Product Liability Lawyer Blog

June 27, 2014

Johnson v. Mead Johnson & Co. – Eighth Circuit Revives Infant Formula Lawsuit

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has declined to set aside expert testimony pinning an infant’s permanent brain damage on formula produced by Mead Johnson & Co., reviving litigation against the firm.

In Johnson v. Mead Johnson & Co., the family of a then-1-month-old baby contends the child was sickened and suffered lasting brain damage after consuming Enfamil formula. The guardian ad litem who filed suit in the child’s stead contends the product was unreasonably dangerous because it was contaminated with the bacteria Cronobacter sakazakii.

Our Boston product liability lawyers understand the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention receive roughly six reports of C.sak sickness each year, even though there is no legal mandate for the cases to be reported. The bacteria is naturally-occurring in certain plants, such as rice and wheat. However, even small amounts can be lethal to those with immune systems that aren’t yet fully developed – namely, infants.
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June 23, 2014

Knee Replacements Rise with Rates of Obesity

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Knee replacement surgeries are on the rise, even in younger patients. New research suggests the number of knee replacements is parallel to the rising rate of obesity. Analysts report that the demand for the surgery is increasing, almost parallel with the rates of the overweight and obese in Boston and throughout the United States. According to the study, 95% of individuals who are in-line for or considering knee replacements have associated weight problems. This spike in knee replacement surgery for the obese and among young people has created the potential for defective replacements and the need for additional surgeries.

While doctors and experts may advise patients to seek knee replacements, patients should be aware of the potential risks associated with knee replacement products. Our Boston defective medical device attorneys are experienced in representing individuals who have suffered harm resulting from defective knee products. In addition to providing advocacy to our clients, we are committed to staying abreast of research, trends, and legal developments related to knee replacement products.
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June 21, 2014

Testosterone Therapy Linked to Brain Damage

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

As aging men continue to seek the benefits of testosterone therapy, a growing number of studies are revealing inherent risks. In a recent study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, testosterone therapy was shown to increase the risk of brain damage in Caucasian men. The study analyzed the influence of oxidative stress on what are normally the protective benefits of testosterone.

Despite the potential benefits of testosterone therapy, men should be aware of the risks. In the event of a medical emergency or injury related to testosterone therapy, men should consult with an experienced advocate regarding dangerous pharmaceuticals. Our Boston medical malpractice attorneys are experience in representing victims and their loved ones who have been harmed by testosterone therapy and other pharmaceuticals. We will take a comprehensive approach to uncover the facts, identify responsible individuals and entities, and pursue compensation and justice on your behalf.
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June 18, 2014

Trans-Vaginal Mesh: Incontinence and Female Runners

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Incontinence is often associated with post-childbirth complications, but can also be linked to other causes. Health professionals have even linked female incontinence to long-distance running. There has also been significant documentation, online and in the media, about professional athletes who may suffer from incontinence, even while in competition. In a recent article in The Guardian, a runner explores the embarrassing medical condition of incontinence afflicting runners in Boston and throughout the U.S.

One of the traditional ways of treating incontinence has been transvaginal mesh. This is a dangerous product that has left thousands of women in severe pain and requiring reconstructive surgery. Our Boston trans-vaginal mesh attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of patients and to helping individuals seek the medical and legal help they need for recovery. In addition to providing advocacy, our team is also abreast of legal and medical issues that may impact our clients.
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June 17, 2014

Knee Reconstruction Market to Exceed $5 Billion by 2020

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Three medical device companies, Zimmer, DePuy and Stryker, manufacture the majority of knee replacement and reconstruction devices in the United States. According to a recent Global News Wire report, these three companies, along with Smith & Nephew, are the “main players” driving the growth in the market for knee replacement products.

Unfortunately, medical devices being implanted in patients with knee troubles may not be very safe and may have certain serious complications. More than 600 federal lawsuits have been filled against Zimmer because of complications with the company’s NexGen knee implants and problems have also been reported with both the Scorpio implants from Stryker and the OXINIUM devices from Smith & Nephew.
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June 15, 2014

Johnson & Johnson’s Defective Hip Implants Cause Worldwide Problems

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

DePuy is a subsidy of Johnson & Johnson, which is one of the world’s largest medical device companies. DePuy is also the manufacturer of a product called the DePuy ASR, which was implanted in around 100,000 patients worldwide. Unfortunately, the DePuy ASR products turned out to be very dangerous with a high failure rate and major risks for patients. Evidence indicates that not only was the defective medical device unsafe but also that widespread failure of the device may even have been hidden from surgeons working with DePuy to monitor for complications.

Throughout the United States, lawsuits have been filed against DePuy and Johnson & Johnson in order to obtain compensation for problems caused by the hip implant products. However, the complications and damages caused by the metal-on-metal hip implant products were not restricted to the U.S. alone. ABC recently reported a class action in Australia filed on behalf of hundreds of patients. Class actions allow many patients to recover compensation in one lawsuit, with all claims arising from a similar harm.
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June 13, 2014

Patient Speaks Out About Morcellator Risks

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A 53-year-old chemist and college instructor was diagnosed with fibroids earlier this year. Fibroids are very common among women and, while they can cause bleeding and pressure, fibroids are not generally considered dangerous and are benign growths. However, the patient was scheduled for a minimally-invasive hysterectomy in order to remove her uterus through a small incision as a method of treating the symptomatic fibroids.

Her procedure was to involve the use of a morcellator. At the time, morcellators were widely used as a method of treating fibroids. The morcellators were used to slice up fibroids or tissue growths so the tissue could be removed in pieces through a smaller incision. However, the patient read about a debate among doctors in which some physicians were expressing growing concern about the use of this medical device. She raised her concerns with her doctor, who thought that the risk of complications was rare but who respected her position and performed a procedure removing her uterus vaginally without the use of the power morcellator.
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June 11, 2014

Drugs for Low Testosterone- Worth the Risk?

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Androgel and other drugs for low testosterone are marketed to men with promises that the medications will make them more virile and stronger. Unfortunately, this marketing material left out a lot about potential risks and side effects of low-T treatments. Recently, CBS published an article about whether drugs for low testosterone were worth the risk.

Some medical experts continue to prescribe testosterone replacement medications even as lawsuits form and a federal panel considers whether multidistrict litigation should be formed.

Those who have suffered side effects or injuries after using low-T drugs may not have had the chance to determine if the drugs were worth the risk, as manufacturers generally did not provide adequate warning of the dangers. A Boston testosterone replacement lawyer should be consulted for help if you wish to pursue legal action for complications arising from the use of testosterone drugs.
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June 7, 2014

Takeda Sanctioned for Misconduct in Actos Litigation

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Takeda Pharmaceuticals is facing pending legal action in a multidistrict litigation because the company’s drug, Actos, significantly increases the risk of patients developing bladder cancer. Plaintiffs have been successful in past cases in taking legal action against the pharmaceutical company, with one jury awarding $9 million in damages. However, some plaintiffs harmed by Actos have been having difficulties building their cases because Takeda Pharmaceuticals has been engaged in behavior designed to prevent them from getting documents and information they need.

In a product liability case or any personal injury action, defendants have to turn over certain evidence during the discovery period. If they fail to provide information as required, the attorneys for the plaintiffs can make a motion to the judge and the judge may sanction the defendant. Victims should speak with a defective drug lawyer for help taking legal action, understanding their rights during discovery, and asking the court for sanctions when a defendant does not comply with rules of civil litigation.
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June 4, 2014

Removal of Vaginal Mesh Can Have Long-Term Consequences

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Vaginal mesh has been clearly demonstrated to cause serious side effects for many patients. Unfortunately, mesh products can cause significant pain, especially during intercourse. Vaginal mesh can also result in organ perforation, infection, mesh erosion and recurrent pelvic organ prolapse (POP) among the other serious symptoms and complications.

At the annual meting of the American Urological Association in Orlando, doctors discussed the impact of the removal of vaginal mesh. Unfortunately, while removal may help to relieve patient symptoms, it may not solve the health problems that the mesh has caused. An experienced transvaginal mesh lawyer should be consulted by patients who need to undergo corrective surgery because of mesh or who experience lingering problems after they have had vaginal mesh implanted.
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