Drug Injury
Why Do You Need a Lawyer After a Drug Injury?
| February 26th, 2018
Prescription and over-the-counter medications are supposed to make us feel better, but oversights during the research and development phases can lead to potentially harmful drugs being released to the market.
A wide range of commonly-prescribed medications are linked to serious health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes drugs, heartburn drugs, and blood thinner drugs. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we know that adverse effects from those medications are more common than many patients realize, but their doctors may not always be aware of the risks that certain medications pose.
If you or someone you love were hurt by a prescription medication, a California drug injury lawyer wants to help you get the compensation you deserve. When you let us handle your drug injury claim, you can count on us to:
- Gather evidence that proves the drug caused your illness your injury – The first step in a drug injury claim is proving the drug caused adverse health effects, and we know how to gather evidence that leaves no doubt about the origin of your illness or injury.
- Stand up to the drug and insurance companies – Taking on big corporations on your own can be daunting, and it may be hard to get a favorable outcome. Throughout our years of experience, we’ve learned what it takes to stand up against big companies.
- Negotiate to get you maximum compensation – Getting a settlement isn’t always enough, as insurance companies frequently “lowball” victims. It’s our goal to fight on your behalf until you’re offered the amount you deserve.
Call today for a free consultation to find out how we may be able to help you or your loved one with your drug injury.
Talcum Powder Verdicts Exceed $70 Million
| June 13th, 2016
Talcum powder is a key ingredient in a variety of feminine hygiene products. For generations, women have used these products and continue to even today. Traditionally, talcum powder contained asbestos, which is known to cause cancer if inhaled. Although talcum powder has been asbestos-free since the 1970s, it may still be just as dangerous.
Recent studies have linked the prolonged use of products containing talcum powder to an increased risk of ovarian cancer. Products that may contain talcum powder include:
- baby and shower powders,
- condoms and diaphragms,
- feminine washes,
- sanitary napkins and tampons,
- vaginal deodorants.
Since the link to ovarian cancer was found, many victims have come forward to hold the manufacturers of these products accountable, leading to landmark verdicts. In 2016, a jury awarded the family of a 62-year-old woman who died from ovarian cancer $72 million.
If you or someone you love developed ovarian cancer after using talcum powder products, contact our San Francisco drug injury lawyers immediately. We’ll investigate the cause of your illness and hold the responsible parties accountable. You may be entitled to significant compensation for your injuries, so don’t wait to get the help you need. Call us today.
Johnson & Johnson Pays $1.75 Million in Risperdal® Lawsuit
| November 30th, 2015
Thousands of young male patients have been diagnosed with Gynecomastia as a result of using the antipsychotic drug, Risperdal®. The condition is identified by the development of excess breast tissue in young men and often requires surgery to correct.
Since Risperdal and Gynecomastia has been linked, thousands of victims have filed lawsuits against the maker of the drug, Johnson & Johnson. One of those cases recently came to a close, with a jury awarding a large sum of damages to the victim.
According to FiercePharma, Johnson & Johnson was ordered to pay $1.75 million in damages to a man who developed Gynecomastia as a result of using the company’s product. Court documents showed the company was aware of the risks their product posed to users as early as 2001, yet the company took no corrective action until years later.
This isn’t the first Risperdal drug injury case to come to a conclusion. In 2013, Johnson & Johnson agreed to pay $2.2 billion to settle claims that the company had used off-label marketing techniques to sell the medication. The company has also established a multi-million trust to cover expenses related to future lawsuits involving the drug.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen first-hand the serious harm that can be caused by certain prescription medications. That’s why the California drug injury lawyers applaud the decisions that have been reached recently regarding Risperdal and hope these ruling can bring closure to the matter for those who were harmed.
Antidepressant Drug Injuries
| April 27th, 2015
Antipsychotic and antidepressant medications can be essential to the treatment of certain mental disorders and diseases; however, the California drug injury lawyers with Berg Injury Lawyers explain these medications can cause a patient serious harm.
These risks are especially concerning for at-risk children who are under governmental care or in the foster care system. About 1 in 4 children in the California foster home system have been prescribed antidepressants. According to an article from the L.A. Times, these reports and statistics have prompted legislators to look into the efficacy of these treatment options.
Cymbalta®is a powerful antidepressant that’s used to treat anxiety, depression, and pain associated with fibromyalgia. While the drug is effective, ceasing a regimen of the drug cold turkey can result in serious side effects such as seizures, vomiting, tingling of the skin, and the sensation of being electrocuted.
Risperdal® is another medication that’s used to treat psychotic conditions but presents safety risks to certain patients. Young men who have taken the drug have reported hormone imbalances that can result in the development of abnormally large breast tissue—a condition known as gynecomastia.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we understand the risks associated with taking certain medications. That’s why we are hopeful more can be done to protect the health and safety of patients in our state, especially those who do not have anyone to advocate on their behalf.
What You Need to Know to Prevent a Xarelto Drug Injury
| October 6th, 2014
Taking anticoagulants that thin your blood can be an effective way to help those who are prone to heart attacks or stroke prevent such a health event from occurring. But it’s important to know that consuming certain versions of these drugs—like Xarelto— can also prevent your body from stopping a bleeding event if one occurs.
A study published by the National Institutes of Health showed patients who take Xarelto and either undergo hip surgery, suffer from Acute Coronary Syndrome, or are acutely ill are at an increased risk of being unable to stop bleeding. This particular Xarelto side effect has proven deadly to patients in the past.
If you’re taking Xarelto, it’s important to not only be aware of the risks involved with taking the drug, but also your legal rights. If you’ve suffered an injury associated with taking this particular medicine, you may be able to file a Xarelto drug injury lawsuit. But proving such a case can often be a difficult process.
That’s why it’s important to have a California personal injury lawyer by your side through each step of the civil litigation process.
At Berg Injury Lawyers, we know how difficult it can be to overcome a drug injury, and we’re here to help. To find out more about what we can do for you, give us a call today at (800) 400-BERG.
California Drug Injury Lawyers Examine Risks With Cardiac Nuclear Stress Test Medications
| December 2nd, 2013
December 2, 2013
While testing of the heart can be vital to determining the health and strength of the organ, the use of certain drugs during the testing can prove to be extremely dangerous. The California Drug Injury Lawyers with Berg Injury Lawyers explain researchers have discovered a risk of heart attack and death when using the medications Lexiscan (regadenoson) and Adenoscan (adenosine).
A press release from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states the drugs are used in cardiac nuclear stress tests for patients who are unable to exercise. The medications can help doctors and medical staff to identify symptoms of coronary artery disease in these individuals.
The drugs work by increasing blood flow to identify blockages and the blood typically flows to healthier areas of the body. However, researchers have stated the increased blood flow can also lead to a risk of the patient suffering a heart attack, and potentially, death.
In response to the problems, the FDA is planning to update the warning labels on the products. Furthermore, the agency is stating that resuscitation equipment and trained staff be on hand when and if the drugs are administered to a patient.
Berg Injury Lawyers and their team of California Personal Injury Lawyers recognize the dangers certain medications can pose to users. That is why the firm urges patients to read all warning labels on a medication and discuss any questions with your physician prior to beginning a regimen of medication.
FDA Announces Recall of Benztropine Mesylate Injections Due To Contamination
| July 8th, 2013
July 8, 2013
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has partnered with Fresenius Kabi USA in initiating the voluntary recall of four lots of the company’s single-dose injections of Benztropine Mesylate. Reports indicate the recall is being conducted due to contamination that could potentially cause patients using the medication to suffer a Drug Injury.
According to an FDA press release, the drug is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and tardive dyskinesia. However, officials announced the recall after glass particles were found inside a vial of the drug. Further testing discovered glass particulates in numerous doses of the drug from different lots. Experts say that using the medication containing the glass particulates in the vial could result in numerous adverse health events, including:
- Thromboembolism
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Phlebitis
- Activation of Platelets
- Mechanical Block of the Capillaries or Arterioles
- Development of Granulomas
While no significant injuries have been associated with the recall, anyone in possession of the affected drugs has been instructed to halt their use immediately. Affected medications should be disposed of immediately. The manufacturer should then be contacted to receive replacement products.
The California Personal Injury Attorneys with Berg Injury Lawyers are aware of how dangerous using a recalled medication can be. That is why the firm suggests discussing your legal options with an attorney if you have been harmed as the result of taking a medication that was later recalled.
Avastin Drug Injury Prompts Recalls By The FDA
| March 26th, 2013
March 25, 2013
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the voluntary recall of all products made by two separate compounding companies due to contamination hazards.
The agency issued a press release this past week indicating action was being taken in regards to Magnesium Sulfate injections made by Med Prep Consulting, Inc. The recall was initiated after several reports were received of particulate being discovered in bags of the intravenous solution. Further testing uncovered the particulate to be mold. The following day, it was announced all products manufactured by the company were being recalled because of contamination risks.
On the same day as the initial recall for Med Prep products, the FDA also announced a similar recall on doses of the drug, Avastin®, packaged by the company, Clinical Specialties. Avastin® is used off-label as a treatment for macular degeneration. Officials say patients reportedly suffered an Avastin® Drug Injury, including internal eye infections, as a result of receiving an injection of the medication. Similar instances of infection that resulted in blindness have been documented in the past.
The FDA says anyone in possession of either product have been instructed to halt its use immediately.
The California Personal Injury Attorneys with Berg Injury Lawyers recognize the risks associated with the use of these products and are here to answer any questions you may have if you have been harmed by a medication prescribed to you by a doctor.
UC Davis Doctor Accused Again Of Medical Malpractice
| August 20th, 2012
August 20, 2012
Controversy is swirling regarding allegations of medical malpractice against a neurosurgeon from The University of California-Davis campus. The Sacramento Bee reports the claims of malpractice stem from the doctor performing botched cancer treatments on patients, which resulted in California drug injuries and other medical errors.
Court documents from 11 previous medical malpractice lawsuits against the doctor show that he has repeatedly put patients in danger. In one case, he attempted to treat three patients with terminal brain cancer by opening their skulls and injecting bacteria. All three patients died a short time after the procedure. He left another woman paralyzed after performing surgery to remove a tumor from her skull, then told her he did not know what went wrong with the procedure.
Many of these lawsuits are also partially blaming UC Davis for giving the doctor credentials to practice in the United States. The doctor, who is a native of the Netherlands, is not board-certified in the U.S., nor does he have a medical license in the state of California. He is only able to practice medicine in the country through a “special faculty permit” issued to him by the university.
The California personal injury lawyers with Berg Injury Lawyers encourage everyone to take a look at your doctor’s credentials before agreeing to any treatment or surgery they recommend. Doing so will help ensure that you are getting knowledgeable care from a qualified physician.
California’s Medical Malpractice Laws Under Heavy Scrutiny
| July 30th, 2012
July 30, 2012
California’s laws and regulations regarding the caps on damages awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits are being challenged by claims that the laws may be unconstitutional. According to The Sacramento Bee, current laws place unfair limits on the amount that can be given to a victim at $250,000, leaving the majority of damages to be received through economic and punitive damages, such as lost wages.
Many California medical malpractice lawsuits involve children or the elderly who are not wage earners, leaving them unable to collect more than the cap even in the event that a procedure done by a negligent doctor left them permanently disabled.
The case of an attorney who died as the result of respiratory failure caused by a California Drug Injury following a procedure has claimed that these laws do not allow victims and their families “…the full right to a jury trial and are in violation of equal protection laws since the caps only apply to medical malpractice claims but not other types of injury lawsuits.
Those in favor of the laws say that caps are the only way that many practices can afford to cover expenses related to liability coverage.
The California Personal Injury Lawyers with Berg Injury Lawyers understand the frustrations that can come from an injury caused by the negligence of another and are here to help you explore your legal options if you have been harmed by another person’s mistake.