# Spoliation of Evidence

> The intentional or negligent destruction, alteration, or failure to preserve evidence that is relevant to pending or reasonably anticipated litigation.

**Category:** Legal Procedure
**Canonical URL:** https://drugsmonitor.com/glossary/spoliation-of-evidence
**Last updated:** 2026-06-11

Spoliation is a serious issue in mass tort litigation. When a manufacturer destroys internal documents, emails, or data related to drug safety after litigation is reasonably anticipated, courts may impose sanctions including adverse inference instructions, fines, or default judgment.

For plaintiffs, spoliation includes losing or destroying medication, pill bottles, medical records, or product packaging. Preserving evidence from the moment you suspect a drug injury is critical to your case.

If you believe you may have a drug injury claim, do not throw away any related materials. Save pill bottles, prescription records, appointment notes, and any correspondence with healthcare providers or the manufacturer.

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*Glossary entry from DrugsMonitor.com.*