioid overdose.
If you have suffered the loss of a loved one due to an accidental overdose of an opioid that you feel was improperly prescribed, you should consult an experienced attorney. Stark & Stark’s Personal Injury team can give you a free evaluation of the case.