Norfolk Product Liability Attorney
by | September 22nd, 2015
Tens of thousands of women undergo surgery each year to treat conditions like urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. One of the many devices used in these procedures is transvaginal mesh—a sling that can support a woman’s internal organs; however, reports of these devices failing have surfaced over the years and have led to thousands of lawsuits being filed in response. Now, many of these transvaginal mesh failure lawsuits could soon be resolved.
One of the largest transvaginal mesh manufacturers in the U.S.—C.R. Bard, Inc.—has offered to pay $200 million to settle roughly 3,000 transvaginal mesh failure lawsuits that have been filed against the company. According to an article from Bloomberg Business, this would bring an end to roughly 20 percent of all current litigation stemming from a transvaginal mesh failure.
If the terms of the settlement receive final approval, it means that each plaintiff could receive as much as $67,000 in damages. This amount would fall in between a $43,000 settlement that was reached with one victim and the $2 million the courts ordered the company to pay to another.
Our legal staff at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers have seen first hand the struggles that many transvaginal mesh failure victims face along the road to recovery, which is why our Norfolk defective product lawyers are hopeful the terms of this settlement will bring peace and closure to the matter for each of those who were affected.
by | December 15th, 2014
Manufacturers of products—especially those designed to improve safety—are required to ensure their items don’t present a serious danger to members of the public. Any failure to do so could result in a product being deemed faulty, which could result in costly legal action.
Take the Virginia defective product lawsuit the commonwealth recently filed against Trinity Industries in regards to defective guardrails the company sold. Virginia is one of several states to file such legal action and is among 42 other states and the District of Columbia who have stopped using the guardrails.
According to an article from Bloomberg, the suit claims Trinity failed to inform the state of changes made to the design of the product after the company submitted specifications for the units. The lawsuit alleges that certain parts of the guardrails were shortened, which caused them to fail when struck by vehicles. Instead of properly crumpling and acting as a safety barrier, the lawsuit states that the guardrails impaled vehicles, causing serious injuries to some vehicle occupants.
The suit calls for Trinity to pay to replace the faulty guardrail units. Trinity has stated they are “disappointed” in the move and continue to deny any wrongdoing.
This case could take years to be settled. In the meantime, drivers wonder if they are at risk of being harmed by defective safety equipment. The Norfolk personal injury attorneys with Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers encourage you to speak with a legal representative if you were injured by a guardrail in a car accident. We can be reached to discuss your case by calling (757) 459-CASH today.
by | December 1st, 2014
The holiday season is upon us, and for many, it’s a time for showering family and loved ones with gifts. What we may not realize though, is that many of the products on store shelves may not be safe.
A study published by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group found a disturbing number of dangerous and potentially defective products are available for purchase in stores. The “Trouble in Toyland” report showed numerous safety infractions, from toxic chemicals to strangulation and choking hazards.
According to an article from WAVY 10 News, one toy tambourine contained nine times the legal limit of chromium a product is allowed to contain. Researchers also identified several products that could be considered deadly if swallowed or ingested. Sound levels on some toys were also identified as a safety problem that needs to be further addressed.
So what can you do to keep your loved ones safe during the holiday season? The Norfolk personal injury lawyers with Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers suggest:
- Check Labels- Make sure the item you’re purchasing is age-appropriate for the recipient.
- Check for Recalls- The Consumer Product Safety Commission maintains a list of all items that have been identified as defective products. Make sure the gift you’re purchasing isn’t included on that list.
- Follow Instructions and Warnings- Read through any manuals that come with the product to ensure it will be used correctly.
We hope these tips help you and your family have a happy and safe holiday season!
by | August 25th, 2014
Product liability issues can come in all shapes and sizes, but one of the most common causes for an item to be listed as a defective product is that it contains unsafe chemicals or ingredients. The problem is notorious in the drug manufacturing industry, and each year hundreds of prescription medications are recalled after previously unknown side effects emerge. But over-the-counter medications and other consumer products are also susceptible to product recalls.
Colgate Total toothpaste is the latest consumer product facing scrutiny after officials announced several weeks ago that the product contains a chemical linked to the development of cancer in animals.
Bloomberg BusinessWeek reports the antibacterial chemical triclosan is used in Colgate Total toothpaste as one of many ingredients included to combat gingivitis and tooth decay. However, some studies have linked triclosan to cancer cell growth and malformations in the bones of fetal rats and mice. Researchers believe the chemical may have an effect on the endocrine system, causing problems with hormonal balances.
Colgate maintains that the product is safe, citing its Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Many scientists say triclosan’s impact on the human body is difficult to isolate and the link to cancer in humans is untested. Though the product was approved by the FDA in 1997, three scientists who reviewed Colgate’s toxicology studies on triclosan at Bloomberg’s request are questioning the approval, saying the FDA may have relied too heavily on company-backed science to establish product safety.
Investigations into the link between triclosan and cancer remain ongoing and there are no plans to recall Colgate Total toothpaste.
At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Norfolk personal injury attorneys have helped numerous clients get back on their feet after suffering injuries or illnesses due to product liability and safety issues. If you have questions about your rights, call us at (800) 208-CASH to learn more about how we can help.
by | February 10th, 2014
February 10, 2014
Manufacturers of the medications we take have a responsibility to ensure the safety of the products they put on the market. Any failure to do so can lead to the drug being deemed defective and thus, subject to recall and costly court battles. The Norfolk Product Liability Attorneys with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain such allegations may be in the future for medications used in testosterone therapies after studies showed use of the hormone could increase the chances of heart attacks in patients.
The data was culled from information gathered by Truven Health Analytics and examined the cases of roughly 55,593 men who were undergoing testosterone treatments because they suffered a condition known as “Low-T”, where a man’s testosterone levels drop off with age. The large study concluded that men undergoing the therapy who had a history of cardiovascular disease had a risk of suffering a heart attack that was two times greater than other participant’s risk levels. The study also showed the risk was directly related to the medication and not to engaging in sexual behavior.
The study was not the first to reach these conclusions though. Three years ago, a smaller study was published that found testosterone treatment could increase the chances of adverse cardiovascular events. Read more about the study here.
The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell Stanley say we are the hammer and dangerous medications, along with the doctors who prescribe them, are the nails. Let us help you hold those who have caused you harm responsible for their actions!
by | June 17th, 2013
June 17, 2013
Symbios Medical Products has partnered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to initiate a voluntary recall of the company’s GOBlock™ and GOPump™ Rapid Recovery System kits. The recall is being implemented due to several reports that deem the device a Defective Medical Product that could cause serious harm to users.
The faulty devices were manufactured before July 2012, but were distributed to patients between April 1, 2011, and April 30, 2013. The pumps are used to administer medications to patients suffering from numerous conditions.
An FDA Press Release explains the problem with the devices was discovered when the company received five reports claiming the unit had an excessive flow rate for medications. Such a high flow rate could result in a patient suffering from a number of adverse health events, including:
- toxic medication levels,
- seizures,
- heart dysrhythmias,
- and even death.
While no reports of fatal events have been made, two patients claimed to have suffered serious injuries associated with the use of the defective products.
Those who are in possession of the affected products have been instructed to contact the manufacturer regarding any questions or concerns.
The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley acknowledge the risks associated with the use of a defective medical device. The firm may be able to help if you or a loved one has been hurt by such a product.
by | February 18th, 2013
February 18, 2013
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced it would be partnering with medical device manufacturer, GE Healthcare, in conducting the voluntary recall of the resuscitation systems with blenders installed in GE Giraffe and Panda Infant Warmers. According to a press release from the agency, the recall is being conducted due to a malfunction in the device.
The units are used to regulate the amount of gas that is released to a patient through the device. Experts say the device presents a Product Liability issue though, when the oxygen and air wall fittings on the back panel of the device are reversed during assembly. This can lead to the blender knob on the device no longer giving an accurate reading, resulting in a patient potentially getting too much or not enough oxygen. This could result in serious side effects, including death.
Anyone who is in possession of an affected unit has been instructed to contact the manufacturer so that a specialist can inspect the devices for any malfunctions, correct any problems they discover, and replace any units that cannot be fixed.
The Norfolk Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are hopeful the recall will prevent any patients from being harmed by the defective products, while also promoting medical device manufacturers to ensure their products are safe to by on the market.
by | January 21st, 2013
January 21, 2013
Last Tuesday, baby product importer, Bugaboo Americas, of El Segundo, California, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that they would both be working to voluntarily recall roughly 50,000 baby strollers across the United States and Canada due to health and safety risks.
A press release from the agency stated Bugaboo Chameleon and Bugaboo Donkey Model Strollers with a detachable carrycot/seat that were sold at nationwide retailers and online between January 2011 and December 2012, at a cost of between $1,200 and $1,600. The strollers have a Product Liability issue though stemming from a push-button carry handle that can become disengaged. When this happens, it presents a fall and choking hazard to children who may be riding in defective product.
So far, the company has received a total of 58 reports of the handle detaching. Anyone who is in possession of an affected stroller have been instructed to contact the product’s manufacturer for a free replacement handle, but that continuing use of the stroller until the new handle arrives is acceptable.
The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley acknowledge using a defective product can be and suggest discussing your legal options with a qualified attorney if you, or a loved one, have been harmed by using a product that did not work properly.
by admin@gotechark.com | January 7th, 2013
Jan. 7, 2013
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced a recall on approximately 6,300 units of the Game Winner® crossbow cocking ropes. According to a press release from the agency, the ropes put users at serious risk of an injury.
The Game Winner® crossbow cocking ropes are used with a crossbow to help a shooter get a more firm grip on the crossbow string. They also help archers pull the string back to cock the bow for firing. The Norfolk Defective Product consists of a 50-inch long piece of black cord with two black plastic hooks and two handles attached to it. The units were sold at Academy Sports stores for a price of around $10 between June and Oct. 2012.
The string has been known to snap when pulled on, which has led to several individuals sustaining injuries. The CPSC has received four reports of the hooks on the rope breaking with three of those incidents resulting in a user sustaining some sort of laceration.
Anyone in possession of the affected ropes has been instructed to stop using them immediately and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley know the dangers posed by defective products, and they would encourage anyone who has been injured by a defective product to speak with an attorney about their legal options.
