GranuFlo Manufacturer Responds to Allegations that it Withheld Safety Information from Consumers

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Recent reports have indicated that Granuflo manufacturer, Fresenius Medical Care North America, knew about the potential health risks associated with their dialysis product as early as 2010 but chose to withhold this information. At that time, an internal memo from the company to its satellite dialysis clinics warned of increased risks, but they did not make this information public to the thousands of other clinics across the country that were using their products.

Fresenius has since rebuked these allegations as false and a misinterpretation of the memo.

“Review of data may sometimes indicate a working hypothesis or preliminary concern that it wants its medical directors and admitting clinicians to consider, but which it does not view as sufficiently developed to support peer reviewed or general external publication” —Jon Stone, a spokesperson for Fresenius Medical Care

 

GranuFlo is a Dangerous Dialysis Drug that Kills

GranuFlo is a dialysis acid concentrate that helps reduce the amount of acid in the blood. Unfortunately, using GranuFlo leads to an increased amount of bicarbonate in the body, which in turn significantly increases the risk of cardiac arrest and heart complications in patients undergoing dialysis treatment.

Since the FDA began its investigation of GranuFlo, numerous lawsuits have cropped up across the country and plantiffs have begun to consolidate some of these wrongful death lawsuits across the country into multidistrict lawsuits.

GranuFlo Lawsuits and Dialysis Lawsuit Attorneys

If you or someone you love has suffered a cardiac arrest or major side effect after taking GranuFlo or NaturaLyte during dialysis, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, and more. To learn more about filing a GranuFlo or dialysis lawsuit or to review all of your legal options, call the experienced Granuflo lawsuit lawyers at Phillips Law Firm today. Call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Granuflo lawsuit attorneys represent injured patients across the country and are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

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Dangerous Drug Actos Linked to Bladder Cancer and Heart Failure

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When Texas native Jeffrey Zurio began taking Actos in 2004 to treat his Type II diabetes, he never imagined he was putting his life in danger. Six and a half years later, the FDA issued a warning that the use of Actos significantly increased the risk of developing bladder cancer. Sadly, one month after the FDA issued their warning, Zurio was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Unfortunately, Zurio’s story is not an uncommon one and since the FDA’s warnings, Actos manufacturer Takeda Pharmaceuticals has been hit with numerous lawsuits and complaints.

The Dark Side of Actos

Actos is the brand name for pioglitazone and it was routinely prescribed by physicians since its approval to treat and control Type 2 diabetes. Yet, Actos also produced numerous side effects in patients who took Actos for an extended period of time. These side effects ranged from mild cold-like symptoms to more severe and serious life-threatening complications. Some of the more serious side effects of Actos include:

  • Bladder cancer
  • Heart failure
  • Edema
  • Liver damage
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Fractures

Actos and Lawsuits Across the Country

Since the FDA issued their warning regarding the use of Actos and the increased risk of bladder cancer, lawsuits have been popping up across the country. Actos lawsuit attorneys allege that Takeda Pharmaceuticals knew of the link between Actos and bladder cancer, but willfully and maliciously chose to conceal this link to increase profits. Their evidence: a PROactive study that was published in 2005 which cited the higher rate of bladder cancer in Actos patients. Takeda Pharmaceuticals did not use this information to warn consumers or the general public and as a result now face serious and costly lawsuits.

Actos is just one of the many dangerous drugs that are currently on the market. Consumers and the general public have a right to know that the drugs they are prescribed are safe and have been thoroughly tested. When pharmaceutical companies fail to release important test results, they put everyone at risk.

Actos Lawsuit Lawyers You Can Rely On

At Phillips Law Firm, we believe in holding these giant pharmaceutical companies responsible for their negligence. We recognize that these companies routinely put profits before patient safety, and this is both erroneous and unforgiveable. If you have suffered from bladder cancer after taking the diabetic medication Actos, the defective drug lawyers at Phillips Law Firm can help. We represent patients and victims across the United States that are seeking compensation after being injured by a defective drug, and we are dedicated to protecting their rights. Call Phillips Law Firm today at 1-800-708-6000. We can help you file a lawsuit against these giant pharmaceutical companies or take part in a national class action lawsuit. Call us today to discuss all of your legal options.

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Ice and Snow Can Cause Serious Slip and Fall Accidents

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Slip and fall accidents can occur at anytime and anywhere, but wintery weather increases their likelihood. Ice and snow are two of the biggest winter hazards and cause serious injuries every year to residents in Seattle and throughout the State of Washington. Unfortunately, businesses and store owners do not always keep their walkways and parking lots clear of dangerous snow and ice and that can lead to serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries.

In general, store owners and businesses have a different level of responsibility than homeowners when it comes to keeping their premises safe for their customers. They have a higher level of obligation to maintain their premises in a manner that minimizes the risk of injury to their customers. When it comes to snow and ice, they are required to use a reasonable level of care when clearing ice and snow from their property. This may include salting the parking lots, clearing snow from the front doors, putting safety mats inside the building for people to wipe their feet on, and more.

Injuries that Result from Slip and Fall Accidents

Unfortunately, a negligent or irresponsible property owner can create a dangerous situation for customers—especially the elderly and small children who are more vulnerable to sustaining serious injury. Moderate injuries often include bumps, bruises, and sprains, and more serious injuries include hip fractures, ACL/MCL tears, back injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. These injuries often require multiple surgeries, hospitalizations, and lengthy rehabilitation in order to fully heal which can increase your family’s financial burden.

If you are injured on a commercial property or residential property due to the negligence of the property owner, then you may be able to file a premises liability claim to recover money for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. There are numerous ways a negligent property owner could be responsible for your slip and fall accident, including:

  • Improperly salted parking lots and doorway entrances
  • Parking blocks that are not properly marked
  • Improper snow removal
  • Ice and snow in front of a store building
  • Broken railings or guardrails
  • Falling or loose debris at construction site
  • Falling merchandise in store
  • Inadequate lighting or security leading to crimes
  • Cracked sidewalks or parking lots
  • Dangerous potholes or unmarked parking lot hole
  • Improperly marked wet flooring
  • And more

Washington Personal Injury Lawyers You Can Rely On

In winter weather, slip and fall accidents are unfortunately common. If you are injured slipping on snow or ice on a commercial property, it is important to realize that you do have legal options.

At Phillips Law Firm, we have successfully represented slip and fall accident victims in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma, and throughout the State of Washington. Call us today for a free case evaluation at 1-800-708-6000.

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First Bellwether Trial Begins / Ethicon Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit

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A bellwether trial against the Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Ethicon began this month, and the opening statements have been made. As expected, the prosecution wasted no time in pointing the finger at Johnson & Johnson and Ethicon representatives for failure to warn the public of the risks, deceit, defective design, and negligence. This is just one of the many transvaginal mesh trials that are set to begin soon. Courts in West Virginia are set to begin hearing cases against Bard transvaginal mesh products in February. The decisions made in this trial will have the potential to affect cases across the country against other transvaginal mesh manufacturers, such as C.R. Bard, Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings, and Boston Scientific.

The Bellwether Case Against Ethicon Transvaginal Mesh

The plaintiff, Linda Gross, claims that an Ethicon Prolift Transvaginal Mesh Implant has left her with chronic and severe pain. After receiving the implant, she is now unable to work or even sit without experiencing pain, even though she has already received 18 corrective surgeries.

The lawsuit also accuses the giant medical manufacturer Johnson & Johnson and their subsidiary Ethicon, of marketing these dangerous transvaginal mesh products to doctors and patients without proper FDA approval. They alleged that Johnson & Johnson brought the device to market in March 2005 without going through proper FDA review channels until 2007. Gross’ lawsuit claims that the pharmaceutical company was fully aware of the problems and the risks related to the Prolift mesh implant system but continued to advocate for its use without proper FDA approval.

Johnson & Johnson Defends its Case

Matthew Johnson, a Johnson & Johnson spokesman, told Bloomberg: “The evidence will show that Ethicon acted appropriately and responsibly in the research, development and marketing of pelvic mesh products to treat debilitating conditions affecting many women.” Yet even while defending their products, Johnson & Johnson has already discontinued four of their mesh products, including the Prolift system in the lawsuit.

National Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit Attorneys

If you or someone you love has experienced complications or injuries after receiving a transvaginal mesh product for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence, the transvaginal mesh lawsuit lawyers at Phillips Law Firm can help. Our transvaginal mesh injury lawsuit attorneys understand that transvaginal mesh injuries are often painful and costly for our clients; therefore, if we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee. Call Phillips Law Firm at 1-800-708-6000 immediately to review all of your legal options.

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Washington Employee Discriminated Against Because of Bipolar Disorder

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Sean Reilly was a model employee for the Cash Store, Cottonwood Financial, for six months in 2006. The Cash Store is a payday loan company who charge customers who don’t have bank accounts a large fee in order to cash their checks. At the end of his six month employment with the company, Reilly asked for time off to deal with his bipolar disorder. His request was denied and he was fired shortly thereafter. He suspected he was being unfairly discriminated against because of his bipolar disorder, but he had been upfront with the company about his condition before he was hired.

After his release from the Cash Store, Reilly filed a lawsuit with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Together, they argued that the Cash Store and Cottonwood Financial had violated numerous discrimination laws and acts, including the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD). These laws make it illegal to fire an employee simply because he or she has a disability. It also prohibits companies from making adverse employment decisions that are based or motived on negativity towards those disabilities or to any request for accommodations for those disabilities.

Luckily, Judge Edward Shea of the US District Court for Eastern Washington agreed with Reilly and the EEOC. Judge Shea believed that Cottonwood Financial did indeed fire Reilly because of his psychiatric condition and not for the other reasons Cottonwood Financial had given for firing the young promising employee. The Washington courts ordered Reilly to receive $6,500 in back wages, plus an additional $50,000 for his pain and suffering.

Companies like Cottonwood Financial are required by law to make reasonable accommodations for any employee who needs them.

Examples include: Pregnant woman who needs to work shorter hours during the last month or two of her pregnancy, employee with a broken leg who needs a desk job for a few months, and workers who request time off for psychiatric treatment.

Employers that fail to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities can be found guilty of employee discrimination and ordered to pay for back wages and emotional distress.

If you or someone you love was fired or discriminated against because of a psychiatric condition in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma, or anywhere in the State of Washington, call Phillips Law Firm at 1-800-708-6000. Our Washington employee rights lawyers are waiting to assist you 24/7.

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First Big Storm of the Season Hits Hard

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The first big storm of the winter season hit Western Washington hard and caused numerous traffic accidents and road closings. Washington’s mountains received a heavy mixture of snow and blizzard-like conditions, while its lowlands received heavy rain and high winds. In fact, Sunday night over 50 miles of Interstate 90 was closed completely due to a combination of blizzard weather and traffic accidents.

Sadly, one of those accidents was a fatal accident. A tow truck driver was killed as he hooked up a vehicle for tow on the eastern side of the Snoqualmie Pass. As he did this, another driver lost control of their vehicle on the icy road and struck him.

A blizzard warning remained in effect through Monday evening in the mountain areas of Western Washington, including the Stevens Pass, Olympic Mountains, and Mt. Rainier. Snow accumulations are expected to be 12-18 inches in the Olympics and 1-3 feet in the Central Cascade Mountains.

Winter Weather Demands Safer Driving from Everyone

As winter rapidly approaches, Washington drivers are urged to use extra caution when driving—especially in extreme weather. In order to stay safe this winter, it is important to keep the following driving tips in mind:

  • Always keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. In winter weather, you should double the distance you need to stop—especially on an icy or snowy surface
  • Never use cruise control in snowy or icy weather conditions; you should always be in complete control of your vehicle.
  • Reduce your speed while driving and remember that black ice is invisible.
  • Always use your signals when changing lanes and be sure to double check your mirrors for other drivers and motorcyclists.
  • Check the weather reports in your community before heading out and consider changing your plans if the weather is supposed to be bad.
  • Drive with low-beam headlights on during bad weather to increase the likelihood that other drivers will see your car.
  • Always bring your cell phone with you in case of an emergency—but resist the urge to talk on it or use it while driving.

Washington Personal Injury Lawyers You Can Rely On

In bad weather, an accident can happen at any time and to anyone. Be sure you know the name and number of an experienced Washington personal injury lawyer before an accident strikes. While you are recovering from your accident and focusing on your injuries, your Washington personal injury lawyer will be hard at work, fighting for you and your family.

At Phillips Law Firm, we understand the complications that can arise after a Washington car accident. As such, we always fight aggressively to ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation to which they are entitled. If you are injured in a motor vehicle accident in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma, or anywhere in the State of Washington, call Phillips Law Firm at 1-800-708-6000.

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Most Likely to Lead to Lost Time and Workman’s Compensation Claims

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Carpal tunnel syndrome ranks second only to lower back strain as the number one reason American worker’s miss time at work due to a work-related, non-medical injury. In fact, 60% of all carpal tunnel claims lead to lost time at work and those numbers are climbing. Since more and more American workers perform job duties at their computers, the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome is increasing. Unfortunately, as these workers get older, they often fail to respond to traditional carpal tunnel treatment and usually require surgery to correct their carpal tunnel syndrome. This significantly increases the amount of time missed from work and the costs associated with treating this work-related injury actually triples.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a collection of symptoms that results from the median nerve becoming compressed and entrapped at the wrist. These symptoms include numbness, itching, and tingling in the fingers and thumb, burning pain, and loss of hand use. This numbness and tingling can become debilitating for many and can result in permanent nerve damage, weakened grip, and lack of coordination. Workers who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome struggle to read a book, type on the computer, and even drive.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Workman’s Compensation

Unfortunately, may workers in Washington State get carpal tunnel syndrome from performing the duties associated with their jobs. As their carpal tunnel syndrome worsens, they are then unable to perform these jobs and often require time off of work or changes in their duties. While workman’s compensation should pay for time off of work and health-related benefits, this is not always the case.

When it comes to workman’s compensation and carpal tunnel syndrome, there are 3 important facts to keep in mind:

  1. When compared to back injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome cases are actually more likely to result in lost time claims
  2. Women continue to suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome more frequently than men
  3. Workers who file carpal tunnel injury claims are usually paid higher than workers who file back injury claims

A Washington Workman’s Compensation Lawyer on Your Side

The average cost per carpal tunnel claim is about $16,000. This is the amount of money workman compensation pays on average for carpal tunnel claims. When a worker has an attorney, however, this average jumps to nearly $30,000! That is almost doubled! A Washington workman’s compensation lawyer knows how to fight to ensure that all of your medical needs are met during this difficult time and that you are adequately compensated for your injury and for any time lost at your job.

If you have experienced side effects or complications from carpal tunnel syndrome due to a work related injury in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma, or anywhere in the State of Washington, call Phillips Law Firm at 1-800-708-6000.

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Transvaginal Mesh Products

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For years, physicians and surgeons have been using surgical mesh products to repair weakened or damaged tissue in women who are suffering from pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence. Both pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence are common medical conditions in many women, especially after childbirth, menopause, or surgery. This mesh is either implanted through the vaginal wall (transvaginally) or through traditional surgery. Unfortunately, the side effects and complications that have stemmed from these transvaginal mesh products have been devastating to thousands of women across the United States.

FDA Issues Warnings Regarding the Use of Transvaginal Mesh Products

From 2008 to 2010 the FDA received almost 3,000 reports of serious complications that resulted from the use of transvaginal mesh products. Some of these side effects included:

  • Infection
  • Pain
  • Organ perforation
  • Internal bleeding
  • Protrusion of mesh through vaginal muscles
  • Recurrence of pelvic organ prolapse
  • Recurrence of stress urinary incontinence
  • Painful urination
  • Vaginal scarring
  • Permanent disfigurement
  • Pain during intercourse

Unfortunately, transvaginal mesh products are permanently implanted and are not usually able to be removed, unlike other faulty medical devices. This can lead to permanent disability and a lifetime of pain and suffering for many women.

In 2008, the FDA began issuing warnings regarding the use of these transvaginal mesh products, and in 2011, the FDA issued a serious alert to consumers and physicians. In addition, the FDA found no clear evidence that these products were actually more effective than traditional surgery.

Transvaginal Mesh Product Lawsuits Rising

Since the FDA’s warnings, manufacturers of transvaginal mesh products, such as Boston Scientific, C.R. Bard, Inc., American Medical Systems, Ethicon, Johnson & Johnsons, and SPARC. At least 350 suits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiary Ethicon alone and over 650 women have already filed lawsuits across the country for the permanent damage they have suffered as a result of their transvaginal mesh surgery.

Contact an Experienced Transvaginal Mesh Injury Attorney Today

If you have suffered transvaginal mesh complications or injuries after a treatment for pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence, the transvaginal mesh injury lawyers at Phillips Law Firm can help. Our transvaginal mesh injury lawsuit attorneys realize that transvaginal mesh injuries are often painful and costly for our clients; therefore, if we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

If you or someone you love has experienced side effects or complications after a transvaginal mesh surgery anywhere in the United States, it is important to contact an experienced transvaginal mesh injury lawyer immediately. Call Phillips Law Firm at 1-800-708-6000.

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Medtronic Bone Graft Lawsuits Growing

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When the Federal Drug Administration first approved Medtronic Infuse Bone Grafts in 2002, they did so with the limitations that they only be used in the lumbar spine and for oral and dental procedures. In particular, the FDA granted the approval for the use in degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine. Looking for more profits, however, Medtronic allegedly encouraged physicians to use their bone grafts in the cervical spine (neck). This generated more than $3 billion dollars for the biotech manufacturer.

Unfortunately, the patients who received these bone grafts paid the price for Medtronic’s astonishing profits. Since they have been used in the cervical spine, patients have reported serious and debilitating problems, including:

  • Difficulty breathing;
  • Difficulty swallowing or speaking;
  • Compression of the airway;
  • Respiratory Depression;
  • Nerve Damage; and
  • Death

These complications required extensive hospital stays, the need for respiratory support, tracheotomies, insertion of feeding tubes, and additional costly surgeries.

Additional side effects from off-label use of Infuse include:

  • Ongoing or chronic radiating pain in the legs or arms (i.e., radiculopathy or radiculitis);
  • Sterility, retrograde ejaculation, or other urogenital injuries in male patients;
  • Ectopic bone growth or uncontrolled bone growth in the spinal canal;
  • Nerve injuries causing chronic pain; and
  • Acute severe neck swelling several days after surgery resulting in death or permanent injury in cervical spinal cases

Warnings Issued a Little Too Late for Many

After more than 38 separate complications arose, the FDA issued a warning in 2008 against the use of off-label Medtronic Infuse Bone Graft use. In 2011, the US Senate Finance Committee began investigating surgeons who were actually paid consultants for Medtronic. It is their belief that these surgeons may have failed to report complications associated with Medtronic’s Infuse Bone Graft. There are even reports that these complications showed during clinical trials but were not properly reported in an attempt to obtain approval.

Medtronic Lawsuits – Just the Tip of the Iceberg

There have been several lawsuits against the manufacturer – both by former employees and by patients and their families. In 2008, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed on behalf of a California woman who died after the product sent her into a coma after surgery.

Medtronic is a large manufacturer of medical devices with products that are routinely used around the world. They have a responsibility to manufacture products that are safe, effective, and that are thoroughly tested. In addition, they have an ethical and legal responsibility to adhere to the strict guidelines the FDA has set forth. Unfortunately, they failed to do so and patients throughout the State of Washington and across the United States have paid the price.

The lawsuits against Medtronic are continuing to escalate. If you or someone you love has received a bone graft and has experienced complications as a result, it is important to contact an experienced Washington personal injury attorney immediately. In addition to Medtronic’s infused bone graft, there are also class action lawsuits against Medtronic for a variety of faulty medical devices, including pacemakers, defibrillators, drug pumps, neuro-stimulators, shunts, and stent grafts.

Contact Phillips Law Firm for a Free Medtronic Infuse Case Review

If you or someone you love has suffered a major complication because of a Medtronic medical device, it is important to know that you are not alone. You may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses, and decreased quality of life. Learn more about filing a Medtronic lawsuit by calling the experienced Washington Medtronic lawsuit lawyers at Phillips Law Firm today. Call us at 1-800-708-6000. Our Washington class action lawsuit attorneys are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

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WARNING: Aftermarket Motorcycle Parts May be Dangerous

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Do all aftermarket motorcycle parts meet the current motorcycle safety and environmental standards? That’s the question being asked by dealers and motorcyclists across the country, and Rick Doyle is one such person. He realized a few years ago that some of the aftermarket products he was selling, such as mirrors, lights, and carburetors, actually appeared to violate the federal safety and emission standards. Even more scary was his realization that some of those aftermarket parts appeared to be downright dangerous for motorcyclists.

While customizing motorcycles has been valued for generations, some of these customizations may actually make your motorcycle more dangerous and may not comply with federal safety standards. These customizations, such as passenger seats stuck to motorcycles with suction cups, can cause serious and fatal motorcycle accidents. When Doyle realized that the frames he was selling had bad welds and improperly sized parts, some of the clutches were sticking, and many of the rear axles were too short, he immediately began questioning their safety and his role in selling these dangerous parts. He had customers who were thrown from their bikes by ruptured tire tubes, axle nuts coming off, and sadly, one of his customers was even killed when an aftermarket part failed.

Dangerous and Defective Motorcycle Parts Still Being Sold

So, why are these dangerous aftermarket parts even sold? The answer is rather complex. With strict budgets and financial limitations, there are not many regulations regarding the use and manufacturing of aftermarket motorcycle parts. This leaves motorcyclists responsible for making their own decisions regarding what they put on their bike. In general, motorcyclists don’t want to be told what to do with their bikes—and rightfully so. So the burden continues to fall to the motorcyclist to remain informed as to what aftermarket parts may actually dangerous and unsafe. After all, motorcyclists are 25 times as likely to die in a crash as compared with passenger car occupants and 5 times as likely to be seriously injured.

As a motorcyclist, it is important to understand that not all aftermarket parts and accessories are safe. It is vital to inspect all of your parts carefully before adding anything to your motorcycle. There are always negligent manufacturers looking to make a quick dollar. As a result, they often rush manufacturing and end up selling a product that fails to meet federal safety standards. Not all parts are created equal, so use extra caution when buying or replacing aftermarket parts.

Contact Phillips Law Firm for a Free Motorcycle Accident Case Review

At Phillips Law Firm, our Washington motorcycle accident attorneys realize that during the holiday season many motorcyclists receive “gifts” of motorcycle accessories and parts. Be sure to check these part and accessories carefully and look online to be sure that the product has not been recalled due to a safety issue or manufacturing defect. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma, or anywhere in the State of Washington, call Phillips Law Firm at 1-800-708-6000. Our Washington motorcycle accident lawyers are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover anything for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

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