Archive for the ‘Dangerous Products’ Category

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Yaz birth control side effects

Friday, October 23rd, 2009

images-11Yaz birth control lawsuits in Jacksonville: Yaz, an oral contraceptive, whose sales greatly increased as a result of agressive marketing efforts, is the only birth control pill which contains drospirenone, or drsp, which impacts the body’s normal regulation of balancing salt and water. This effect results in elevated potassium levels, known as kyperkalemia, known to case potentially live threatening heart problems and other health issues. Reported side effects include:

heart attacks
blood clots
strokes
cardiac arrhytmias
deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
pulmonary embolism (PE)
Gallbladder disease
Sudden death
live damage,
depression/emotional changes
migranes
high blood pressure
high cholesterol, as well as
signs of an allergic reaction including unexplained rashes, hives, itching, unexplained swelling, wheezing or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Hundreds of lawsuits nationwide have been filed alleging that the company concealed health risks associated with the pill and lied about its effectiveness. In addition to the lawsuits, the the FDA issued a warning letter to Bayer stating that the ads overstated their safety to others and inaccurately claimed effectiveness in treating acne and premenstrual syndrome. If you or a loved in has been injured by taking Yaz birth control in Jacksonville be sure to call the Law Offices of Henry Gare at (904) 387-6101

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Florida Supreme Court makes it easier for Jacksonville employees hurt on the job

Monday, November 10th, 2008

workThe Florida Supreme Court recently declared the Worker’s Compensation Law, enacted by the Florida Legislature in 2003, to be ambiguous. finding that claimant’s attorneys are entitled to recover a “reasonable” attorney’s fee. This decision will allow Jacksonville workers injured on the job and in the entire state of Florida to hire lawyers to assist them when their worker’s compensation carrier fails to live up to their obligations to provide medical and lost wage benefits.

The prior law resulted in injured claimants having great difficulty pursuing claims to pursue desperately needed Workers’ Compensation benefits, when they were wrongfully delayed or denied. Those difficulties allowed many insurance companies to improperly treat the injured workers without fear of being sued. Now, carriers will have to think twice before denying or delaying an injured worker’s rightful benefits.

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Posted in Automobile Accidents, Dangerous Products | No Comments »

Neptune Society charged with misleading consumers about pre-need cremations

Sunday, October 26th, 2008

seaesThe Neptune Society is one of the largest providers of cremation services in the country. The Neptune Society performs Florida cremations and in nine other states. In Colorado the cremation service is accused of misleading customers and overcharging them.
The head of the national cremation broker being investigated by the Colorado Division of Insurance denied any wrongdoing Wednesday.

Jim Ford, the chief operating officer of Neptune Management Corporation, said in a statement: “We are, and always have been, in full compliance with the rules and regulations in every state in which we do business.”

After a Colorado Springs funeral home owner complained about Neptune’s practices in April, and a Neptune customer complained in July, insurance division officials launched an investigation.

That investigation resulted in charges alleging Neptune “misled consumers and manipulated prepaid, preneed funeral accounts in order to skirt Colorado law and maximize profits,” according to a division release.

Colorado law states the company was supposed to put 75 percent of customer’s prepaid funeral services in a trust fund. The investigation revealed in some cases less than 35 percent of the money was put into a trust and that the company inflated charges for upfront merchandise such as urns by as much as 1,300 percent, according to the Division.

The company is a leader in the cremation business and has offices in 10 states.

“The Neptune Society takes this complaint very seriously because we care about our customers first and foremost,” Ford said.

Neptune officials have been ordered to appear before the division Oct. 24 to answer charges. The company could be fined up to $5 million and have its Colorado license suspended or revoked.

Posted in Dangerous Products, Funeral Home, Cemetery and Cremation Mistakes | No Comments »

Florida Pharmacy Mistakes Often Go Unreported and Patients Pay the Price

Saturday, August 30th, 2008

I have personally handled several Jacksonville pharmacy malpractice cases that arose in incidents involving pharmacies in the North Florida area. Luckily none of my clients passed away. The Ferrero family was not so fortunate last October when their son died partly as the result of a pharmacist’s error.pill

The Ferreros took their son, Sebastian, for treatment to Shand’s Medical Center last October to undergo pediatric endocrinology testing in which an amino acid, arginine, was used. The proper dose for Sebastian was 5.75 grams based upon his body weight. Instead, the pharmacist sent two bottles of an arginine solution each containing 30 grams of the compound. The solutions were administered despite Sebastian’s mother questioning the nurse as to whether that amount was the proper dosage. Tragically young Sebastian died the following morning.

What really struck me about this story is the sanctions imposed upon the negligent pharmacist. Sure we are all human, and sometimes we make mistakes. However, this was an obvious mistake which resulted in the most grave consequence. The Florida Board of Pharmacy imposed a $1,000 fine plus costs of investigation on Edna Irizzary, the negligent pharmacist. $1,000!?!? Is that all the Board thought was appropriate to ensure that this pharmacist and others will not make such careless mistakes? I reserve judgment as to whether her license should be revoked. However I am quite sure that when someone with expertise such as a pharmacist, who presumably makes quite a comfortable living is only fined $1,000 for a mistake that results in death, the public is not much safer.

A quick internet search revealed that this is common. In July 2001 a local national pharmacy chain mislabeled drug instructions that led to the death of Jacksonville resident Terry Smith. After an investigation the Pharmacy Board fined the pharmacist $1,000 plus costs.

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Posted in Dangerous Products, Wrongful Death | No Comments »

Palatka Woman Dies After Her Tire Blows Out: Another Avoidable Tragedy?

Thursday, August 14th, 2008

tireAs a Jacksonville injury attorney who has represented thousands of car accident victims, I understand the grief and devastation that Jerusha Hendrick’s family is now experiencing. As the investigation unfolds, authorities will determine whether this accident was the result of a defective tire (Ford Explorer/Firestone?) or some other cause.

While the details of this particular incident still emerge, this story reminded me to check the tire pressure on my own vehicle. A tire is the only thing between you and your car and the pavement. Each month most people wash their cars, but a recent study has shown that only 1 out of 7 people also check the air pressure in their tires. You should check the air pressure in your tires at least once a month. Under inflation is the leading cause of tire malfunction. You can’t just eyeball it. Tires can be as much as 50% under inflated before it is noticeable. Not only could this save your life, but it also will save you money. Under inflated tires can cost you as much as 3-5¢ more per gallon in fuel. While you’re checking air pressure, also check to see if there are uneven wear patterns on the tire. This is a sign that you may need an alignment or other mechanical maintenance. Also, experts recommend rotating your vehicle’s tires every 8,000 miles in order to maximize the life of your tires. Tires are definitely expensive, but don’t try to save money by riding on worn tires. A good rule of thumb to know when your tires need replacement is the “penny test.” Stick a penny upside-down in the middle and outside tread grooves of each of your tires. If you can see Lincoln’s whole head, then its time for new tires.

The most important auto safety tip: Do not forget to BUCKLE-UP every time you get in the car! Not only is it the law, but it dramatically improves your chances of walking away from an auto accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you can call Jacksonville injury attorney Henry Gare for free and confidential advice at 904-387-6101.

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