Our Firm is helping individuals and families who have suffered side effects and injuries associated with the use of Raptiva®. We are currently accepting Raptiva cases nationwide. If you or someone you know has been injured by Raptiva, please contact our firm for a free, no obligation consultation. Call Toll Free 1-866-777-2557 or fill out our online contact form and a Raptiva Side Effects lawyer will contact you to answer any of your questions.

Raptiva (Efalizumab) is a prescription medicine used to treat psoriasis, an autoimmunie disease which affects the skin and joints.  On April 8, 2009, the manufacturer of Raptiva, Genentech Inc., announced that it had begun a voluntary phased withdrawal of the product from the U.S. market. In a letter to Raptiva patients, the company explained that it had received three reports of a fatal brain infection called Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) linked to patients taking Raptiva.  Consequently, pharmacies will only refill prescriptions until June 8, 2009.
Some side effects associated with the use of Raptiva include:

•    Coughing
•    Chills
•    Fever
•    Congestion
•    Swelling of the skin
•    Burning sensation while urinating
•    Sore throat

Symptoms associated with Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) include:

•    Difficulty thinking
•    Trouble with balance and walking
•    Decrease in strength
•    Speech problems
•    Problems with vision

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit?

Each state has a different set of guidelines which determine how long you have to file a lawsuit.  This is called a statute of limitations.  If lawsuits are not filed before the statutory deadline you may lose the right to bring a claim for compensation.  Statutes of limitations can change at any time by the actions of the legislature or courts of the particular state.  For a full review of any potential legal claims and relevant statutes of limitation related to Raptiva side effects it is important to consult with an attorney to determine how the law applies to your specific legal claims

Helping people and families who have suffered side effects from Heparin.  Our firm is accepting cases involving litigation for Heparin in all 50 states.  The FDA has issued a nationwide recall of all lots of pre-filled Heparin Lock Flush and Normal Slaine IV Flush Syringes after they discovered that several lots were contaminated with a life threatening bacteria.

What is Heparin?

Heparin is a blood thinning medication used before surgery to help prevent blood clots, and by patients undergoing kidney dialysis.

Heparin is produced by Baxter Healthcare, and is being investigated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  On January 17, 2008 Baxter announced a voluntary recall of nine lots of Heparin.  Despite this recall, there is evidence that all recalled lots have not been removed.  On February 11, 2008 Baxter announced the suspension of Heparin production.

Heparin is a drug used by more than 500,000 patients nationwide.

What are some of the possible side effects?

• Chest Pain or Chest Palpitations
• Diarrhea
• Burning Sensation
• Dizziness or Fainting
• Oral Swelling
• Shortness of Breath
• Rapid Heartbeat
• Nausea
• Vomitting
• Low Blood Pressure
• Refectarory Hypotention (unresponsive to treatment)

Lawsuits are being filed across the country against the companies that manufacture, sell and distribute the contaminated Heparin.  These cases are being taken on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not owe any legal fees unless a recovery is made for you.  If you or a loved one has experienced Heparin complications you may have a claim against the manufacturer.  Please contact us today for a free consultation. Call toll free 1-866-777-2557 or use our online contact form.  We are representing individuals in all 50 states.  This is a free, no obligation consultation.

Our Law Firm is helping people who have suffered side effects associated with the use of Zicam® cold remedy products.  We are currently accepting Zicam Lawsuit injury cases in all 50 states.  If you or someone you know has suffered  Zicam side effects such as loss of smell, please contact our firm for a free, no obligation consultation.  Call Toll Free 1-866-777-2557 or click here to fill out our online contact form and a Zicam Side Effects Lawyer will contact you to answer any of your questions.

Zicam cold remedy products are manufactured by Matrixx Initiatives, Inc.  These products are over-the-counter homeopathic medicines aimed at reducing cold symptoms.

On June 16, 2009, The FDA advised consumers to stop using several Zicam products due to the risk of a condition called Anosmia, which can result in the permanent loss of smell.  Matrixx Initiatives has voluntarily withdrawn Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs, and Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Gel from the market.  The FDA warning also applies to Zicam Cold Remedy Swabs Kid Size, although that product has been discontinued.  The FDA has confirmed that it has received over 120 consumer complaints regarding these products since 1999.

Anosmia a potentially dangerous condition as it limits the ability to detect harmful things in the environment such as gas leaks, spoiled or rotten food, or fire.  It can also lead to the loss of taste.

Our Law Firm is helping individuals and families who have suffered Levaquin Side Effects.

Levaquin® (levofloxacin) is a fluroquinolone antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections (such as skin infection, respiratory tract, sinus,
urinary tract infection, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, and kidney infection).  Levaquin is manufactured by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals, and was approved by the FDA in 1997.  Levaquin is only available with a prescription.

In 2006, the consumer advocacy group Public Citizen petitioned the FDA to add black box warnings (this is the strongest warning that can be placed on prescription medicine) to the labels.  When the FDA declined, Public Citizen filed a federal lawsuit asking the court to require the black label warning.  On July 8, 2008, the FDA finally ordered the manufacturer to add the black box warning.  They have also required that a guidebook be provided to patients warning about the possible side effects.  These blackbox warnings apply to pills, tables, capsules and injectable formulas.

People that have been prescribed Levaquin have filed lawsuits claiming that it causes ruptured tendons and that the defendants’ warnings about this side effect were inadequate.  Defendants Johnson & Johnson, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc., and Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development are denying that Levaquin is defective or unreasonably dangerous.  Defendants are also denying that they failed to provide adequate warnings.

If you or a loved one has experienced Levaquin complications you may have a claim against the  manufacturer.  Please contact us today for a free consultation. Call toll free 1-866-777-2557 or 612-767-2009 or use our online contact form.  We are representing individuals in all 50 states.  This is a free, no obligation consultation.

Our Firm is accepting cases involving defective Zimmer Durom Cup Hip Implants. 

Zimmer Durom Cups are a new artificial implant used in total hip replacement surgery.  The device is manufactured by Zimmer Holdings Inc., a multinational company and one of the largest producers of orthopedic devices in the United States.  Over 13,000 people nationwide have had the implants, and experts estimate that between 5-8% of these cups are defective.  The defective implants fail to bond properly with the existing bone structure, and begin loosen, separate, and painfully grind against the bone as it moves.

Problems with the Durom Cups were brought to the publics’ attention on April 22, 2008.  A highly respected Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Larry Dorr, wrote a letter to his colleagues at the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons warning about unacceptable failure rates associated with the cups.

On July 22, 2008, Zimmer Inc. stopped selling its Durom Hip Acetabular Component and issued a press release saying they were, “temporarily suspending marketing and distribution of the Durom Acetabular Component in the U.S. on a voluntary basis, while the Company updates labeling to provide more detailed surgical technique instructions to surgeons and implements its surgical training program in the U.S.”

People who have had a Zimmer Durom Hip Implant could experience problems with loosening and may need additional surgeries because of the company’s negligence.  These additional surgeries can range from $30,000 to $40,000.

Realizing their significant exposure, Zimmer Inc. has begun an aggressive legal maneuver and attempted to contact patients directly and obtain releases of liability.  If you are a victim of a defective Zimmer Cup and sign such a release, this can have serious legal consequences.  You should always consult with an attorney before signing such a document, as you may be giving up your legal rights to sue, and may expose yourself to legal liability from your heath insurer or Medicare.

We believe that Zimmer Inc. failed to warn about the risks associated with these Zimmer Durom Hip Replacements and should be held accountable for any harm they have caused.  The people who have suffered should be treated fairly and compensated for their losses.

If you or a loved one has suffered from defective Zimmer Cups you may have a claim.  We have lawyers dedicated to serve you.  Call us today for a free, no obligation consultation.  Call toll free 1-866-777-2557 or use our online contact form.

Our Law Firm is investigating cases involving Gadolinium MRI Contrast Dyes.

What is Gadolinium?

Gadolinium is a rare earth metal used for a variety of purposes ranging from nuclear marine propulsion systems to making phosphors for color televisions.  Gadolinium is also used in some MRI contrast dyes because it provides a greater contrast between normal and abnormal tissue.

Lawsuits across the country are alleging a link between the use of gadolinium based contrast agents and the the development of a progressive disease called Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis (NSF) or Nephrogenic Fibrosing Dermoaphty (NFD).

5 Gadolinium based contrast agents have been approved for use in the United States for MRIs and they include:

•    Magnevist®
•    MultiHance®
•    Omsniscan®
•    OptimMARK®
•    ProHance ®
The FDA has asked manufacturers to include a new boxed warning on all gadolinium based contrast agents that are used with MRIs.  This warning highlights the risk to patients with acute renal insufficiency, chronic renal insufficiency, and acute renal insufficiency of any severity due to hepato-renal syndrome or perio-operative liver transplantation period.
People with NSF or NSD develop fibrosis of the skin and this may spread to the connective tissues and other organs of body.  Some of the most common side effects include:

•    Woody skin, has the texture of an orange peel
•    Swelling and tightening of the skin
•    Muscle weakness
•    Difficulty flexing and extending the joints
•    Loss of mobility
•    Locking joints
•    Pain in the hip or rib areas
•    Eye discoloration (yellow spots on the eyes)
•    Fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, skin thickening and waxing
•    Red or dark skin patches, skin rashes
•    Blister like lesions
•    Burning and itching skin

 

If you or a loved one has been injected with a gadolinium based contrast agent before an MRI or MRA procedure and have suffered side effects, you may have a legal claim.  We represent clients on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no legal fees unless we make a recovery for you.  Call us today for a free, no obligation consultation.  Toll Free 1-866-777-2557 or use our online contact form.

Our Law Firm is accepting cases involving litigation for Digitek in all 50 states.
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Digitek?
Digitek (also known as Digoxin) is a heart medication used to treat heart failure, and abnormal heart rhythms like atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation. The drug is manufactured by Actavis Totowa, and is distributed by Mylan Pharmaceuticals and UDL laboratories, Inc., under a “Bertek” and “UDL” label.

Is there a recall?

On April 25, 2008, a nationwide Digitek recall was issued for all lots of the medication because of a manufacturing defect. The defective Digitek tablets contained TWICE as much of the active ingredient that is recommended, which results in digitalis toxicity. Patients should receive a recall notice from their pharmacist or from the manufacturer.  Digitalis toxicity is very serious and can result in heart failure and even death. Please note that Digitek users who suffer from renal failure or who take diuretics are at an even greater risk.

What are some Digitek Side Effects?

Digitalis toxicity or overdose can occur from a single exposure or chronic overmedication of digitalis. The patients who have taken the double dose Digitek tables have had serious health repercussions, and many have died from the toxic levels in their system.

Some Digitalis Toxicity Symptoms

• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low blood pressure
• Changes in urine
• Swelling
• Heart palpitations – irregular heart beat
• Confusion and dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Changes in color perception
• Other vision problems like blind spots and halos

What is the Digitek Lawsuit about?

The United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has ordered all federal lawsuits related to defective double strength Digitek to be moved to the U.S. Distrct Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. To date, over 60 Digitek Lawsuits have been filed in federal courts across the country. Defendants include the following:

• Actavis Totowa, LLC
• Actavis Inc.
• Actavis Elzabeth LLC
• Actavis US
• Mylan Inc.
• Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc.
• Mylan Laboratories Inc.
• Mylan Bertek Pharmaceuticals
• UDL Laboratories Inc.

We believe that the manufacturers who are responsible for placing these toxic double dose Digitek tablets on the market should be held accountable for their actions. We also believe that people who have suffered injuries as a result of this negligence should be treated fairly and compensated for their losses. If you or a family member have experienced problems resulting from Digitek, please contact us today for a free, no obligation consultation. There are no legal fees or expenses unless we obtain a recovery for you. Please contact us today. Call toll free 1-866-777-2557 or fill out our free case consultation form. Please keep in mind that these cases are time sensitive. If you fail to protect your legal rights, you may lose the right to make a claim in the future.

Our Law Firm is helping people and families who have suffered from asbestos related illnesses including Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer.  We are currently accepting Asbestos Lawsuit and Mesothelioma Lawsuit cases in all 50 states. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a class of minerals that are found in sedimentary deposits around the world.  Asbestos has been used in thousands of everyday products ranging from paint to gaskets for many years.  Its widespread use was attributed to its strength and fire resistance.  When asbestos is disturbed or damaged, small fibers can break away and float like dust into the air.  If these fibers are inhaled, they can settle into the lungs and over several years cause life threatening health problems.

How Many People Have Been Exposed to Asbestos?

Some estimates say that over 11 million people have been exposed to asbestos since the 1940s.

What is Asbestosis?

Asbestosis is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, and results in the permanent scarring of the lung tissue.  This reduces total lung capacity, and makes it more difficult to breathe.  This condition is life threatening.

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos.  Cancer cells develop in the Mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of the body’s internal organs.  There are four types.  Pleural Malignant Mesothelioma (lung), Peritoneal Mesothelioma (abdomen), Percardial Mesothelioma (heart), and Tunica Vaginilas (testicles).  It is estimated that over 2,000 cases of Mesothelioma are diagnosed each year.

What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma?

• Shortness of breath, wheezing
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Coughing
• Pain in the chest area
• Abdominal swelling and pain
• Cachexia
• Bowel obstruction
• Anemia
• Fever
• Blood clotting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling of the face and neck
• Yellowing of the eyes and skin
• Low blood sugar

How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Asbestos Attorney?

We handle cases on a contingency fee basis which means that we only get paid for our legal services if there is a monetary recovery for you or your family.  That means that there are no up front or out of pocket expenses for you.

How Long do I Have to File an Asbestos Lawsuit?

Each state has a statute of limitations (time limits) that governs how long you have to file an asbestos lawsuit.  If you do not file your case within that time frame, you may be barred forever from filing a claim.  You should consult with an asbestos attorney to determine what your state’s applicable statute is.

Is it possible to file an asbestos lawsuit on behalf of my deceased spouse?

It depends on where you live.  Some states will allow a spouse or other family member to bring a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a deceased loved one.

Who is at Risk?

Occupational exposure to asbestos is the most likely cause of Mesothelioma. Living with someone who works with asbestos can also lead to Mesothelioma.

If you or someone you know has suffered from Asbestosis or Mesothelioma, please call Toll Free 1-866-777-2557 for a free, no obligation consultation or complete our online contact form and an attorney will contact you to answer any of your questions.