DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS
Defective devices cause thousands of injuries and deaths every year. Get the compensation you deserve.
A defective drug is a medication that has been found to be unsafe or ineffective for its intended purpose, or which causes harmful side effects beyond the risks outlined in warning labels or package inserts. These drugs can result from mistakes or flaws during the drug development process, manufacturing errors, or inadequate testing and safety monitoring. Defective drugs may be subject to recalls, class action lawsuits, and regulatory action by government agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
​
A black box warning is a type of warning that is required by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to be placed on the label of a prescription medication to indicate that it carries a significant risk of serious or life-threatening adverse reactions. It is the strongest warning that any medication can carry and is required for drugs that have been associated with serious side effects or risks.
​
Examples of conditions that may warrant a black box warning include the potential for serious or fatal allergic reactions, risks of addiction or abuse, the potential for severe side effects, and the potential for drug interactions. The presence of a black box warning on a medication label means patients and healthcare providers should exercise caution, closely monitor symptoms and discuss risks with their healthcare provider before taking the medication.
​
A defective product is any type of goods or product that is faulty, defective or unsafe in some way, thereby posing a danger to its users or consumers. Defective products can range from physical products such as electronics, household appliances, and automobiles, to things like food, drugs and other types of consumables. Defects can occur during the manufacturing process, design process, or even during the marketing of the product. A defective product may result in serious injuries, health problems or even death. When a product is deemed defective, companies may be required to issue recalls and/or face legal action for damages caused to consumers.
​
There are many different types of defective products that can cause harm or injury to consumers. Here are some common examples of types of defective products:
-
Design Defects: These are defects that occur in the product's design that make it inherently unsafe or prone to failure.
-
Manufacturing Defects: These are defects that occur during the manufacturing process, such as faulty assembly or substandard materials, leading to a product that is unsafe or ineffective.
-
Marketing Defects: These are defects that occur during the marketing or labeling of the product, such as failing to provide adequate warning labels, instructions, or safety information.
-
Food and Drug Defects: These are defects in food and drug products that can cause serious health issues, such as contamination with harmful substances, incorrect dosage or labeling, or improper storage or handling.
-
Household Products Defects: These are defects in products that we use in our homes, such as heaters, appliances, and power tools that can lead to fires or electrocution.
-
Automotive Products Defects: These are defects that occur in automobiles, such as faulty brakes, tires, or airbags,
​
Some drugs and issues that have been the subject of litigation or controversy because of claims that they are defective and dangerous include:
​
ZANTAC
An indefinite recall has been placed on the market pull of Zantac and other ranitidine products after the FDA found that the drug may contain low levels of a cancer-causing substance called N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).
NDMA is classified as a probable human carcinogen based on laboratory test results. Long-term exposure to high levels of NDMA is known to cause cancer in animals.
Although there is no strong evidence yet tying regular or prescription use of Zantac or ranitidine to cancer in humans, the FDA's continuous investigation shows that it is a potential concern.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer linked to the use of Zantac or ranitidine, it is recommended that you contact a lawyer with experience handling drug injury cases.
ELMIRON
Recent studies have suggested that long-term use of the bladder medication Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) may be associated with a potential risk of permanent vision damage and blindness in some patients.
According to these studies, Elmiron may cause a type of eye disorder known as maculopathy, which affects the macula, the central part of the retina.
Symptoms of maculopathy include blurred or distorted vision, difficulty adjusting to low light environments, or a dark spot in the center of the visual field.
While the link between Elmiron and vision damage is not yet fully understood, the FDA released a safety communication in 2020 that warned about the possibility of vision loss and advised healthcare professionals to consider regular monitoring for patients taking Elmiron who experience visual symptoms.
If you have taken Elmiron and are experiencing symptoms of maculopathy, it is recommended that you speak to your healthcare provider and consider consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney about your legal options.
​
Ranitidine is not known to cause cancer directly. However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found that ranitidine products, including Zantac, may contain low levels of a nitrosamine impurity (N-nitrosodimethylamine or NDMA), which is a potential human carcinogen based on laboratory test results.
NDMA is a known environmental contaminant that can be found in water and foods, including meats, dairy products, and vegetables. It is possible that prolonged exposure to high levels of NDMA from the use of ranitidine products may increase the risk of certain cancers, particularly gastric or colorectal cancer.
Despite the potential link to cancer, the FDA has stopped the sales of all ranitidine products in the US market, and Zantac was voluntarily recalled due to the potential contamination.
If you have taken ranitidine products like Zantac for an extended period of time and developed cancer, particularly gastric or colorectal cancer, you should contact a lawyer with experience in drug injury and product liability cases to determine if you are eligible for compensation for any harm or injuries sustained as a result of taking the medication.
​
INJECTAFER
Injectafer (ferric carboxymaltose) is an iron replacement therapy that has been linked to a risk of developing hypophosphatemia, a condition characterized by low levels of phosphate in the blood.
Severe hypophosphatemia (HPP) has been reported in some patients who have received Injectafer, particularly those who have received high doses or who have other risk factors for this condition.
HPP can cause a range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, bone pain, confusion, seizures, and respiratory failure. In extreme cases, it can lead to bone fractures, dysfunction of organs or systems, and even death.
If you are receiving Injectafer or have received this medication in the past and are experiencing symptoms of HPP, it is recommended that you speak to your healthcare provider immediately.
Healthcare providers should also monitor patients for HPP, especially those who are receiving repeated doses of Injectafer, and should be aware of the signs and symptoms associated with this condition.
​
​
Does Belviq increase the risk of cancer?
Belviq (lorcaserin) is a weight loss drug that was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012. In February 2020, however, the FDA requested that the manufacturer of Belviq voluntarily withdraw the medication from the market after a clinical trial showed an increased risk of cancer in users.
The clinical trial found that patients who took Belviq had a higher incidence of cancer compared to those who took a placebo. Specifically, there was an increased risk of pancreatic, colorectal and lung cancer.
Although Belviq was withdrawn from the market, it is important for patients who have taken this medication to speak with their healthcare provider about the potential risk of cancer and to seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of these types of cancer.
If you or a loved one has taken Belviq and has been diagnosed with cancer, you may be able to file a lawsuit and get compensation for any harm or injuries sustained. It is recommended to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who is knowledgeable about drug injury cases to determine if legal action is appropriate in your situation.
​
CAMP LEJEUNE
​
The Camp Lejeune lawsuit is a legal action that has been filed against the United States government on behalf of military personnel and their families who were stationed at Camp Lejeune, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina.
​
The lawsuit alleges that the government exposed these individuals to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune between the 1950s and 1980s. It has been reported that underground storage tanks at the base leaked hazardous chemicals such as benzene and trichloroethylene (TCE) into the groundwater, which was then used as a source of drinking water for the base's residents and workers.
As a result of the contaminated water, many individuals who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune suffer from various medical conditions such as various forms of cancer, birth defects, and other serious health issues. The lawsuit seeks compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages associated with these conditions.
​
The status of the Camp Lejeune lawsuit is somewhat complicated since it is not a single lawsuit but involves numerous individual cases that have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation. Since 2011, the lawsuits have been consolidated into three separate cases known as the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Litigation.
In 2017, the first case went to trial in federal court, and the jury found in favor of the government, stating that the government was not liable for the actions of the contractors it hired to maintain the base's water supply. This ruling was appealed and upheld in 2019.
The second case, which involved claims against the Marine Corps for failing to warn residents of the risks of the contaminated water, was settled in 2015 for $2.2 billion.
The third case is ongoing, and the plaintiffs are seeking damages from multiple parties, including the government, contractors who maintained the base's water supply, and companies responsible for the release of toxic chemicals shown to be present in the water supply.
Overall, while progress has been made toward compensating the victims of the Camp Lejeune water contamination, the litigation remains complex and ongoing. The status of the lawsuit continues to evolve as new claims are filed and existing claims are resolved.
​
Residents and workers at Camp Lejeune were exposed to contaminated drinking water that contained hazardous chemicals such as benzene, vinyl chloride and trichloroethylene (TCE) and other compounds that have been linked to a variety of health problems, including cancer. Some of the types of cancer linked with the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune include:
-
Leukemia
-
Lymphoma (including Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma)
-
Multiple myeloma
-
Breast cancer
-
Bladder cancer
-
Kidney cancer
-
Liver cancer
-
Ovarian cancer
-
Prostate cancer
-
Lung cancer
Research has shown that veterans and their families who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987 have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer and other serious health problems due to exposure to toxic chemicals in the drinking water.
​