Tennessee Injury Lawyer Blog

The people of Tennessee and people all across the United States rely on medications to make them feel better. They also rely on drug companies to properly warn them about the risks that certain medications may have. However, many drug companies fail to provide proper warning labels on medications and this can result in serious injuries or even death. If you or someone you care about has taken a medication and then suffered injuries due to a lack of proper warning labels, then you should speak with a Tennessee dangerous drug lawyer as soon as possible. They will help make sure you get the compensation you need for your injuries.

According to this class action lawsuit against Takeda Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly, consumers that use the diabetes drug Actos are seeking compensation and medical monitoring due to the drug companies’ failure to properly warn about the risk of developing bladder cancer from taking Actos. This class action lawsuit was filed last month for two users of Actos who developed bladder cancer, and one of their spouses. The lawsuit is also seeking class certification to include all users of Actos since it was established in 1999.

Actos is a prescription medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration for Type II diabetes treatment. The drug increases the body’s insulin and has generated estimated $4.3 billion in sales in the last year. However, concerns have been brought up recently about the possible risk of bladder cancer from Actos. In June of 2011, the Food and Drug Administration issued warnings which shown that Actos when used for more than one year, has been linked to a risk of bladder cancer. French drug regulators forced a drug recall of Actos and may have recommended that Actos be recalled in the United States as well.

According to the lawsuit’s claims, Takeda had a large financial incentive to suppress, misrepresent and hide the potential dangers linked with Actos in order to maximize their profits at the expense of the health of patients taking the drug. The companies’ failure to properly disclose information about the cancer risk from Actos meant that the consumers did not have enough information about the risks of using the drug and could not avoid exposing themselves to possible injury. The class action lawsuit is seeking money damages as well as medical monitoring and other damages for all the individuals who have taken Actos in the United States since July of 1999.

Continue reading "Actos Drug Class Action Lawsuit Filed Due to Bladder Cancer Risk " »

Tennessee Lawyer, Rick Piliponis, is interviewed with regard to recent developments as to hip recalls. Specifically, thousand of ASR DePuy Hip Implants were recalled. Many people who had the hip installed are now having to undergo hip replacement surgery all over again. To recover their losses medical product liability recall cases have been filed across the Nation. You can watch Mr. Piliponis interview on recent developments below:

Continue reading "Tennessee Hip Recall Lawyer, Rick Piliponis, gives an update" »

Recently a Jury awarded awarded more than $10 million to a young girl from Tennessee after she suffered form a severe skin disease that left her blind in one eye and with skin sloughing off all over her body related to Motrin. You can watch the interview here:

Continue reading "Nashville Lawyer Jim Higgins interviewed on verdict against drug manufacturer" »

All across the United States and even in Tennessee, many people have heard about the problems with Zimmer hip and knee replacement devices. People have suffered pain and problems because of these medical devices and may have even required more surgery to fix or replace the device. Even surgeons who perform the Zimmer NexGen Knee Replacement surgeries have warned the Zimmer Company about problems and defects with the device. If you or someone you care about has received a Zimmer NexGen Knee replacement and experienced pain or problems because of it, you should speak with a Tennessee Zimmer recall lawyer right away. They will hear your case and make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your pain and problems.

According to online resources, Dr. Richard A Berger installed Zimmer knee replacements into his patients and designed surgical tools and artificial joints for Zimmer holdings as well as trained doctors to use Zimmer products and promoted Zimmer products for over ten years. Zimmer paid him more than $8 million over the last ten years. Following this, Dr. Berger informed Zimmer that the NexGen artificial knee replacement was defective and failing too soon. Dr. Berger went on to publish a study that proved the defect in the Zimmer knee replacement. Dr. Berger is not the only surgeon who was concerned about these replacement devices. Other surgeons had warned the Zimmer company years ago about these problems.

The Zimmer Company blamed the defects and problems of its hip and knee replacements on the surgeon’s technique instead of on their product. The NexGen knee replacement requires the use of adhesives to hold the thigh bone to the part of the knee replacement that bends. However, many surgeons are cautious about using adhesives because they can break done and cause failures. Zimmer’s replacement uses a version that does not have adhesives and requires the bone to naturally fuse with knee implant. This has and can lead to knee replacement failures, revision surgery to replace the device, loosening of the device, knee and joint pain, and difficulty when walking or standing.

Continue reading "Surgeons Urge Recall Of Zimmer NexGen Knee Replacements" »

In Tennessee and across the United States, millions of people have heard about the hip replacement recalls. They have been advertisements on TV, in newspapers, and even online. Many people have been affected by these hip replacement recalls experiencing pain and other problems and even needing more surgery to fix the problem. If you or someone you know has experienced pain or problems after receiving a hip replacement then your hip replacement could be part of the recall and you should speak with a Tennessee hip replacement recall lawyer as soon as possible. They will hear your case and help you to get the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.

In this case, a federal lawsuit has been filed against the hip replacement manufacturer Zimmer when Francoie Stephens saw a television advertisement involving the recall of DePuy hip replacement devices. According to the lawsuit Stephens claims he had hip replacement surgery in 2007 and had a Zimmer Durom hip replacement. He claims that he had no reason to believe the device was defective until he saw the advertisement about the DePuy recall in September of 2010.

When Stephens speak with an attorney he found out about the possible defects related to his type of medical device. In 2011, Stephens had to have surgery to have the hip replaced because of problems such as rising levels of cobalt chromium contamination from the breaking down of his device. Zimmer has been accused of not informing Stephens of the problems related to the device and for negligently and carelessly continuing to design and make the device when it had one or more defects which made it dangerous and inadequate to use. Stephens is seeking damages for pain and suffering, physical distress and injury, medical expenses, shame and humiliation, inability to lead a normal life, loss of enjoyment of life, disability, punitive damages, mental anguish, court costs and interest.

Continue reading "Hip Replacement Advertisement Prompts Zimmer Lawsuit " »

In Tennessee and all over the United States, consumers expect that when they get medicine it will come with appropriate warning labels about the possible side effects they may experience. Consumers also expect that if this is not done properly that the courts will hold companies responsible for these mistakes. However, in some cases this does not happen. If you have suffered a side effect from a medicine that was improperly labeled, you should speak with a Tennessee defective product and dangerous drug lawyer as soon as possible. They will hear your case and work with you to see that you get the compensation you deserve.

In this case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that companies that produce generic drugs which amount to seventy-five percent of all drugs given out in America, cannot face a lawsuit under state laws for not disclosing all the risks they know about the drugs they produce. According to federal law, generic drug makers have to use the exact same warning labels as name brand medicine. Some state laws require updates or changes to be made when new information or risks are discovered. This court’s ruling did not seem to care about what the generic drug makers know. State laws have to follow federal laws and federal laws say they have to have same labels, new information or not.

This court’s ruling does not seem to make sense since these federal laws are in place to help make sure generic drug makers do not forget to mention the risks that are on the name brands of the same medicine. The laws are not intended to hide information from consumers. This decision seems to be a bad one considering that safety warnings on name brand drugs should be the same on generic drugs so that no one gets hurt. The only thing that should matter is disclosing known risks about drugs should appear on labels, online, and in communications with doctors to help protect consumers from harm.

Continue reading "Supreme Court gives generic drugs pass on side effect warnings" »

In Tennessee and all across the country and even the world, we have all heard reports about the Depuy hip implant recall and the millions of claims about them since the recall in August of 2010. Many people have experienced pain and problems and even needed additional surgery to fix or replace their implants. If you or someone you love have had pain or hip problems since your implant and think you may have a Depuy hip implant, you should talk to a Tennessee Depuy hip implant recall lawyer right away. They will hear your case and work with you to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

Online sources have reported that people that have received a defective Depuy hip implant may be allowed to file a Depuy hip implant recall lawsuit. These lawsuits could provide compensation for medical bills, lost wages, as well as for pain and suffering. The implants in the recall are the AS XL Acetabular System and the AS Hip Resurfacing systems which were recalled after they failed at an abnormal rate and put patients at risk of pain and the need for additional surgery. According to information from the recall, the implants were failing at a rate of twelve to thirteen percent in five years.

The Food and Drug Administration has also warned that patients who received the implants could suffer injuries due to the metal on metal design of the implants, including injuries to the soft tissue. According to the FDA when the metal components of the implant rub together, tiny metal ions could be released into a patient’s bloodstream and cause injuries to the heart, nervous system, and thyroid gland. If the Food and Drug administration determines that these designs are a possible high risk, many people could be at risk, including people that may not have experienced problems with their implant failure early on.

Continue reading "Depuy Hip Implant Recall Sparks Investigations " »

Many people in Tennessee and across the United States have been prescribed medications such as Fosamax or other medications for treatment of their osteoporosis. Unfortunately, some of these medications are now showing evidence of femur fractures in postmenopausal women when used over a long period of time. If you or someone you care about has taken Fosamax or another osteoporosis medication and have experienced fractures or other problems, you should speak with a Tennessee dangerous drug lawyer right away. They can help answer any questions you may have and help you get the compensation you deserve.

According to evidence, Fosamax is supposed to make bones stronger but if taken for more than five years; some women could suffer from accidental fractures. This information is not changing many doctors minds about starting these medications, however, they are advising patients to take a break from the medicine after two or three years of taking them.

Sandy Potter, 59, had been taking Fosamax for almost ten years when she was outside jumping rope with the neighborhood kids and her thigh bone snapped. Many doctors have since patients with this problem that are doing low energy exercise such as just walking up steps. Fosamax has also in the past been linked to severe musculoskeletal pain and serious jaw related problems.

Even with these risks, doctors are still advising that patients take the medications because they still seem to prevent most common types of fractures, however, they have recommended that the Food and Drug Administration rewrite the medication labels to warn doctors as well as patients about the risk of possible femur fractures.

Continue reading "Doctors Are Telling Patients to Take Time Off from Bisphosphonates" »

Rick Piliponis, a Tennessee lawyer with The Higgins Firm, was recently interviewed with regard to developments in the ongoing defective hip litigation. You can watch his interview by clicking below:

Continue reading "Tennessee Lawyer Rick Piliponis Discusses the recent DePuy Hip Recalls" »

Tennessee residents as well as many people throughout the country have heard about the problems and suffering that the Depuy hip replacements have caused for millions of people. Many people have required a second surgery to fix the problem and this has led to additional pain and suffering as well as additional medical expenses. If you or someone you love has had problems with your hip implant and you think it may be a Depuy hip implant, then you should speak with a Tennessee Depuy hip recall and defective product lawyer right away. They will hear your case and help make sure you get the compensation you need.

In this case, a Tennessee resident filed a Depuy Pinnacle lawsuit claiming that he had to have revision surgery to remove his implant after he started experiencing problems with metal on metal implant. The lawsuit is considered a product liability complaint and was filed by Ira M. Campbell and his wife Sherry Lynn on March 8th. They claim that the hip was defectively designed and that the manufactures failed to warn them about the possible risks of Depuy Pinnacle implants.

Campbell was given the implant on May 21, 2009, and had it for less than a year before it failed which then required him to have another surgery to remove the implant on April 6, 2010. The hip according to his claims should have lasted for at least ten years. Shortly after Campbell received his implant; it started to loosen due to friction and biologic corrosion which caused him to experience very severe hip pain. Campbell also claims that the problems from the defective Depuy Pinnacle hip implant have left him with permanent injuries including having to use a cane in order to walk.

Continue reading "Depuy Pinnacle Hip Problems Lead to Product Liability Lawsuit" »

Tennessee residents as well as many people throughout the country have heard about the problems and suffering that the Depuy hip replacements have caused for millions of people. Many people have required a second surgery to fix the problem and this has led to additional pain and suffering as well as additional medical expenses. If you or someone you love has had problems with your hip implant and you think it may be a Depuy hip implant, then you should speak with a Tennessee Depuy hip recall and defective product lawyer right away. They will hear your case and help make sure you get the compensation you need.

In this case, a Tennessee resident filed a Depuy Pinnacle lawsuit claiming that he had to have revision surgery to remove his implant after he started experiencing problems with metal on metal implant. The lawsuit is considered a product liability complaint and was filed by Ira M. Campbell and his wife Sherry Lynn on March 8th. They claim that the hip was defectively designed and that the manufactures failed to warn them about the possible risks of Depuy Pinnacle implants.

Campbell was given the implant on May 21, 2009, and had it for less than a year before it failed which then required him to have another surgery to remove the implant on April 6, 2010. The hip according to his claims should have lasted for at least ten years. Shortly after Campbell received his implant; it started to loosen due to friction and biologic corrosion which caused him to experience very severe hip pain. Campbell also claims that the problems from the defective Depuy Pinnacle hip implant have left him with permanent injuries including having to use a cane in order to walk.

Continue reading "Depuy Pinnacle Hip Problems Lead to Product Liability Lawsuit" »

It has been suggested and argued by plaintiffs in multiple cases involving the DePuy hip recall that the company that manufactured and sold the products was aware of the unusually large number of problems associated with their new product, but failed to act quickly enough in recalling the devices.

Consequently, thousands of people have received faulty hip implants in spite of increasing numbers of problems with hip implants already in place. Compounding the problem was the company’s insistence that there was not an unusually large defect rate.

The implants in question are either the DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System or an ASR XL Acetabular System. The problems that have been associated with the hip stem from a breakdown in the metal of the hip implant. This breakdown has caused issues such as weakness, instability, popping, pain and in worst cases, metallosis.

Metallosis is a condition that is caused by the metal particles that are broken free from the hip implant and released into the bloodstream. Simply put, the metal that comes from the hip implant failure may be released into the blood and can cause severe problems in other bodily organs. When metal is released into the body, organs such as the liver and spleen operate to remove the impurity from your system. However, metal is not something the body can easily accommodate or remove. Long term, high levels of metal in the blood can destroy organs and cause significant health issues.

Continue reading "Potential Delay by Johnson and Johnson in issuing DePuy Hip Recall" »

Since the Depuy and Johnson and Johnson recalls regarding hip implants, a great deal of the focus has been on the surgical procedure that will need to be repeated to replace a faulty or defective hip. However, it is becoming apparent that another area of concern that may be overlooked is affecting a number of victims as well: Cobalt poisoning or cobaltism.
Cobalt poisoning is a bodily reaction to the metal that is breaking down in the hip implants that are the focus of this hip recall. Cobalt poisoning can lead to metallosis, a very serious condition that can lead to a breakdown in the tissue surrounding the hip joint which can reduce the likelihood that a second invasive hip replacement procedure will be successful.

Some of the more severe signs and symptoms that can be associated with cobaltism include:

• Tinnitus
• Deafness
• Visual Changes
• Vertigo
• Rashes
• Hypothyroidism
• Tremor
• Dyspnea
• Heart Failure
• Mood Disorders
• Dementia

These substantial injuries can be a result of the metal breaking down in the defective or faulty hip implant. It is extremely important that your doctor adequately and appropriately tests for the presence of metal in your blood if you have one of the implants in your body. That is true regardless of whether you are currently experiencing more overt symptoms associated with failure of the implant. Additionally, it is important that your attorney is aware of this type of risk when negotiating your claim.

The hip implants in question are as the ASR XL Acetabular System and DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System. In August 2010, the DePuy Orthopaedics company, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, issued a voluntary recall of two hip replacement systems.

Continue reading "Cobalt poisoning causing further complications for Tennessee Hip Recall victims" »

Tennessee residents and people all across the United States have heard about the hip recalls and many even know someone who has suffered because of it. However, many patients may not realize that release forms given out to them or help hotlines that they contact could potentially be used against them if they file a claim or lawsuit about their defective hip. If you or someone you love has suffered pain and problems or needed additional surgery due to a defective hip implant, then you should speak with a Tennessee hip recall and defective product lawyer right away. They will help make sure you receive the compensation you need for your pain and suffering.

Recent findings have shown that the Depuy Orthopedics Company a division of Johnson and Johnson has been using two methods to get information from their patients that may be used against them later. These methods include their telephone hotline that was established so that concerned patients could call up and ask questions about their hip implants and medical release forms given out to patients that ask for medical records and other evidence that is not the property of the Depuy Company. This hotline may seem to benefit patients but the employees on the line have been told to get specific information from a patient that the company can use to protect themselves later if a lawsuit or claim is filed. By signing medical release forms given out by the Depuy Company, patients are giving the company confidential information about their hip implant as well as their surgeries that could be used to benefit Depuy in a lawsuit later.

These hip implants have been shown to fail in twelve to thirteen percent of cases in the first five years. These hip implants can also cause patients to suffer from dangerous and life-threatening symptoms such as metal poisoning. It is important that patients and family members be aware that they may be giving away crucial information that may help them win their case.

Continue reading " Depuy Help Hotline and Release Forms Could Be Used Against Hip Recall Patients " »

Tennessee residents as well as people all across the country have heard about the Depuy hip recalls. Many of us may have even had a loved one or friend with a defective Depuy hip implant. However, many people may not be aware that many drug companies hire doctors to promote and advertise their drugs and other products. If you or someone you love has recently suffered hip pain or needed a second surgery to replace a failing hip implant, then you should speak to a Tennessee Depuy hip recall and defective product lawyer right away. They will help see to it that you get the compensation you are entitled to for what you have suffered through.

Many drug companies including Johnson and Johnson, Lilly, Cephalon, Merck, Pfizer, and GlaxoSmithKline have paid more than $257.8 million to doctors since 2009. Doctors are hired to organize “educational” seminars or meetings that will mention the benefits and risks of certain drugs and products. However, these physicians are actually using these meetings to advertise a certain drug or product for a certain company. According to research by ProPublica and National Public Radio it has been shown that physicians who are on a drug company’s payroll are not actually specialists. This leads to questions over their role as consultants for the company.

Several state medical boards have also penalized doctors who are receiving payments and many of them are now charged with misconduct. In the past, doctor and company relations were kept quiet but now, patients have access to a database which allows them to see if their physicians have received payment.

Continue reading "Doctors Get Paid by Depuy Company to Promote Drugs and Products" »

In Tennessee and all across the country as well as all across the world, people know about the Depuy hip recalls and all the trouble they have caused millions of people with the failed hip implants. Many people with these implants have had to undergo multiple surgeries to get the problems fixed, not to mention pain and problems in their daily lives due to the failing implants. If you or someone you know has had to suffer due to a failing Depuy hip implant, then you should speak with a Tennessee Depuy recall and defective product lawyer as soon as possible. They will hear your case and work with you to make sure you get the compensation you need for what you have been through.

The Depuy Company is now stating that they will offer compensation for out of pocket expenses for the failure of their XL Acetabular System hip implants. These claims do not mention other costs. Depuy’s statement is they “will “cover reasonable and customary costs of testing and treatment if patients need services, including revision surgery if necessary.” The statement fails to say that patients have to fill out documents and send in evidence proving that they have a failing Depuy implant before even qualifying for these payments. This statement also fails to say that if a patient signs and sends in these documents they are agreeing to give Depuy x-rays, explants, and other medical information after a second surgery is performed. This means that in order to receive payment for a second surgery or other treatment, patients have to give their personal information and failed implant to Depuy. Depuy also says that they pay for patients’ co-pays, travel, and lost wages but then state that “These costs will be more clearly defined shortly and are subject to review on a case-by-case basis.”

Many people have suffered from these hip failures including caregivers who have to help out with loved ones, children whose parents or grandparents may not be able to care for them anymore, and coworkers and employers who have to cover for the person who is out of work due to this failure. Finally, people who suffered from these hip implants failing may need to move to different homes or have homes modified to fit their needs and some may need to be on permanent disability. These out of pocket expenses that Depuy is willing to pay will not cover all these costs.

Continue reading "DePuy Company Offers to Pay Out of Pocket Expenses for Hip Implant Failure" »

Tennessee residents as well as many people all over the United States have heard plenty of news about the Depuy hip recall and many have even been personally affected by the defective implants and the recall. If you have experienced pain near your hip implant after receiving it and suspect your implant might be defective and part of the recall, then it is important that you contact a Tennessee defective product and Depuy hip implant recall lawyer as soon as possible. They will work with you and other medical professionals to make sure you get the compensation you are entitled to for your pain and suffering.

Many people may know about the recall and even the possible sy
mptoms but many people are probably wondering about how to find out what kind of hip implant they even have and if it is a part of the Depuy recall. Here are some tips you can use to help you figure out what kind of implant you have:

• Contact your surgeon or the hospital where you had your hip replacement surgery. Ask them for your medical records regarding the surgery and the type of hip implant you received.
• Request a copy of your medical records including all documents that list all the components used in your hip replacement system. This will help lawyers and doctors figure out if you have a case and provide you and them with evidence.

• If you find out that you did receive a Depuy hip implant, it is recommended that you contact a Tennessee Depuy hip implant and defective product attorney right away to see what kind of compensation you could receive.

• If you do not have a Depuy hip implant, but are worried that your hip implant may be defective or failing, contact your doctor as soon as possible to discuss the problems and possible treatment options.

• If your doctor determines that your hip implant is failing, it is important to report it to the FDA so an investigation can take place.

• Many people with Depuy hip implants will also be notified by their doctor or hospital by mail or phone and will receive instructions about how to get their hip implant examined for problems.

Continue reading " DePuy Hip Replacement Recall Victims: Tips for Finding out What Kind of Hip Implant you Have" »

Tennessee residents and people all across the country have all heard news about Depuy Hip replacement recall from the Johnson and Johnson Company. Many people know about the effects it can have or the need for more surgery to replace the defective Depuy hips. However, many people may not know that according to recent reports, it was discovered that Johnson and Johnson paid more than $80 million to surgeons so that they would promote the these hip replacements. If you or someone you care about is suffering due to a defective Depuy hip replacement, you should speak with a Tennessee defective product lawyer right away. They will help make sure you get the compensation you deserve for the suffering you have been through.

According to a recent health report, it was discovered that Johnson and Johnson paid more than $80 million to physicians across the country so they would promote, research, and consult about the defective hip replacements. The U.S. Department of Justice sought charges against medical device companies including the Depuy Company in 2007 alleging that the companies were using bribes in order to promote their products. The charges were dropped after the companies agreed to pay fines and only pay physicians for valid consulting.

The Depuy Company’s alleged payouts however, still continued. Disclosures from the company reveal that Depuy paid almost $48 million to physicians in 2009 and $33 million in September 2010. Also, some doctors were paid more than a million this year, even though 93,000 Depuy hip replacements were recalled.

Other sources show that Johnson and Johnson and the Depuy Company had knowledge of hip replacement defects but did not correct these problems or warn any patients. Symptoms of a problem with a hip replacement may include:
• Severe or long lasting pain around the hip replacement area
• Inflammation
• Lose hip implant
• Broken bone or fracture around the hip replacement area
• Severe risk of cancer due to mental parts causing contamination to the tissue around the hip replacement area

Continue reading "Johnson and Johnson Paid $80 Million to Surgeons to Promote Defective Depuy Hips" »

By now, many of us in Tennessee and all across the United States have heard the news about Depuy hip replacement recall. Some of us may even have friends or loved ones that have suffered because of the defective hips. Unfortunately, many of us may be unaware that this problem is not just in the United States. The defective products were recalled in Australia before even being marketed in the U.S. and the Depuy Company ignored many warnings about this product. If you or someone you know has been affected by the Depuy recall, then it is important that you speak to a Tennessee defective product lawyer as soon as possible. They will make sure you get the compensation you deserve for the pain and suffering you have been caused.
According to the Advertiser publication in Australia, health officials warned Depuy about the defective products seventeen different times. Stephen Graves a professor and director of the National Joint Replacement Registry in Australia stated that at least 17 different occasions" that there were concerns about the DePuy Hip system”.
Hip replacements on average have a life expectancy of up to twenty years. People who received the Depuy hip replacements before the recall, experienced problems after only a few years and in some cases, only months. Other sources state that the Depuy Company tried to place the blame on surgeons who, according to Depuy, failed to follow the installation instructions for the hip replacements. They also tried to place blame on patients, claiming that they were careless and negligent and contributed to their own injuries and problems with the hips.
Dr. Stephen Graves also states that, “It is a complete untruth that Depuy did not have reason to withdraw the ASR [hip replacement implant] before now. We have been telling them since 2007, but they allowed it to be used on thousands of people."

Continue reading "Depuy Knew for Three Years about Defective Hip Replacements" »

Tennessee residents and people all over the country rely on medicine to help us feel better so we can live healthy, productive, and happy lives. However, all medicines have side effects and sometimes these side effects can be dangerous, life altering and even fatal. When this happens, many people feel that the medicine did more harm than good and that someone should be held responsible. If you or someone you love has taken the drug Fosamax, and experienced dangerous or life altering side effects then you should speak with a Tennessee dangerous drug lawyer right away. They will hear your case and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve for your suffering.

In this case, the court ruled in favor of Merck in the case involving Judith Graves, a 67 year old woman who claimed to have suffered severe jaw problems after taking Fosamax. Graves took Fosamax until November 2004 and had her jaw amputated in 2006. The court ruled that the company acted properly in this case and the drug was not the cause of Graves’ dental and jaw problems because Graves had many other medical problems that could have caused the jaw problems.

Merck is currently dealing with more than nine hundred cases in state and federal courts and they are claiming that Fosamax can cause a jaw destroying condition known as osteonecrosis, and that the company did not properly warn people about this risk. A jury awarded $8 million to a Florida woman earlier in the year but later a judge ruled that the award was excessive. Another jury found for Merck in a case in May and a fourth case was dismissed in New York by a federal judge overseeing Fosamax cases.

Continue reading "Merck Wins Third Fosamax Trial Making the Record three to one" »

By now, many Tennessee residents as well as people across the country have heard about the Depuy recall because of a high risk of the hip implants failing many of the patients and the need to have more surgery to fix the problem. As a result of this recall and these problems, there have been several claims filed and lawsuits underway in Tennessee and across the country. If you or someone you care about has been experiencing problems with their implant, it is important that to speak with a doctor to determine if the implant was part of the Depuy recall. If so, you should talk to a Tennessee defective product lawyer right away. They can help you discuss your options as well as make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

A suggestion has been filed with the U.S. Judicial panel that handles cases that expand more than one district to combine all the Depuy recall claims and lawsuits into one court so that the cases can be matched together and heard before having to go to trial. This means that the cases would be matched according to similar problems, evidence, statements and other information as they relate to all the people filing claims because of the Depuy recall.

Some of the cases will go back to their initial district as lawsuits for each person that filed a claim, after all the matching information has been gathered by the one court. This allows people involved in the lawsuits as well as the judges more information and the opportunity to realize the importance of these cases. Most of these cases will get settled before a trial is needed and after the consolidations are over.

Continue reading "Judicial Panel seeking consolidation of Depuy Lawsuits" »

Many of us here in Tennessee and across the country have heard about the Depuy hip recall and may even have been affected by it. This recall was issued by DePuy Orthopedics because of a high failure rate of the systems and the possibility that the heavy metals could go into the bloodstream and cause severe life-threatening damages. More than 10,000 people given these hip implants may be required to have additional surgery. This is why it is important that you know ways to better protect your health and legal rights during this whole process. If you or someone you love has been affected by this hip recall, please speak with a Tennessee defective product lawyer right away. They will hear your case and make sure you get the treatment you deserve.

• First contact your doctor if you suspect that you may be a Depuy hip recall victim If you feel pain or discomfort near your hip replacement location it is important to make an appointment with your doctor right away. They can tell you which hip replacement you actually have.
• Gather all the information you can
Make sure to right down all information about your pain and problems and your hip recall and do not sign anything with the Depuy company without speaking with a lawyer first, you may need this as evidence if you decide to pursue a lawsuit.

• Know the side effects and contact a doctor right away if you have any
o Loosening of hip implant
o Tissue death near the area
o Metal toxicity
o Intense pain near the area
o Bone loss
o The need for a second surgery

• Know who is most likely to be affected by the recall
o People with dislocated or poorly placed hip implants
o Females
o People with weak bones

Continue reading "Tips for Depuy Hip Recall Victims: Ways to Better Protect your Health and Legal Rights" »

The last thing anyone needs when facing a surgery to replace the replacement is a hassle from the manufacturer about who is at fault for a defective replacement joint. Far too many people here in Tennessee and across the country are experiencing just that. Instead of cooperating, companies like Johnson & Johnson, dePuy, and Zimmer are trying to shift the focus of the blame from themselves to the doctors who performed the initial replacement surgeries. More and more frequently, allegations of medical malpractice are being seen as large corporations try and minimize their legal and financial liability. It is for this reason that it is crucial to have an experienced attorney on your side when facing this situation.

An attorney experienced in medical cases knows that preservation of evidence is crucial to the success of a case. Proper lines of communication with the physician need to be established and the right questions need to be asked in order to ensure that patients get the care they need without having to fight with companies whose pockets are much deeper than theirs. It is detrimental to the physical and mental well-being of patients when they have to worry about the burden of paying for a second replacement and not just concentrate on getting better.

The vast majority of joint replacements are a complete success with no need for further medical intervention. However, when there are complications or issues, you need to seek out the best help possible. We are here for anyone who needs it. Please contact us via email or at 800-705-2121 to schedule a no-cost consultation. No one should have to do this alone.

Every day in Tennessee people receive new hips. Perhaps they were injured in a fall. Maybe they suffer from arthritis. No matter what the cause, the replacement is meant to increase the patients' quality of living. In the vast majority of cases surgery followed by rehab does just this. It increases mobility and allows a person to get on with their life.

Unfortunately for some that is not the outcome. By now everyone has heard of the DePuy and Johnson & Johnson recalls on some of their artificial hips. This is due to excessive wear on the metal to metal ball and socket joints that make up the joint. Initially, metals used - cobalt and chromium - were though to be more durable than other types of metal and more suitable to this type of application.

What happens in some of these failures is that the friction of the joint causes metal debris to be generated. If this debris ends up being absorbed by the bloodstream or soft tissues, terrible side effects can occur including headaches, pain and stiffness in muscles and joints, short term memory loss, vision problems, chronic fatigue, mental confusion and new intolerances or allergies to certain foods.

Some are claiming the device companies rushed the products to market in order to increase revenues. The company often say that doctors are at fault for inept installation. To determine the true cause it is crucial that all evidenced be preserved. If you are having a problem with a recalled hip make sure your attorney sends a spolitian letter promply.

Continue reading "Metal Wear Seems to be the Problem With Hip Implants" »

Recently, three surgeons made a recomendation to stop using certain Knee replacement deviceds made by Zimmer Holding, Inc. (ZMH). Specifically, the doctors stated they have encountered "unacceptably high" rates of loosening following the surgery. The product in question in known as the Zimmer NexGen knee. The specific problem involve a component that is attached to the thighbone without any cement to keep it in place.

You may recall the name Zimmer as they recently recalled a hip recplacement for unacceptable failure rates. This product is known as the Zimmer Durom Cup.

If you had a NexGen total knee replacment don't panic. Some people dont have any problems with the product. However, if you are having problems contact your doctor to discuss your options. If a new surgery is necessary please contact a products liablity lawyer so all evidence can be preserved.

Continue reading "Zimmer NexGen Knee Replacement May Be Defective" »

Getting a hip replacement once is bad enough, but for many people who'd received implants from Johnson and Johnson once was not enough. The need for replacement of the replacements prompted Johnson & Johnson to recall two types of implant devices: ASR XL acetabular system, a hip socket used in a traditional hip replacement; and DePuy ASR hip resurfacing platform, an implant that is intended to preserve more of the patient's bone.

All the components of the implants have been recalled. Studies show that 13% of patients who received the acetabular product needed a replacement within 5 years. The resurfacing product hasn't been approved for use in the US.

Continue reading "Johnson & Johnson Recalls Hip Implant Devices" »

Many people here in Tennessee and across the country have a loved one or a friend that suffers from or has diabetes. Many people also know about the medications that are out there to help people better control and manage their diabetes and health. All medications have risks, but some medications like Avandia for people with type 2 diabetes may pose dangerous and even life threatening risks to many people here in Tennessee and across the country. If you or a loved one takes Avandia, you might want to consult a Tennessee defective product and dangerous drug attorney right away to get the help you need.

Avandia is a type 2 diabetes medication that helps the body to be able to produce more of its own insulin and help people with this type of diabetes to manage their condition more easily. However, two times in 2007, the Food and Drug Administration gave this medication a black box warning because of its dangerous and even life alternating or life threatening side effects. These side effects may include but are not limited to:
• Heart attack
• Cardiovascular death
• Primary pulmonary hypertension
• Heart valve disease and other heart valve effects
• Liver problems
• Low blood sugar
• Low red cell count
• Increased chance of pregnancy among older women

It is believed that people taking Avandia were found to be forty-three percent more likely to suffer from a heart attack and sixty-four percent more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease than people taking another type of diabetes medication.

The FDA recommends that people taking this medication consult with their doctors about these risks and the chances of developing these problems and if you are at risk, you may want to consider another medication.

Continue reading "Diabetes Drug Avandia May Have Serious Heart Related Side Effects" »

Yesterday, all Accusure insulin syringes distributed since January 2002 were recalled by device manufacturer Qualitest Pharmaceuticals. The Huntsville, AL-based manufacturer of Accusure estimates the recall affects 250 million insulin syringes. So far, the company has admitted four reports of the needle detaching from the syringe. These recalled Accusure insulin syringes were distributed wholesale and at retail pharmacies throughout the U.S., including Tennessee.

Previously, Qualitest Pharmaceuticals recalled two lots of syringes distributed in 2007 and 2008. This week's recall expands the range of potentially unsafe insulin syringes back to those Qualitest has distributed since January 2002. These recalled medical products have the following descriptions and national drug codes:

Continue reading "Insulin Syringe and Catheter Sheath Medical Device Recalls" »

Philips Electronics, a Dutch company, announced a recall this Tuesday of 5,400 defibrillators for potential defective memory chips. The majority of these defective medical devices being recalled are defibrillators sold in the U.S. These memory chip failures render the device inoperable.

Affected defibrillators are Select HeartStart FR2+ Automated External Defibrillators (AED) (models M3860A and M3861A, distributed by Philips; and models M3840A and M3841A, distributed by Laerdal Medical). These medical devices were manufactured between 5/2007 – 1/2008.

Downplaying the seriousness of this recall of these medical devices on market for over two years, a Philips spokesperson stated that his company sells so many defibrillators worldwide that “the recall [of 650,000 potentially defective defibrillators] represents less than 1 percent [sold].”

Defibrillators are used by response teams to respond to sudden cardiac arrest by helping restart a patient's heart. Other device manufacturers have recently recalled their defective AEDs for software flaws, inability to function in humid conditions, and other potentially fatal manufacturing errors. AEDs affected by the Phillips' medical device recall will impact hospitals, first responders (fire departments and EMS), and other emergency and health organizations.

Philips is one of the world’s top three hospital equipment companies. So far no reports of injury due to product failure have been reported in Tennessee. Customers who have questions about the recall or wish to report product problems may contact HeartStart Customer Service at 1-800-263-3342.

If a Philips or another brand of defective defibrillator has caused harm to you or a loved one, contact Higgins Firm to explore your legal options with a defective medical device lawyer. Call 1.800.705.2121 or complete our defective medical device injury form. Our injury lawyers accept cases throughout Tennessee and select cases in Georgia and Kentucky.

Medtronic, the medical device manufacturer, has had many of its medical products subject to a flurry of Class I recalls and warnings in recent months. These include Medtronic catheters, defibrillators, and pacemakers being issued the FDA most severe warnings for defects that may cause potentially severe injuries.

Medtronic’s Sutureless Connector intrathecal catheters (SC catheters) were recalled for labeling errors that have already negatively affected 10 patients when, per company instructions, the catheter was used with the Medtronic IsoMed Pump Model 8472, a constant-flow infusion drug pump Medtronic discontinued last year as part of a "planned product phase-out." What some might see as a minor oversight in printing--unless you’re one of the nine patients depending on the pumps’ cancer-fighting drugs whose catheters became disconnected and who required surgery to correct the problem, especially if you’re one of the nine who died two days following the procedure.

Continue reading "Dangerous Medical Device Recalls – Medtronic and the FDA" »