Legal News & Updates Blog: All Posts
The personal injury lawyers at Saiontz, Kirk & Miles, P.A. provide information, news and updates regarding legal claims investigated by the firm.
Comparing Avandia, Actos and older diabetes drugs
Concerned about the possible increased risk of heart attacks and death recently associated with Avandia, users may find useful information in two reports which compare Avandia with Actos and other diabetes medications. One report indicates that Actos may not carry the same heart attack risk as Avandia, and the other indicates that cheaper, older diabetes drugs may be safer and just as effective.
>>INFORMATION: Avandia problems
Guidant settlement for recalled defibrillators and pacemakers
Boston Scientific, which acquired Guidant Corp in 2006, announced an agreement to settle all pending federal lawsuits filed as a result of recalled Guidant defibrillators and pacemakers. The total value of the settlement is $195 million, which will resolve approximately 4,000 lawsuits. Read the rest of this entry »
Baltimore Swann Park arsenic poisoning lawsuits
The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential arsenic poisoning lawsuits for individuals who may have been injured at Swann Park in Baltimore City, Maryland. The park, which is directly next to the site of the old Allied Chemicals factory, was closed on April 19, 2007, due to high levels of arsenic found in the soil of the popular baseball and football fields. This week it was determined that the factory owner knew of the arsenic contamination for over 30 years, and never took any steps to warn of the problems or clean up the area.
>>INFORMATION: Baltimore City Swann Park Lawsuits
Reports of Avandia heart attacks increase sharply
According to the Associated Press, the number of reported heart problems associated with Avandia has jumped significantly since a study published May 21 in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated an increased risk of heart attacks and death associated with the diabetes drug. With knowledge of the increased risk, doctors are more aware of the cause of their patient’s heart problems and those who suffered an injury are now turning to Avandia lawsuits to pursue compensation .
>>INFORMATION: Avandia heart attack risk
New Mexico nursing home lawsuit results in $54 million verdict
On June 28, a jury awarded $54 million for compensatory and punitive damages in a New Mexico nursing home neglect lawsuit. The verdict, which is possibly one of the largest judgments in New Mexico state history according to the Albuquerque Tribune, not only provides justice for the family, but will hopefully act as an important influence to improve the standard of care rendered in nursing homes throughout the United States. Read the rest of this entry »
“Essentials for Kids” Jewelry Recall: Risk of Lead Poisoning
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a kids jewelry recall last week, after high levels of lead were found in the metal jewelry sets marketed as “Essentials for Kids”. Approximately 20,000 packages containing the recalled jewelry were sold between August 2005 and April 2007 for approximately $1 at gift stores, dollar stores and small discount stores. The jewelry could potential cause lead poisoning for children.
>>INFORMATION: Lead Poisoning
MRI Safety guidelines regarding risk of NSF from contrast agents
The American College of Radiology (ACR) issued an update to their 2004 guidelines on MRI safety, called the ACR Guidance Document for Safe MR Practices. A section of the document is devoted to discussing the risk of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF), also known as Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermopathy (NFD) which has been linked to the use of gadiolinium MRI contrast agents in patients with kidney insufficiencies.
>>INFORMATION: MRI Contrast Problems for Kidney Patients
Veggie Booty lawsuit filed as source of salmonella found
The recent recalls of Veggie Booty and Super Veggie Tings have been linked to the seasoning used on both snack foods. The manufacturer, Roberts American Gourmet, Inc., confirmed this week that the spray-on seasoning, which is made with imported Chinese ingredients, was contaminated with the salmonella bacteria which has sickened children and adults in at least 17 states. Veggie Booty lawsuits are being pursued by consumers of the snack foods who suffered serious food poisoning injury and feel that they were let down by the company.
>>PRIOR POSTS: Veggie Booty Recall (6/29/07) | Super Veggie Tings Recall (7/3/07)
Vioxx lawsuits are strengthened by two recent reports
The Vioxx lawyers who are defending Merck & Co. in thousands of lawsuits nationwide, suffered two damaging blows this week. First, it was reported that the New England Journal of Medicine will publish a study which suggests that the previously recalled painkiller increased the risk of heart attacks and strokes within the first 18 months the drug was taken. Also, a Federal judge denied the pharmaceutical company’s attempt to claim that FDA approval of the drug label cleared them of liability for users who began using the drug after April 2002. Read the rest of this entry »
Antibiotic injection Rocephin linked to newborn deaths
The FDA reported today that a new warning will be added to Rocephin for Injection, an antibiotic manufactured by Roche Holding AG. When combined with calcium or calcium-containing products, the antibiotic could cause a fatal reaction in the lungs and kidneys of newborn babies, especially those born premature. Read the rest of this entry »
