Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Kraft Foods Recalls Allergen-Causing Food Items

2010-02-08T13:00:00Z

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on behalf of Kraft Foods Global, Inc. that the company will be recalling about 8,000 pounds of frozen pepperoni and sausage pizza products because of an undeclared allergen of soy protein concentrate. The company discovered the defect; and has not sent any reports to the FSIS indicating adverse reactions due to consumption of the product. The recall will take place at retail establishments in 17 states, including Missouri.

The products being recalled are any product with the “JACK’S” back label, specifically 17.2-ounce packages of “Kraft, Jack’s Original, Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza made with pork, chicken & beef.” The product may also include this label: “Tombstone Original 12 Pepperoni Pizza.”

When a product is defective, the responsibility of any damaging effects on consumers could be in the hands of the companies that manufacture, sell or distribute the damaged product.

]]> Product defects in Missouri and throughout the U.S. can fall under three common categories: manufacturing, design and marketing. If a person or entity does not take proper care in the manufacturing or initial design of the product, that party is responsible for any forthright harm that may occur to consumers. The person or entity is then liable for recalling defective products as well as paying for damages sustained by any affected party.

If a defective product has injured you or someone you love, contact an experienced Missouri products liability attorney at Page Cagle. We offer free and comprehensive consultations to injury victims and have a successful track record in helping our clients receive the compensation that they deserve. Call us today at (866) 620-5757.

Source article: http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977986082&grpId=3659174697244817

Research Shows that Placebo May Be as Effective as Paxil

2010-02-05T13:00:00Z

New research indicates that Paxil may not be effective if taken for mild depression. An analysis of several anti-depressants published in the Journal of the American Medical Association combined the findings of six earlier studies of antidepressants and placebo effects. The discovery indicated that, on average, the benefit of taking paroxetine anti-depressants such as Paxil, Zoloft and Prozac and imipramine, older antidepressants, may be minimal or nonexistent in patients who have mild or moderate depression. However, for those with severe depression, the benefit of taking these medications over a placebo were substantial.

With these new findings, many women suffering from mild to moderate depression are wondering if taking Paxil is worth the risk, especially since the drug has been known to cause birth defects if taken while pregnant. Some complications for unborn babies include congenital heart defects and persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN), a condition that affects newborns’ breathing and circulation capabilities.

]]> Several medical groups are advising pregnant women with mild to moderate depression to seek alternative treatments before taking medications. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Psychiatric Association distributed a report entitled, “The Management of Depression During Pregnancy.” This report suggests that pregnant women may see benefits from psychotherapy if they want to avoid taking antidepressants.

There are still many people suffering from the negative effects of antidepressants, particularly Paxil. If you or your newborn has been injured as a result of taking Paxil during pregnancy, contact an experienced Missouri defective drug injury attorney today. Page Cagle has a great track record for achieving the best possible results for our clients. If you have questions about your case, call one of our skilled product liability lawyers at (866) 620-5757 for a free consultation.

Source article: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/study-claims-antidepressants-placebos-equally-effective/story?id=9486601

Road Warrior: Teenager Leads Fight to Improve Deadly Bollinger County Highways

2010-02-04T13:00:00Z

The road to Marble Hill is lined with crosses, common markers of fatal accidents. Teenagers from the area have experienced a string of car accidents in recent years, especially along highways 34 and 51. After the recent death of a friend, one local teenager is advocating improvements of the curvy Bollinger County roads. The 15-year-old girl said she knew seven teenagers who died in car accidents along the twisting roads. The most recent incident was on December 23, 2009, when a girl was killed after her car slid off Highway 51 and into a tree. She was a sophomore at Woodland High School.

The 15-year-old girl wrote a letter and distributed it to politicians and media outlets to bring awareness to the situation. The letter mentioned six fatalities since 2003, "To name a few," it said. She said friends encouraged her to make the statement to prove a point. "If someone finally stands up, they'll have to do something," she said. The girl also stated that she advocates improvements like guard rails, reflective paint and shoulders along the roads.

]]> If you have been seriously injured in a Missouri car accident, it is critical that you contact an experienced St. Louis vehicle accident lawyer at Page Cagle who will help protect your legal rights. We will be happy to discuss your case with you and answer any questions that you may have. Call Page Cagle today at (866) 620-5757 for a free consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your Missouri auto accident case.

St. Louis Plant Reopens One Week after Shootings

2010-02-03T13:00:00Z

Employees at a St. Louis plant, where a shooting spree in early January left four people dead, have returned to work. A spokesman for the ABB Inc. plant revealed that the first day back was devoted to helping employees deal with their emotions. Counselors were on hand to help employees cope with the fact that a disgruntled worker killed three co-workers and injured five others before taking his own life.

Authorities say the suspect arrived at the plant on January 7, 2010, armed with four guns and opened fire. They have not released a possible motive. All but two of the injured have been released from the hospital. No details about the conditions of the two who remain hospitalized were released.

Workers who sustain injuries on the job in Missouri are entitled to fair compensation for their expenses and loss of wages. As an injured worker, you could seek compensation for medical treatment including hospital stays, physical therapy, medication, and any other medical treatment that is needed for you to recover from your injuries. If a worker dies as a result of his injuries, then his family is entitled to receive these benefits as well.

]]> Worker's compensation law and the process of filing claims can often be complex and confusing to a family that is already going through a tough time. The Missouri Personal Injury Law Firm of Page Cagle always provides a free consultation to injured victims and/or their families. Our dedicated lawyers will explain all of your legal rights and options so that you can make the best decision for you and your family. Call Page Cagle today at 866-620-575.

Source article: http://content.usatoday.net/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=tallahassee&sParam=37266142.story

Preventing Railroad Crossing Accidents: Train Safety Tips

2010-02-02T13:00:00Z

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there are approximately 3,000 train accidents in the United States each year. One third of all train accidents are fatal. Train and railroad accidents can also cause other serious injuries such as brain and spinal injuries that may lead to paraplegia or quadriplegia.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reports that close to 60% of all fatal railroad crossing accidents occur at unprotected crossings. Furthermore, approximately 80% of all public railroad crossings do not have safety gates or lights.

Common railroad accidents include collisions with passenger vehicles or other trains, derailments, mechanical failures, driver fatigue and improperly maintained tracks. Therefore, it is important to drive carefully and uphold proper care at railroad crossings. Here are a few train safety tips that could help save your life:

Expect a train at anytime on any track.

Understand that trains cannot stop quickly. A train that is going 55 mph can take a mile or more before stopping after the emergency brakes are activated.

Look out for a second train at multiple track crossings.

If your car stalls on the tracks, get out of the vehicle and walk away at a 45-degree angle toward the direction the train is coming. This is to ensure flying debris won’t injure you.

Trains are three feet wider than the tracks on each side.

Cross tracks only at a designated crossing.

]]> If you or someone you love has been injured in a Missouri railroad crossing accident, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced St. Louis railroad accident lawyer at Page Cagle. We’d be happy to answer any questions about your case. Call us today for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Medical Malpractice Cap Issue Comes Before Missouri Supreme Court

2010-02-01T20:24:17Z

The important issue of medical malpractice caps is before the Missouri Supreme Court. The state's high court will hear a constitutional challenge to the $350,000 award limit in medical liability cases. According to a news report, this case stems from a $1 million jury verdict in 2008 given to a man who experienced a brain hemorrhage and other complications after his pacemaker became infected. However, the judge ended up reducing the jury's $1 million award to $350,000 to match the state medical malpractice cap. The trial court rejected arguments from attorneys for the plaintiff that the cap and other reforms violated patients' equal protection and jury trial rights. The Missouri Supreme Court directly took on this man’s appeal of the ruling.

The 2005 state cap basically limits noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering to $350,000 in a medical malpractice claim. As Missouri personal injury attorneys who see the effects of medical negligence, we hope the Supreme Court in this case rules for the plaintiff. These caps, or limitations, are unfair to victims who have already suffered greatly due to another person’s negligence and reckless disregard for the well-being of others. It's only right that they get the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve.

]]> The Missouri personal injury lawyers at Page Cagle will be closely monitoring this case. If you or a loved one has been the victim of negligence in Missouri, please get in touch with a St. Louis personal injury attorney at Page Cagle for a free consultation. We have the access to experts and resources which will aid in the strengthening of your personal injury claim. Call us today for a free consultation and to find out how we can help.

Source: http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2009/12/21/prse1225.htm

Gunman Kills Three, Injures Five at St. Louis Factory

2010-01-27T14:00:00Z

Early Thursday morning, a male gunman attacked a transformer manufacturing company in St. Louis, leaving three dead and five others wounded. Local reports indicate that three of the injured people are in critical condition. Police estimate that 40 to 50 workers were on the premises during the time of the shooting, many of whom were hiding in offices or on the roof. The suspected shooter, armed with a handgun and assault rifle, apparently opened fire in the parking lot before storming the factory. He committed suicide by shooting himself shortly after the ambush.

The accused was also involved in a legal dispute with the company against the administrators’ management of employee retirement funds filed in 2006. He and several co-workers were part of a group of ABB employees who felt that their retirement accounts included excessive fees and expenses for investment options. The trial on this matter began Tuesday in Kansas City, Missouri.

Company owners and manufacturers have a responsibility to protect all employees on the premises. This includes maintaining proper working conditions, fire and hazardous materials safety, and adequate security.

]]> When owners or occupiers of property act irresponsibly by failing to satisfactorily protect persons from such hazards, they may be held accountable. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed because of someone else’s negligence in a working environment, do not hesitate to call a skilled St. Louis premises liability lawyer. At Page Cagle, we can help you file a claim and recover compensation for your injuries or loss. We have a wealth of knowledge and experience in handling personal injury cases against individuals and companies. Call our offices today for a free and comprehensive consultation.

Source report: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8446728.stm

Two Women Hospitalized after Car Overturns on Polk County Road

2010-01-19T13:00:00Z

Two women were injured Friday November 20, 2009 when the car they were riding in overturned after sliding off the road, according to the Missouri Highway Patrol. The driver of the vehicle swerved to avoid hitting an animal. Both injured women were passengers; one sustained serious injuries, while the other suffered minor injuries. The driver of the vehicle was unharmed. The highway patrol reported that none of the women were wearing a seatbelt.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, an unbelted occupant of a 30 mph crash hits the windshield with the same force as a fall from a three story building. Passengers have died in crashes as slow as 12 mph. The effectiveness of an airbag system is reduced by 40% when the seatbelts are not used. Nationally, car crashes kill 5 people every hour, and in Missouri, one person dies every nine hours in a car accident. The best way to avoid serious injury is to buckle up. Violators may be subject to a fine and court costs for not properly using seat belts.

]]> If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to a car accident, you need the advice of an experienced Missouri car accident injury attorney. At Page Cagle, we will be happy to discuss your case with you and answer any questions you may have. The consultation is free. We can be reached 24 hours a day at 314-322-8515 or 866-620-5757.

Source article: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/0EE49EF1468C0B54862574DF002C83DD?OpenDocument

Newark Woman Sues Bayer over Yaz

2010-01-18T13:00:00Z

A 39-year-old Newark woman has filed a lawsuit against Bayer Corporation, blaming its popular birth control product Yaz for causing her stroke and other related health issues. The mother of 3-year-old twin girls took the prescription-only product for four weeks in the summer of 2008. She then suffered a stroke that caused her to be hospitalized for six months.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco. The complainant had been taking the pills to help reduce premenstrual pains — which is one of the advertised uses of Yaz. While hospitalized, the woman needed to have part of her skull temporarily removed because of excessive swelling in her brain. That portion of skull was later replaced. As a result of the stroke and related illness, she also suffered a diminished IQ and is now borderline mentally handicapped. She has also experienced a change in her mood and speech. The suit attributes the woman’s health problems to Yaz.

As the No. 1 selling birth control in the world, Yaz has been at the center of much criticism in recent years. The Food and Drug Administration has criticized the makers of Yaz three times in recent years regarding the company's advertising campaign, the suit said.

]]> In a letter issued to Bayer in October 2008, the FDA stated: "The TV ads are misleading because they broaden the drug's indication, overstate the efficacy of Yaz, and minimize serious risks associated with the use of the drug." The company has agreed to spend at least $20 million in recent years for corrective television advertisements to make women better aware of the products' side effects, according to published reports.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious drug side effects as a result of taking Yaz or Yasmin, please contact the Missouri injury lawyers at Page Cagle at (866) 620-5757 for a free consultation. We have several resources and access to experts, who will help determine whether your drug side effects were caused as a result of taking these contraceptives and whether you have a products liability claim against Bayer. Call Page Cagle today to find out how our skilled attorneys can help.

Warsaw Man Injured on Motorcycle Due to Deer on Route BB

2010-01-15T21:59:19Z

A Warsaw man was injured in an accident on November 11, 2009 when the motorcycle he was riding crashed as he tried to avoid hitting a deer. The highway patrol reported that the 57-year-old man was riding westbound on Route BB at Hidden Valley Road when he swerved suddenly to dodge a deer in his path. His motorcycle went into a skid, overturned and slid off the roadway. The victim was airlifted to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. Charges are pending in the crash investigation.

Unfortunately, motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable on the road and accidents happen all too frequently. Most often, motorcycle accidents involve drivers of other vehicles, but single-vehicle crashes are not uncommon. Whatever the situation, the best course of action is to contact a personal injury attorney who can assess the circumstances and help the victim navigate through the legal system.

]]> If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Missouri, you can turn to the experienced St. Louis motorcycle accident attorneys at Page Cagle. Our Missouri Personal Injury Law Firm has helped guide many injured victims to successful outcomes. It is importance to us that you attain full compensation to help cover the medical treatment you need. To find out more about how Page Cagle can help you in your motorcycle injury case, contact our firm today for a free consultation by calling 866-620-5757.

Source: http://lakeexpo.com/articles/2009/11/12/top_news/06.txt

Four Killed, Four Injured in Missouri Auto Accident

2010-01-14T13:00:00Z

Four people were killed and four others were injured in a crash that occurred on a snow-covered Missouri highway. According to a report in the News Tribune, the fatal car crash occurred near Smithton when a car that was westbound on the U.S. 50 crossed the centerline, spun counterclockwise and struck the rear of a pickup truck. The car then skidded and crashed into another eastbound vehicle. Missouri Highway Patrol officials said the 32-year-old driver of the westbound car and three of her passengers died. Three children, including two in the westbound car, were taken to hospitals for treatment of serious injuries. Another 33-year-old woman was also hospitalized with injuries.

A number of tragic Missouri car accidents can be avoided if drivers would only slow down during winter weather when snow or ice is on the roadway. The best thing to do in bad weather is to avoid driving. Bur if you cannot, it would be in your best interest to take necessary precautions such as slowing down and maintaining adequate distance between vehicles. If you have been injured or have lost loved ones as a result of another driver's recklessness or negligence, you could file a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim.

]]> If you have been seriously injured in a Missouri car accident, it is critical that you contact an experienced St. Louis vehicle accident lawyer at Page Cagle who will help protect your legal rights. We will be happy to discuss your case with you and answer your questions. Call Page Cagle today at (866) 620-5757 for a free consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your Missouri auto accident case.

Source: http://www.newstribune.com/articles/2009/12/29/news_local/nt003local40injuredincrash09.txt

E. Coli Tainted Beef Causes Illnesses in 16 States

2010-01-13T13:00:00Z

E. coli-tainted beef produced by an Oklahoma company has sickened 21 people in 16 states, which could possibly include Missouri. According to a news report in the Washington Post, this is a potentially lethal strain of E. coli bacteria. This food-borne illness outbreak caused National Steak and Poultry to recall about 248,000 pounds of beef from steaks to sirloin tips that were packaged and shipped to restaurants, hotels and institutions all over the country. This recall is being categorized as a "Class I" or "high health risk" by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

E. coli infections typically cause abdominal cramping, vomiting and diarrhea that may contain blood. Young children and the elderly are at the highest risk for becoming infected with E. coli and developing Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which can lead to serious kidney damage or even death. USDA officials say that this particular E. coli contamination occurred as a result of tainted beef used for chopped steak that was mixed with other products in the plant. An investigation is ongoing.

]]> If you or a loved one has suffered from food poisoning or a food-borne illness, contact the accomplished legal team at Page Cagle for a free case evaluation. If the food poisoning was caused as a result of negligence or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to seek compensation to cover your medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, tests, treatment and other related expenses. Call the experienced Missouri personal injury attorneys Page Cagle today to find out how we can help.

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/29/AR2009122902772.html

Missouri Family Wages Four Year Legal Battle Over Undisclosed Meth Lab

2010-01-12T18:47:37Z

When a southwestern Missouri couple bought their dream home near Mount St. Helen, Washington, they never imagined they’d end up losing everything. The seller and real estate agent neglected to disclose that the house had once been a meth lab. The couple found out from folks in town that there had been a drug operation and a drug bust two years prior. Meth making chemicals had permeated virtually every surface of the house. The occupants of the house had been arrested and the landlord put the property up for sale.

The couple was afflicted with rashes, insomnia, mood swings and called the health department. The property and all the contents within it were condemned. A four year legal nightmare ensued, their credit rating was destroyed, and they lost all their family heirlooms. The husband was subsequently diagnosed with kidney cancer.

Eventually, the Washington courts ruled in their favor and the seller was required to purchase the property back and pay off the mortgage. The couple has since returned to Missouri where they rent a home near Springfield.

]]> Unfortunately, Missouri has the highest number of meth lab busts in the nation. According to the Missouri Statewide Methamphetamine Laboratory Incident Totals, there have been nearly two thousand meth lab busts in Missouri so far in 2009. Missouri law does not require the police to report meth lab busts to the health department.

The Health Department has deemed former meth lab properties uninhabitable, and condemns most. Clean up is expensive and often very difficult. Renters and owners of former meth lab houses have become mysteriously ill with an array of ailments attributed to exposure to the chemicals used to make methamphetamine.

If you or your loved ones suspect that the property you own or rent is a former meth lab, the Missouri premises liability attorneys at Page Cagle may be able to help. They can help you hold property sellers and landlords responsible for negligence and help secure compensation relating to medical expenses and relocation. Please call the injury lawyers at Page Cagle today toll free at 866-620-5757 to schedule a free consultation with an experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyer.

Source: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/special/meth2008.nsf/story/5B8B2F4817EFD844862574E1002116AA?OpenDocument

Missouri Pharmaceutical Liability Lawyers Concerned about Deadly Levaquin Side Effects

2010-01-07T13:00:00Z

Many of us take prescription drugs because we believe they will make us feel better or help us recover from our illnesses. And make no mistake – many prescription drugs do make us better. Modern medicine has progressed by leaps and bounds helping us prevent illness or the spread of infectious diseases. Almost all drugs have some type of side effect, but in most cases, those side effects are minimal and will disappear once the patient stops using the drug. However, there are some prescription drugs that cause dangerous side effects, which could result in severe complications or even death.

Levaquin is one such drug and has been known to cause serious complications and side effects. The dangerous drug Levaquin is manufactured by the company Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals. It is basically a synthetic drug agent, which is used to treat severe bacterial infections. Levaquin is in the fluoroquinolone class of anti-infectives. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave its stamp of approval to Levaquin in 1996. The company made more than $1.6 billion in Levaquin sales.

]]> The most serious side effects from the use of Levaquin and other fluoroquinolone antibiotics include tendon damage or tendon ruptures. There have also been reports of nerve injury, joint pain, and cardiac effects. Last year, the FDA issued an alert saying that the manufacturers of these fluoroquinolone antibiotics must add a boxed warning to the prescription information about the increased risk of developing tendinitis and tendon rupture. The risk of developing these conditions is even higher in those over age 60, those with kidney, heart and lung transplants. Many in the medical community also believe that quinolones such as Levaquin may be toxic to human tissue causing serious, sometimes fatal, allergic skin reactions. Central nervous system effects such as convulsions, confusion, anxiety, depression and insomnia may also occur after the first dose.

If you have experienced one or more of these serious side effects as a result of taking Levaquin, please contact an experienced St. Louis products liability lawyer at Page Cagle for a free and comprehensive consultation. We will make sure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your pain, suffering and loss. Call (866) 620-5757 for a free consultation.

Colonoscopy Laxatives May Cause Severe Kidney Injury

2010-01-06T20:01:06Z

In December 2008, the FDA issued a warning against C.B. Fleet Company and its over-the-counter oral sodium phosphate (OSP) laxative, Fleet Phospho-soda. The laxative had been marketed as safe for double doses for colonoscopy bowel preps. However, higher doses of the product have been linked to acute phosphate nephropathy, a form of acute kidney injury, and various other side effects. Although it is rare, acute phosphate nephropathy includes calcium-phosphate crystalline deposits in the renal tubules and could lead to renal failure, dialysis, kidney transplant or death.

Visicol and OsmoPrep, the only two prescription OSPs, also carry some severe side effects such as kidney injury, rectal bleeding or chafing, seizures and arrhythmia, disorders affecting rhythmic heartbeat. They are often prescribed to patients as a bowel cleanser before colonoscopy, x-ray or surgery.

]]> The manufacturers of Visicol and OsmoPrep, Salix Pharmaceuticals, are required by the FDA to place boxed warnings on the product labels. In addition to these warning labels, Salix Pharmaceuticals must issue a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS) in order to make sure that the product benefits outweigh the risks of acute phosphate nephropathy. They must also asses the products’ risk of acute kidney injury by organizing a post-marketing clinic trial.

Patients seriously injured by these OSPs could have a legal claim against the manufacturers and be compensated for their injuries, losses and emotional trauma. Manufacturers are under strict liability for products and marketing. The personal Missouri injury lawyers at Page Cagle have a wealth of knowledge and years of experience handling personal injury cases in Missouri. Contact our offices today at (866) 620-5757 for a free consultation.