Missouri Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported recently that the Schnucks grocery store in Crestwood has issued a voluntary recall of ground beef after a meat counter employee noticed a problem with the grinder in which the ground beef was prepared.

The store, which is located on Watson Road in Crestwood, issued a recall of the twelve packages of ground beef it sold to various customers between 6 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 11, 2010. It was around 10:30 a.m. that Sunday morning that a Schnucks employee noticed the meat grinder was damaged in a way that could have resulted in metal shavings ending up in the ground beef. The twelve packages sold Sunday morning are the only ground beef packages the store believes may be affected by the damage to the meat grinder.

So far, no injuries have been reported to the grocery store, nor has any customer complained about finding metal shavings in their ground beef. Nevertheless, the grocery store issued the recall as a precaution. The Schnucks store in Crestwood is the only Schnucks grocery affected by this recall.

A wide number of state and federal regulations are in place to prevent dangerous or deadly contaminants from entering the foods we buy. When a mistake is made, food may become contaminated, and the people who eat it may suffer. Food recalls are one way that food sellers and preparers attempt to protect the public when mistakes occur, but in some cases, a recall becomes a case of “too little, too late.”

If you or a loved one has been injured or become ill after eating contaminated food or food subject to a recall, you have certain legal rights. The experienced St. Louis defective product injury attorneys at Page Law can help you understand those rights and will fight to protect them in court. If you have suffered illness or injury from eating recalled or contaminated food, please contact the St. Louis personal injury lawyers at Page Law today. Call us at (314) 322-8515 today for a free consultation.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a recall on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 of about 137,000 pieces of children’s jewelry sold at Justice and Limited Too due to high levels of cadmium, a toxic metal. The two stores sell clothing and accessories aimed at pre-teen girls, according to a news report on KMOV.

The recall covers 19 different necklaces, bracelets, and earrings sold in Justice and Limited Too stores, as well as on Justice’s Web site, www.shopjustice.com. The jewelry sports shapes such as hearts, butterflies, and peace signs. Some pieces include the words “Best Friends Forever.” The jewelry was sold between November 2008 and February 2010.

The jewelry was imported from China and distributed by Tween Brands, a New Albany, Ohio-based company. Consumers may return the jewelry to the store for a full refund. Questions may be directed to Tween Brands’ consumer hotline at 800-934-4497. So far, no injuries have been reported as a result of the high cadmium levels in the jewelry.

Cadmium is a naturally-occurring metal that is toxic to the human body, which can neither use it nor dispose of it. Children who ingest cadmium through sucking on, biting, or swallowing cadmium-containing toys or jewelry may exhibit flu-like symptoms. Excessive cadmium exposure results in weakening of the bones and irreversible kidney damage, as the kidneys become less able to remove acids from the blood.

As the CPSC notes, parents should not have to worry whether their children’s toys or jewelry are safe. A child or adult who experiences cadmium poisoning may have certain legal rights, including the right to sue a negligent or careless manufacturer of a cadmium-containing product. The experienced Missouri product liability attorneys at Page Law will protect your legal rights in court and fight for the compensation you or your loved one deserves. Call 314-322-8515 today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.

GlaxoSmithKline has agreed to settle 200 cases in which injured plaintiffs allege that Paxil, an anti-depressant drug, caused birth defects, a Yahoo Finance article said.

Eight months ago, a jury in Philadelphia awarded $2.5 million in a case involving Paxil that went to trial. In that case, the jury found that GlaxoSmithKline failed to warn doctors and pregnant women about the risks associated with Paxil. The plaintiff was born with heart defects after his mother used Paxil during pregnancy. The plaintiff’s attorney asked jurors what caused them to rule against GlaxoSmithKline, and they felt that GSK had failed to study the drug’s effect on pregnant humans, although the animal testing showed potential problems.

Since then, GlaxoSmithKline decided to settle almost 200 cases for confidential amounts. Approximately 100 other cases have already been settled. The next round of cases is scheduled for a fall trial.

Continue reading "Case against Paxil for Causing Birth Defects Moves towards Settlement" »

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced the recall of 1.7million dishwashers made by Whirlpool's Maytag unit, according to a KMBC article. The dishwashers are being recalled because electrical failures may occur in the dishwasher's heating element. The CPSC has received twelve complaints that such electrical failures caused household fires, with one of the fires causing extensive damage. So far, no injuries have been reported.

The CPSC recommends that owners of the recalled dishwashers disconnect the electrical supply to the dishwasher by shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker connected to the machine. The agency also recommends that owners immediately stop using the dishwasher and do not resume use it until it is repaired or replaced. Dishwasher owners can schedule a free in-home repair or opt to receive a rebate worth $150 to $250 toward the price of a new dishwasher.

The recall includes the brands Maytag, Amana, Jenn-Air, Admiral, Magic Chef, Performa by Maytag and Crosley. The dishwashers have plastic tubs and black, bisque, white, silver, or stainless steel front panels. They were sold between February 2006 and April 2010 at various department stores and appliance stores, for about $250 to $900 apiece.

Whirlpool has allocated $75 million to cover the costs of this recall. The company was involved in a similar recall in March 2009, when it recalled 1.6 million Maytag refrigerators for fire risk. Whirlpool purchased Maytag in March 2006 for $1.8 billion.

Manufacturers of household appliances have a duty to design and manufacture appliances that are reasonably safe and do not pose risks of injury or death to household members. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a defective product in St. Louis, the manufacturer may be held liable. You may be able to recover the cost of the defective item, medical expenses, missed time from work, and other associated damages. The dedicated St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Page Law are ready to help. Call 314-322-8515 today to schedule a free consultation.

A Toyota executive appeared last week before a congressional panel to defend Toyota in the wake of criticism that Toyota was more concerned with fighting lawsuits than with fixing safety issues.

Based on a www.detnews.com report, at the center of the hearing was Toyota’s attempt to disprove claims that the electronics control systems in its cars are at fault for the acceleration problems in its vehicles. Toyota thus far has blamed floor mats and foot pedals for its acceleration problems.

James Lentz, Toyota Motor Sales USA president, also defended Toyota’s relationship with Exponent, a consulting firm that Toyota hired to investigate the acceleration problems with its cars. Toyota claimed that Exponent has done a comprehensive and independent investigation into the problems involved. Lawmakers argued that Exponent told the panel that it has no written list of the causes of the acceleration problems to be explored.

Lentz also noted that Toyota has made a lot of advancements in several areas, including 3.5 million recall repairs, 600 on-site vehicle inspections, and development of 150 devices to read information from electronic data recorders in vehicles with acceleration problems. Lentz also noted that Toyota is on its way to being the first full-line manufacturer with brake-override technology as standard equipment on all new U.S. models.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a defect in your vehicle, the manufacturer could be held liable. You may be able to recover money for your vehicle, medical expenses, missed time from work, and other associated damages. Contact the dedicated Missouri accident attorneys at Page Law by calling 314-322-8515 today to schedule a free consultation.

Nissan Motor Company is planning to issue a recall of several models of its 2010 trucks and sport utility vehicles, according to a recent article from Missouri news outlet KMOV. The recall is due to a suspension part malfunction that results in rough, noisy travel and might cause an accident.

The recall, which is expected to begin in mid to late May, covers 48,700 trucks and SUVs produced in the United States. Vehicles expected to be covered by the recall include Nissan's 2010 model year Armada, Frontier, Titan, Pathfinder, Xterra, and Infinit QX56. Nissan is currently working out the details of the proposed recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In many of these vehicles, the lower suspension control link may have been welded improperly. The improper weld may cause the bushing collar in the suspension to crack, resulting in excessive noise and a jolting, bumpy ride. No vehicle accidents in St. Louis or throughout the United States have been reported relating to the improperly welded link or to cracked bushing collars in Nissan vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issues vehicle recalls when a part of a vehicle is found not to meet NHTSA quality standards, or when a defect makes the vehicle dangerous to operate. Although federal law gives NHTSA the power to require recalls of defective or dangerous vehicles, manufacturers may also choose to issue a recall voluntarily if a vehicle does not meet the manufacturer's or NHTSA's standards.

The Missouri personal injury attorneys at Page Law monitor vehicle recalls, especially those that are linked to St. Louis auto accidents. If you believe that you've been injured by a defect in your vehicle, please do not hesitate to contact Page Law today at 314-322-8515. Our skilled Missouri accident attorneys will examine the circumstances of your accident and advise you accordingly. Call today for a free and confidential consultation.

Due to the mass quantities of Toyota Motor Company recalls, congressional lawmakers said Tuesday, April 27, 2010 that they would drive new legislation to increase auto safety, reports Reuters. Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee Henry Waxman and Chairman of the Senate Committee John Rockefeller are the two main advocates of new legislation. The first draft is expected before the next Toyota hearing on May 6.

The new provisions would strengthen the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), allotting for more resources and funding. Other policymakers feel that the bill should set uniform standards for vehicle electronic data recorders, authorize testing systems that ensure brakes will work over acceleration and increase fines for safety violations.

Still, fines are said to not have much effect, considering that Toyota had agreed to pay a $16.4 million fine but would not admit fault. Both Toyota and the NHTSA have been criticized heavily in their actions and reactions to the recall. Both Waxman and Rockefeller have hopes that this new legislation will prevent such wide-scale defects from occurring in the future.

Regardless, car manufacturers have a responsibility to consumers to ensure that their products are free of defects and are safe. If you have been involved in a Missouri car accident as a result of a Toyota brake pedal defect, you may want to consult an experienced St. Louis injury lawyer who can provide you with the legal guidance required to help you recover compensation for your losses. The experienced MO personal injury attorneys at Page Law can help. Call 314-322-8515 for a free and comprehensive evaluation of your case.

In lieu of recent attacks on Toyota Motor Corporation for faulty brake pedals and now SUV rollover concerns, the company has decided to test all of its SUV models worldwide and has temporarily stopped selling the 2010 Lexus GX 460. Additionally, Toyota will stop manufacturing the SUV for nine working days beginning Friday, April 16, 2010 and resuming on April 28 according to a report issued on Detroit News Washington Bureau.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be aggressively investigating the safety concerns circling Toyota vehicles. This investigation is a direct result of a study conducted by Consumer Reports. The magazine shed light on the Lexus GX 460’s handling problems and issued a “Don’t Buy” recommendations, its first since 2001.

About 6,000 models have been sold worldwide, and the company has already stopped the sale of 60% of its vehicles in the U.S. Toyota has been under strict review since it has recalled 8.5 million vehicles worldwide due to a variety of safety concerns, namely defective brake pedals. The NHTSA imposed a $16.4 million civil fine on Toyota for delaying the brake pedal recall.

By law, manufacturers have a responsibility to consumers to ensure that their products are safe and work properly. Responsibility also extends to designers, retailers, wholesalers and anyone else involved with the production or sale of the defective product. Toyota, therefore, has a responsibility to consumers affected by their products. If you, or someone you love, have been injured in a car accident involving any of the recalled Toyota or Lexus vehicles, you may be entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses and other financial losses. Contact the experienced Missouri injury attorneys at Page Law at 314-322-8515.

Confidential reports from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend that GlaxoSmithKline's controversial diabetes drug Avandia be pulled from the market because it can cause heart attacks, the New York Times reports. The report obtained by the Times states that if all diabetics using Avandia stopped taking it, about 500 heart attacks and 300 cases of heart failure would be prevented each month.

Several studies, including a Canadian study in 2009, found that Avandia was associated with an increased risk of heart failure and death among older patients. A bipartisan U.S. Senate investigation also determined that Glaxo did not warn patients earlier that Avandia was potentially deadly. Avandia has been linked to causing congestive heart failure, primary pulmonary hypertension and osteoporosis. A 2007 study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients who took Avandia experienced a 43 percent higher risk of cardiovascular events.

Continue reading "FDA Wants Avandia Off the Market: Dangerous Side Effects" »

Children of women who take antidepressants such as Paxil in the later stages of their pregnancy "are slower in reaching some developmental milestones," according to new studies performed by Danish researchers. A news report in HealthDay states that the scientists used data obtained from more than 81,000 babies born in Denmark. They found that babies whose mothers took antidepressants during the second or third trimester took more time to sit on their own or walk than children of depressed mothers who did not take these medications.

This particular study is not the first to show that antidepressants such as Paxil may affect fetal development. In 2009, a study in the British Medical Journal found that women who took such antidepressants during the first three months of their pregnancy were threatened with the higher potential of giving birth to babies with septal heart defects or malformations in the wall separating the right side of the heart from the left. Also, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have issued warnings to consumers about the increased risk of heart defects and other birth defects associated with the use of Paxil during pregnancy. Paxil has also been known to cause other birth defects such as low blood sugar, vomiting, irritability and seizures.

Continue reading "Antidepressants Such as Paxil May Be Slower to Reach Developmental Milestones" »

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has implemented a black box warning for Reglan and all other drugs containing metoclopramide. According to a news report, what is curious about the recent buzz surrounding the Reglan black box warning is that it is more than a year old. The FDA news release dated February 26, 2009 talks about the Reglan black box warning. There are no recent releases or warnings that relate to Reglan.

The FDA warning stated that one of the effects of the drug, used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease or diabetic gastroparesis, is "tardive dyskinesia," or involuntary movement disorders. The black box warning, which is the most serious warning that can be issued by the FDA, also states that these side effects can be irreversible with no known cure available.

Another analysis of study data by the FDA showed that about 20 percent of patients in that study who used Reglan took it for more than three months. Also, the FDA is continuing to receive more reports of tardive dyskinesia in patients who used or continued to use Reglan. Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by involuntary movement of facial muscles, the tongue, the eyes, fingers and other extremities. An individual of any age is at risk for drug-induced tardive dyskinesia.

Continue reading "FDA Reglan Tardive Dyskinesia Warning More than a Year Old " »

The County of Santa Clara in California has filed a lawsuit against GlaxoSmithKline over its drug Avandia. The suit claims that the drug maker has made billions of dollars on the diabetes medication which has caused heart attacks and strokes. According to a report in the San Jose Mercury News, the lawsuit is alleging that the drug maker has been involved in a decade of false advertising and marketing misrepresentation. The suit is seeking compensation on behalf of patients and providers in California.

Numerous patients nationwide have filed personal injury lawsuits against Glaxo over Avandia. However, this is the first lawsuit filed by a governmental entity that claims that the drug maker falsely advertised Avandia's benefits and hid its dangerous side effects from consumers. The lawsuit states that while GlaxoSmithKline made billions of dollars in profit by selling the drug, Avandia caused 60,000 to 200,000 heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular deaths nationwide from 1999 to 2006. A Feb. 20 report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that Avandia caused heart attacks and strokes and recommended that it be removed from the market.

Continue reading "County Lawsuit over Avandia Alleges Dangerous Side Effects" »

A 7th Circuit court has ruled that a lawsuit may go forward against SmithKline Beecham Corp. over the suicide of a 23-year-old woman who committed suicide after taking the antidepressant Paxil. According to an article in The National Law Journal, the court made a unanimous decision to reverse the lower court decision. The appellate court ruled that the drug maker, now known as GlaxoSmithKline, did not show "clear evidence" that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would have rejected a change in the drug's labeling to warn about the enhanced possibility of suicide in young adults who take Paxil.

Now, this woman’s case will move forward. Her death has not been the only suicide that has spurred a Paxil wrongful death lawsuit. Several suits have accused the drug maker of ignoring studies that indicated Paxil was ineffective in the treatment of children and adolescents and that they may increase suicidal thoughts. A lawsuit filed in June 2004 by former New York Attorney General, Eliot Spitzer, also accuses Glaxo officials of misrepresenting data on the prescribing of Paxil to children.

Continue reading "Seventh Circuit Finds Paxil Manufacturer Did Not Meet Burden to Pre-empt" »

Toyota Motor Corp stands firm that its electronic throttle system is in no way defective and has not contributed towards the unintended acceleration issues that have recently forced the recall of more than 8 million Toyota vehicles. According to a Reuters news report, independent testing of Toyota vehicles has led some to believe unintended acceleration issues are the result of faulty electronic systems. This belief is being challenged by Toyota, who, after helping fund similar studies, holds onto the claim that a mechanical defect is ultimately to blame.

Reportedly, an engineering expert at Southern Illinois University recently told a congressional panel that he had found a flaw in Toyota's accelerator controls which could enable a vehicle to unintentionally accelerate. However, studies conducted at Stanford University and engineering company Exponent both claim that the findings were not conducive to real-world driving, and that engineering manipulation was required to create such results. As one Exponent engineer explained, "As engineers we could rewire anything, but that is not realistic."

While time will tell whether or not the problems with Toyota vehicles stem from electronic errors or mechanical defects, the fact of the matter is simple: Toyota vehicles have been recalled for various reasons due to safety concerns.

Continue reading "Conflicting Studies Paint Skewed Picture of Toyota Unintended Acceleration Issues" »

Following several congressional hearings and investigations led by federal officials amidst the recall of millions of vehicle models, Toyota remains firm in denying that any electronic flaw is the cause of throttle problems or unintended acceleration. According to a Los Angeles Times article, a March 8, 2010 presentation was held at Toyota’s operations center in Torrance, CA.

Apparently, five engineers have responded to a Southern Illinois University assistant professor’s findings which support that he can create an electrical flaw in Toyota vehicles without the vehicles’ diagnostic system picking it up. The article also mentions that if the assistant professor’s study is determined to be accurate, claims may be made by some Toyota consumers regarding incidents of unintended acceleration without a trouble code being initiated on the vehicles’ computers.

While Toyota engineers support the claim that the assistant professor’s tests are “an unrealistic manipulation,” the automaker has been asked by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to provide a company employee memo that may reveal safety risks being taken as a way to save the company money. While Toyota continues to defend itself against claims of electrical defect, there is no doubt that some Toyota motorists and passengers have experienced the consequences of sudden acceleration in injury and fatal auto accidents.

Continue reading "Toyota Denies Claims of Electronic Defect Causing Unintended Acceleration" »

Based on a US News & World Report article, an incident of sudden acceleration due to a sticking gas pedal took place in Southern California on March 8, 2010. According to the report, the driver of the 2008 Toyota Prius dialed 911 to seek help because the gas pedal in his vehicle was stuck and he could not slow down from 94 mph.

Fortunately, this man was not injured and a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer was able to assist him in slowing down the runaway Prius. The article points out that this process took approximately 20 minutes and that the CHP officer instructed the driver through loudspeaker to apply the brakes as well as the emergency brake. Once the vehicle was able to hit 50 mph, the motorist turned off his engine and the vehicle eventually came to a stop.

Although the article didn’t mention whether or not this man’s Prius had received a redesigned gas pedal or a new floor mat, recent speculation and academic studies from outside experts have pointed to electronic malfunction as the origin of Toyota throttle problems. The 2008 Prius involved in the above incident has been included only in the floor mat recall. After learning of the incident, Toyota sent a field technical specialist to provide assistance and investigate the report.

Continue reading "Toyota Prius Involved in Southern California Sudden Acceleration Incident" »

A recent LA Times article reported that a live webcast on March 8, 2010 will discuss Toyota’s defenses against claims of electronic throttle problems made by an automotive technology assistant professor from Southern Illinois University. According to the article, the assistant professor presented his study results to Congress in February, pinpointing electronic issues as the culprit for recalled Toyota vehicles experiencing unintended acceleration and throttle problems.

While the assistant professor has concluded that wiring failure in recalled Toyota cars is connected to sudden acceleration, Toyota has denied such claims of electronic flaw. Based on the article, the automaker referred to the assistant professor’s study as “completely unrealistic under real-world conditions.” Through the webcast, Toyota is supposed to present their defense by re-creating the study and providing rebuttals made by experts from Stanford University’s Center for Automotive Research.

Auto manufacturers are responsible for designing, testing, and creating vehicles that are free of defect or flaw before putting them on the market. The assistant professor involved in the Toyota throttle study asserts that automotive electronics may cause a vehicle to experience problems if the components are not properly tested to respond to extreme vibrations or temperatures.

Continue reading "Toyota Electronic Throttle Problems Supported by Assistant Professor's Study" »

Consumers should be advised about a black box warning for Reglan and other metoclopramide-containing drugs that are used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. A black box warning is the strongest warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means that the drug carries a risk of serious or life-threatening side effects. The black box warning for Reglan from the FDA highlights the risk of tardive dyskinesia, a neurological disorder that causes involuntary movements of the face and extremities.

Reglan works by increasing muscle contractions in the upper digestive tract. This speeds up the rate at which the stomach empties into the intestines. Reglan is also used short-term to treat heartburn caused by acid reflux in people who have used other medications without relief of symptoms. The drug is used in people with diabetes which can cause nausea, vomiting, heartburn, loss of appetite and a feeling of fullness after eating.

The Reglan black box warning states that patients using the medication as a long-term treatment for gastrointestinal disorders are at risk for tardive dyskinesia. Those who are at risk for this serious Reglan side effect are the elderly, particularly women who have been taking Reglan for extended periods of time. Tardive dyskinesia typically causes the following symptoms:

• Grimacing


• Lip smacking


• Rapid eye blinking


• Involuntary movements of the fingers, hands, arms, face, legs and shoulders


• Pursing of the lips


• Trouble breathing, swallowing talking or walking

The sad fact remains that these symptoms are almost irreversible since there is no known treatment for tardive dyskinesia. If you or a loved one has developed tardive dyskinesia after taking Reglan, please contact the skilled injury lawyers at Page Cagle for a free consultation and evaluation of your case. You may be able to seek compensation for your injuries and loss. Call our St. Louis product liability attorneys at 866-620-5757 today to find out how we can help.

Without announcing a vehicle defect recall, Chrysler is planning to carry out a "safety improvement campaign" to fix the front airbags on 355,000 minivans, including Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravans. According to a Reuters news report, the move comes after Chrysler found that the front airbag sensor could fail to deploy if it becomes damaged and wet. Chrysler is not currently issuing any recalls and is instead claiming that there have been no complaints or injuries due to this new issue. Chrysler also states that an airbag warning light will alert the driver if there is a defect or issue with the system.

Recalls and corrections have become commonplace in recent months. Chrysler is attempting to fix this safety hazard before there are any personal injuries due to faulty manufacturing. This proactive move by Chrysler may have been inspired by the recent woes of Toyota and Honda. Honda recently had to recall almost half a million of their vehicles due to defective airbags, which caused a number of personal injuries and one reported fatality. Toyota recalled more than 8.5 million vehicles for defective gas pedals that caused unintended acceleration. Car manufacturers are required by law to ensure the safety of their vehicles.

Continue reading "Airbag Product Defect Prompts Chrysler Minivan Fix " »

Johnson and Johnson issued a large recall for many of its products after reports that some of them contained a musty smell. The initial Johnson & Johnson recalls were issued in November and December of 2009 for the well-known pain reliever, Tylenol. After the initial recall, research from the Food and Drug Administration concluded in stating, “The breakdown of a certain chemical applied to the wooden pallets used to ship the product was the culprit.”

On January 15, 2010, Johnson & Johnson expanded its recall to cover all lots that may have been affected by the contaminated wooden pallets, regardless of consumer reports. The recall was also extended to include products such as Junior Strength Motrin IB, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Benadryl, Extra Strength Tylenol, Extra Strength Tylenol Rapid Release, Motrin IB, Regular Strength Tylenol, Rolaids, Simply Sleep, St. Joseph Aspirin, Tylenol Arthritis and Tylenol PM.

Many of the recalled lots were manufactured at one of Johnson & Johnson’s main manufacturing sites located in Puerto Rico. Users of the products have reported side effects such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea; though no serious medical problems have been reported.

FDA officials also reported that Johnson & Johnson was aware of consumer complaints as early as September 2008, though it did not thoroughly investigate until late 2009.

Continue reading "Johnson & Johnson Recalls Tylenol and Other Brands" »

A Rhode Island based-company, Daniele International, Inc., issued a recall late January due to a salmonella outbreak. The outbreak affected over 200 people in 42 different states, including Missouri. Over 1.25 million pounds of salami were recalled after the endemic continued to spread across state lines.

Officials determined that those who got sick all shopped at Costco (a Daniele salami supplier) prior to becoming ill. Researchers tested a sample of the Costco salami and it was positive for salmonella. Since salami does not usually contain the bacteria, investigators were led to believe that black pepper was the contaminating factor.

According to the CDC and the FDA, the levels of contamination for pepper and spices are generally low; however, black pepper is more likely to carry salmonella compared to other spices because it is sun-dried in order to retain its outer skins. The direct correlation between Daniele International and the salmonella outbreak is still under investigation; therefore, the company has not taken full responsibility for the outbreak.

Continue reading "Peppered Salami Causes Salmonella Outbreak " »

According to a report, Honda, Japan’s second largest car manufacturer, extended its recall to 437,000 cars due to defective airbags. The initial recall was issued in 2008 and included 4,000 Accord and Civic sedans; it was later expanded in 2009 to include another 510,000 vehicles. The most recent recall mainly impacts the United States and Canada. However, 4,000 vehicles in Japan and 13,000 vehicles in Mexico, Taiwan, and Australia were also affected.

The recall was issued in order to replace the airbag inflator that can cause the airbag to overinflate, and according to the report, result "in metal fragments passing through the airbag cushion material and possibly causing injury or fatality to vehicle occupants." So far, the malfunction has been linked to eleven injuries and one fatality.

The cars that currently fall under the airbag recall include 2001 and 2002 model-year Accord, Civic, Odyssey, Pilot, CL, CR-V and 2002 Acura TL vehicles. The Japanese-only models that are included in the recall are Inspire, Saber and Lagreat. If Honda contacts you about the recall, you should contact an authorized dealership as soon as you receive your notification.

Continue reading "Honda Airbag Recall Extended to 437,000 Cars" »

According to recent reports, car manufacturer, Toyota Motor, has recalled 2.3 million vehicles due to gas pedal malfunctions, even in the absence of a floor mat. This recall is separate from the recall of 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles to correct a gas pedal problem linked to faulty floor mats which allegedly caused the pedal to stick and create unintended acceleration.

Toyota spokesman, Brian Lyons, stated, “The pedal may become harder to press and may become slower to return when released. In the worst cases, it may become stuck in a partially depressed position.” Toyota also claims that unintended acceleration due to gas pedal malfunction is “rare and infrequent,” but can occur after gas petal mechanisms endure excessive use.

Toyota says that owners will be notified when a solution is available and urges people to brake firmly in order to regain control of their vehicle if the gas pedal should become stuck. In such an event, the car should be driven to the closest safe location, turned off, and a Toyota dealer should be contacted.

The following vehicles are currently being recalled: 2009-2010 Toyota Rav4, Corolla, Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra and 2008-2010 Sequoia.

Continue reading "Toyota Recalls an Additional 2.3 Million Vehicles" »

Despite recent black box warnings on Levaquin, an antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections, many people are still suffering from its serious side effects. In West Virginia, three individuals who are plagued with severe tendon-related injuries filed separate lawsuits against Johnson and Johnson, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical and Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development.

Levaquin belongs to a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones that have been known to cause tendon injures. Studies suggest that fluoroquinolones can degrade tendon cells by causing apoptosis, or cell death. The damaged cells weaken and can then tear or rupture more easily. Many of the people who take Levaquin are 60 and older, the same group of people who are most at risk for tendon injury while taking the drug.

The three plaintiffs also contend that treatment for Levaquin side effects include corticosteroids – the same drug that greatly increases the risk of tendon rupture when combined with this antibiotic. The suit declares that the defendants did not properly highlight the drug’s tenotoxic effects in their marketing campaigns. Instead, Levaquin’s safety record and minor adverse side effects such as diarrhea and nausea where more prominently advertised while the severe warning of tendon rupture did not receive any special attention.

Continue reading "Three Victims File Lawsuit against Levaquin Manufacturers" »

Over the past few years, there have been a number of complaints and lawsuits filed against Johnson and Johnson, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical and Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceutical Research and Development for their product Levaquin, an antibiotic known to cause severe tendon injuries. The antibiotic is commonly taken for a variety of bacterial infections such as upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections and prostatitis.

The people who are most at risk for tendon rupture and tendonitis caused by the drug are people in the 60 and older age group and those who are taking corticosteroids. Unfortunately, some who take Levaquin may also be prescribed a corticosteroid as a common treatment for various symptoms the initial drug encompasses.

Levaquin is a part of the fluoroquinolones antibiotics group, and has more frequently caused tendon injuries than any other drug in its group. In countries outside of the U.S., regulatory authorities provided physicians with warning letters discussing the high risks of tendon rupture in patients taking the drug. Conversely, the U.S. manufacturers claimed “proven performance” on 63 million people using Levaquin outside the U.S., but had not disclosed the adverse events reported by the same people.

In some cases, the benefits of taking the antibiotic may outweigh the side effects and risks. If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of taking this drug, contact an experienced St. Louis Levequinn injury attorney at Page Cagle. Call us today at (866) 620-5757 for a free consultation.

Source report: http://www.wvrecord.com/news/223717-trio-says-levaquin-caused-tendon-injuries

West Missouri Beef LLC. is recalling about 14,000 pounds of fresh boneless beef products suspected of being contaminated with E. coli. According to a news report, the problem was discovered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service. So far, federal officials have not received any reports of illnesses or fatalities as a result of this E. coli contaminated beef. The beef products involved in this recall were produced between October 2009 and January 2010.

E. coli is a potentially lethal bacterium. Its most common symptoms are bloody diarrhea, dehydration, nausea and vomiting. It most often affects young children, seniors and those with weakened immune systems. In some cases, victims can develop a serious condition called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which may cause life-threatening kidney failure. The USDA advises consumers to use caution when they prepare raw meat products. Only consume ground beef or beef patties that have been cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. The only way to be sure that the beef is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill these harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature.

Continue reading "Missouri Firm Recalls Beef Products for E. coli Contamination" »

On December 23, four people in North Carolina filed lawsuits against Salix Pharmaceuticals for its product OsmoPrep, a prescription oral sodium phosphate commonly used for bowel cleansing in preparation for colonoscopy examinations. As a result of taking the drug, the plaintiffs suffer from acute phosphate nephropathy, a form of severe kidney damage that causes the patient to develop calcium-phosphate crystalline deposits in the renal tubules. They allege that the manufacturer did not adequately warn people about the serious and possibly life-threatening risks of kidney damage from OsmoPrep’s side effects.

In 2008, the FDA added a black box warning to OsmoPrep and Visicol, another oral sodium phosphate. The FDA also indicated that kidney injury could occur within several hours of use or anytime up to 21 days after taking OsmoPrep. This drug has been commonly marketed as an easy alternative to other methods of colon cleansing such as drinking a large quantity of a bowel cleansing liquid. In contrast, OsmoPrep is taken in pill form and uses two sodium phosphates to draw water into the bowls.

Continue reading "Four New Lawsuits Filed against OsmoPrep for Causing Kidney Damage" »

Toyota is getting ready to issue a vehicle defect recall on thousands of Prius models for a brake defect. The Japanese auto maker has already recalled more than 8 million vehicles worldwide because of sticking accelerators. Now a Nikkei business daily report states that Toyota has decided to recall about 270,000 Prius cars in Japan and the United States to repair a brake problem.

In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission (NHTSA) has already ordered a probe into Prius brake issues. The federal agency has received 124 reports of the hybrid vehicle's brakes failing, especially in situations where a car goes over a bump or when it hits a pothole. The auto maker has faced criticism for the way in which it has handled the recalls involving the gas pedal problem, which is said to have caused unintended acceleration in those vehicles. In fact, the gas pedal defects have been blamed for several accidents, including one in August where four members of a California family were killed in a fiery crash involving a Lexus.

Continue reading "Toyota May Recall Prius Models for Braking Problems" »

The state of Missouri recently recalled 22,000 H1N1 vaccines. Throughout the nation, government health officials have been recalling hundreds of thousands of these pre-filled vaccines recommended for children because the doses had lost strength over time. Therefore, 22,000 weaker vaccines were distributed throughout 75 counties across Missouri. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the manufacturer of the vaccine say that the recalled vaccines are still safe and effective. Also, parents should not be worried if their children received the pre-filled vaccine.

The Department of Health and Human Services said swine flu has killed eleven people in Missouri, much milder than when compared to other states such as Kansas, where 22 deaths have been reported. Missouri is one of the few states that has not been strongly affected by the illness.

Continue reading "Missouri Recalls 22,000 Weakened H1N1 Vaccines" »

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.

Continue reading "Kraft Foods Recalls Allergen-Causing Food Items" »

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.

Continue reading "Research Shows that Placebo May Be as Effective as Paxil" »

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.

Continue reading "Newark Woman Sues Bayer over Yaz" »

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.

Continue reading "E. Coli Tainted Beef Causes Illnesses in 16 States" »

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.

Continue reading "Colonoscopy Laxatives May Cause Severe Kidney Injury" »

Wyeth and Schwarz Pharma, the manufacturers of Reglan, won a recent case regarding a woman in West Virginia who developed tardive dyskinesia and other side effects from taking a generic version of the drug. The woman accused Wyeth and Schwarz Pharma of manufacturing the drug that caused her condition. The company was exempt from liability given that a different manufacturer produced the generic drug the woman was taking. The woman alleged that she was prescribed the Pharma version of the drug, but given a generic version by her pharmacy. It is unknown whether or not the woman will pursue the lawsuit with the manufacturers of the generic drug.

Reglan, also known as Metoclopramide, is used to treat heartburn, acid reflux and Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Studies have shown that 27-29 percent of long-term users of Reglan develop tardive dyskinesia; an untreatable condition characterized by involuntary, repetitive and purposeless movements such as rapid blinking, arm and leg jerking, and lip smacking. The syndrome is often devastating and permanent, affecting victims’ emotions, social interaction, mental state and vocation.

Continue reading "Woman with Tardive Dyskinesia Loses Case against Reglan" »

For several years, GlaxoSmithKline P.L.C. ignored evidence that its antidepressant, Paxil, may have caused birth defects in Missouri and throughout the nation, according to details emerging from a pharmaceutical liability lawsuit. The claim was filed by a woman who says her 3-year-old son has heart problems because she took Paxil during her pregnancy. Attorneys nationwide who have filed these Paxil lawsuits on behalf of injured clients and their children are alleging that Glaxo, for many years, knew about early tests and research results which all raised issues of concern. In fact, an attorney cited a test where rats that were administered Paxil were more likely to have pups that did not survive past four days.

Warnings relating to Paxil apparently came as early as the 1980s. A scientist warned in an internal memo that "there remains the possibility" that Paxil could cause birth defects in higher doses. But Glaxo ignored those research findings. There are now 600 or more pending cases in the United States, which allege that Glaxo knowingly put Paxil on the market and concealed its risks from consumers in order to boost profits. Paxil, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1992, generated $942 million in sales just in 2008. Attorneys for Glaxo have denied all allegations and maintain that Paxil has cleared all clinical trials.

Statistics show otherwise. By 1997, within five years of Paxil's approval, Glaxo had received reports of 50 miscarriages or intrauterine deaths. A Glaxo scientist at that point warned that the high number of cases was "an alarming finding." That warning was also ignored by the pharmaceutical company and went unreported to the FDA.

Continue reading "Drug Company Ignored Evidence of Paxil Birth Defects for Years, Lawsuits Allege" »

In learning that a handful of patients with pre-existing kidney problems developed a serious condition called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), the FDA issued a letter of warning in 2006 informing healthcare professionals about the addition of a boxed warning for Gadolinium-based contrast agents, commonly used in MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging). The FDA announcement also included new warnings about the danger of NSF.

Previously referred to as Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy, NSF is a skin condition that, although currently under peer review, occurs only in individuals with kidney disease. The reason for this is that gadolinium (a heavy metal ion) is capable of staying in a person’s system unless the kidneys are able to get rid of it.

The International Center for Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis Research defines the condition as large areas of solidified or hardened skin. An affected area may contain raised papules, plaques, or confluent papules, which may raise skin deposits of mucous or display pigmentary variation. As a consequence of NSF, some patients lose the ability to entirely extend the joints of their feet, arms, legs, and hands, and may not be able to walk.

Continue reading "FDA Reveals Risk of NSF from Gadolinium-FDA Reveals Risk of NSF from Gadolinium" »

It is very common and routine for doctors to request a colonoscopy for patients aged 50 and older. However, the drugs often prescribed to cleanse the bowels before the procedure can have severe side effects.

OsmoPrep and Visicol are the only two prescription oral sodium phosphate (OSP) laxatives used for bowel cleansing before colonoscopies, x-rays and surgeries. These products have been known to cause the following:

• Irregular heartbeat


• Acute phosphate nephropathy (kidney damage)


• Renal failure


• Seizures


• Rectal bleeding


• Chafing

Some of the above side effects may cause permanent damage or death if left untreated.
In 2008, the FDA required manufacturers to add boxed warning labels to these products and to conduct further research on the benefits and risks of OSPs. The FDA also issued a warning to the makers of Fleet Phospho-soda for the defective product, later causing the company to recall the over-the-counter OSP.

Continue reading "OsmoPrep Side Effects and Risks" »

In today’s world, many of us rely on doctor’s advice and medications to heal us and make us feel better. Still, it is important to keep yourself well informed on any medications that you are taking in order to prevent serious damage.

Levaquin and Cipro are two such medications that have harmful and often irreparable effects. These drugs are antibiotics classified under the flouroquinolone family and often prescribed for serious bacterial infections. Cipro gained publicity in 2001 for being the most common treatment for anthrax attacks.

The two most common symptoms of flouroquinolone antibiotics are tendon rupture and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), a painful skin disorder also known as erythema multiforme. Other symptoms include vision damage, hearing loss, insomnia, anxiety, organ disorders, suicidal thoughts or actions, tendonitis, joint and muscle damage, and gastrointestinal damage.

Levaquin and Cipro side effects are also compounded when taken in combination with corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Aleve, Advil and Motrin. Unfortunately corticosteroids and NSAIDs are often prescribed or taken to treat symptoms of TEN.

Continue reading "Dangerous and Permanent Side Effects of Levaquin and Cipro Antibiotics" »

Patients undergo MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) for various reasons. Whether it’s to discover an injury that an X-ray cannot detect, or to determine the presence of cancer, MRIs are frequently used. When undergoing an MRI, technicians and physicians will turn to a contrast agent, such as Gadolinium, to help alter the images of the area being screened to improve its quality in the results.

These Gadolinium contrast agents are injected into the patients’ bloodstream prior to the MRI scan so that the MRI computer can make an accurate distinction between abnormal and normal tissue. However, once researchers discovered in 2006 that Gadolinium use directly caused nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with pre-existing kidney problems, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an official warning. It is no surprise then, that some patients have become mistrustful of MRIs.

Continue reading "Gadolinium-Based Contrast Agents in MRIs Connected to Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis" »

The H1N1 vaccine may be proving more dangerous than helpful. According to ABC News and MSNBC.com reports, the swine flu vaccine is proving detrimental to some users, causing severe allergic reactions in some and proving to be altogether ineffective for others.

ABCNews.com reports that a batch of the H1N1 vaccine has been recalled by its maker, U.K.-based GlaxoSmithKline, because the vaccine has caused a severe allergic reaction in at least six people. A total of 170,000 doses of the vaccine have been recalled in Canada. At this point, reports claim that this particular issue with the vaccine is isolated and has yet to affect users in other countries. To date, a total of 7.5 million doses of the vaccine have been distributed in Canada.

An MSNBC.com article cites an equally scary report, claiming that over 800,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine have been recalled by Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccine’s division of France-based pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis Group. These particular doses of the vaccine have been deemed ineffective in preventing the onset of swine flu. Each dose in question has been cited as losing potency, thus failing to protect its user from contracting the illness. What’s more problematic about this particular instance of pharmaceutical product recall is that the futile doses in question were distributed amongst children.

As consumers, we trust that the products we buy are going to be free of error and perform as is advertised. Pharmaceutical recalls and the failure of pharmaceutical companies to deliver safe products are particularly unnerving because the health and well-being of consumers is put in great jeopardy.

At Page | Cagle, our attorneys will keep a watchful eye over new developments involving the H1N1 vaccine recall. If you feel as though you have been a victim of a defective product, H1N1 or otherwise, please don’t hesitate to contact our Missouri personal injury attorneys. Call 866-620-5757 for a free consultation of your particular situation, or visit or main website: www.injuredclient.com for more information on this and other defective products.

Source Article:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/SwineFluNews/wireStory?id=9162438
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34432437/ns/health-cold_and_flu/

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently put out an alert about two prescription drugs used to cleanse the bowel before a colonoscopy that may cause kidney damage. According to a Health Day news report, the oral sodium phosphate products Visicol and OsmoPrep could cause acute phosphate nephropathy, in other words, severe kidney damage. The FDA has apparently received reports of 20 unique cases of kidney damage associated with the use of OsmoPrep. The onset of kidney injury in these cases varied, occurring in some patients within several hours of using these drugs, and in other cases, up to 21 days after use. A number of patients routinely take oral sodium phosphate products – either prescription or over-the-counter – to clean the intestines prior to a colonoscopy or other medical procedures.

In 2006, the FDA put out an alert saying that sodium phosphates should be used with caution. Now the federal agency is saying that oral sodium phosphate products should not be used by patients under the age of 18 or in combination with other laxatives containing sodium phosphate. Those at risk also include patients 55 years of age or older; people who suffer from dehydration, kidney disease, acute colitis or delayed bowel emptying; and those taking medication for kidney function such as diuretics.

Continue reading "Oral Sodium Phosphates Linked to Kidney Damage" »

Bayer says that a study by Swissmedic, the Swiss medical authority, released recently in German, shows that the risk of potentially fatal embolisms, or clots, is about the same for its Yaz brand contraceptives as it is with other birth control pills. According to a report on Bnet, Bayer has provided an incomplete translation of Swissmedic's study, which may not provide the complete picture. This study is being looked at with great interest by attorneys who have filed pharmaceutical liability lawsuits on behalf of personal injury victims who have suffered greatly as a result of taking Yaz. So far, about 130 Yaz lawsuits have been filed. These lawsuits basically allege that Bayer's use of drospirenone, the active ingredient in the pill, increases risks of blood clots, which can result in heart attacks and strokes.

Swissmedic began investigating all birth control pills after a 16-year-old was disabled by a lung embolism after she took Yaz. Reportedly, there have been nine deaths connected with the use of oral contraceptives in Switzerland since 1990. Bayer launched Yaz, a lower-dose version of Bayer's contraceptive Yasmin, last year in Europe where it was expected to generate peak annual sales in the low triple-digit millions of Euros within five years. Bayer's contraceptives, Yasmin, Yaz and Yasminelle, were the pharmaceutical company's best selling products last year, generating sales of 1.2 billion Euros in 2008 alone.

Continue reading "Swiss Medical Authority Investigates Yaz Drug Side Effects" »

Mitsubishi has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that it will be recalling 29,353 2008-2009 Lancers and Lancer Evolutions due to faulty front airbag sensors. Apparently these cars pose a risk to those living in states that use road salt. Prolonged exposure to road salt and melted snow can coat and corrode the airbag sensors, causing them to possibly malfunction in the event of a crash. The company will be issuing a geographic recall, which is expected to begin on November 27 in the District of Columbia and 22 states, including Missouri.

On April 1, 1989 the U.S. passed a law requiring all vehicles built after that date to have airbags installed. Since then, the NHTSA has reported that front airbags have saved more than 12,000 lives between 1960 and 2002.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Recalls Lancers for Defective Front Airbag Sensors" »

A recent Paxil lawsuit that took place in Philadelphia gripped the attention of consumers and citizens throughout the United States. According to a philly.com article, this is the first Paxil lawsuit in the plaintiff’s favor; however, it remains uncertain as to how the jury’s distinction of negligence will affect future Paxil cases, especially considering that punitive damages were not awarded.

Based on the article, punitive damages are typically awarded when evidence supports that a company knew about problems with their product, ignored them, or covered them up in order to reap the benefits. Apparently, the jury said that Glaxo had been negligent in not accurately cautioning the pregnant woman’s doctor of the drug’s risk. If Glaxo’s behavior had been deemed outrageous, the family may have been awarded punitive damages as well.

As the first of approximately 600 similar cases against the makers of Paxil, GlaxoSmithKline P.L.C., the jury found that the company was “negligent, but not outrageous” in contributing to heart problems in a 3-year-old whose mother took the anti-depressant drug while she was pregnant. As a result, the family was awarded a $2.5 million judgment that only included compensatory damages. This is considered an encouraging and big win by legal experts for the remaining plaintiffs in Paxil cases. According to the article, the 10-2 jury ruling reflects the decision that the child’s problems were linked to Paxil.

Continue reading "Paxil Case Results in $2.5 Million Judgment for Plaintiff" »

With so many different forms of pharmaceutical products and natural supplements available for purchase and use by consumers, it can often be overwhelming just deciding which product to trust, especially when it comes to oral contraceptives. Consumers usually rely on how a product is marketed when determining whether to use it. This decision is mostly based on individual preference in combination with the message provided by a commercial, billboard, or magazine advertisement.

It seems that oral contraceptives are some of the most competitive prescription pills out there. Consequently, such competition amongst drug manufacturers has been known to sometimes lead to false advertising and marketing misrepresentation on the part of manufacturers. At the forefront of this concern, the FDA issued a warning letter to Bayer Health Care Pharmaceuticals, Inc., the makers of the oral contraceptive Yaz, in 2008 stating that their commercials, “Not Gonna Take It” and “Balloons”, are misleading due to widening the pill’s abilities, exaggerating the effectiveness of Yaz, and undermining the serious risks connected to the drug’s use.

While some considered Bayer’s marketing misrepresentation in misbranding Yaz in its TV ads to be an extreme breach of trust, others continued to use the oral contraceptive despite the risks it may pose. As experienced Missouri product liability attorneys, we know that we are not alone in considering it unacceptable for a major pharmaceutical manufacturer to encourage the use of a drug to help treat conditions other than those it has been approved for. By over-promising and minimizing the risks associated with a drug, a manufacturer puts thousands of innocent consumers in danger of suffering as a result.

Continue reading "Yaz Marketing Misrepresentation Puts Consumers in Danger" »

Ford Motor Company issued its largest vehicle defect recall involving 4.5 million vehicles for faulty cruise control deactivation switches that have caused fires even when the vehicles were not in operation. According to a Reuters news report, the switches made by Texas Instruments have led to more than half a dozen recalls involving 14 million Ford vehicles over the last decade or so. Ford officials say that the recalled vehicles do not pose a significant safety risk and that they are just issuing the recall to reassure consumers and get rid of future safety concerns with regard to these defective switches.

If you own one of the recalled vehicles, Ford urges you not to park in garages or near homes. This auto product recall includes 1195-2003 Ford Windstars; 2000-2003 Ford Excursion diesels; 1993-1997 and 1999-2003 Ford F-Super Duty Trucks; 1992-2003 Ford Econolines; 1995-2002 Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers; 1995-1997 and 2001-2003 Ford Rangers; and 1994 Ford F53 motor homes.

Continue reading "Ford Recalls 4.5 Million Vehicles Over Defective Switches that Pose Fire Danger" »

Toyota Motor Corp., the manufacturer of automobiles that used to be synonymous with safety and reliability, has now issued a major defect recall for 3.8 million vehicles. According to an Associated Press news report, the automaker has recalled several of its Lexus and Toyota Corolla and Camry sedans for a defective floor mat that may slip and jam the accelerator. This auto product defect came to light after a fatal San Diego car accident in August that killed a California Highway Patrol officer and three members of his family.

Toyota is still working with federal officials at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to find a remedy for this problem. Consumers who own these recalled vehicles are asked to remove the floor mat on the driver's side and not replace it. NHTSA officials say they have received reports of 102 incidents in which the accelerator may have become stuck. But it is not clear how many of these incidents led to crashes and how many of those crashes led to serious personal injury or deaths.

These are extremely serious car defects. It is not clear why Toyota did not address these complaints earlier. The company's president has issued an apology about these defects, but at the same time, Toyota has not been forthcoming about information involving the exact number of complaints, injuries or fatalities.

Continue reading "Toyota Recalls 3.8 Million Vehicles for Defective Floor Mats" »

Defective products can have quite devastating effects on trusting users, and these consequences are even more tragic regarding products that parents rely on for their infant’s use. The recent reports of Simplicity bassinets causing the death of two infants in two separate events are unnerving in that the Consumer Product Safety Commission warned against the risks of this product just a little over a year ago.

The risk associated with Simplicity bassinets has to do with metal bars that are separated a greater distance from each other than is permitted by federal requirements. Additionally, the bassinets can create risk of entrapment and death when the Velcro-fastened material over the metal bars is not accurately handled. These risks were the direct cause of death of a 6-month-old girl in Texas in January 2009 who became trapped between the exposed bars of the bassinet.

As a result of the above incident and the death of a 2-month-old girl in Georgia who was suffocated after becoming caught in the bassinet’s fabric in September 2008, all Simplicity bassinets that were manufactured before May 18, 2008 have been recalled in addition to some other bassinets that are sold under the Graco brand and some with a Winnie the Pooh design.
Despite the controversy over the death of innocent infants, another heated subject in relation to these defective products is the fact that too great of a time was allowed between the deaths and the recall’s second announcement. The chairmen of the safety commission stated the following in a report: "We want to step up in the future our education and advocacy so that consumers are better informed," she said.

Continue reading "Simplicity Bassinets Are Far From Harmless: Consumers Be Warned" »

An article in the LA Times brings some vital points to the forefront of consumer concern regarding recent food recalls due to salmonella, E. coli, and listeria contamination. In the last two months, certain products (romaine lettuce, cilantro, ground beef, Anaheim peppers, granola nut clusters, alfalfa sprouts and many nonfat dry milk featured products) listed on the FDA’s website have been recalled due to possible salmonella contamination. These recalls bring back unpleasant memories of the many peanut product recalls from earlier this year and leaves consumers wondering what is being done to monitor salmonella contamination.

The House passed the Food Safety Enhancement Act last month, which creates greater FDA regulatory powers to help improve the nation’s food supply by increased authority over recalls, regulation of how crops are raised and harvested, food manufacturer inspections, quarantine of a geographic area, warrantless searches of business records, and the ability to create a more effective way to trace food-borne illness. As of now, the FDA has introduced guidelines for the safety and protection of tomatoes, melons, and leafy greens against contamination. In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture is said to increase inspections of ground beef components to help protect consumers against E. coli contamination.

It is an unfortunate reality that food borne illnesses in Missouri and throughout the nation affect a large amount of people each year. What’s even more unfortunate is that proving the origin and cause of food borne illness can be extremely difficult.

Continue reading "Salmonella, E.Coli, and Listeria Food Products Contamination: What is Being Done to Prevent Food Borne Illness?" »

Many Prempro pharmaceutical liability lawsuits have been filed against the makers of the defective drug, Wyeth, allegedly because the drug maker not only failed to adequately warn patients of severe side effects, but also heavily promoted the drug for conditions that weren’t approved by the FDA. A woman in Little Rock, Arkansas, who was diagnosed with breast cancer after taking Prempro for eight years, filed the first of many Prempro lawsuits. The woman was prescribed Prempro for the prevention of osteoporosis, however, this prescription medication ultimately led to her mastectomy.

Prempro, which is primarily prescribed to menopausal women hoping to ease symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, contains a combination of conjugated estrogens and progesterone. These female hormones are important for regulating menstruation and ovulation and are also shown to prevent osteoporosis. However, Prempro has caused several cases of personal injury to those using the drug, increasing the risk of cancer, heart disease and dementia to name a few.

Especially with long-term treatment, this medication can increase the risk of heart attacks, blood clots, strokes and being diagnosed with breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers. Smokers and overweight individuals are at increasingly higher risks for developing these medical conditions from taking Prempro.

Despite all of these risks, Prempro is still one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for hormone replacement therapy. Thousands of women are prescribed Prempro every year, many of whom are not aware of the serious and debilitating risks that come along with taking this drug. If you or a loved one has experienced side effects from taking Prempro, or any other prescription drug, call Page Cagle, A Personal Injury Firm for a free consultation with a skilled St. Louis Prempro side effects attorney to learn about your legal options.

Call 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). You can also email me at john@pagecagle.com or visit www.injuredclient.com for more information. You pay nothing unless you recover.

Fosamax is a prescription medication that is often used to treat or prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Fosamax changes the cycle of bone formation and breakdown by slowing down bone loss and increasing bone mass at the same time. Although the drug may prevent bone fractures, the drug also carries risks of serious Fosamax side effects.

Fosamax often causes bone loss in the jaw, which is called osteonecrosis of the jaw. Osteonecrosis of the jaw results in jaw swelling, pain, gum infection and even tooth loss. Chances of getting this condition are increased in those treated with steroids, radiation and chemotherapy. Additionally, those with low blood calcium, a vitamin D deficiency, kidney disease or an ulcer may experience additional medical risks with taking Fosamax.

As awareness of these severe musculoskeletal drug injuries increased, many injured patients filed lawsuits against the makers of Fosamax, Merck. The FDA also issued warnings of the serious side effects associated with taking Fosamax, although some patients had already been injured by taking this drug. Recently, more information about Fosamax was released, alleging the drug also doubles a woman’s chances of developing atrial fibrillation, which is a chronic irregular heartbeat.

If you have taken Fosamax and have suffered any muscle, joint, bone or heart pain, call Page Cagle, a personal injury law firm to speak with an experienced St. Louis product liability attorney for free. Call 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). You can also email me at john@pagecagle.com or visit www.injuredclient.com for more information. I am more than happy to discuss your case, answer any questions you may have and help determine your legal options.

Accutane is a prescription medication that is used to treat severe nodular acne. The medication is a form of vitamin A that reduces oil gland secretion to help clear skin of acne. However, Accutane also has serious side effects that can cause psychiatric disorders, increased risks of colon cancer and life-threatening birth defects.

Because of these severe medical risks, Accutane is only available to patients who pledge to be using two forms of birth control and who agree to undergo routine pregnancy testing. This testing is to prevent possible birth defects that affect a baby’s ears, eyes, skull, heart and brain. However, no procedures were or are implemented to protect against the myriad of other medical problems that may arise from taking the drug, which has lead to numerous Accutane product liability lawsuits.

Roche Pharmaceuticals, maker of Accutane, has come under scrutiny by the FDA because the drug maker did not adequately warn patients of the severe side effects besides birth defects, which include psychiatric side effects such as suicide and depression, an increased risk of colon cancer and central nervous systems complications to name a few.

Several multi-million dollar verdicts have come down against Roche Pharmaceuticals in cases where Accutane users, who took the medication to control acne, developed Crohn’s disease and ulceratative colitis. These defective product injury lawsuits primarily allege that the makers of Accutane knew about the side effects of the drug, which is primarily used by teenagers, but neglected to warn patients of these life-altering risks. To date, over 500 Accutane lawsuits have been filed and this number is expected to grow as Accutane awareness grows.

If you or a loved one has experienced medical complications after taking Accutane, contact Page Cagle, A Personal Injury Law Firm. For a free consultation with a skilled St. Louis personal injury attorney, call 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). You can also email me at john@pagecagle.com or visit www.injuredclient.com for more information. You pay nothing unless you recover.

Paxil is a prescription medication that is often used to treat depression. The drug, which belongs to a group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), aims to help mood problems by restoring the balance of serotonin in the brain. Besides treating depression, Paxil has also been used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders to name a few.

However, Paxil has also been shown to have severe and serious side effects in addition to dangerous withdrawal symptoms, bringing up serious concern for product liability in Missouri and throughout the nation. Additionally the drug has been prescribed to children, despite the fact that it has proven to be ineffective with most young children and increases the risk of suicidal thoughts. Most often, suicidal thoughts are present in those younger than 24-years-old.

Paxil, which is manufactured by SmithKline Beecham, entered the US prescription market in 1992. Since this time, the dangerous drug has been shown to cause severe side effects such as violent behavior, suicidal thoughts and tendencies, and a condition called akathisia, which is severe inner restlessness. As these symptoms appeared in many Paxil-users, many defective product injury and personal injury suits were filed against the makers of Paxil.

The FDA not only required Paxil to display new warning labels on the medication, but also created a plan that requires doctors prescribing Paxil to speak directly with their patients about the known risks that are associated with the drug. These warnings and implementations to protect Paxil consumers, however, have come too late in the case of many, whose lives have been drastically changed and limited by this drug.

If you or a loved one has experienced severe side effects from taking Paxil or any other prescription medication, don’t hesitate to call me for a free consultation. As a founding partner of Page//Cagle, a Missouri Injury Law Firm, I have aggressively represent clients to make sure they are compensated for their injuries.

You can call me 24 hours a day at 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). You can also email me at john@pagecagle.com or visit www.injuredclient.com for more information. You pay nothing unless you recover.

The U.S. Supreme Court took a significant step forward in personal injury law on March 4, 2009 when deciding the case Wyeth v. Levine. In Wyeth v. Levine, a Vermont musician, Levine, brought action against Wyeth, the makers of Phenergen, because Levine developed gangrene after receiving an injection of the drug into her artery. The delivery technique used, known as an “IV push,” is not supposed to inject medication into patients’ arteries, although there is a known risk of such an outcome. In this case, an arterial injection led to Levine developing gangrene, which resulted in amputating her arm and ending her music career.

Both Wyeth and the FDA were aware of the risks associated with the “IV push” injection method, but did not prohibit this type of medication delivery. In fact, the FDA approved labeling for Phenergen, and simply warned against the IV push delivery technique. Levine claimed that the Phenergen label was inadequate, thus posing marketing misrepresentation, because it did not prohibit a harmful type of drug administration, but Wyeth countered that its use of the warning label complied with FDA regulations.

Basically in this case, Levine could use Vermont tort (injury) law to win her claim, but Wyeth was claiming that federal law, based on the FDA regulations, preempted the product liability claim. Meaning, because the federal and state law differed on the issue of warning label adequacy, Wyeth said federal law should be used over state law, and therefore, Levine did not have a claim against the drug manufacturers of Phenergen. However, the Supreme Court did not agree with this argument and upheld the Vermont verdict for the nearly $6.8 million dollars awarded to Levine.

Continue reading "Phenergen Dangerous Drug Lawsuit Paves Way for Liability" »

Between 2000 and 2006 alone, over 65,000 product liability lawsuits have been filed against prescription drug makers. This totals more lawsuits than in any other industry. Although there are no medications that are completely free from side effects, the dangers of Ortho Evra birth control patch have proved to be life altering and outweigh any potential benefits of the drug.

Most birth control prescriptions carry side effects such as mood swings and weight gain. However, in addition to these common uncomfortable side effects, Ortho Evra has been linked to potentially life-threatening conditions such as Deep Vein Thrombosis. Blood clots caused by Ortho Evra can lead to medical complications, including strokes, pulmonary embolisms and even death.

Despite the fact that most birth control pills do carry the risks of blood clots, many people using the Ortho Evra patch weren’t aware that using the patch instead of other birth control methods means serious medical conditions are three times more likely to occur. An experienced personal injury attorney in Missouri will be able to help determine whether you have a case against the drug manufacturer.

A 2004 study on birth control methods and the patch concluded that there was a 300 percent increase in both blood clots and cardiovascular complications in women who used the patch over the pill. In November 2005, the FDA issued a warning of this finding to consumers and also encouraged Johnson & Johnson to strengthen the drug’s warning label. .

Continue reading "Ortho Evra Dangerous Drug and Product Liability" »

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website says it is important to remember that the risk for injury is not necessarily gone when dangerous drug Levaquin or Cipro use is discontinued. Cases have been reported in which tendon problems occurred up to several months after individuals have stopped taking the medications.

Levaquin and Cipro are drugs prescribed by doctors to treat serious bacterial infections. Both medications just received a “black box” warning by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for issues of product liability. Although it is an FDA term, the “black box” warning is the strongest warning the FDA can give a drug short of an all out recall.

Both medications fall into a group of drugs known as quinolones that fight infections by targeting the infected area and eliminating or limiting the amount of bacteria present. By doing so the drugs assists the body in fighting off the infection. Levaquin is a third generation quinolone, which means that its antibacterial spectrum is wider than that of Cipro, yet both have been linked to tendon damage and ruptures with injuries particularly focusing on the Achilles tendon, the biceps, the rotator cuff (shoulder), as well as the hand and thumb.

If you are currently taking, or have taken, one of these drugs and experience pain, swelling, or the inflammation of a tendon or tendon rupture, immediately discontinue use of the medication and contact your health care professional right away. Then contact the top St. Louis personal injury lawyers at Page Cagle for a free consultation by calling 314.322.8515 or 1.800.500.4658.

Heparin, a blood thinner regularly used to prevent blood clots during medical procedures, has been linked to hundreds of severe adverse reactions and even cases of wrongful death. Reports of adverse side effects from Heparin reached an all time high of 150 reports in January 2009 alone, so Baxter, maker of Heparin, recently recalled specific types of this blood thinner.

Hemorrhages are also often a serious complication that can result from Heparin use and cause serious personal injury. Additionally thrombocytopenia has been reported to occur in Heparin patients and can lead to skin necrosis, gangrene, which can lead to extremity amputation, stroke, and even death. At this time, Heparin has been linked to at least four deaths.

Although countless patients have reported experiencing dangerous side effects associated with taking Heparin, the drug is still regularly administered because other blood thinners do not work as quickly as Heparin, nor can their administration be reversed as easily.

Continue reading "Heparin Dangerous Drug Linked to Severe Adverse Reactions, Caused 4 Deaths" »

Regardless of the hundreds of defective product lawsuits in Missouri and throughout the nation linking Prozac to suicidal and violent behavior, approximately 38 million people in over 100 countries take Prozac for a myriad of disorders and afflictions. While primarily prescribed to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic attacks, Prozac has even been approved to curve eating disorders.

Created by Eli Lilly and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1987, it is the only antidepressant approved to treat certain disorders in children, such as major depression disorder (MDD) and OCD in kids. Prozac is also used for several “off-label” purposes, such as to treat alcoholism, sleep problems, attention deficit disorder and post traumatic stress disorder. Because of the substantial range of illnesses Prozac is used to remedy, it is no wonder why critics often call it the most over-prescribed drug in the world. Now Prozac users are experiencing drug injury in Missouri and across the U.S.

How It Words and Side Effects
Prozac works by inhibiting the re-uptake of serotonin between neural connections in the brain, which leaves more serotonin available to transfer neural electrical messages more smoothly and effectively. Over-prescription, however, is not the only problem that has been associated with Prozac. The drug currently carries a black box warning regarding the risks and dangers of suicidal and violent behavior.

In 2001, a man reportedly committed suicide after taking Prozac for only 3 days. He eventually threw the pills away, but when his body was found 4 days later, high levels of fluoxetine, the active ingredient in Prozac, were found in his blood. The lawsuit, brought by the family, alleged that Eli Lilly knew that some people have a hard time metabolizing the drug, yet concealed the information in order not to hinder sales, which resulted in the wrongful death of their son.

Additionally, multiple Prozac users have claimed that the drug made them commit violent acts. In one example, the “Prozac” defense was used by an insurance agent, in 2000, who robbed a bank and was subsequently acquitted because he had been prescribed Prozac and Xanax.

Continue reading "Prozac Product Liability Lawsuits" »

Death by lung cancer or suicide? Seems like a lofty subject and daunting outcome in either case, but for users of dangerous drug Chantix, who hoped to quit smoking, these two depressing choices could be the options they face. Chantix, a drug that has been prescribed to many seeking help in quitting smoking, has been shown to not only decrease nicotine addiction, but also to increase suicidal thoughts- a gamble most patients were not aware of before taking the drug.

After reports of Chantix causing suicide were released, several lawsuits ensued against Pfizer, maker of Chantix, because several patients killed themselves while using the drug. The widow of a man who killed himself while taking the drug brought the first of these lawsuits in July 2008 and several others have followed in taking the same action. An experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyer will be able to help determine if you have a Chantix case.

The makers of prescription medications have a duty to make sure all of their products are reasonably safe for the intended use by consumers. Although all product liability issues are taken seriously, prescription medications present a stronger issue than other products. Most patients taking such drugs are under a doctor’s orders and the patient’s generally feel the drugs are safe.

The FDA required Chantix warn consumer of these psychological side effects in 2008, but for many patients it was already too late. If you are a loved one has been affected by the drug Chantix, call the skilled Missouri personal injury attorneys at PageCagle for a free case evaluation. We can be reached at 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). You can also email me at john@pagecagle.com or visit www.injuredclient.com for more information.

With the recent “black box” warning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has applied to Levaquin and Cipro, it is important for those who are taking, or have taken the medications know the signs and symptoms of a possible medical problem. Although it is an FDA term, the “black box” warning is the strongest warning the FDA can give a drug short of an all out recall due to issues of product liability.

More than half (approximately 60%) of the tendon ruptures that were reported to the FDA were caused by the use of Levaquin. Additionally, although both medications have been linked to tendon ruptures in the rotary cuff, biceps, hands and thumbs, the Achilles tendon, the tendon that attaches the calf to the heel bone, has been the most prominent tendon to rupture.

An Achilles tendon rupture is an extremely painful injury that often requires extensive surgery to repair. In addition to undergoing the knife, months of rehabilitation and therapy are often both necessary in order to return to a point where the ankle is functional. It is also not uncommon for an individual who has ruptured an Achilles tendon to experience ongoing pain and tendon problems, even after undergoing surgery to mend the rupture.

Continue reading "Levaquin and Cipro: Signs and Symptoms of a Problem" »

FDA’s Recent Actions…Black Box Warnings on Levaquin and Cipro: Antibiotics that Cause Tendon Damage and Rupture

On July 8, 2008 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued new warnings for Cipro, Levaquin, and other quinolone antibiotics, concerning the increased risk of tendinitis and tendon ruptures affiliated with the use of these drugs. The product liability evidence now shows that side effects of Levaquin and Cipro have and can leave patients incapacitated and requiring major surgery.

Levaquin and Cipro are drugs prescribed by doctors to treat serious bacterial infections. Both medications fall into a group of drugs known as quinolones that fight infections by targeting the infected area and eliminating or limiting the amount of bacteria present. By doing so the drugs assists the body in fighting off the infection. Levaquin is a third generation quinolone, which means that its antibacterial spectrum is wider than that of Cipro, yet both have been linked to tendon damage and ruptures in users with injuries particularly focusing on the Achilles tendon, the biceps, the rotator cuff (shoulder), as well as the hand and thumb.

Continue reading "FDA Issues Black Box Warnings on Levaquin and Cipro" »

The antibiotics Levaquin (Generic: levofloxacin) and Cipro (Ciprofloxacin) have recently been under the governmental microscope because of the disturbing number of reported serious side effects now on file with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Specifically, Levaquin and Cipro have been linked to tendon damage and ruptures with injuries particularly focusing on the Achilles tendon, the biceps, the rotator cuff (shoulder), as well as the hand and thumb.

Levaquin and Cipro are drugs prescribed by doctors to treat serious bacterial infections. Both medications fall into a group of drugs known as quinolones that fight infections by targeting the infected area and eliminating or limiting the amount of bacteria present. By doing so the drugs assists the body in fighting off the infection. Levaquin is a third generation quinolone, which means that its antibacterial spectrum is wider than that of Cipro, yet both have been linked to harming users and are in question of product liability.

If you are currently taking, or have taken, one of these drugs and experience pain, swelling, or the inflammation of a tendon or tendon rupture, immediately discontinue use of the medication and contact your health care professional right away. Then call the skilled St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Page Cagle for a free consultation.

“Death Jaw” is another name for jaw osteonecrosis (ONJ), a jaw bone decay disease that involves the breaking down and loss or “death” of the jaw bone. Recent research has linked instances of ONJ to Fosamax medication and other similar bisphosphonates. Although the exact nature of the relationship is unknown, medical providers agree that there is no definite way to treat ONJ and that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued multiple reports concluding that Fosamax is exercising misrepresentation of product and does not do a good enough job warning patients about the possibility of osteonecrosis and ONJ side effects.

Fosamax (Aldenodrate) belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates and was granted FDA approval in 1995. Bisphosphonates are used to improve bone density, by maintaining or increasing the volume of minerals and calcium within the bones. It is often taken to combat the bone density disease commonly referred to as osteoporosis. Fosamax is manufactured by Merck & Co., a pharmaceutical company that courts are currently holding legally responsible for the companies arthritis drug Vioxx because of the drugs correlation to patient heart attacks.

Continue reading "Defective Drug Fosamax Can Lead to “Dead Jaw”" »

Prempro / Hormone Replacement Therapy

Women undergoing menopause are often prescribed hormone replacement therapy to ease symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. However, the benefits associated with hormone replacement therapies do not necessarily outweigh the serious risks and side effects these drugs may cause.

For example, Prempro is a commonly prescribed hormone replacement therapy. Prempro side effects include an increase the risk of cancer, strokes, heart attacks and blood clots in women. Other hormone replacement therapies that combine estrogen and progestin like Prempro include Femhrt, Ortho-Prefest and Premphase.

According to a study by the Women’s Health Initiative, all of these drugs can cause severe side effects that can be deadly for women. Despite these findings, millions of women are prescribed these medications every year. Studies show that when 6 million women were prescribed Prempro in 2002, these women experienced a 26% increase in breast cancer, a 29% increase in heart attacks and a 41% increase in strokes.

In sum, many women have been adversely affected by the hormone replacement therapies they were prescribed to ease a life change. Instead of aiding the transition, these drugs often created new life-threatening medical conditions for patients.

For information about the legal options you have after suffering injuries from Prempro or other combination hormone replacement therapies, call the Missouri product defect attorneys at Page Cagle for a free consultation. You can reach John Page at 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). You can also email him at john@pagecagle.com or visit www.injuredclient.com for more information.

A few years ago, smokers across the nation were excited about a new drug that promised to help them quit smoking. The drug allegedly eased nicotine cravings with few side effects. However, after the drug Chantix was approved in May 2006, many people experienced extreme side effects ranging from memory loss and unusual behavior, to psychological problems that caused suicides and suicidal thoughts.

Pfizer, the maker of Chantix, never warned consumers about these possible Chantix psychiatric side effects and the harms that could be suffered by users. Instead, the company released information about how the drug blocked nicotine receptor sites in the brain and allowed smokers an easy way to quit without uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Most users did agree that they no longer cared about smoking, but many also felt overall feelings of ambivalence towards most things in life. Many people experienced moody tendencies and behavioral problems after using the drug. Some even suffered severe self-inflicted injuries and death as a result of suicide after taking Chantix.

In 2008 the FDA announced that warnings about these psychological side effects and the possible risk of suicide would be added to labels on the drug. However, many users had already suffered injury because of taking the drug and some users even reported that symptoms continued after they stopped taking Chantix. This has led to numerous Chantix pharmaceutical defect lawsuits because the makers of pharmaceuticals and all products have a duty to warn consumers about possible harms associated with using their products. The failure to do so can result in the company being liable for harms suffered by consumers of such products.

If you or a loved one has suffered harmful side effects from taking Chantix or any other medication, call the personal injury lawyers at Page || Cagle for a free consultation at 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). You can also email me at john@pagecagle.com or visit www.injuredclient.com for more information.

A teenage boy lost his life in a Rolla lawn mower accident when he was thrown from the vehicle. According to an article in The Rolla Daily News, 16-year-old Joshua Curt Frost who was riding the lawn mower, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Two other people were riding in a trailer being towed by the lawn mower. One other boy was uninjured and 20-year-old Justin Cook suffered minor injuries.

Police said Frost was operating the MTD Yard Machine riding mower having just left a resident. He was traveling northbound on a downgrade section of County Road 2030 when the lawn mower missed a curve in the road and traveled off the side of the road, the article stated. Frost was ejected from the lawn mower as it fell down an embankment and struck a fence and several small trees.

In these types of accidents, it is very important to look at whether this was a case of a defective lawn mower. In this situation it is a good idea to have the lawn mower inspected for mechanical malfunctions, product defects and other evidence. It is also not clear from this news report whether Frost was on the job or running an errand for someone at the time of the accident.

Product defect lawsuits can be extremely complex because of the extent of investigation they warrant. They also usually involve quite a legal battle with large companies and product manufacturers. It takes a law firm with resources and wrongful death attorneys in Missouri with knowledge and experience to tackle these cases and obtain the best possible results for their clients. If you or someone you know has been seriously injured or killed because of a defective product, please call me or e-mail me to discuss your case.

New inventions and products replace their outdated counterparts on shelves everyday. Every new product offered to the public is required to go through numerous tests and trials to make sure each is reasonably safe for consumers. Testing can only find so many faults in a product, and years and years of use may reveal that even reasonably safe products can become hazardous with exposure to certain conditions and situations over time.

When a product has been found to be dangerous, the manufacturer is required to remove the product from public outlets and issue a recall to prevent as many injurious situations as possible. In the meantime, however, many consumers may not be aware of the recall and may encounter perilous situations through product use. When a product has injured a customer, he/she may be able to sue for injuries through a products liability claim.

For information about products liability claims visit, http://www.injuredclient.com/lawyer-attorney-1086406.html.

New technologically-advanced products, including electronic devices like global positioning systems (GPS), have recently given rise to product liability issues. Although said items may convenience thousands of users everyday, they can also create dangerous situations.

Continue reading "Faulty GPS Instructions Lead to Product Liability Suits" »

The plastic footwear, Crocs, have reportedly caused 186 escalator injuries in the United States. An additional 50 incidents have been reported in other countries. These incidents have turned into several personal injury lawsuits, alleging the shoes are unsafe or defective products that can prove harmful to consumers.

The reported incidents deal with injuries resulting from Crocs-wearers tripping, slipping and becoming entrapped on escalators. The company stated the shoes have a slightly marginal risk of being caught in escalators, but refuses to settle any cases as they are claiming any allegations are without merit. However, the company is also adding escalator safety tags on their shoes this year.

The product-liability lawsuits all allege that the shoes can cause harm to consumers and that the company failed to adequately warn consumers about the possible associated harms. The company rebuts that escalator safety features, warning signs along with other premises liability issues and riding behavior are more likely culprits of the said incidents over their products.

Typically, product manufacturers, retailers, distributors and anyone else involved in the production of goods has a duty of reasonable care to ensure consumers that their products are safe when used in the proper, intended manner. If a product is found defective or inherently unsafe, those involved in its production will be likely held accountable for any resulting injuries sustained by consumers.

Continue reading "Crocs a Defective Product?" »

Manufacturers of products have a duty to make sure their goods are safe and they work for their intended purpose without causing injury. When a defective product causes personal injury, the product manufacturer may be held liable in a products liability claim.

Typically in a products liability claim, the consumer of a product must prove that either a design defect, manufacturing error or marketing misrepresentation caused an injury that could have and/or should have been prevented. Recently, the company Segway has been under heat for their transportation product and possible design defects and/or manufacturing errors that have caused consumers harm.

The manufacturer of the two-wheeled standing personal transportation tools, Segway, has recalled their product twice after several people were injured through using the transportation device. Several people have filed products liability lawsuits against the manufacturer, but the product is still thriving in sales.

Two product liability lawsuits were settled out of court for undisclosed amounts this year, and several previous claims against the company were also settled out of court. One of the settled suits involved a young Minnesota boy. I am not aware of any Missouri personal injury attorneys that have filed a Segway case.

Continue reading "Product Liability Suits Prompt Segway Recalls" »

Products are recalled everyday and range from simple household items to baby toys and even medical equipment. When a product fails to work properly, manufacturers have a duty to consumers to remove those products from shelves and reimburse them as soon as possible. But what happens when it is too late? What happens when an unsafe product causes personal injury? Generally, a products liability lawsuit will ensue.

Product liability lawsuits are typically filed after a product has harmed a consumer when it was used in its intended manner. There are three main types of defects that form the basis of a products liability claim. They are: design defects that occur before the process of production, manufacturing errors that occur during the process of production, and marketing misrepresentation, which occurs after production and involves such things as adequate warnings and labels.

Product liability lawsuits can be complicated and often involve several different legal claims. In a recent Missouri product liability claim, three wrongful death suits were also filed, all of which stemmed from a truck accident claim.

The truck accident occurred after a truck driver swerved to avoid two other drivers, who lost control of their vehicles. The truck driver, in avoiding the cars, hit a tractor trailer. In the truck were two grandparents and their young grandchild—all three died at the scene. Authorities initially believed the truck accident killed the three decedents.

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A recent Supreme Court ruling could limit patient safety when it comes to medical devices and pharmaceuticals. The Supreme Court ruled in late February that patients injured by certain defective medical devices, which have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, cannot sue the product's manufacturer.

This is because federal regulations preempt state-based product liability claims when challenging the design or labeling of medical devices that clear the FDA's approval process. Preemption basically refers to the way that courts deal with conflicting regulations between federal and state governments on the same issue; meaning, when both court systems rule on the same subject matter in a different way, federal law will displace the state regulation.

In this case, the plaintiff alleged that her husband was injured by a faulty balloon catheter that burst during heart surgery. The man died. Medtronic, the manufacturer, said the FDA-approved product had been used improperly.

Although the FDA has thorough processes for approving medical devices and medication warnings, the FDA's recent issues, concerning lack of funding and resources, have some wondering about their ability to monitor the industry adequately.

The main issue in controversy is in relation to whether all similarly situated product liability claims will eventually follow this precedent in being regulated by federal law. The problem with such is that states generally have retained the power to regulate these matters. The longstanding difference between state and federal government roles relate to "police powers," which are matters dealing with health, safety, and general welfare. These powers have fundamentally been retained by states under the 10th Amendment.

Continue reading "Supreme Court Rules To Limit Liability Claims Regarding FDA Approved Products" »