Warnings about YAZ Continue as Lawsuits Rise

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Just last month, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists issued a warning about the popular birth control pills Yaz and Yasmin. According to reports, these drugs and other birth control pills that contain drospirenone significantly increase the risk of causing blood clots in women. Sadly, this warning comes a little too late for many—and the pharmaceutical giant Bayer is already beginning to settle class action lawsuits across the country. Recent reports show that Bayer has reserved an additional $262 million to settle these lawsuits which have grown to more than 13,500 claims. So far about 3,490 claims have been resolved totaling $750 million.

Approximately 10.7 million women in the United States use birth control pills, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Two of the most commonly prescribed birth control pills are the popular brand YAZ and Yasmin. They are also sold in a generic form known as Ocella. These birth control pills are designed to prevent pregnancy by releasing estrogen and progestin to prevent ovulation, and are prescribed by physicians for a range of medical reasons including birth control, acne, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Unfortunately, YAZ, Yasmin, and Ocella can cause devastating health problems for women that include:

  • Blood clots in legs
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Heart attacks
  • Strokes
  • Sudden death

In 2011, the FDA released its findings that YAZ could increase the risk of blood clots, DVT, and pulmonary embolism by up to 74%. Since then, Bayer has begun to settle lawsuits all across the country at an average of nearly $212,000 per case.

If you or someone you love has experienced a heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism, or blood clot after taking the popular contraception YAZ or Yasmin, it is critical that you discuss your case with an experienced Washington YAZ lawsuit attorney. Your attorney will be able to review your case and determine if you are eligible to file a claim. Time is limited, however, so it is important not to delay.

Call Phillips Law Firm at 1-800-708-6000 immediately. Our Washington YAZ lawsuit 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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Pregnant Employees’ Rights: We’ve got a Long Way to Go

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All across America, pregnant employees are often forced to choose between their health and their jobs. Even in 2012, these types of unconscionable choices still exist across nearly every job sector, especially in jobs that are physically demanding. In Texas, Tennessee, and Alabama women were fired simply because they could no longer lift heavy objects during their pregnancy. This goes directly against the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 and companies who routinely discriminate against pregnant employees should be punished.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 makes it illegal for employers to treat pregnant women differently from other employees who have similar limitations. For example: If a company would allow an employee with a back condition to spend more time at a desk, then they must give pregnant women the same accommodations.

Unfortunately, companies across the Unites States routinely ignore this mandate and fire pregnant employees who are unable to temporarily perform their jobs. In Kansas, for example, a pregnant employee was fired simply for carrying a water bottle around on the job. She needed the water in order to stay hydrated during her pregnancy and prevent infection, yet the courts upheld that this was not considered pregnancy discrimination. Decisions like these by the courts have opened the door for employers to routinely treat pregnant workers worse than other employees. This is unfair – and against the law.

If you have been fired from your job or are being treated unfairly in the workplace simply because you are pregnant, it is important to contact an experienced Washington employee rights lawyer immediately. The law is on your side. In fact, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has designated pregnancy discrimination an enforcement priority for the next four years. At Phillips Law Offices, our Washington employee rights lawyers understand the complexities surrounding employee discrimination. In addition, we know how difficult it can be for pregnant women who are fired to find work while they are pregnant. We believe strongly that pregnancy should not be a cause for termination. Fair allowances, such as sitting at a chair, frequent breaks, water bottles, and lifting restrictions should be available for pregnant employees and for other employees who have temporary medical limitations.

If you or someone you love was fired or discriminated against because of a pregnancy in Seattle, Bellevue, 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, 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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GranuFlo Lawsuits Heat Up this Holiday Season

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When Deborah Swigert lost her husband two years ago to cardiac arrest, she never imagined that his death could’ve been – should’ve been – prevented. Now, however, the widow has filed a lawsuit against Fresenius Medical Care entities for their role in her husband’s death. Her lawsuit alleges that the company manufactured, marketed, advertised, sold, and distributed GranuFlo and NaturaLyte knowing that patients were at an increased risk for injury and death.

Dangerous Dialysis Drugs

Deborah’s lawsuit is just one of many that have begun to crop up across the country since GranuFlo and NaturaLyte were recalled earlier this year. GranuFlo and NaturaLyte are acid concentrates that are used during dialysis to help reduce the amount of acid that is in the blood. Unfortunately, these products contain a higher level of an ingredient that is converted to bicarbonate in the body. This in turn can produce a state of alkalosis in the body which significantly increases the risk of cardiac arrest and death in patients who are undergoing dialysis treatment.

According to reports, Fresenius Medical Care knew of this danger and the horrific side effects, yet failed to warn customers and physicians of this increased risk. In 2011, the company sent a memo to dialysis clinics that it owned that warned of increased risks. The memo stated that 941 patients had suffered cardiac arrest in their clinics and that they had determined that this was due to the increased bicarbonate. Theydid not, however, send this memo to the thousands of other customers and clinics across the country still using their products. On March 29, 2012, the company suddenly issued an Urgent Product Notification to its customers, but this came only after the FDA learned of the 2011 memo and began an investigation.

GranuFlo Lawsuits and Dialysis Lawsuit Attorneys

If you or someone you love has suffered a cardiac arrest or a major heart complication after taking GranuFlo or NaturaLyte during dialysis, 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 GranuFlo or dialysis lawsuit by calling the experienced Washington dialysis 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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Christmas Holiday Season Brings Increased Car Accident Fatalities

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It’s often been called the “most wonderful time of the year”; however, if you are driving during the Christmas season, you have a greater chance of being involved in an alcohol-related car accident fatality. This sobering statistic is one that the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) hopes will cause holiday party-goers to drive a bit more responsibly. According to statistics, more drivers are killed in alcohol-related crashes on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day than on any other day in the month of December. In fact, 54% of all New Year’s Day accident deaths and 38% of all Christmas time accident deaths are the result of a drunk driver.

Holiday Driving Safety Tips

If you are driving through Seattle, Bellevue, or anywhere in the State of Washington this holiday season, we want you to arrive alive. In order to stay safe this holiday season, it is important to follow these simple safety tips:

Designate a Driver

Christmas parties and holiday festivities can be a blast, but if you drink alcohol and get behind the wheel of a vehicle, you are putting yourself and others at risk. Drunk driving is never okay and is against the law. Before you head out, be sure you have a designated driver lined up for the evening. If you can’t find someone to drive you home, be sure to have the name and number of a reputable taxi company in your wallet.

Winterize your Car NOW

It is a good idea to winterize your car now, before the really bad winter weather arrives. Be sure to check your tires, brakes, and fluid levels. Underinflated tires contribute to more than 33,000 injuries a year and more than 600 fatalities.

Prepare an Emergency Car Kit

While you are winterizing your car, take a few minutes to prepare an emergency car kit, complete with working flares, bandages, and a blanket. If your car stalls or breaks down in bad winter weather, working flares can help other cars recognize that you are in distress.

Put the Cell Phone DOWN

While it may be tempting to text your friend a picture of your latest Christmas shopping spree or look on your GPS for directions to your co-worker’s holiday party, distracted driving kills more than 5,400 people every year and injures an additional 448,000. Put your cellphone down and focus on the road at all times. If you must use your cell phone, pull off the road and find somewhere safe to park.

Have a Safe Holiday Season

At Phillips Law Firm, our Washington personal injury attorneys want you to enjoy everything this holiday season has to offer. This is truly the “most wonderful time of the year” and we want you to stay safe throughout the Christmas season. If you or someone you love is injured in a car accident in Seattle, Bellevue, or anywhere in the State of Washington, call Phillips Law Firm at 1-800-708-6000. Our Washington personal injury 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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Wage and Hour Claims Set Records: Employees Double Down

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Maybe it’s the economy. Or perhaps the laws are unclear. Or maybe employees see a big payday for themselves. Whatever the reason, wage and hour disputes have increased by 25% since 2008, according to a study by Chicago law firm Seyfarth Shaw. In the 12-month period ending last March, 7,064 were filed—and that’s a record.

The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is Washington’s enforcer of labor laws, including workers’ compensation claims, health and safety concerns, as well as pay-related rules and regulations.

To be sure, lucrative awards exist for plaintiffs with wage and hour concerns. These disputes arise from overtime pay, final paychecks, meal and break periods, etc. Where employers willfully violate Washington wage and hour laws, employees may be entitled to double damages (twice the amount sought) and have up to three years to file a claim.

Employees may want to keep an eye on what is and what isn’t appearing on paychecks. Rainbows are no longer the only way to spot a pot of gold.

Learn more about how Phillips Law Firm can help you with your Employee Rights Claim

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Facebook Firing: A New 1st Amendment Sheriff in Town?

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We all know it’s true. Photographs and other Facebook posts that depict users binge drinking, drugging, having spousal dalliances, etc., have the potential to get employees fired or prevent them from ever getting hired.

But now it appears that even liking a Facebook page can get an employee canned.

That’s what happened when a deputy sheriff and four colleagues in Hampton, VA were caught “liking” the Facebook campaign page of a rival sheriff candidate. Just after his re-election in 2009, Sheriff B.J. Roberts gave the five employees their walking papers.

Following their termination, the slighted employees brought suit for wrongful termination against Roberts on grounds that their constitutional right to free speech had been violated.

Carter and crew claim they were engaging in political speech when clicking the thumbs up icon on the opposing candidate’s page. The Sheriff’s position; however, is that a Facebook “like” is not speech, and therefore is not entitled to the protections of the law.

The First Amendment-focused case has made its way to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit after a Virginia-based District Court Judge sided with the Sheriff’s argument.

The case has created such buzz that Facebook and the ACLU submitted friend of the court briefs in support of Carter’s free-speech position. The groups compare a Facebook “like” to wearing a button. The “like” appears on the user’s page and again in their newsfeed for viewing by other Facebook friends. A Washington Post article (link) indicates that Facebook users hit the “like” button and make comments nearly 3 billion times each day. That’s billion with a “B”.

And these scenarios won’t go away any time soon. Mashable.com study reports that 33% of young people in the U.S. between 18-25 are Facebook friends with their bosses. (link) Amazingly, this same group does little, if anything, to privatize their pages and tailor the content available for viewing by “friended” bosses.

The outcome of this First Amendment case will have profound implications for Facebook users, who now number almost 1 billion. Until the ruling, employees may think twice about clicking around on social media sites. Your boss may not “like” what he sees.

Learn more about how Phillips Law Firm can help you with your Employee Rights Claim

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Doctor’s Orders and Your Personal Injury Claim

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After an accident it is important to cooperate with medical personnel on the scene. Injury documentation is a crucial element when filing a personal injury claim. If you are hurting to any degree it is important to notify the ambulance personnel on the scene. If they want to take you to the hospital for medical treatment, let them do so. In personal injury cases monetary damages are paid to the injured party so it is important that your injuries are clearly documented.

What is my case worth?

If you are considering filing a lawsuit or making a claim after your involvement in an accident you monetary damages can be based upon the following types of damages:

  • Physical damages – Damages to your vehicle and personal property.
  • Bodily injury – Personal injury caused by the negligence of another person.
  • Mental injury – Psychological injury as a result of the trauma from an accident.

Various types of compensatory damages that may be considered in your settlement:

Medical treatment: The cost of medical care, including hospital visits, physical therapy, prescription costs, medications, other medical treatment and the estimated cost of future medical care you may need because of the accident.

Loss of income: Lost salary, wages, or commission from your inability to work or because of attending medical treatment sessions.

Property loss: Damages to your vehicle or any contents in your vehicle that was damaged as a result of your accident.

Pain and suffering: Discomfort that requires medical treatment, usually classified as bodily or emotional harm, including loss of consortium.

Your responsibility after an accident is to mitigate damages.

An injured plaintiff should take appropriate actions of treatment after an accident. If you were injured and refused medical treatment you are at risk of making your injuries much worse. Damage awards may be reduced because you failed to mitigate damages, so if a doctor recommends a treatment plan it is extremely important to follow through with your doctor’s recommendations. Your action, or in some cases inaction, can affect your wellbeing and the dollar amount of your damages award.

Have you been injured in an accident, requiring extensive medical treatment?

At Phillips Law Firm our attorneys are dedicated to getting you justice and compensation you deserve. Call Phillips Law Firm at 1-800-708-6000, we are waiting to assist you 24/7, offering a free case evaluation. Remember our no fee promise. If we do not recover compensation for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee.

Learn more about how Phillips Law Firm can help you with after your involvement in an automobile accident.

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Halloween and Pedestrian Accidents

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Halloween is coming up this October 31 and is the deadliest night of the year for pedestrians. Trick-or-treaters are especially at risk for a traffic accident. Rainy Washington weather and poorly lit streets contribute to the reduced visibility of pedestrians so it is important to take extra precautions to avoid an automotive accident.

Avoid Jay-Walking

It is important to avoid cutting through the middle of the street mid-block when going door-to-door. Negligent and drunk drivers are unfortunately a predominant reason for Halloween automotive and pedestrian accidents. Stay away from the edge of the sidewalk and be aware of your surroundings.

Double and Triple-Check Your Driveway before Leaving

Watch for people not only in the streets but in your driveway, apartment parking lot, or on the curb. Many costumes are dark in color so keep a sharp eye out. If you are trick-or-treating with your child it is a good idea to have them wear a brighter costume or have them carry a flashlight. Another option is to have them wear a glow stick. Remember that small children do not know the laws of traffic so pay close attention to the space between parked cars, road medians and unusual places for a young pedestrian to pop out from.

If you have to drive on Halloween, please keep it slow.

A pedestrian is twice as likely to be injured by a car traveling at 35 mph compared to 25 mph. Halloween is a holiday with many driving distractions. Never assume that a driver will simply “see you” when crossing. Wait at a crosswalk until the automobile stops completely, look for acknowledgement that they know you are crossing. While this may seem time-consuming or silly it is an important safety precaution that will keep you and your child safe on Halloween.

Make sure costumes fit properly.

Hem costumes ahead of time to avoid tripping. Children tripping or retrieving a costume mask or spilled candy from the middle of the street is a recipe for disaster. Stick together so if your child trips you are able to carry them away from the middle of the road.

Most importantly – buckle up!

It is possible that you will need to brake suddenly on Halloween. Make sure to use an appropriate car seat for your child and always buckle up, even if you are only traveling a short distance. Remember, in Washington State you are required to buckle up!

Make this a happy and safe Halloween!

If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident, please call Phillips Law Firm at (800) 708-6000. We care about you and offer a free case consultation any time day or night. Do not hesitate in getting the help and justice you deserve, call our personal injury attorneys today!

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Driving in Snowy and Icy Conditions

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According to the Washington State Department of Traffic, snow is in the forecast for the mountain areas of Washington State this weekend. Our car accident attorneys at Phillips Law Firm know that adverse weather contributes to 25% of all automobile accidents so we wanted to share a few tips on how to stay safe on the roads during the fall and winter weather to come.

Avoid commuting during snowy weather if possible

The safest method to avoid a snow-related accident is to avoid driving in the snow. This solution is not practical for all people because after all, we do need to make a living somehow and sometimes that involves commuting. Only conquer the roads when it is a necessity to commute. Make sure to keep up with proper maintenance with your vehicle, especially your tires. Purchasing snow tires or tires with more traction may be a good investment for the months with poor weather. Another option is to purchase tire chains for your vehicle. Try to plan any vehicle modifications ahead of time so you are not commuting to a mechanic shop in dangerous weather without proper traction.

Reduce your driving speed and use extreme caution

According to http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov you should slow your driving speed by 50% on snow packed roads to reduce risk of an accident. When you do not have control of your vehicle you put yourself and others at risk for a collision, rollover accident, or even wrongful death. Be on the lookout for drivers who appear to be struggling or panicked with their driving.

Stay inside your vehicle

If you get in a snow-related accident, it is important to stay inside your vehicle after the collision. With slick or icy road conditions, other commuters may lose control of their vehicle as well. You have a better chance of avoiding bodily injury if you remain inside your vehicle for protection. When police or paramedics arrive to the scene of the accident they will more easily be able to find you to provide help quickly.

Snow reduces visibility.

Clear off all snow debris from your vehicle before you begin driving. While unexpected snowfall can cause you to run late for work or personal appointments, it is crucial that you do not have any frost or snow on your car. There are windshield washer fluids available in stores with a de-icer component that can help you get rid of frost more quickly than scraping.

A common driver mistake is forgetting to scrape the snow on the roof of your vehicle. When you begin driving, the heat from inside your vehicle will melt any snow left on the roof of your vehicle, causing a danger that the loose debris may slide down your windshield. If the snow pins your windshield wipers down from the weight, you will be blind of your surroundings. Imagine if this happened to you on a freeway, an accident with almost certainly be inevitable.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Make sure to reduce your driving speed and always watch for black ice. Many snow related accidents are due to black ice because it is an unexpected danger. If you encounter any driving trouble make sure to honk your horn to alert other drivers’ of your lack of control. Do not be afraid to use your horn, that’s why you have one.

Have you been injured by a negligent driver?

When you properly prepare your vehicle and use extra caution, your chances of avoiding an accident are much better. Unfortunately accidents occur at the negligence of other people, causing devastation to you and your loved ones. If you have been injured in a car accident call our personal injury attorneys at Phillips Law Firm at (800) 708-6000. We offer a FREE case consultation 24/7 and offer a no fee promise. Our no free promise means that you do not have to pay an attorney fee if we do not recover compensation for you.

Visit our Car Accident page to learn more…

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Oh, No! Not Another Hip Product Recall!

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The FDA Warns Consumers About Stryker Orthopaedics’ Surgical Product ‘Rejuvenate’

Johnson & Johnson’s DePuy ASR product was just recalled not too long ago only now to be followed by Stryker Orthopaedics’ hip product Rejuvenate. Both of these hip products were recalled for metal ion build up dangers. In April 2012 a warning to doctors, and distributors was released regarding the product Rejuvenate followed shortly after in August 2012 by an urgent FDA recall.

What are the symptoms of the defective product?

The FDA warning explains the junction of the surgical hip product is subject to fretting and corrosion leading to adverse reactions including bone dissolution, pseudo tumors, necrosis (death) of skin tissue, bone and muscle and inflammation of the synovial membrane.

Contact your doctor immediately if…

It is important to contact your doctor immediately if you have experienced additional pain, swelling or further health complications after your hip surgery involving the “Rejuvenate” product. The product was released in the United States in 2009 but has been available in Canada since 2008.

Have you or a loved one been injured by Stryker’s hip product “Rejuvenate”?

The recall is considered urgent so please promptly contact your health professional if you suspect the “Rejuvenate” product was used during your surgical process. If you have suffered any of the adverse reactions fill out our “Free Case Review” or call our attorneys at Phillips Law Firm immediately to discuss your options. We may be able to recover compensation for your pain, suffering and medical expenses. You can reach us at (800) 708-6000. We are waiting 24/7 to answer any questions you may have and discuss your options with a free case consultation.

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