Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer - Defective Products

Recall of Fentanyl Pain Management Patches

Jamie G. Goldstein — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:14:35 GMT

The FDA announced on February 19, 2008 that Actavis Inc. is recalling certain Fentyl transdermal patches. These patches may be defective causing an excess amount of medication to be administered to the patient. This overdose of medication can lead to respiratory depression and possible fatal overdose.

The recall extended to patches with doses of 25, 50, 75 and 100 mcg/hr. It is not known at this time if anyone has been injured as a result of these faulty patches, however, the manufacturer has recalled 14 lots of Fentanyl patches due to this fold over defect, which causes a possible overdose of medication.

If you or anyone you know has suffered from respiratory distress or death while on one of these patches, contact an attorney immediately. You may have a right to take legal action against the manufacturer, Actavis.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie G. Goldstein

Baby Lotions, Shampoos, and Powder Can Expose Children to Chemicals

Jenny Albano — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 19:24:55 GMT

According to a study, baby shampoos, lotions and powders may expose young children to chemicals that are linked with potential reproductive problems. The chemicals are called phthalates and can be found in numerous products such as cosmetics, toys, vinyl flooring and medical supplies. Phthalates are for stabilizing fragrances and making plastics flexible. The study found higher than normal levels in infant's urine who had recently shampooed, powdered or lotioned with baby products.

Phthalates (pronounced thowl-ates) are under attack by some environmental advocacy groups, but experts are uncertain what dangers, if any, they might pose. The federal government doesn't limit their use, although California and some countries have restricted their use. Animal studies have suggested that phthalates can cause reproductive birth defects and some activists believe they may cause reproductive problems in boys and early puberty in girls.

The study did not actually find evidence that the baby products used by these infants contained the chemical, and there has been no evidence that the chemical caused the children any harm. But the results worry groups that are for restriction of the chemical.

The chemical phthalates is normally not listed on product labels because retailers are not required to list all the ingredients of fragrances. But parents can look for products labeled with "phthalate-free," or check labels for common phthalates, including DEP and DEHP.

The FDA has not found any evidence that phthalates pose a safety risk when used in cosmetics and the CDC says the health effects in humans is not certain.

The new study, which appears in February's issue of the journal Pediatrics, involved 163 babies. Most were white, ages 2 to 28 months and living in California, Minnesota and Missouri. The researchers measured levels of several phthalates in urine from diapers. They also asked the mothers about use in the previous 24 hours of baby products including lotions, powders, diaper creams and baby wipes.

All of the urine samples had at least one phthalate, and most had levels of many more but the highest levels were linked with the baby shampoos, lotions and powders, and were found most in infants 8 months or younger. Unfortunately, the study did not test the products for the chemical or control for other ways of exposure.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jenny Albano

Ortho Evra Birth Control Patch Label Change

Jamie G. Goldstein — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 11:29:35 GMT

The FDA approved a label change to Johnson & Johnson's Ortho Evra birth control patch on January 18, 2008. The patch has been known to cause blood clots which can lead to pulmonary embolism and death. The label change comes after testing revealed women on the patch between the ages of 15-44 are at a higher risk for pulmonary embolism.

Currently there is litigation pending throughout the United States, including in Chicago, relating to the use of the Ortho Evra patch. Plaintiffs have filed claims after suffering from blood clots, pulmonary embolisms and in some cases death. The side effects of the patch can be very serious and even deadly.

If you or someone you know developed blood clots while being on the Ortho Evra patch, contact an attorney immediately to learn your legal rights. You may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer for the injuries suffered.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie G. Goldstein

Cough Syrup Sends Children to Hospital

Jamie G. Goldstein — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:35:27 GMT

It is not uncommon for children to wind up in the emergency room after ingesting too much cough syrup. In fact each year it is estimated that approximately 7,000 children end up in the emergency room after receiving too much cough medicine. The CDC has recently posted warnings about the dangers of giving children under 2 cough medicine.

Most of the children sent to the emergency room after ingesting cough medicine are under 2 years of age. Many of these children are often told the medicine is candy and are encouraged to take it, however, the CDC warns that this message confuses children and may cause them to take the medication on their own if they come in contact with it. It should be made clear to children that they are taking medication to make them feel better and not candy.

If you believe your child has become sick as a result of ingesting too much medication you should contact your physician immediately. Many times children become sick as a result of too much medication, but there are times the dosages are improper for young children. If your child has become sick after ingesting the proper amount of medication whether it is cough medicine or other medication, contact an attorney to learn your legal rights. You may be able to take action against the prescribing doctor or the manufacturer of the prescription drug.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie G. Goldstein

Consumer Develops Popcorn Lung

Jamie G. Goldstein — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 10:40:56 GMT

Wayne Watson filed a lawsuit against The Kroger Company after developing "popcorn lung." Popcorn lung, which is officially known as bronchiolitis obliterans, has in the past been associated with people who work in plants where popcorn is made. It is caused by inhaling the vapors from the popcorn flavoring.

The disease has also been linked to flavoring in baked goods and candy, but has only been found in factory workers, not consumers.

Watson's case is the first case where a consumer has developed popcorn lung. The disease is very serious and can cause a person to have to undergo lung transplant and can even cause death. After many factory workers became ill, lawsuits began being filed against manufacturers of popcorn. Some manufacturers have agreed to stop using Diacetyl, the chemical used in the flavoring that causes popcorn lung, however, changes are not being made quick enough and workers are still being exposed.

If you or someone you know works in a factory where flavoring is added to food and has become developed bronchiolitis obliterans, you should contact an attorney to learn about your legal rights. You should also inquire if you are a consumer who has developed this disease.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie G. Goldstein

Bausch & Lomb CEO Steps Down, Renu Recall To Blame

Jamie G. Goldstein — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 16:27:24 GMT

Ron Zarella, CEO of Bausch & Lomb, resigned today, effective immediately. Zarella, served as CEO during the recent recall of Bausch & Lomb's MoistureLoc contact lens solution. The solution was recalled after people oversees and then here in the U.S. began developing eye infections.

The infection mainly caused by the MoistureLoc solution is Fusarium Keratitis, however, other infections, including bacterial infections can occur from using the cleansing solution. The recall was first announced by the FDA in the United States in May of 2005.

Many people throughout the country, including in Illinois and in the Chicagoland area, have been diagnosed with Fusarium Keratitis and have filed lawsuits against Bausch & Lomb. If you or someone you know was diagnosed with an eye infection after the use of MoistureLoc, you may be able to still file a claim and you should contact an attorney immediately.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie G. Goldstein

Raja Foods Issues Nationwide Recall Indian Products Due to High Levels of Lead

Jenny Albano — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:37:12 GMT

Raja Foods LLC, in conjunction with the FDA, is recalling its 3.5 oz. packages of Swad Brand: Abil, Gulal, Kanku, Kum Kum, and Swad Brand: Lagan Samagri Kit, and Pooja Samagri Kit because these products contains high levels of lead.

The products are for Indian religious purposes and are supposed to be placed on the skin and hair, but the labeling may be confusing and consumers may thing the products are food and are to be consumed. The Abil, Gulal, Kanku, and Kum Kum are in a 3.5 oz plastic bag and the labeling on the front states "Swad Best Taste on Town Sindoor" and also says "For recipe ideas visit our website: rajafoods.com". The Lagan Samagri Kit and Pooja Samagri Kit was sold in plastic bins with the labeling stating "Swad Best Taste in Town Pooja Samagri" and "Swad Best Taste in Town Lagan Samagri". There is a label that states the product is nonedible on a sticker on the back. External use of the product does not pose any health hazards.

Lead is very toxic and dangerous to humans, especially children, women of childbearing age, pregnant women and their unborn children. Although people with lead in their blood often do not exhibit the symptoms of lead toxicity, such symptoms include the following: stomach aches, colic, nausea, vomiting, abnormal irritability, and insomnia. Lead can also permanently damage the central nervous system, resulting in learning difficulties in school children as well as cause other long-term health problems.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jenny Albano

Popcorn Flavoring Causes Lung Problems in Workers

Jamie G. Goldstein — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:47:32 GMT

The chemical diacetyl is used in popcorn to create the buttery flavor many Americans enjoy. It is also used to create flavoring in candy and often baked goods. The problem, however, is the chemical has been linked to severe lung problems in workers in plants that produce these products.

Recently, the four biggest microwave popcorn manufacturers in the US announced they were removing the chemical from their products. This is a big step going forward, but unfortunately many workers have already been affected by working with diacetyl and the effects are irreversible.

Many workers have become sick after repeated exposure to diacetyl. These people have a right to file a claim for the harm that has been caused to them and to seek recovery for medical bills, pain and suffering and their deteriorating health. The chemical is so harmful it can lead to death.

If you or someone you know has become sick after working at a popcorn plant or a plant that makes candy or bake goods, contact an attorney. You may be able to recover for your illness.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie G. Goldstein

Latest Toy Recall Linked To Date Rape Drug

Jamie G. Goldstein — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:28:33 GMT

The latest toy recall was announced today. A very popular toy, Aqua Dots, was recalled after it was found that the chemical in the toy when ingested turns into the date rape drug gamma hydroxy butyrate or ghb. There have been reports of children ingesting parts from the toy and becoming lethargic, vomiting and even lapsing into a coma. If ingested, the toy can also cause seizures or death.

This is just one of the latest toy recalls involving a toy in the United States that was imported from China. Aqua Dots which were sold throughout the U.S., and in Australia as Bindeez Dots, are now being pulled off of shelves. If you have Aqua Dots you should dispose of the toy immediately.

If your child has had any of the above symptoms and might have ingested beads from Aqua Dots contact a physician immediately. The side effects can be life threatening.

If your child has been affected by the recall contact an attorney to find out what legal action you may be able to take. You should keep the beads if a safe place where your child cannot reach them while your possible claim is being investigated.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the section on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie G. Goldstein

Cargill Recalls Over 1 Million Pounds of Beef

Jamie G. Goldstein — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 17:29:07 GMT

Cargill recalled 1 million pounds of beef that may be contaminated with E.coli. The beef was produced between October 8 and 11. Retailers that may have sold the beef include Giant, Shop Rite and Stop & Shop. There have been no reports at this time of anyone becoming ill from eating the beef.

If you may have eaten the contaminated beef and are experiencing diarhea and/or dehydration seek medical attention immediately if you still have the symptoms. You should also contact a lawyer since you may be able to take legal action against Cargill.

For more information on this subject, please refer to the subject on Defective and Dangerous Products.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jamie G. Goldstein