The Injury Lawyer Directory Blog

Another Toyota Recall on the Horizon?

2010-02-04T10:08:00.001-08:00

Toyota has certainly taken its lumps in recent months, but it appears they are not done yet. The auto manufacturer faces another potential defective auto problem, this time involving the widely popular 2010 Prius. The Prius is their third best-selling vehicle in the United States behind the Camry and Corolla.

More than 100 complaints have been filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration involving potential defective brake issues with the Prius. These reports allege that when the vehicle is driven on a bumpy or frozen road, the brakes have a tendency to cause the car to jerk forward or accelerate for a brief instance.

The past six months have seen a variety of defective auto allegations against Toyota vehicles, spurring two separate recalls. The first Toyota recall involved more than 4.2 million vehicles with defective floor mats which would catch on the gas pedal, resulting in unwanted acceleration. The second recall involved a defective gas pedal which would stick, resulting in excessive acceleration. More than 2.3 million vehicles were recalled for this problem. If Toyota decides to recall the Prius, it will be their third major recall since last fall.

If you have been injured in an auto accident caused by a defective Toyota, you may be able to receive compensation for your damages. An experienced defective auto attorney can help ensure you recover what you rightfully deserve.

If you have a defective auto claim in the Denver, Colorado area, please contact the experienced product liability lawyers at Burg, Simpson, Eldredge, Hersh & Jardine, P.C. today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Transportation Secretary Recommends Not Driving Defective Toyotas

2010-02-03T10:11:00.001-08:00

Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood issued a statement earlier this week advising owners of defective Toyotas to stop driving the vehicles altogether due to safety concerns. The auto manufacturer has recently recalled millions of defective autos containing gas pedals which tend to stick, causing the vehicle to accelerate to dangerous speeds.

Several days ago, Toyota informed the general public that they have determined how to fix the defective product. All recalled vehicles will need to get the pedal assembly reinforced. This will correct the friction problem which has caused many gas pedals to stick.

Replacement parts are currently en route to dealers around the country. Once they arrive, dealers will be working around the clock to repair the problem. Owners of the defective vehicles will be contacted by the auto manufacturer shortly with information about how to proceed with the recall.

Recalled vehicles include:

2009-2010 RAV4, Corolla, Matrix
2005-2010 Avalon
2007-2010 Camry, Tundra
2010 Highlander
2008-2010 Sequoia

This is the second major recall of Toyotas in recent months. Earlier last fall, Toyota initiated a different recall due to defective floor mats which were getting caught on the gas pedal. If you have been injured in a serious auto accident caused by either of these two product defects, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. An experienced defective auto attorney can help ensure you get what you rightfully deserve.

If you have a defective auto claim in the Dallas, Texas area, please contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Polewski & Associates today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Truckers, Bus Drivers Now Prohibited from Texting while Driving

2010-01-27T09:42:00.001-08:00

A new federal law has placed a ban on texting while driving for drivers of commercial trucks and buses. The new law is designed to curb bus accidents and truck accidents caused by distracted driving.

The law will go into effect immediately, levying fines as large as $2,750 on drivers who fail to comply. Truck and bus drivers may also face both criminal and civil penalties if caught texting while driving.

There has been an increasing body of evidence indicating that texting while driving poses a serious danger to other drivers on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has presented research indicating that drivers do not focus on the road for roughly 4.6 out of every 6 seconds they are texting. Furthermore, texting while driving results in a 20 times greater likelihood of getting involved in a truck or auto accident.

Over the past year, the federal government has ramped up their efforts to curb distracted driving. President Obama recently approved an executive order prohibiting federal employees from texting while driving government-owned vehicles, and 19 states have enacted laws making it illegal to text while driving.

It is important to consult an experienced truck accident attorney if you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted truck driver. These claims are very complex, and your lawyer will need a solid understanding of both federal and state trucking regulations in order to help you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.

If you have a truck accident claim in the Denver, Colorado area, please contact the law offices of Burg, Simpson, Eldredge, Hersh & Jardine, P.C. today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Fatal Track Accident Kills Two Metro Workers

2010-01-26T14:09:00.001-08:00

Two Metro workers were hit by a maintenance truck last night while working on a closed track. Both men died in the work-related railroad accident. They were installing safety equipment on the track at the time of the accident.

The DC Metro system has endured a series of horrific accidents over the past year, leading many to question Metro's safety practices. The most notable incident was a fatal train accident last June taking the lives of eight passengers and a train operator. There were two other fatal Metro accidents in the past year, resulting in the death of two employees.

In November, three employees were injured in a work-related accident when a train on its way back to the rail yard struck a parked train. In December, another accident was narrowly averted when a team of inspectors was almost hit by a train traveling at excessive speeds.

Recently, Metro has taken steps to improve safety by holding a three day workshop with nation-wide track safety experts. However, these efforts were not enough to prevent last night's fatal workplace accident.

Metro will most likely face two wrongful death lawsuits from the accident victims' surviving family members.

If you have lost a loved one in a work-related accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. It is important to consult an experienced wrongful death lawyer who can help you with your claim.

If you have a wrongful death or workplace injury claim in the Washington, D.C. area, please contact the law offices of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Baby's Death Spurs Crib Recall

2010-01-20T09:54:00.001-08:00

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the death of a six-month-old baby from Iowa has led to the recall of more than 635,000 cribs. The recall encompasses 20 models of Dorel Asia cribs with drop sides and fixed front rails.

The recall was initiated due to product defects in the cribs resulting in the drop sides detaching, creating a dangerous situation where young children are likely to get trapped and suffocate. The baby from Iowa strangled to death after getting trapped when the crib's drop side broke.

Other defective cribs were recalled due to children getting trapped when the slats break. This breakage can occur while the crib is being used, when it is being assembled, or during shipping.

The CPSC and the crib manufacturer have received 31 reports of drop side detachments; six of these incidents resulted in babies getting trapped. They have also received 36 reports of broken slats resulting in two children getting trapped.

These recalled cribs are sold at Kmart, Sears, and Wal-Mart. You can call Dorel Asia at 866-762-2304 to receive a free repair kit or visit their website at www.dorel-asia.com to learn more about recall protocol.

If your child was injured using one of these defective cribs, you should consult an experienced defective product attorney to see if you are eligible to receive compensation for your damages.

If you have a defective product claim in the Denver, Colorado area, please contact the law offices of Burg, Simpson, Eldredge, Hersh & Jardine, P.C. today to schedule your free initial consultation.

FDA Comes Down on Johnson and Johnson for Poor Response in Tylenol Recall

2010-01-19T09:38:00.001-08:00

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expressed growing concern over Johnson and Johnson's poor response to reports of defective products, including a variety of over-the-counter drugs. The organization has been very critical of the pharmaceutical company, claiming they have failed to take the appropriate action necessary to correct the problem in a timely manner.

While Johnson and Johnson has been receiving numerous complaints from consumers regarding a moldy, musty, or mildew-like odor associated with several of their products since 2008, the company did not issue a recall until November 2009. Last week, the Tylenol recall has been expanded to include other over-the-counter drugs made by Johnson and Johnson.

Symptoms associated with the defective drugs include nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. A spokesperson for Johnson and Johnson has downplayed the issue, claiming that only a small number of complaints were reported and side effects were not serious.

The FDA does not agree with the pharmaceutical manufacturer's assessment of the issue, arguing that Johnson and Johnson had an obligation to consumers to aggressively investigate and solve the problem in a timely manner.

As a result of Johnson and Johnson's failure to take appropriate action, the FDA recently issued a warning letter to the company requiring them to report back within 15 days, detailing their efforts to address the situation. Failure to take appropriate action at this point will most likely result in more serious consequences, including legal action.

Currently, the Johnson and Johnson recall includes:

Junior strength Motrin
Children's Tylenol grape meltaway tablets
Extra strength Tylenol
Extra strength Tylenol rapid release gelcaps
Extra strength Tylenol PM geltabs
Motrin caplets
Extra strength Rolaids fresh mint tablets
St. Joseph Aspirin chewable orange tablets
Benadryl allergy ultratab tablets

Additional recall information can be found at www.mcneilproductrecall.com or by calling 1-888-222-6036.

If you have suffered an injury from taking one of these defective drugs, you should consult an experienced defective drug attorney to see if you are eligible to receive compensation for your damages.

If you have a defective drug claim in the New York City area, please contact the law offices of Trief & Olk today to schedule your initial consultation.

New Software will Prohibit Drivers from Texting

2010-01-13T09:55:00.001-08:00

A mother in Massachusetts recently witnessed her teenage son weave across the road while using his cell phone, inspiring her to create a new application which prevents cell phone users from sending and receiving text messages while driving.

The new phone application, called the iZup, starts working once the vehicle reaches speeds exceeding 5 mph, and it remains in effect while at red lights or stuck in traffic. Passengers with the iZup on their phones will not be able to text either.

While it may seem unlikely that drivers will want to give up their ability to use their cell phones on the road, the iZup's creator believes the application will be very popular among parents with teenage drivers.

The iZup does allow calls to 911 and the cell phone owner's parents. The software can be downloaded for $5 a month or $50 a year.

Texting while driving is one of the leading causes of auto accidents today. Studies have shown it impairs your ability to concentrate on the road more than driving under the influence of alcohol.

If you have been injured in an auto accident caused by a distracted driver texting on a cell phone, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. It is important to consult an experienced auto accident attorney who can help you with the filing of your claim.

If you have an auto accident claim in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area, please contact the auto accident attorneys at Truitt Law Offices today to schedule your free initial consultation.

High School Student Dies in Fatal School Bus Accident

2010-01-11T10:32:00.001-08:00

A trip to a local robotics competition ended in tragedy for a group of Hartford, Connecticut high school students when a 16-year-old honor student was killed in a fatal school bus accident on the way to the competition.

The accident occurred after a Volvo, driven by a 16-year-old, collided with the bus on the highway. The bus veered off the road and fell 20 feet into a ravine. No one else, including the driver of the Volvo, was injured in the bus accident.

The cause of the accident has yet to be determined, although police believe that an unsafe lane change may have led to the collision. It is uncertain which vehicle was guilty of the driving infraction. The accident is also under investigation by the DMV; they are reviewing the mechanical records of the school bus.

Several people involved in the accident believe that if the school bus were equipped with seat belts, the student may have survived the accident. Local lawmakers are using this incident to spearhead an initiative to introduce legislation which would make seat belts mandatory for all state school buses.

If your loved one has been injured or suffered a wrongful death in a school bus accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. These claims are highly complex, and you will want to work with an experienced school bus accident attorney who understands the nuances of these cases.

If you have a school bus accident claim in the Washington, D.C. area, please contact the experienced school bus accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Brain Injury Rehabilitation

2010-01-08T12:12:00.000-08:00

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by physical force to the head. TBI is most commonly caused by slips and falls. Car accidents are the second leading cause. While TBI is avoidable, accidents do happen. The effects of a TBI can be irreversible and it is vital that medical attention is sought immediately following a potentially damaging physical hit to the head. While one might feel fine, there are sometimes problems occurring within the head that cannot be seen or felt right away. With immediate and proper treatment, the effects of a TBI can be minimized. In some instances a full recovery can be made.

To detect any interior brain damage that may be occurring, trained medical specialists combine their knowledge of the brain with the use of cutting edge technology to test for abnormalities and fully diagnose the severity of the injury. While there are a lot of medical professionals that treat TBI patients, a specialist will provide more resources to the patient; giving them a better chance at a full recovery. CareMeridian is one TBI specialist located throughout California and Arizona, as well as in Las Vegas, Nevada. CareMeridian has a fully experienced staff of medical professionals that provide specialty subacute care and rehabilitation services for TBI patients. Ultimately, their patients have a greater chance at fully recovering.

One other aspect of rehabilitation is dealing with frustration and mental anguish. A car accident can be traumatizing and lasting injuries can be reminders of a horrific experience. It is important that a TBI patient be surrounded by people who care and people who can relate. It is likely that a TBI specialist will have other patients around that can relate to the experience allowing camaraderie to be established. A smaller facility will also allow medical professionals to understand their patients on a personal level by giving them more time to get to know them as an individual, understanding their needs, and befriending them throughout the rehabilitation process. CareMeridian Las Vegas, for instance, has an 18 patient capacity and provides this type of environment. They also strive to establish a strong feeling of hope within each patient and make an outstanding effort to keep family members and friends that are close to the patient involved as much as possible to help promote that feeling of hope and support.

Godsmack Frontman Settles Auto Accident Claim

2010-01-06T14:16:00.001-08:00

Sully Erna, vocalist for the band Godsmack, has recently settled an auto accident claim with Lindsay Taylor and her family. The 27-year-old woman suffered a severe traumatic brain injury as a result of the accident.

On April 11, 2007, Erna was involved in a three car collision while driving his Hummer H3 in Massachusetts. His vehicle rear-ended a Toyota Camry. Taylor was in the back seat of the Camry and suffered the brain injury in the accident.

Taylor and her family sued Erna, claiming his negligent driving was responsible for the auto accident. Erna unsuccessfully argued that partial blame for the accident should fall on the driver of the Camry, since he rear-ended another vehicle first, causing the collision with Erna's Hummer.

As part of the settlement, Erna must pay $3.3 million up front. Lindsay Taylor will receive $1 million, while $1.8 million will be used to cover attorneys' fees. The remainder of the $3.3 million will be distributed to Lindsay's mother and father.

The multi-million dollar auto accident settlement will also continue to provide Taylor with monthly payments for several decades. She will receive:

$4,637 per month for five years with a 3% annual increase
$5,492 per month for the next 14 years with a 3% annual increase
$9,659 per month after that for the rest of her life with a 3% annual increase

Also, Lindsay's mother Elaine will begin receiving $710 each month for 20 years starting in 2017. This settlement is pending approval by the courts.

If a negligent driver caused an auto accident resulting in serious injury to you or a loved one, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. It is important to consult an experienced auto accident attorney who can help you receive what you rightfully deserve.

If you have an auto accident claim in the Baltimore, Maryland area, please contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at The Yost Legal Group today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Ohio Family Settles Wrongful Death Suit for $2.5 Million

2010-01-05T09:35:00.001-08:00

Two years ago, Tarika Wilson was shot and killed at her home in Columbus, Ohio. Recently, her family settled a wrongful death lawsuit with the city of Columbus for $2.5 million. Wilson, unarmed at the time, was shot by a police officer.

The shooting occurred as part of a SWAT team raid of Wilson's home. Police officers were searching for her boyfriend, who later pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges. One police officer errantly fired three shots into a bedroom containing Wilson and her six children. Wilson was the only person killed during the shooting, although her one-year-old son, who was in her arms at the time, was shot as well. He later had a finger amputated due to the incident.

The officer claimed he believed his life was in danger, even though he could not clearly see into the bedroom to determine who was in the room or whether or not anyone was armed.

Upon approval by a federal judge, the settlement will be placed in a fund to be used for Wilson's children, who are now being raised by Wilson's mother and sisters.

The settlement offer was made by the city's insurance company acting on their behalf. Columbus officials have clearly stated that they still stand behind the actions of the negligent police officer, and that this settlement is not an admission of liability.

If your loved one has died due to the negligent actions of another, you may be entitled to receive compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit. These claims are highly complex and time sensitive. Therefore, it is important to consult an experienced lawyer as soon as possible to begin the filing process.

If you have a wrongful death claim in the Columbus, Ohio area, please contact the law offices of Robert W. Kerpsack CO., L.P.A. today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Identity Theft Victims Get Their Day in Court

2009-12-28T12:44:00.000-08:00

United States District Judge Thomas B. Russell of Paducah, Kentucky recently gave preliminary approval to a settlement between Countrywide Financial Corp (owned by Bank of America) and millions of Countrywide customers whose financial information was exposed in a breach of the company's security. The victims of identity theft (approximately 17 million people) will get free credit monitoring; the settlement also entitles each identity theft victim up to $50,000 in reimbursement from the company if something of value was lost.

The lawsuits, which were granted class action status, stem from the arrest of a former senior analyst at Countrywide and an accomplice. The analyst allegedly used a flash drive to download the information of about 20,000 customers each week over the course of two years. The information was then sold to the accomplice. The accomplice has since pleaded guilty to 10 counts of fraud, but the former analyst has pleaded not guilty; his trial is set for January 2010.

A spokeswoman of Bank of America stated that the settlement was in the bank's best interest to avoid future, additional legal expenses.

If your identity has been "stolen" by having your financial information exposed to be used by others for profit, you may have a valid identity theft claim on your hands. Please contact an experienced identity theft attorney today to schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation.

Prescription Error Led to Potential Infant Overdose

2009-12-15T10:03:00.001-08:00

A prescription error at a local New Jersey CVS may have resulted in permanent damage to Jayden Trowbridge, an eight-month-old baby. The label on Jayden's prescription cough medicine called for four times the appropriate dosage for a child of his age and weight. Instead of receiving the proper dosage for a 19-pound child, he was prescribed the amount a 120-pound adult would receive.

As a result, Jayden could not sleep for the four days he took the prescription cough medicine. His mother describes him as being jittery, anxious, crying, and whining, which are all uncharacteristic of the typically laid back baby.

The family is currently looking to CVS for answers. The pharmacy's label instructed Jayden to take one full teaspoon every 12 hours, even though the doctor's prescription called for the correct dosage, ¼ teaspoon every 12 hours.

Jayden's family is still worried about the long-term consequences of this prescription error, and they are currently uncertain whether their child has sustained any permanent damage as a result of the overdose.

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as a result of a prescription error, you may be entitled to receive compensation through a medical malpractice lawsuit. It is important to consult an experienced attorney who can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you have been the victim of a prescription error in the New York City area, please contact the New York medical malpractice lawyers at Silberstein, Awad & Miklos, P.C. today to schedule your free initial consultation.

DUI Death Rates on the Decline for Most States

2009-12-07T11:41:00.001-08:00

The Transportation Department recently released figures indicating that drunk driving fatality rates declined in 40 states and the District of Columbia during the 2008 calendar year. In 2008, 11,773 people died in auto accidents caused by drunk drivers compared to 13,041 people in 2007.

Eight states and the District of Columbia saw their DUI fatality rates drop by more than 20%, and only seven states had rates that increased significantly. It will be interesting to see if these trends continue once the 2009 figures are released in the upcoming months.

According to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, the states that showed the most significant improvements in DUI-related deaths had the most aggressive policies in place for patrolling roadways and prosecuting DUIs. Many of these states strategically used check points to catch drunk drivers, particularly during holidays known for an increase in drinking and driving.

If you have been injured in an auto accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal auto accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to receive compensation for your loss. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you with your claim so that you receive what is rightfully yours.

If you have an alcohol-related auto accident claim in the West Palm Beach, Florida area, please contact the law offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Tiger Woods Cancels Tournament Appearance after Auto Accident

2009-11-30T15:27:00.001-08:00

Tiger Woods has cancelled an appearance this week at the Chevron World Challenge golf tournament. He is currently recovering from minor injuries sustained in an auto accident early last Friday morning.

The accident occurred outside his home near Orlando, Florida. Woods backed out of his driveway and hit a fire hydrant on the side of the road. He then crashed into a tree by a neighbor's home. Woods suffered cuts and bruises from the auto accident and was treated at a local hospital.

Immediately following the accident, Tiger's wife used a golf club to break the rear window of his SUV, and she pulled him out of the vehicle. He has cancelled several interviews with police investigators over the weekend, saying he wishes to maintain his privacy. The auto accident is still under investigation, although alcohol is not believed to be a factor. No other vehicles were involved, and no one else was injured.

If you have suffered a serious injury in an auto accident caused by the negligence of another driver, it is important to consult an experienced auto accident attorney who can battle the insurance companies and help you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you have an auto accident claim in the Orlando, Florida area, please contact the Orlando personal injury office of Stephen J. Knox today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Procter & Gamble Recalls Several Batches of Vicks Nasal Spray

2009-11-23T17:01:00.001-08:00

Proctor & Gamble has issued a voluntary recall for Vicks Sinex nasal spray in the United States, Great Britain, and Germany. The recall was initiated after the pharmaceutical company found bacteria in a small portion of the product manufactured at a German plant.

Currently, there have not been any reports of serious illness from the contaminated nasal spray; however, it could potentially lead to serious infections in people who have weakened immune systems or suffer from chronic lung conditions such as cystic fibrosis.

According to Procter & Gamble, the bacteria contained in the nasal spray should not affect healthy people.

The contaminated product was discovered during a routine quality control evaluation at the German plant. The bacteria were only detected in one batch of raw material used in three lots of the product. The contaminated product was only sold in the three countries involved in the recall.

The following products are part of the Vicks recall:

United States -- Vicks Sinex Vapospray 12-Hour Decongestant Ultra Fine Mist, lot number 9239028831
Great Britain -- Vicks Sinex Micromist Aqueous Nasal Spray, lot number 9224028832
Germany -- Wick Sinex Schnupfenspray Dosiersystem, lot number 9224028833

Lot numbers can be found on both the outer carton and the bottle. All recalled products are packaged in a 15-mililiter size. Procter & Gamble has urged consumers to discard the product and call the company for a replacement coupon or refund. Additional recall information can be found on their website, www.pg.com.

If you have suffered an injury from using a contaminated Vicks nasal spray, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. It is important to consult an experienced defective product attorney who can help you with the filing of your claim.

If you have a defective product claim in the Baltimore, Maryland area, please contact the Baltimore defective product lawyers at The Yost Legal Group today to schedule your free initial consultation.

4 Killed in Car-Train Crash

2009-11-17T12:55:00.001-08:00

Four people were killed in an auto accident last night when an Amtrak train hit the vehicle. The accident occurred near the South Carolina-Georgia border. One of the accident victims was a 12-year-old child.

The gates had already been lowered to block traffic from the on-coming train. However, the car tried to go around the gate arms in an attempt to get across the tracks before the gate arrived. The vehicle became wedged onto the front of the Amtrak train, which pushed it down the track for approximately one mile. It took rescue workers more than three hours to pry the car off the train.

None of the passengers on board the train were injured in the car-train accident. They were eventually taken by bus to their destination in Savannah, Georgia.

If you have been injured in railroad crossing accident caused by the negligence of another, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your damages. It is important to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer who can assist you in filing your claim.

If you have an auto accident claim in the Atlanta, Georgia area, please contact the Atlanta auto accident lawyers at Robbins & Associates, P.C. today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Stroller Recall

2009-11-10T09:17:00.001-08:00

Maclaren has issued a voluntary recall on approximately one million strollers due to a defect that places babies at risk of finger amputation. Currently, there have been at least 12 babies or toddlers who have lost their fingers after they got caught in the stroller hinges.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has urged consumers to stop using the defective strollers at once. Maclaren has announced that they will provide consumers with a free repair kit to correct the problem with the defective hinges.

The defective strollers possess hinges that open and close with an "umbrella" mechanism. Young children are at risk of fingertip laceration and amputation while the stroller is unfolding.

The stroller models affected date back to 1999, retail between $100 and $400, and are sold at stores such as Target and Babies R Us. The product recall covers the following models:

Volo
Triumph
Quest Sport
Quest Mod
Techno XT
Techno XLR
Twin Triumph
Twin Techno
Easy Traveller

Maclaren claims that the strollers meet U.S. safety standards; however, they have chosen to recall the models to alert consumers of the risk of injury when opening and closing the strollers. They have not issued a similar recall for strollers being sold in Europe.

To find out additional information about the recall, you can contact Maclaren at 877-688-2326 or visit www.maclaren.us/recall.

If your child has suffered a finger amputation as a result of using one of these strollers, you may be entitled to receive compensation through a defective product lawsuit. It is important to consult an experienced attorney who can begin filing your claim.

If you have a defective product claim in the Washington, D.C. area, please contact the experienced Washington, D.C. product liability attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today to schedule your initial consultation.

Byetta Linked to Development of Altered Kidney Function

2009-11-04T09:36:00.001-08:00

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked the makers of the drug Byetta to revise the drug's label in an attempt to properly warn consumers of the risk of developing altered kidney function from taking Byetta.

Byetta is a drug used to improve glycemic control in adults suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. Between April 2005 and October 2008, the FDA received reports of 78 cases of altered kidney function in patients taking Byetta. The majority of these cases (62) resulted in acute renal failure, while the other 16 cases resulted in renal insufficiency. Several of these cases occurred in patients who either had pre-existing kidney disease or who were at higher risk of developing kidney conditions.

During this time, there were more than 6.6 million prescriptions dispensed for Byetta. Therefore, 78 cases of altered kidney function represent a relatively small percentage of patients taking Byetta. Nevertheless, the FDA felt this number was large enough to warrant the update to the drug's label.

Many of the patients suffering altered kidney function reported symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, all of which are common side effects of Byetta.

If you are taking Byetta, you should pay close attention for any signs of altered kidney function, such as:

Changes in urination (color, frequency, amount)
Unexplained swelling of extremities
Changes in blood pressure
Lethargy
Changes in appetite or digestion
Dull ache in mid to lower back

If you experience any of the above symptoms or nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, you should contact your doctor immediately.

If you have suffered altered kidney function as a result of taking Byetta, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. It is important to consult with an experienced defective drug
lawyer who can help you through the process.

If you have a defective drug claim in the Tulsa, Oklahoma area, please contact the Tulsa defective drug attorneys at Stipe, Harper, Laizure, Uselton, Belote, Maxcey & Thetford today to schedule your initial consultation.

Half a Million Pounds of Beef Recalled for E. coli

2009-11-03T15:48:00.001-08:00

Fairbank Farms has recently issued a voluntary recall on more than a half a million pounds of ground beef after discovering the defective product may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria. So far, there are two deaths potentially linked to the contaminated beef.

Fairbank Farms is a meat producing company in Ashville, New York. The product recall includes roughly 545,699 pounds of ground beef produced between September 14 and September 16. Eight states on the east coast were included in the recall, although it is possible that some retailers may have shipped the contaminated beef to states not included.

All consumers with the recalled beef products in their freezers should return them to their local grocery stores for a full refund. Retail stores carrying the contaminated beef include:

ACME
BJ's
Ford Brothers
Giant Food Stores
Price Chopper
Shaw's
Trader Joe's

Additional information about the recall can be found on the USDA website. The contaminated beef is at least 23 days past its expiration date, so it is unlikely that you will find any of it in stores anymore.

Ground beef containing E. coli can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and kidney failure in people consuming the tainted meat. If you have suffered a serious illness from eating a contaminated food product, it is important to consult an experienced defective product lawyer who can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you have a defective product claim in Vermont or New Hampshire, please contact the defective product lawyers at Cullenberg & Tensen today to schedule your initial consultation.

MS Drug, Tysabri, Linked to Brain Infection

2009-10-30T06:09:00.000-07:00

The Irish drug maker, Elan, has received a subpoena from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission seeking information related to its multiple-sclerosis drug, Tysabri. Back in July 2008, Elan and its marketing partner, Biogen Idec Inc. notified regulatory agencies of two confirmed cases of a rare infection of the brain known as "progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy" (PML) in MS patients taking the drug. Tysabri had been taken off the market years ago due to its dangerous side effects, but it was then re-launched with Elan and others monitoring its side effects very closely.

Tysabri received FDA approval in 2006 as a monotherapy (not to be used in combination with another disease-modifying therapy) for the treatment of patients with relapsing forms of MS to delay the accumulation of physical disability and reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations. Because of Tysabri's link to PML, this drug has generally only been recommended for patients who cannot tolerate alternate MS therapies.

Tysabri is given to patients once every four weeks by IV infusion.

The FDA prescribing information does include a black box warning about the risk of PML. PML usually leads to death or severe disability. PML symptoms include:

Clumsiness
Progressive weakness on one side of the body
Changes in thinking, memory, and orientation
Confusion

Though Tysabri had a black box warning about the risk of PML, you may be entitled to monetary compensation if you or a loved one has taken this drug and suffered from these very serious adverse effects.

If you have taken Tysabri or some other dangerous drug, please contact the defective drug attorneys at Jacoby & Meyers, LLC today to schedule a confidential consultation.

Patients Received Excessive Levels of Radiation Due to Medical Error

2009-10-27T12:14:00.001-07:00

California public health officials are currently investigating a series of medical errors committed by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Over the past 18 months, 206 patients received high doses of radiation during CT brain scans.

According to a statement released by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, patients were exposed to eight times the normal dose of radiation during CT scans used to diagnose strokes. The medical error was discovered in August after a patient reported hair loss following a CT scan. Several other patients have also suffered temporary hair loss and skin-reddening.

Public health officials have discovered that the machine in question has been set to a higher radiation level since February 2008. The hospital has notified all patients who received a CT scan from this machine during this time period.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a warning to hospitals across the country about the potential dangers of radiation from CT scans and asked all hospitals to review their safety procedures. Excessive doses of radiation pose a serious hazard to patients. Cedars-Sinai may potentially face a series of medical malpractice lawsuits as a result of this egregious error.

If you have been the victim of a medical error in the Los Angeles, California area, please contact the medical malpractice lawyers at Jacoby & Meyers today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Baby Food Recall

2009-10-20T10:06:00.001-07:00

Plum Organics has recalled apple and carrot baby food products in portable pouches. The product recall has been issued due to concerns of potential botulism contamination.

The baby food manufacturer released a statement indicating that these products do not meet FDA guidelines for acidity level. As a result, they may more easily develop botulism contamination.

Botulism is a serious health condition caused by the development of bacteria in food. In certain situations, it can be life threatening.

Plum Organics has urged consumers to stop feeding these defective products to their babies at once due to this serious health risk. As of now, there have been no reports of illness from the defective baby food, and Plum Organics claims that no other products have been contaminated.

The recalled baby food was sold across the country at Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-Us stores. It came in 4.22-ounce pouches with a "best by" date of May 21, 2010. The UPC code is 890180001221.

If your child develops botulism poisoning from ingesting contaminated Plum Organics baby food, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your child's damages. It is important to consult an experienced defective product lawyer at once to find out the best way to proceed with your case.

If you have a defective product claim in the Baltimore, Maryland area, please contact
the Maryland personal injury lawyers at Cohen & Dwin, P.A. today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Verdict Against Family Dollar Store Stands in Wage and Hour Lawsuit

2009-10-13T10:52:00.001-07:00

The United States Supreme Court decided that they would not review a $35.6 million judgment against Family Dollar Stores, Inc. in a class action
wage and hour lawsuit. As a result, the 2008 U.S. Court of Appeals ruling will stand, awarding each of the 1,424 plaintiffs in the lawsuit approximately $29,000 in back pay.

The class action lawsuit claimed that Family Dollar Stores violated the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act by forcing employees to work 60-70 hours a week without receiving overtime pay since they were technically considered "managers." However, much of their time at work was dedicated to non-managerial tasks such as mopping floors, unloading trucks, and stocking shelves.

A spokesperson for Family Dollar expressed the company's disappointment at the Supreme Court's decision, and they stand by their employment practices. Unfortunately, while the company will be forced to compensate employees for time worked, the ruling is unlikely to prevent them from committing similar wage and hour violations in the future.

If you have been the victim of unfair employment practices, an experienced employment lawyer can help you receive the fair compensation you deserve. It is important to hold employers accountable for their actions so that others are not subjected to similar unfair treatment in the future.

If you have a wage and hour claim in the Denver, Colorado area, please contact the Denver employment law attorneys at Burg, Simpson, Eldredge, Hersh & Jardine, P.C. today to schedule your free initial consultation.

Florida Nurse Reuses IV Supplies, Endangers Patients' Health

2009-10-06T10:45:00.001-07:00

A nurse at the Broward General Medical Center has been suspended by the hospital after they discovered that she had been reusing supplies while dispensing IV fluids during stress tests. The hospital has also urged all patients who may have received treatment with contaminated supplies to get tested for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis, C, and HIV.

The nurse repeatedly reused saline bags and tubing during cardiac stress tests, potentially exposing more than 1,800 patients to dangerous blood-borne diseases. This negligent behavior has been occurring since early in 2004.

The hospital recently discovered the transgression and took immediate action. They received an anonymous phone call on September 1, began an investigation at once, and suspended the nurse eight days later. Broward General Medical Center is currently conducting a rigorous review of the incident and considering changes to hospital protocol to ensure that this behavior does not happen again in the future.

Currently, there have been no reports of any patients getting hepatitis or HIV as a result of the nurse's actions.

A hospital has an obligation to provide safe treatment to all of its patients. When an employee violates proper safety protocol and injures a patient, both the employee and the hospital may be liable to compensate the victim for damages in medical malpractice
lawsuit.

If you have been injured by the negligent actions of a health care professional in the West Palm Beach, Florida area, please contact Florida medical malpractice attorney Craig Goldenfarb today to schedule your initial consultation.