alabama personal injury lawyer
Investigation Shows Company Knew About IVC Filter Injury Risks
| November 3rd, 2015
A recent investigation determined that medical device manufacturer, C.R. Bard, Inc., had knowledge of risks its inferior vena cava (IVC) filters posed to patients, yet the company took no corrective action to protect public health and safety.
Data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) shows as many as 27 deaths are linked to IVC filter injuries. An estimated 300 other patients suffered serious injuries due to device failure.
The unit can break apart or dislodge from the location where it was placed and can travel to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or heart. When this occurs, a patient can experience serious health complications or death.
According to NBC News, Bard became aware of the risks after the reports of injuries and deaths began to surface. Rather than take corrective action after an independent study found the company conducted supported the initial findings, Bard continued to sell and distribute the flawed IVC filter.
Many of those harmed by or lost loved ones to the Bard IVC filter have filed lawsuits seeking compensation for their losses. Those cases continue to make their way to the court systems.
Protecting the rights of those who have been harmed by defective medical devices is one of our missions at Norris Injury Lawyers. That’s why our defective medical device attorneys are hopeful decisions in these lawsuits will bring closure to each of those who were harmed.
FDA Issues Drug Injury Warning Regarding Two Hepatitis C Medications
| October 27th, 2015
Hepatitis C is a viral disease that can last a lifetime and cause damage to the liver that can ultimately results in organs failure. Medications can help treat this disease, but the drug injury attorneys at Norris Injury Lawyers would like to warn patients about the use of certain drugs.
An article from WSFA 12 News explains the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings regarding two medications used to treat Hepatitis C, Viekira Pak and Technivie. Officials say using these products may cause patients suffering from advanced liver disease to develop serious liver damage.
As many as 26 cases of patients experiencing adverse side effects associated with the drugs has been reported worldwide. Of those cases, a total of 10 patients died or required a liver transplant. Another 16 patients developed some form of liver dysfunction within weeks of beginning to take the medication.
The FDA has issued warnings to users of these products to be aware of the risks. Patients taking Viekira Pak or Technivie should not stop taking the drug without consulting a physician first. If you experience fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, yellowing of the eyes or skin, or light-colored stools, you may want to speak with your doctor, as these may be signs of liver damage.
The Alabama personal injury lawyers at Norris Injury Lawyers hope this information helps to protect you and your loved ones from the harm certain medications may cause.
Many Alabama Car Accident Fatalities Caused by Not Using Seatbelts
| February 24th, 2015
Studies have shown a majority of Alabama’s citizens consider highway safety to be a top priority. But data indicates that many drivers and passengers who have perished in Alabama car accidents failed to properly restrain themselves with seatbelts prior to the crash.
According to al.com, there were a total of 255 deaths on Alabama highways where lack of seatbelt use was considered to be a contributing factor in the victim’s death in 2014—more than 60 percent of all the Alabama highway fatalities that year.
These numbers seem consistent with what we are seeing this year. Troopers say that an estimated 79 percent of Alabama’s highway deaths have listed failure to use a seatbelt as a contributing factor.
The state is working to reduce the number of roadway deaths through the “Drive Safe Alabama” program, which focuses on educating drivers of all ages about the dangers and risks they face on the road.
At Norris Injury Lawyers, we know how dangerous riding in a vehicle without using seatbelts can be. That’s why our Birmingham personal injury lawyers encourage you to be a role model to others by buckling up every time you drive.
FDA Issues Safety Communication on Use of Metal-On-Metal Hip Replacements
| July 23rd, 2013
July 23, 2013
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a safety communication to the public regarding the dangers of metal-on-metal hip replacement devices. These devices have been shown to prematurely wear out, which can result in serious adverse health effects for patients with the implants.
A metal-on-metal hip replacement device consists of a ball and socket joint implanted into the patient’s body. But as the ball rubs against the walls of the socket, it can cause small metal shavings to come off of the device. These shavings can be absorbed into the body.
Patients may experience irritation, swelling, and pain at the surgical site. A more serious condition, called metallosis, can occur when toxic levels of certain heavy metals are absorbed into the blood stream.
These problems have led to the Stryker® Hip Recall and similar actions with several DePuy hip replacement products as well.
An FDA Press Release warned of these problems and outlined action that has been taken by the agency. However, the some of these products are still on the market. That’s why the agency issued the release offering several tips to medical professionals about how to determine if a metal-on-metal device is the right fit for a patient.
The Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers with Norris Injury Lawyers are here to answer any questions an individual may have if they were harmed by a metal-on-metal hip replacement device.
Alabama Court Finds Brand-Name Drug Makers Can Be Sued for Injuries Caused by Generic Versions
| February 5th, 2013
February 5, 2013
A decision by the Alabama Supreme Court could have a huge impact on the way drug injury cases involving generic medications are handled. According to an article by Injury Lawyer News, the decision gives those who have suffered drug-related injuries as the result of taking a generic form of medication the right to sue the drug’s name-brand manufacturer.
A decision reached in Pilva v. Mensing found generic drugs are required to carry the same labels as their name-brand counterparts. Therefore, a user could not sue a name-brand drug manufacturer for being unaware of the risks involved with taking a generic medication.
Manufacturers of the drug Reglan, however, failed to warn users about potential health risks, such as developing tardive dyskinesia, and were later forced to add a warning to the product’s packaging.
Court documents show an Alabama Drug Injury victim developed tardive dyskinesia after taking a generic form of Reglan and filed a lawsuit. The Supreme Court ruled that if something was left off or a problem was discovered with a name-brand drug’s label, the same mistake would likely occur on a generic version’s label. As a result, the name-brand manufacturer would be at least partially to blame for an injury that results from taking a generic form of a drug.
The Alabama Personal Injury Lawyers with Norris Injury Lawyers hope a decision in the case will help bring a sense of closure to the victim.