Do Paxil and Zoloft Have a Risk of Suicidality?

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Antidepressants such as Zoloft and Paxil have been a popular treatment for many patients with various psychological, hormonal, and emotional issues that may not have been construed as depressed a couple of decades ago. As psychologists and scientists alike become more aware of how the human brain and body works, it’s not surprising.

For some who live daily with these issues that they may not understand, drugs that treat depression such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) like Paxil and Zoloft are a revelation. However, side effects strike every patient differently and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found that Zoloft and Paxil have a side effect that is common to younger people called “suicidality.”

What is Suicidality?

Depression has many signs such as feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities, reduced sex drive, sleep issues, changes in appetite, agitation, slowed thinking, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and crying spells for no apparent reason. However, if these traits aren’t enough, depressed people start being a worry to professionals in the psychological community when the patient begins to have frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide.

That’s exactly what the FDA defines as Suicidality, “an increased risks of suicidal thinking and behavior.” Yet, for SSRIs, this has become a normal side effect, which has horrible repercussions for the patient. So much so that the FDA took measures to help protect the most vulnerable antidepressant patients.

What Has The FDA Done?

In 2005, the FDA opened a study of 295 individual antidepressant trials that included over 77,000 adult patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders, to examine the risk of suicidality in adults who are prescribed antidepressants.

As a result the FDA took measures of protecting adults 18 years of age to 24-years-old by making label changes in 2007. The label stated that there is an increased risk of suicidality in this high risk group. However, these changes include language stating that scientific data did not show this increased risk in adults older than 24, and that adults ages 65 and older taking antidepressants have a decreased risk of suicidality.

“Depression and other psychiatric disorders can have significant consequences if not appropriately treated. Antidepressant medications benefit many patients, but it is important that doctors and patients are aware of the risks,” said Steven Galson, M.D., MPH, director of FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

The FDA asked manufacturers to add a black box warning to the labeling of all antidepressants to describe this risk and to emphasize the need for appropriate monitoring and close observation, particularly for younger patients taking these medications.

In addition, FDA directed manufacturers to develop Medication Guides, FDA-approved user-friendly information for patients, families and caregivers, that could help improve monitoring. Medication Guides are intended to be distributed at the pharmacy with each prescription or refill of a medication.

The problem is that the issue of suicidality has been seemingly left on the back burner since 2007, however, a black box warning does not allow the FDA to wipe their hands and walk away. Suicidality research keeps on going, particularly from disturbing reports of patients taking attempts on their lives that could put others in serious danger. Not only that, the traits of suicidality have been showing up in a much older group than the FDAs finding may have indicated.

Suicidality and Cardio Vascular Disease

There have also been some other findings that suggest suicide attempts in young adults substantially increases their risk of dying from heart disease or cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry this month further found that the risks are particularly marked for women.

The researchers conducted a population based study of over 7,600 people aged 17-39 found and, after adjusting for health and lifestyle factors such as smoking or poor diet, found the risk of fatal CVD was more than double for people with depression than those without.

They also found that more than triple for those with past suicide attempts. Death from ischaemic heart disease (IHD) was nearly four times greater for those with depression, and more than seven times greater for people who had attempted suicide.

Women had triple the risk of fatal IHD, and a fourteen-fold greater risk for CVD. The figures for men were lower, with a 2.4 times greater risk for IHD and 3.5 times greater risk for CVD.

The authors noted that their study was the first population-based study to examine clinical diagnosis of depression and mortality due to CVD and IHD in young adults. Previous studies had shown a link, but because they included middle-aged and elderly people, they noted that the dramatic impact of depression and suicidality on IHD mortality in younger individuals has gone unrecognized.”

“Our data suggest that more research should take a life-course approach to identify risk factors for IHD early in life,” they concluded.

Defective Drug Attorneys

Losing a friend or family member to depression can be a dismaying and frustrating experience as they lock themselves away from society and their relationships with ever growing risk of suicide. Watching that decline can be painful and inspire both loved ones and medical professionals to seek medication that may help the person through the trying time in their lives. But as you can see, some of these medications can make things worse and may lower the patient’s life expectancy.

If your family has been stricken by the tragic consequences of suicidality it is important that you find experienced legal council that can help you seek justice through compensation.

Phillips Law Firm is a team of experienced defective drug attorneys with a proven track record of successful defective drug litigation. If you or a loved one have experienced a cardio-event while taking Celerite, call them today for a free consultation and to find out your legal rights.

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How Can A Lung Injury In A Car Accident Effect My Quality of Life?

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The lungs are incredibly fragile. Perhaps that’s why humans evolved a whole system of muscles and bone in order to protect them. This system did an excellent job of protecting their vital organs when we were running after herds of antelope a thousand years ago, but being slammed into by a two-ton hunk of speeding metal is a whole different deal.

There are multiple ways of suffering a personal injury to the lungs in a car accident. Of course the obvious way is a head-on accident, but side-impact accidents and rear end accidents can also do serious damage to one or both lungs. This is generally caused by compression due to seat belts. This is not to say seat belts are bad, everyone should wear them every time they drive.

Types of Lung Injuries

Lungs are not just open sacks that take in air, they are a complex system that separates CO2 and oxygen from air taken in so that the oxygen can be absorbed by the body for various functions, and then extract CO2. There are many components from the trachea to bronchus in separate lobes that can be damaged and can take a long time to heal.

When it comes to lung injuries in car accidents seat belts, steering wheels, and arm rests can have a major impact, and also chemicals and smoke. All of these can lead to different types of injuries.

Types of lung injuries:

Punctured Lung – Force from a car accident can be such that it breaks a rib and causes it to tear the lung deeply enough that it seeps air into the chest cavity putting painful pressure on the victim’s body.

Collapsed Lung – Once a lung has been punctured, it can result in a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). This happens when there’s a collection of air in the space around the lungs. This buildup of air puts pressure on the lung, so it cannot expand as much as it normally does when you take a breath and can cause suffocation if not treated right away.

Chemical Burn – Hundreds of different chemicals are used to create cars from the upholstery treatment to most of the components making up the engine. If the engine or consol catches fire, under the right circumstances the chemical fumes can burn the lungs before the smoke does. During a car accident that causes the air bags to deploy, the car can fill with a white powder. This powder is generally made up of either corn starch or talcum powder and is not usually detrimental, but can cause breathing problems for a few days if fully inhaled. However, it can last longer and have serious consequences for those with COPD and other lung function ailments.

Smoke Damage – Smoke is caused by burning material discharge and super heated particles that fill the air. During a car fire, some cars are better protected from burning the driver than others, but if the windows are rolled up, no car can remedy being filled with smoke surprisingly quick. If the victim in the car is rendered unconscious, even for a minute or two, they could suffocate. If they aren’t, even disorientation (which is common after a car accident) can cause serious smoke inhalation. A fire can produce compounds that do damage by interfering with the body’s oxygen use at a cellular level. The heat can also seriously burn the lungs causing internal scarring that could be permanent and inhibit breathing and activity level for the rest of the victim’s life.

Lung Injuries and Depression

Physical damage to the lungs is not the only damage that the victim can suffer. These injuries take a ton of time and effort to heal. Not being able to breath well can cause the patient to lower their activity level. This can result in not only prolonging the problem and weight gain, but also depression, researchers have found.

Joseph Bienvenu, MD, PhD, of Johns Hopkins University, and colleagues reported in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that about 40% of patients reported depressive symptoms and 66% reported impaired physical function during that time period.

“Incident depressive symptoms and incident impaired physical function are common and long-lasting during the first two years after acute lung injury,” they wrote.

This was a longitudinal cohort study (a study that collects the same set of data over long periods then comparatively studied) of 186 acute lung injury patients from 13 intensive care units at four hospitals between October 2004 and October 2007. They were all survivors of acute lung injury.

Of all of the patients studied, a total of 21% had baseline depression. Futher, 40% had baseline impaired physical function. Over two years of follow-up after acute lung injury, the incidence of depressive symptoms in 147 at-risk patients was 40%, and the cumulative incidence of impaired physical function in 112 patients at risk was 66%, they found.

“Depressive symptoms are not only relatively persistent in acute lung injury survivors; they are also an independent risk factor for subsequent impairment in physical function,” Bienvenu and colleagues wrote.

Depression triggers noted in the study:

  • Lowered activity
  • Financial stress
  • Job loss
  • Morbid thoughts
  • Higher medical comorbidities
  • Hospitalization for other illnesses
  • Lower blood glucose in the intensive care unit

The investigators concluded that depressive symptoms are a significant and potentially modifiable risk factor for late-onset physical impairment, and that clinicians should run interventions that target these in order to improve long-term outcomes in survivors.

“Early identification and treatment of depressive states should be evaluated as a potential intervention to minimize the suffering and impairment that affect so many of these patients,” they wrote.

Limitations of the study included self-report of depressive symptoms, use of medical records to identify baseline depression, and inability to account for interval treatment of either depression or physical function impairment.

Western Washington Personal Injury Attorneys

A lung injury suffered in a car accident can last or years, even a lifetime, causing the victim to not be able to enjoy the activities that enriched their lives prior to the injury. This is particularly true in the Northwest that is known for hiking, mountain climbing, biking, kayaking, skiing, and other strenuous activities that require full breath control.

But this can also extend to doing your job or simply playing with your children. Without these things it effects your life at the most basic needs level. To overcome these life altering experiences, a victim needs the resources to gain as much of their prior lung capacity as possible through physical therapy, psychological therapy, and training (both physical and occupational). This takes money that insurance may not cover.

Phillips Law Firm is a local law firm with a substantial track record of success Personal Injury Litigation. We take the time to fully assess the injured party’s case in order to assure that the victim receives the compensation they deserve. Call our Personal Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation.

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Do I Have A Washington State Propecia Lawsuit?

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Just like around the United States, men in Washington State are finding a dismaying side effect when they take the hair loss prevention drug Propecia, erectile dysfunction. This defective drug side effect has seriously lowered the quality of life for many male Propecia patients. This has led hundreds of men in Washington State and across the country to file Propecia lawsuits.

These men are suing global pharmaceutical conglomerate Merck & Co for what has been a billion dollar product for the company that has a history of producing defective drugs with little consideration for the consequences to their customers. The plaintiffs are accusing the drug manufacture of failing to adequately warn of the potential sexual side effects.

Sexual Side Effect Research

Propecia belongs to a class of drugs known as the 5-alpha-reductable inhibitors. The active ingredient is finasteride, which is linked to impotence, erectile dysfunction, depression, and a decrease in sexual desire. This may have been known by Merck when they were designing and testing the drug for market.

A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine in 2011 affirms these concerns. Researchers found that drugs often prescribed to treat hair loss that contain finasteride causes sexual dysfunction.

Researchers conducted interviews with 71 otherwise healthy men aged 21-46 years who reported the new onset of sexual side effects associated with the temporal use of finasteride and found:

  • 94% developed low libido
  • 92% developed erectile dysfunction
  • 92% developed decreased arousal
  • 69% developed problems with orgasm

In another study published this year in the Journal of Sexual Medicine originated in the Boston University School of Medicine lead by Professor Abdulmaged M. Traish. He found in his study that some of the patients studied had long-term erectile dysfunction or even permanent impotence.

Traish’s research, like that of the other study cited above, found that nearly everyone who takes these drugs usually experience some of the side effects—although some people more severely than others—and in some cases the effects are permanent even after the men have stopped taking the medication. Traish infact refers to this outcome as a “life sentence.” This is from findings such as:

  • 8% of men who used the drugs experienced erectile dysfunction.
  • 4.2% said their libido was reduced.
  • Other side effects included depression, decreased semen volume, and reduced ejaculation.

Propecia Side Effects

Although these side effects discovered in the studies are not fatal, they can be physically and psychologically damaging. It is up to the company to properly disclose and inform the patients of the serious side effects associated with their drug. Certainly the patient’s physician could have a hand in informing them, but often the newest research regarding the drug has not been forwarded to medical professionals.

Side effects linked to Propecia:

  • Anxiety attacks
  • Amotivational syndrome
  • Bipolar mood disorder
  • Breast enlargement
  • Breathing problems
  • Cognitive dysfunction
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Hyper tension
  • Insomnia
  • Lethargy
  • Male breast cancer
  • Memory loss
  • Testicular pain

Propecia Lawsuits

Part of the whole point of preventing hair loss is to improve quality of life, however many of these men say they were not properly informed of the dangers of the drug and as a result have been put into a serious situation of facing a life long problem that could result on a life long need for other prescription drugs to retain normal sexual function.

Filing a lawsuit against Merck in order to hold them accountable is an important part of upholding much-needed standards on pharmaceuticals. Drug companies make billions of dollars every year off of these drugs, often knowing the detriment to those taking the drug, but choosing to keep it on the market.

These lawsuits are also important because they send a message to the under-funded, overworked, and bureaucratic Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is often the standard bearer for many countries around the world as to actions taken against drugs or the allowance of lawsuits. Many people in countries around the world don’t have the opportunity that Americans do to be able to seek justice for defective drugs.

National Propecia Lawyers

If you or a loved one are taking Propecia or any other derivative of Finasteride it is important that you contact legal council that has experience in protecting patients from giant pharmaceutical companies. Call Phillips Law Firm for a consultation on your legal options.

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Should A Ban On Distracted Driving With PEDs Become A National Law?

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In Washington State and across the nation, laws have begun to be ratified that levy heavy fines and other penalties on drivers that drive while texting or talking on the phone without using a headset. However, many safety advocates recommend that this be extended to other similar devices such as tablets (iPad, Kindle, etc.) and personal music devices (iPod, MP3 player, etc.). All of these fall under the category of Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs).

This trend and safety advocate concerns have not fallen on deaf ears. Ray LaHood, the Chairman of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has made many very public statements against the use of cell phones by both commercial drivers and the larger public. Not only that, there has been very large public committee meetings in both congress and senate concerning this issue.

All of this has led up to today, where the National Traffic Safety Board (NTSB) called for a national ban on the use of PEDs, the first large government organization to make such a drastic move.

Distracted Driving Research

This decision comes after some pretty extensive research. Though car phones have been available for several decades, they were exclusively used by the wealthy. In the words of NTSB Chairwoman Deborah Hersman, distracted driving has been a problem “since the Model T.” This changed in the early ninties, when low priced and free cell phones entered the market. Almost overnight it was apparent that there was a new danger on the road, but it took a decade for serious studies to begin regarding the concern.

Authorities say the danger become even more ubiquitous with the explosion in the number of portable smart phones. In the last two decades, there has been exponential growth in the use of cell-phone and personal electronic devices. Globally, there are 5.3 billion mobile phone subscribers or 77 percent of the world population. In the United States, that percentage is even higher – it exceeds 100 percent.

At any given moment during business hours, it is estimated that 13.5 million drivers are on hand-held phones, according to a study released last week by the NHTSA.

“Some 3,092 roadway fatalities last year involved distracted drivers, although the actual number may be far higher,” a NHTSA representative said. “However, because distracted drivers sometimes die during the crash or rarely fess up to their actions, determining whether distraction was a factor in an accident can be difficult.”

Serious Distracted Driving Events

The NTSB announcement was accompanied by a series of events that had been studied in order to come to the conclusion. They specifically cited a 2010 Missouri accident where a driver of a pickup sent 11 texts in the 11 minutes leading up to a chain reaction accident where he rear-ended a semi truck, then was rear-ended by a school bus, which was rear-ended by another school bus following it. All of this resulted in two deaths and 38 personal injuries.

An experienced motorcoach driver was distracted in 2004 by his hands-free cell phone, causing him to stay in the far right lane, failing to move to the center lane, causing the bus he was driving to strick the underside of an arched stone bridge on the George Washington Parkway in Alexandria, Virginia. Eleven of the 27 high school students were injured.

In the 2008 collision of a commuter train with a freight train in Chatsworth, California, the commuter train engineer, who had a history of using his cell phone for personal communications while on duty, ran a red signal while texting. That train collided head on with a freight train – killing 25 and injuring dozens.

In 2009, two airline pilots were out of radio communication with air traffic control for more than an hour because they were distracted by their personal laptops. They overflew their destination by more than 100 miles, only realizing their error when a flight attendant inquired about preparing for arrival.

In Philadelphia in 2010, a barge being towed by a tugboat ran over an amphibious “duck” boat in the Delaware River, killing two Hungarian tourists. The tugboat mate failed to maintain a proper lookout due to repeated use of a cell-phone and laptop computer.

In 2010, near Munfordville, Kentucky, a truck-tractor in combination with a 53-foot-long trailer, left its lane, crossed the median and collided with a 15-passenger van. The truck driver failed to maintain control of his vehicle because he was distracted by use of his cell-phone. The accident resulted in 11 fatalities.

Distracted Driving Laws

Making a law national is a big step, particularly when there is such a heavy sentiment surrounding states rights in the US. As you can see by the graph, there is still an uphill battle on defining what is and is not distracted driving and appropriate behavior when driving a car.

Types of PDEs:

Cell Phones – These can be used with a hands free earpiece or onboard speaker system, however, some studies that having both hands on the wheel or having one side of your face unobstructed has caused on change in the level of distraction. This has caused some experts to recommend ending all calls in the vehicle while it’s moving.

Texting – This activity while driving has proven to be akin to being equal to being over the legal drinking limit. In fact, some studies have suggested that texting drivers could be equal to twice the legal limit in ability and attention.

Tablets – These may not belong when driving, yet people use them while driving anyway, just like reading the newspaper or a book while driving. Instead, they’re surfing the internet, even more distracting.

On Board Systems – The computer systems with touch screens in the newest cars coming out are specific to vehicles, but are not a ton different from a tablet or home computer. They are able to retrieve GPS information just as easily as take a call or retrieve email. This is equal to, or possibly more, detrimental to drivers.

All of these systems can cause serious distractions. Should they become illegal to use while the vehicle is moving? Some suggest that technology could be the answer to a technology problem. There is software on the market now that causes any phone going faster than 15 mph to be rendered useless. Will new technology be able to compensate for passing a law? Perhaps it will be easier to require.

Puget Sound Auto Accident Lawyer

If you or someone you know has suffered a serious personal injury after getting into a car accident with a distracted driver, then you need skilled legal council to represent you to assure that you get the compensation you deserve. Call the Seattle car accident lawyers at Phillips Law Firm for a free consultation.

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What Are the Symptoms of Actos Bladder Cancer?

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Currently across the United States, hundreds of men and women are preparing for the fights of their lives, Actos bladder cancer. They are diabetes patients who were given Takeda Industries top selling drug Actos to control their insulin levels. This drug has yielded billions of dollars for Takeda, however, in recent years patients have found that the side effects are potentially far more deadly than their diabetes.

Bladder cancer is manifested in tumors that form on the bladder wall. The bladder carries urine after liquid has been processed through the digestive system. Once these tumors become “malignant” they begin attacking surrounding tissue with cancer cells and unless it is caught early, they can spread to other organs and infect the blood system.

Symptoms of Actos Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer is one of those cancers that many catch early because it is easily detectable by paying attention to the symptoms. People with relatively normal diets, alcohol intake, and who aren’t prone to regular bladder infections become acutely aware of the problems early, making bladder cancer one of the most survivable amongst the many cancers.

Some of the symptoms are:

Abdominal pain – The lower abdomen right in the center above your genitals may begin to ache due to cell degeneration and inflammation. This can feel like a urinary infection and if you are an Actos patient, you should see the doctor and get a precautionary test right away.

Blood in the urine – This is a bad sign that can be a symptom of several problems. Any sign of blood in urine should inspire you to see a doctor right away and if you are there ask to be tested for bladder cancer regardless of what the doctor may diagnose in the office.

Bone pain or tenderness – This is a symptom of many cancers and may be a sign of a larger problem with later stage of the cancer.

Fatigue – Bladder pain and infection is a definite sign of illness that can cause fatigue. This is true with bladder cancer, however, fatigue could be a sign of a larger problem that should be checked out by a doctor.

Painful urination – This is a definite sign of bladder cancer and of other serious ailments, however, an Actos patient should be acutely aware of this symptom at all times.

Urinary frequency – This is one of the first signs of bladder cancer as the bladder has limited capacity and a tumor can lower that capacity. If you are urinating twice as much as usual with normal fluid intake you should see the doctor.

Urinary urgency – This is also associated with lower bladder capacity and could be a sign that there is a larger problem.

Urine leakage (incontinence) – This is a symptom of many problems and can also be associated with aging, but in younger Actos patients this could be a sign of a worse problem. All patients should check for bladder cancer in this instance.

Weight loss – Weight loss generally doesn’t come until the later stages of cancer and is preceded with most of the symptoms above.

Treatment For Actos Bladder Cancer

Cancer comes in five main stages with the fifth stage being untreatable. Survival from stage 0 to 2 when applied to bladder cancer is generally very good and is only followed by reoccurrence in a small percentage of patients, however, stage 3 and above can be a different story. As you can see from the graph and the descriptions below, it is very important to catch the symptoms early.

 

Stage 0 and 1 treatments:

Surgery – Surgeons remove the tumor, reseal the bladder, and monitor. Chemotherapy or immunotherapy – This is only recommended if surgery is less detrimental and only applied directly into the bladder.

Stage 2 and 3 treatments:

Partial removal surgery – Remove only part of the bladder, followed by radiation and chemotherapy Radical cystectomy – This is surgery to remove the entire bladder ()Chemotherapy – This is a chemical cocktail intended to shrink the tumor prior to surgery making it more successful.

Stage 4 treatments –

Chemotherapy – Most patients with stage IV tumors cannot be cured as the cancer has spread to different parts of the body and surgery is not appropriate. In these patients, chemotherapy is often considered.

National Actos Attorney

These different stages of Actos bladder cancer have different effects on different patients as well as how the symptoms are manifested. Regardless, the diagnosis of cancer is no different in any patient. It is a highly emotional experience and forces a person to face their mortality. It not only causes major disruptions to a person’s work life, personal life, and quality of life. That’s why victims and their families deserve fair compensation.

Phillips Law Firm is a full service law firm that is prepared to help the victims of Actos side effects. If you or a loved one has a heart attack or stroke while taking Actos it is important that you call Phillips Law Firm for a free consultation.

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How Do I File A Zoloft Lawsuit In Washington State?

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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has for years released warnings about the safety issues surrounding the use of antidepressants such as Zoloft during pregnancy. This has lead to hundreds of lawsuits filed by parents who were advised to take the defective drug in order to treat naturally occurring depression due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, which ended in the children being born with serious birth defects.

Along with the FDA, some major medical journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Boston University, National Birth Defects Prevention Study of Infants, Aarhus University in Denmark and the Institute of Reproductive Toxicology at the University of Ulm, Germany have all warned that the category of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) like Zoloft can cause serious birth defects.

Experts further say it is unlikely that companies like Pfizer, the producer of Zolfot, will voluntarily recall a drug or even prohibit the use of the drug to pregnant women outside of the United States market. This is because the defective pharmaceutical yields billions of dollars every year for Pfizer, leaving them and their share holders little to no incentive to protect patients and their unborn children.

This has left many Washington State parents with no other choice than to seek legal means to find justice for not only their child, but other victims of this defective drug.

Zoloft Lawsuits

It is estimated that up to 100 million people have taken the drug making Zoloft one of the most popular antidepressant drugs in the world since its release in 1991. This leaves the potential for hundreds of thousands of children being born around the world, including Washington State, with serious birth defects.

Beyond study after study showing a direct correlation to birth defects, many experts believe that Pfizer may have known for years, as long as a decade, that their drug was dangerous to infants when taken during pregnancy, but intentionally covered up the information.

How Do I File A Zoloft Lawsuit In Washington State? These reasons have prompted hundreds of parents to seek justice throughout the United States and Washington State has not been left out of the mix. Washington State Zoloft birth defect victims have sought legal representation from experienced defective drug attorneys like the team at Phillips Law Firm in order to get the compensation they deserve. The process is started by simply contacting Phillips Law Firm and asking to speak with a Zoloft Attorney.

Zoloft Birth Defects

Depression’s effect on the fetus is also an issue that has been brought up. Some studies have shown that it may lead to lower hygiene or eating disorders during pregnancy that can lead to serious health problems in the child such as premature birth, low birth weight, or lowered immune system.

However, as you read the potential birth defects that can happen as a result of taking Zoloft in order to curb the effects of depression, you may choose to treat the depression through alternative means.

Potential Zoloft Birth Defects:

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) – This happens when the newborn’s circulation has not made the normal transition from fetal circulation to normal newborn circulation, because pressure in the lungs is increased and this causes distress.

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) – An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart. Large and long-standing atrial septal defects can damage the heart and lungs. An adult who has had an undetected atrial septal defect for decades may have a shortened life span from heart failure or high blood pressure in the lungs.

Tetralogy of Fallot – This is a problem with the heart’s structure that’s present at birth. Congenital heart defects change the normal flow of blood through the heart.

Transposition of the Great Arteries – Transposition of the great arteries is a rare heart defect present at birth, in which the two main arteries leaving the heart are reversed (transposed).

Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome (HRHS) – This is the underdevelopment of the right sided structures of the heart. These defects cause inadequate blood flow to the lungs and thus, a blue or cyanotic infant.

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome – Hypoplastic left heart syndrome occurs when parts of the left side of the heart do not develop completely.

Treating Depression Without SSRIs

According to multiple sources both from the psychological community and medical community, there are ways to curb the effects of depression. Depression in many pregnant women has been found to be a chemical and hormonal imbalance. This can be first addressed by speaking to your physician about alternatives to prescription drugs. Then review some of these avenues:

  • Balanced organic diet
  • Exercise
  • Individual Therapy
  • Group Therapy
  • Meditation
  • Social Activities

National Zoloft Attorneys

If you have found that you or a loved one has had a child with a birth defect and they were taking Zoloft during pregnancy, they may be entitled to compensation. It is important that you contact legal council that has experience in protecting patients from giant pharmaceutical companies. Call Phillips Law Firm for a consultation on your legal options.

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Can I Get Wrongful Death Compensation If I Lose a Child in a Car Accident?

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The single hardest thing any parent can go through is when they lose a son or daughter in a car accident. The suddenness of the loss and the questions can drive a person to a nervous breakdown. How did it happen? Who were they with? Why were they with them? Why were they where there? Why wasn’t I with them? Who is at fault for their death?

Sometimes the answers are just as painful as the death itself, however, once these questions have been established, then you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit by going over the details with your lawyer.

With an experienced attorney’s help, investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of your child can be much easier both emotionally and bureaucratically. The attorney will gather tangible data we cover in this article in order to determine the amount of compensation.

When filing a wrongful death lawsuit, you are seeking just compensation from the individual that, through their negligent actions, caused the death of your son or daughter. A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil trial where you are the “plaintiff” and those you seek compensation from are the “defendants.”

It is up to the plaintiff to determine fault or negligence by the defendant, which lead directly of indirectly to the death of your loved one. The task is difficult, but with the proper council, many families have received the justice they deserve.

From Whom Do I Seek Compensation?

There must be a source of compensation and the defendant must have money in order to pay whatever settlement or amount the court charges. There must also be a determination of negligence or breach of duty on the defendant’s part. Once that has been established, these individuals are supposed to be backed by insurance companies by law in order to compensate for damages, both to victims and their property, but also in the families in case of wrongful death. However, there are three main sources attorneys investigate:

Individuals – Generally, in the case of an automobile accident, there is a person driving, a police officer, a doctor, etc, that is specifically named in the lawsuit. These individuals are the alleged negligent parties that may have caused the death of your child. They are supposed to be covered by an insurance company by law. However, if they are not, they must take the compensation out of their own funds if they are indeed found negligent. This can be in the form of cash, leans on property, and garnishment of wages.

Government – Governments including municipalities, counties, or states have a responsibility to provide safety for their citizens. The police and response infrastructures have procedures and a code of conduct they must abide by also. Often if a child dies because of an infrastructure problem (pothole, sinkhole, blind corner, unmarked median, abandoned or dangerously parked city vehicles, etc) there has been a clear history of complaints and/or data linked to the problem prior to the death. If they have not taken reasonable measures to recognized hazardous roadways and intersections, then they should be held accountable for injuries and deaths that are caused by these hazards.

Insurance Companies – Believe it or not, but there are people who feel bad about suing an insurance company over the death of their loved one. But keep in mind that the company insures motorists by a risk-to-profitability scale. They have already taken into account the risk of the negligent driver by age, credit rating, driving history, and vehicle type. However, they will do anything to avoid paying out on claims, thus a campaign of through news and advertising over several decades just to make it so that families feel guilty for seeking compensation. They are also proactive on accidents involving death or serious injury and in fact, you may have gotten contacted by an insurance agent. Make sure you log that call and jot down whatever was said. Most of all, do not sign anything an insurance company asks you to sign without first having your legal representative review it.

Evidence of Wrongful Death

As stated above, there must be a determination of negligence, the actions of an individual or entity directly or indirectly caused the death of your son or daughter. The driver also has a duty to keep the passenger safe and follow the rules of the road. If they violate this duty called “breech of duty” then they may be liable for the death of the victim. To prove these things, evidence is required, and some of the evidence that is gathered is:

Arrests –Driving under the influence (DUI) is easily one of the largest and most senseless causes of vehicular death. If the other driver involved in the accident was arrested for DUI at the scene, regardless of who the police report cites as fault, you may be entitled to compensation.

Circumstances – If there was road construction, another traffic stop, another accident obstructing traffic, or any other alternate circumstances surrounding the accident, then there may be negligence on the side of outside sources. It is important to review all statements and details of the scene of the accident.

Citations – If other drivers were cited for infractions related to the accident then the accident may have been caused by another driver’s negligence. These minor infractions may establish negligence regardless of what it was for.

Medical Care – The trauma care in the Puget Sound area is some of the best in the country, but sometimes victims fall through the cracks. If your loved one died in the care of the emergency ward staff, you may want to review the circumstances with the help of legal council.

Police Report – As the spouse you may obtain the police report and speak to the officers that investigated the car accident scene in order to learn details that may have been omitted from the report. Omissions and sloppy reports often suspend justice.

Response – Many wrongful death cases have found that the accident victim’s death could have been prevented if the proper procedures had been followed by the police and medical response team. If you find these procedures or the care questionable then it is best to find a legal review of those procedures.

Signals – Many accidents could have been avoided if the intersection or road had proper signs, signals, and maintenance. The crash history of the section of road or intersection could also be important in a wrongful death lawsuit caused by a car accident.

Puget Sound Wrongful Death Attorney

When you have been stricken with the tragic circumstance of losing a loved one due to the negligence of another person in a car accident, then it is very important that you do not sign anything without a lawyer present. The lawyer is there to represent you and your interests in your time of need.

The law firm of Phillips Law Firm represents families of victims who have been wrongfully killed in Washington State. They are skilled attorneys in wrongful death lawsuits and personal injury lawsuitswith years of experience that they will use to assure the you get the compensation you deserve.

Call Phillips Law Firm today for a free consultation.

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Honda and Acura Recall Nearly 1 Million Cars for Deadly Air Bags

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Airbags are a relatively new safety apparatus in the lifetime of vehicles overall, only becoming standard in 1998. Since then they have proven to be able to save thousands of lives from front-end collisions and recently, with the introduction of side impact airbags, have increased safety. But, airbags have also found to be deadly.

The primary deadly effect is the way that they are propelled out of their compartment and the force in which the bag is inflated. This has been shown to be seriously detrimental to elderly people riding in the front. Particularly elderly women who have tend to have more brittle bones. It is also detrimental to children who honestly should not be riding in the front seat anyway.

But a new defect is now killing and injuring normal sized adults and prompting a massive recall announced by Honda Motor Company today.

Deadly Airbag Recall

Honda Motor Co. plans to recall 900,000 Honda and Acura vehicles for defective airbags and inspect an additional 603,000 vehicles. The inspections are intended to review whether cars that have been serviced for car accidents or airbag replacement were actually refitted with the defective airbags. Honda said it doesn’t know how many of those vehicles might have been repaired with the defective parts manufactured by parts supplier Takata in Japan.

There is suspicion that, in a car accident, the driver’s side airbag can deploy with so much force that the metal inflator casing that holds and channels explosive propellant can rupture causing metal and plastic shards to spray towards the driver causing them serious personal injury or wrongful death.

“The propellant was packed improperly and that allows the propellant to burn off too quickly and it explodes and pieces of the casing are causing the injuries,” said Chris Martin, a Honda spokesman.

Altogether, there have been 18 personal injuries and two deaths caused by the faulty airbags.

Not the First Honda Airbag Recall

This problem has plagued Honda in the past and has caused Honda to be far more diligent about their testing. Defective Honda airbags have prompted four previous recalls dealing the same issue. This latest recall – the largest of it’s kind — has expanded the total to more than 2.5 million vehicles in the U.S.

Honda’s actions come after a driver was personally injured in a vehicle that had not been part of the previous recalls pointing to a larger problem. This is driving concerns over the market that some people may still be driving unrepaired vehicles listed in previous recalls and also be driving with defective Takata products that may have been installed after the defect was initially discovered.

“We really need to get all these cars repaired and there are a lot of customers out there who have not brought their cars in after we have sent them mailers,” a Honda spokesperson said. “This is a very serious thing; people need to get their cars fixed. This is not something to wait on.“

We agree. All Honda drivers need to contact their dealer if they have an effected Honda.

Honda Vehicles Recalled

Honda confirmed that the problem does not affect any vehicles newer than the 2003 model year

The latest recall now includes:

  • Honda Accord – 2001 and 2002
  • Honda Civic – 2001 to 2003
  • Honda Odyssey – 2001 to 2003
  • Honda CR-V – 2002 and 2003
  • Honda Pilot – 2003
  • Acura 3.2 TL – 2002 and 2003
  • Acura 3.2 CL – 2003

Honda will begin sending recall notices to owners of these vehicles later this month.

It also said the Honda owners can go to www.recalls.honda.com or call (800) 999-1009 and select option 4; Acura owners can go to www.recalls.acura.com or call (800) 382-2238 and select option 4 to get more information.

Seattle Defective Airbag Attorney

The experimentation of side impact airbags should not be on customers. Extensive tests should be made prior to the car entering the market because these are very serious accidents that could lead to the loss of a loved one. A missed or faulty deployment could mean the difference between living through the accident and a life long disability or wrongful death. Please fully research your vehicle prior to purchase.

If you or someone you know has been injured in an car accident due to the negligence of another driver due to speeding, some of the best advice you can give is to find an attorney that is experienced in personal injury litigation. Call Phillips Law Firm for a free consultation on your legal rights.

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Why Does Washington State Have One of the Highest DUI Fatality Rates in the US?

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It may be shocking to hear that Washington State has one of the highest driving under the influence (DUI) fatality rates in the country. The Northwest seems so sparsely populated, laid back, liberal, and almost innocent in a way. But then you see the statistics: highest suicide rate, largest population of heroin addicts per capita, one of the largest domestic producers of meth amphetamine. This underbelly is enough to make you cringe.

This sad fact about DUI was revealed by the organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in their annual report. MADD is a grassroots movement that has grown to influencing national policies on DUI. And why not? Nobody wants to disappoint their mother. But disappoint we have and they suggest in the report that we be sent to our legislative rooms to draft tougher laws against drunk driving.

Washington State DUI Fatalities

MADD says that in 2009 there were 206 DUI-related traffic deaths in Washington state. This comprises nearly 42% of traffic fatalities in the state for that year. Only Connecticut, Hawaii and South Carolina had higher death rates from DUI.

That year was also a busy year for Washington law enforcement across the state as police stopped nearly 20,000 3-time DUI offenders and over 2,100 5-time offenders. MADD has recommendations specifically for Washington state to help with this disturbing conclusion.

According to the report “Washington has the most comprehensive ignition interlock law in the nation but could take additional steps to help save more lives. The state needs a better child endangerment law, legalization of sobriety checkpoints and utilization of no-refusal activities to further crack down on drunk driving.”

5 Criteria to Curb Drunk Driving

MADD has five criteria with which to determine the effectiveness of any given state’s DUI policy. States are assessed, determined, and then given stars for each policy that they comply with. There are only 5 five-star states: Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, and Utah. Washington, even with our horrid fatality rate, still rates three stars.

Drunk driving criteria:

Requiring Ignition Interlocks for all Drunk Driving Offenders – MADD cites more than 15 peer-reviewed studies to back their recommendation for laws that require devices such as ignition interlocks (breathalyzers set in the steering wheel that require little to no alcohol be detected before the convicted DUI offender can start their car). The Centers for Disease Control recommended this year that every state pass an all-offender ignition interlock law. By implementing this law alone, New Mexico and Arizona have reduced DUI fatalities by 36 and 46 percent.

Conducting Sobriety Checkpoints – Many people in Washington State find the prospect of checkpoints unsavory, leaving sort of a Gestapo taste in the mouth. Opponents also cite the fact that traffic is bad enough without daunting line of cars waiting for the police to stumble upon a suspect. However, according to MADD, sobriety checkpoints are proven to reduce DUI fatalities by an average of 20% by acting as a general deterrent to drinking and driving. Though opponents also say that it is a wasted use of manpower, MADD says checkpoints are cost-effective, reducing drunk driving expenses by at least six dollars for every dollar invested.

Enhancing Penalties for DUI Child Endangerment – DUI child endangerment is an issue that actually hits the headlines often without the required horrific car accident that thrusts other DUIs into the local headlines. This is where an adult chooses to drive drunk with a child or children in the vehicle and you would be amazed at how often it happens. MADD says enhanced penalties, such as making the crime a felony, are important ways to make adults think twice before acting so irresponsibly. This may run into an issue with the state’s roll in custody and parenting rights.

Participating in No-refusal Events – Refusing to submit to Breathalyzer or bloods test (BAC testing) is a serious thing in Washington State, but according to MADD, not serious enough. By refusing to submit to BAC, the organization says it could present a significant challenge to law enforcement and the courts. MADD insists that “no-refusal weekends” are successful in reducing the number of offenders who refuse BAC testing. The only way a State can get a no-refusal star, even if they have a no-refusal plicy in place is if drivers stopped have a 10% or lower refusal instance.

Utilizing Administrative License Revocation – Administrative License Revocation (ALR) is standard punishment for drunk driving in Washington State through the immediate confiscation of the offender’s driver’s license by the arresting officer. MADD says that studies show that ALR reduces DUI fatalities by as much as 9%.

Seattle DUI Victims Lawyers

Okay, so Washington State, with its 3 stars, is somewhat middle of the road in the country when it comes to DUI convictions, but the state has been pretty good about releasing funds for DUI patrols at crucial times such as holidays and summer months. But many advocates say that the patrols are not effective if the penalties for DUI are not stringent enough to curb the behavior.

It seems that the large fines, possible jail time, mandatory impound, and public record are not enough to scare people into making better decisions, particularly young people. Some have suggested that there needs to be more education and a change in social perception of the severity of the act of drinking and driving. Until then, the victims, their families, and advocates continue to fight.

If you or a loved one are injured or killed in a DUI wreck, it is important that you find legal council as soon as possible to help you through the legal components of the tragedy. Call the DUI Victim’s Attorneys at Phillips Law Firm for a consultation on your legal rights.

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What Are Some of the Most Dangerous Toys for 2011?

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Every year people go out to stores small and large looking for toys for their kids, grand kids, nieces and nephews. Once you get there you realize that there are so many in an ocean of dazzling colors that it’s enough to give you a seizure. Which one to pick?

Well, when it comes to the topic of safety and better question to ask yourself is which one NOT to pick. That’s what the US Public Interest Research Group’s (PIRG) annual report on safe toys is all about. Along with help from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) they set them in categories.

Toys With A Potential Chocking Hazard

Choking on small toy parts, on small balls, on marbles and balloons continues to be the major cause of toy-related deaths and injuries. Between 1990 and 2010, over 200 children died from a choking incident.

 

To test a chocking hazard can be done at home by simply setting the toy or toy part in a standard toilet paper tube — it’ll be about 1.75 inches in diameter. If a toy, toy part or ball fits in it, it’s too small for kids who put things in their mouths.

Latex balloons are not recommended for children under 8. Broken latex balloon parts on the floor are very dangerous to toddlers and crawlers, but even older children are at risk for inhaling a piece of a balloon that explodes while being inflated.

Toys that PIRG says have pieces that are potential choking hazards include:

  • Wooden blocks set (ToySmith)
  • Sesame Street Oscar Doll (Sesame Workshop)
  • Dinosaur multi pack, similar sea life and turtle packs (Greenbrier International)
  • HABA fruit in a bag (HABA)
  • Green rubber grape (iwako)
  • Orange bear (4M2U)
  • Flat baby blocks and square counting blocks (Greenbrier International),
  • 4 dollar box items (Rhode Island Novelty)
  • Play ball x2 (Squishland)

Toys With A Potential Toxic Hazard

Dozens of studies have shown negative health effects of exposure to phthalates (plastics that break down into toxins) into in the womb or in child development. Environmental Protection Agency studies show exposure leads to an increase in premature delivery and reproductive defects. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 permanently banned toys containing three phthalates and set temporary limits on three others. No toy or childcare article can contain more than 1000ppm of each of the six phthalates.

There is also a fear that the toy could contain lead. Lead has been show to be toxic to all human beings, lowering immune systems, and causing serious problems in the nervous system, kidneys, liver, blood, and bones. This could cause death.

Toys were found to be potentially dangerous due to higher levels of lead or other toxic chemicals than PIRG considers acceptable:

  • Funny Glasses (Joking Around)
  • Sleep Mask (Claire’s)
  • Little Hands Love Book (Piggy Toes Press)
  • Whirly Wheel (LL)
  • Spritz Medals (Spritz)
  • Hello Kitty eyeshadow/keychain (Hello Kitty)
  • Tinkerbell Watch (Disney Fairies)
  • Peace Sign Bracelet (Family Dollar)
  • Honda Motorcycle (Honda)

Toys With A Potential Noise Hazard

A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed one in five U.S. children will have some degree of hearing loss by the time they reach age 12; this may be in part due to many children using toys and other children’s products that emit loud sounds such as music players. The National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders advises that prolonged exposure to noise above 85 decibels (equal to a train whistle or loud traffic) will cause gradual hearing loss in any age range. Many toys exceed this.

The PIRG noise hazards list includes:

  • Elmo’s World Talking Cell Phone (Fisher-Price)
  • Victorious Stereo Headphones (Nickelodeon)
  • Hotwheels’ Super Stunt RAT BOMB (Hotwheels)

Hazardous Toy Recalls

Last year, the CPSC recalled almost 200,000 individual toy units for violations of lead standards. Lead, when ingested, interferes with nervous system development and causes a host of other health issues. That makes it hazardous for anyone, but extra dangerous for children — and a bad idea on anything they might put in their mouths.

Also last year, the CPSC recalled more than 3.5 million toys and other children’s products because of choking hazards. Since 1990, of the more than 400 children’s deaths associated with toys, more than half were caused by choking on balloons, small toy parts and small balls.

“It is very important for parents who have older kids, as well as little ones who still put things in their mouth, to keep the older kids’ small toys and balls away from the younger children,” says PIRG.

Defective Design Lawyers

This is not just a warning for Christmas, but year round people should check the recall and ban list before they go shopping for toys of any occasion. When recalls are announced, it is generally done as a preventative measure not as a reactionary measure, though too many times they are in reaction to tragic circumstances such as the wrongful death or serious injury of a child. This is when parents need experienced representation to seek the justice.

If you or a child are seriously injured or hospitalized by Fisher-Price products then you need a skilled lawyer with experience in Product Liability Litigation to assure that you get the compensation you deserve. Call Phillips Law Firm for a free consultation.

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