Safety Alerts!
MDL Cases and Consumer Alerts
When a nationally released product (consumer, pharmaceutical, medical device, automotive, car seats, etc.) causes harm to numbers of consumers, the cases may be consolidated for efficiency in a one federal court district for the purpose of pre-trial hearings, motions, etc. Eventually, the cases are remanded back to its court of origin at the conclusion of the pre-trial proceedings. Such consolidation has proven to be a more efficient way of handling many similar cases.
The term for this type of legal action is MDL, which stands for Multi District Litigation.
Johnson Johnson Larson & Schaller, PC, has prosecuted many MDL cases through the years. Sometimes the defective and dangerous products are recalled, often after the harm has been brought to light in the courts.
If you have been harmed by the following, or others not listed below, turn to a law experienced in the MDL process. Attorney Michele Smith at JJLS Law is the litigation team leader in MDL claims.
Seat Heater Burns
With GM and Chrysler out of bankruptcy, we are again handling defective seat heater cases. Surface temperatures in defective seats can reach up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. We have represented over a dozen people with sensory loss below the waist who have sustained severe burns. On March 10, 2011, USA Today published an article on burns from car seat heaters with reference to our firm, and JJLS Law attorney Art Johnson wrote an article for the online publication Disability Today about the danger of seat heater burns.
Transvaginal Meshes or Slings (also called Pelvic Meshes) manufactured by:
C.R. Bard -- American Medical Systems -- Boston Scientific Corporation -- Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson) -- Coloplast Corporation
A transvaginal mesh/sling is a type of surgical mesh that is permanently implanted in women to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Serious injuries and side effects have been associated with implantation of transvaginal mesh products, including mesh erosion through the vagina, severe pelvic pain, vaginal infections, bleeding, sexual intercourse pain, organ perforation, urinary problems, recurrent prolapse, neuro-muscular problems, and vaginal scarring. Many of these complications require medical or surgical treatment and hospitalization. On July 13, 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)issued a warning to patients and healthcare providers of the serious risks associated with the use of these products and recommended that alternatives be considered to avoid mesh-related complications.
Thousands of mesh-related injury and death lawsuits have recently been consolidated for pretrial in national multidistrict litigation against mesh manufacturers C.R. Bard; American Medical Systems; Boston Scientific Corporation; Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson); and Coloplast Corporation. If you or someone you know has suffered a serious injury related to a transvaginal mesh/sling or pelvic mesh implant, call 1-800-783-2434 or email JJLS Law to talk with an attorney. Free consultation and case review.
Pradaxa
A number of patients around the country taking PRADAXA (dabigatran etexilate mesylate) have suffered severe and sometimes fatal bleeding or other serious injury. Manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim, Pradaxa is a blood thinner medicine designed to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat). Pradaxa has been linked, however, to excessive bleeding that can be serious or fatal. In December 2011, the FDA issued a safety announcement and is currently conducting a post-market safety review of the drug. If you or someone you know has experienced Pradaxa side effects of serious or fatal bleeding, and would like to speak with an attorney about a possible Pradaxa lawsuit, contact JJLS Law or call 1-800-783-2434 for a free consultation.
Stryker Hip Failures
On July 6, 2012, Stryker Orthopaedics recalled its REJUVENATE MODULAR and ABG II MODULAR-NECK STEM hip implants due to risks including fretting and metal corrosion at the modular-neck metal-on-metal junction that can damage local tissue around the replaced hip leading to complications, including significant pain, swelling, immobility, and/or failure of the hip. The Rejuvenate / ABG modular-neck stems are components used in many of Stryker's hip implant systems. If you underwent hip replacement surgery with one of these recalled Stryker hip implants, or another metal-on-metal hip implant such as the DePuy ASR, DePuy Pinnacle or Wright Conserve, and have experienced complications and/or hip failure as a result, contact JJLS Law, or 1-800-783-2434, for a free case review.
DePuy ASR Hip Failures
DePuy, a division of Johnson & Johnson, recalled its ASR XL metal-on-metal hip implant system on August 26, 2010, amid complaints of unusually high failure rates requiring revision surgery. Individuals that underwent hip implants or resurfacing on or after July 2003 should determine if they received a DePuy ASR implant. Some patients may experience a reaction to metal particles emitted from the artificial hip joints, resulting in pain and swelling around the joint, and in some cases damage to surrounding muscles, bones, and other tissues. The hips are also associated in some patients with high cobalt and chromium levels in the blood.
If you have received a DePuy ASR XL metal-on-metal hip, you should consult with your physician regarding any medical questions or concerns. If you are experiencing any related symptoms or require revision surgery, you may be entitled to compensation.
DePuy PINNACLE and Wright Conserve Hip Failures
Although not formally recalled by their manufacturers, the DePuy PINNACLE and Wright Conserve metal-on-metal component hip implants pose risks of permanent tissue and bone damage, as well as heavy metal poisoning. According to a study released in April 2012 published in the journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (J AM Acad Orthop Surg 2012; 20:214-222), corrosion remains the chief culprit in the failure of metal-on-metal modular implants. JJLS Law is a trial law firm committed to protecting and defending the rights of people injured through negligence and improper conduct. We have represented clients in courtrooms throughout Oregon and across the Northwest, for over 50 years. If you underwent hip replacement and received a DePuy Pinnacle or Wright Conserve metal-on-metal hip, you should consult with your physician regarding any medical questions or concerns. If you are experiencing any related symptoms, have had or require revision surgery, you may be entitled to compensation. Call us for a free case review. 1-800-783-2434.
Yaz and Yasmin Birth Control
These popular birth control pills contain a different type of progestin hormone known as drospirenone, which has been shown to induce gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, strokes and even heart attack in some of its users. There are over 4,600 cases pending in multidistrict litigation in federal court with additional injury cases being filed. Selected cases have now been chosen for bellwether trial.
NuvaRing Birth Control
NuvaRing is a prescription birth control ring that introduces estrogen and the progestin hormone desogestrel (a third generation progestin) into a woman's bloodstream, with increased side effects reported, including stroke, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis and heart attack. Nearly 600 cases are filed in federal multidistrict court for injuries and wrongful death caused by NuvaRing. Selected cases have now been chosen for bellwether trials.
Accutane
Accutane is an oral medication primarily prescribed to treat severe acne. Thousands of personal injury lawsuits have been filed against Roche Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Accutane, based on claims that the medication caused serious side effects. Roche pulled Accutane off the market in 2009, but Isotretinoin, the active ingredient in Accutane, is still available in generic forms under various brand names in the U.S. for the treatment of acne and other skin conditions.
Reglan
Metoclopramide (brand name: Reglan) has been typically prescribed to treat gastrointestinal disorders and nausea. Metoclopramide has been shown to cause tardive dyskinesia, or TD (a drug-induced movement disorder caused by chronic use of neuroleptic drugs) and similar drug induced movement disorders in patients who have taken the drug for a period of at least 3 months. Symptoms of TD include random movements in the tongue, lips or jaw as well as facial grimacing, movements of arms, legs, fingers and toes along with swaying movements of the trunk or hip.
Actos
Actos is an oral diabetes medication used for Type 2 Diabetes to help control blood sugar levels, which has been linked to increased risk of bladder cancer. If you have been diagnosed with a cancerous bladder tumor after taking the drug Actos, you may be entitled to compensation.
Zimmer NexGen Knee
The Zimmer NexGen Knee products are shown to have a higher than normal failure rate due to loosening and improper fusing which may cause pain and disability, and require a knee revision surgery. If your Zimmer NexGen Knee has failed, please call us for a free consultation.
Gardasil
Gardasil is marketed to young men and women between the ages of 9 and 26 by Merck Sharp & Dohme Co. as a vaccine that protects against four types of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), but most commonly to teenage girls for the prevention of cervical cancer. There have been over 21,000 reports to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System relating this vaccine to over 50 deaths, and other serious conditions, including, multiple sclerosis, blindness, Guillain-Barr Syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, paralysis, and blood clots.
Benzocaine
Benzocaine (Gels, Sprays, Liquids) is used during medical procedures to numb the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, and is also found over-the-counter for pain relief of teething, canker sores, and other mouth irritations. In some cases, Benzocaine topical products have caused Methemoglobenemia, a condition where oxygen carried through the bloodstream is greatly reduced, causing serious injury and even death. Children under 2 years old, who may have been given this product for teething purposes, are at higher risk of injury.
Asbestos Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma, Asbestosis
Asbestos exposure is considered a major cause of lung cancer, and cause of asbestosis and mesothelioma. We represent clients affected by the devastating effects of asbestos-related disease and death, helping them and/or their family recover for their injuries and losses.
Injury Prevention – Cribs, bassinets, playpens, more
Poorly designed cribs, bassinets, and playpens can be hazardous to infants and children. A study in the March issue of Pediatrics found that 181,650 children under the age of 2 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries that involved cribs, bassinets and playpens.
Hot Fireplace Glass
Numerous toddlers have suffered severe and disfiguring burns from falling into or touching fireplace glass, which is allowed to reach dangerous temperatures up to 500 degrees. If you have a child that has been burned by a gas fireplace, you may be entitled to compensation. Please call us for a free consultation.
Exploding Fire Pots
Ceramic fire pots can explode and spew flaming gel fuel, causing terrible burns.
If you or someone you know has suffered injury from any of the above MDL’s or consumer products, call Johnson Johnson Larson & Schaller, PC. The consultation is free, and confidential.
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