LEVAQUIN® Antibiotic Linked To Damaged Tendons

Levaquin, a quinolone antibiotic, has been linked to hundreds of cases related to tendonitis, serious tendon ruptures and injuries. This expensive drug is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson and Ortho-McNeil and marketed by Walgreen Co. Eye-related problems have also been associated with this drug. This fact was concluded by researchers at Casey Eye Institute at the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland and was featured in the September issue of Ophthalmology.

Levaquin, introduced in the US in 1997, is prescribed to treat bacterial infections in the lungs, skins, sinuses, kidneys, bladder, prostate and urinary tracts.

Action against Levaquin

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved Levaquin in 1996. It took two years for the FDA to force Johnson & Johnson and Ortho-McNeil to issue a strong black-box warning of tendon damage and ruptures of the Achilles tendon on the label of this antibiotic. By this time thousands of people had already suffered needlessly from incapacitating injuries as well as undergone surgery and even extensive rehab program. Many Lavaquin users never really recovered from tendon injuries.

The labels failed to provide adequate warning, especially that chances of tendon injury was tripled for people older than 60 and people undergoing corticosteroid therapy.  Respected institutions, such as the IDSA Infectious Diseases Society of America and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have asked major retailers to reassess the promotion of this drug and/or candidly explain the side-effects.

There were around 1,044 tendon injuries and about 282 reports of tendon ruptures associated with the drug between 1997 and 2005. Hundreds of Levaquin lawsuits are already pending in American courts.

Levaquin: Side Effects
• Snap or pop in a tendon area
• Bruising right after an injury in a tendon area
• Inability to move the affected area or bear weight
• Pain, inflammation or swelling in a tendon area
• Arthralgia
• Nausea
• Pyrexia
• Dyspnoea
• Asthenia
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Pain in extremity
• Myalgia
• Pain

If you have used Levaquin and are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical help immediately.

Patients may also experience some long-term side effects, such as:
• Granulomatous liver disease
• Gastrooesophageal reflux disease
• Lymphadenopathy
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Hypoaesthesia

Levaquin Tendon Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you or a loved one is suffering due to the side effects of Levaquin, you should contact a Levaquin tendon injury attorney immediately. It is your legal right to receive compensation for having suffered due to someone else’s negligence.

If you are in need of a personal injury attorney in Billings, MT, please contact Solomon Neuhardt for a free consultation.

Mass Transit Accidents and Their Causes

Traveling via public transportion is definitely safer than a car, but accidents or death due to someone else’s negligence can never be totally avoided. Public transportation includes vehicle services that transport customers on local and regional routes.

Public and Mass Transit Vehicles

The number of unlinked trips using public transport in 2007 stood at 10.3 billion, with 58.5% trips being via bus, 29.3% by heavy rail and 12.2% by others. Around 14 million Americans ride the public transport everyday and 34 million trips are made each weekday in the US.

Vehicles that fall under the mass transit category are:

* Buses
* L-train
* Mono Rails
* Amtrak
* Cable cars
* Airlines
* Ferries
* Street Cars
* Railroads
* Trolleybuses
* Planes
* Taxi cabs
* Shuttles
* Limousine services
* Elevators
* Vanpools
* Escalators

Accidents can happen in several ways but serious accidents involving the mass transit system usually happen due to carelessness or speeding. Here is a quick look at accidents and their possible causes:

Bus accidents

* Defective condition on the stairs of a bus.
* Accidents due to overcrowding.
* Bus driven in a negligent manner.
* Faulty tires.
* Injuries caused by sudden jerks or stops of a bus.
* There are occasions where the bus has a pertinent manufacturing defect that leads to a fatal accident. The person responsible for the defect can be the designer, manufacturer, engineer or the distributor.

Ferry accidents:

* These often happen when the ferry loses power and ultimately hits the dock, hurting the passengers.
* Due to a defective product or negligence.

Subway Accidents

* Turnstile defect can cause an accident
* In a situation where a passenger gets stuck between the closing subway car doors or is caught in the doorway of a moving train
* Imperfections in the tracks – large space between the subway platform edge and the door of the train
* Low or no lighting – potential danger looms due to poor lighting, especially in the spaces between the platform and the incoming train.
* Ill maintained stairways
* Faulty Brakes
* Operational errors

Plane Crash

* Faulty seat belt
* Speed sensors
* Faulty altimeter
* Defective tires
* Negligence of airport staff

If anyone close to you has been involved in an accident that has led to serious injury or wrongful death, immediately contact an experienced attorney to defend your case and get justice. Cases against the public transit authorities normally take time. It is advisable to carry the necessary documents needed for your defense.

Benzene is a Human Carcinogen

In pursuit of economic growth, humans have long been exploiting the environment, starting with the Industrial Revolution in the 20th century. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that over 25% of the illnesses worldwide are caused by environmental toxins. One of the most widely used chemicals in the industries in the United States, benzene, has now been linked to cancer in humans.

According to The Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), exposure to benzene increases the chances of a person contracting cancer and leukemia. It is a known fact that benzene is directly responsible for acute myleoid leukemia, and cigarette smoke is a major source of this toxic chemical. Workers employed in industries using or producing benzene are therefore at high risk.

Benzene and its side effects

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) exposure to benzene has affected nearly 50% of the American population. Use of benzene in industries started since its discovery in the early 19th century. Benzene is a highly inflammable colorless chemical and widely used in industries.

Benzene is found in several products:

* Crude oil
* Gasoline
* Cigarette smoke
* Glues and adhesives
* Paints
* Furniture wax
* Detergent
* Petroleum
* Printing solvents
* Some types of plastics, pesticides, nylon, resins and dyes

Benzene ranks among the top twenty chemicals produced in the US, heightening the risk of leukemia and cancer. Benzene has been directly or indirectly linked to the following forms of cancer:

o Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL)
o Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
o Myelodysplastic Syndrome
o Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)

Benzene: How does it work?

After a period of exposure to benzene, body cells begin to get paralyzed. For example, it can lead to anemia, a situation where the bone marrow is unable to produce red blood cells anymore. It can damage the immune system and lead to the loss of white blood cells.

Long and short term effects of benzene on humans

Workers, such as pipe fitters, gasoline distribution workers, painters, leather manufacturers and refinery labor, are at highest risk. A person exposed to this chemical may develop signs and symptoms, such as:

* Headaches
* Perplexity
* Drowsiness
* Dizziness
* Irregular heartbeat
* Vomiting
* Tremors
* Unconsciousness
* Spot death, at times
* Women experiencing irregular menstrual periods and decrease in the size of ovaries

If someone is affected due to high intake of benzene, first take him/her to an open space and help him/her inhale fresh air. There are times when hospitalization might be required. It is a primary responsibility of factory/industry owners that deal with benzene to take safety measures. Any negligence or carelessness can cause enormous physical pain and emotional suffering. If anyone close to you has suffered physical complications due to benzene exposure, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer for evaluation of the case.

Things Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles on the Road

There are certain prejudices against motorcyclists in society whenever an accident occurs. There are more cars, buses and trucks than motorcycles on the roads today, and the number is increasing. There are rider training programs, operator licensing programs and public information campaigns. Still, people need to know more about motorcycle drivers and their safety. People drive under a lot of stress these days. Then there are those who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, increasing potential risk to all on the road.

Things car/truck drivers should know about motorcyclists:

There were around 5,154 motorcycle deaths in 2007, the highest since 1975. The motorcycle fatalities represent 13% of all deaths in the US. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has listed some guidelines which other drivers should be aware of:

 

• Car/Truck owners should look for motorcycles at intersections – the point where most accidents happen.
• Motorcycles might appear farther than their original distance from the car/truck – this is because it is smaller in size.
• Be careful while changing lanes or when you are at an intersection. It is also very difficult to track the speed of a motorcycle, mainly because of its size.
•  Allow more distance behind a motorcycles at intersections.
• A thumb-rule – when a motorcycle is in motion, think of it as a moving person.
• Better late than never’ is a proverb that works well for all drivers in the world. Drive safe.
• Use seat belts.
•  Always use signals while turning.
• Use your mirrors and be vigilant to check around the blind spots and intersections while you are changing lanes.
• Do not tailgate and/or pass closely – Give space to motorcycle drivers.

Distractions drivers often face:

There are can be many reasons for accidents, such as:

• Children
• Cellular phones – Hand held
• Satellite navigation system
• Audio systems
• Eating/drinking while driving

Motorcycle drivers are more vulnerable and they need space. The fact remains that most motorcycle accidents happen because of negligence, unsafe roads and debris. If someone close to you has been injured while driving a motorcycle, immediately rush him/her to a doctor. Please collect important information, such as the number plate and time of the accident. You deserve legal representation if there is a case of negligence and careless driving. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to claim compensation.

Safety First when it comes to Motorcycles

Driving a motorcycle can be fun as well as convenient but statistics tell a different story. For more than a decade, there has been a steady increase in the number of motorcyclists who die on US roads. The number of deaths due to motorcycle accidents stood at 5,290 in 2008, which was 14% of the total accidents.

Motorcycle deaths on the rise

Motorcycles in the US are gaining popularity by the day, with about 75% more motorcycles registered today than a decade ago. Here are some figures that cause concern:

• In the US, motorcycle accidents have increased by 6.6%
• Nearly 49% of the bikers killed in various incidents were aged 40 or above and 31% were less than 30 years old in 2007
• 26% of the riders involved in deadly crashes had invalid licenses
• Blood alcohol concentration levels over 0.8% were found in over 27% of the motorcycle riders involved in fatal accidents

Most of the accidents were due to carelessness, reckless driving, speeding or negligence.

Safety tips for riders

A simple helmet can decrease the risk to a motorcyclist’s life by 29% and the risk of suffering traumatic brain injury by 67%. However, Montana still does not have a helmet law. Here are some basic safety tips that can mean a difference between life and death: 

• Check components – check air pressure, lights, horn, mirrors and brakes before you start and make sure that the tank is full
• Helmets – Undoubtedly a certified helmet is the best protective gear against head injuries. A good helmet cuts down wind noise, reduces fatigue and protects the eyes as well.
• Keep your license updated
• Overhaul your motorcycle engine periodically
• Instruct your fellow passenger to limit excessive talking or movement
• Do not exceed the weight limit marked in the manual while riding
• Jackets and pants – the apparel worn should be made up of sturdy material like nylon, leather or corduroy
• Gloves – always wear them, a thick material like leather can resist abrasions and injuries to the hands and fingers
• Carry raingear
• Obey traffic rules
• Insure the vehicle and yourself
• Do not drive under the influence alcohol or drugs
• Night driving – One should wear brightly colored clothes during the night

One of the most important things for riders to understand is to practice control over speed.

Biking means freedom, but exercising a few practical and basic steps while riding can keep you off the casualty list. If you or any one close to you meets a motorcycle accident or sustains serious injury, rush him/her to the nearest hospital. You deserve legal representation in case of rash driving or negligence of any sort. Contact your personal injury lawyer to evaluate the claims.

Helmets can save lives

Cycling Safety Gear

Cyclists in Montana are probably the most ‘liberated’ people in the US, since the state of Montana does not have a helmet law in place. People need to, however, understand the difference between “freedom of choice” and safety. Wearing proper headgear can often make a difference between life and death. A helmet that costs less than $50 generates $570 worth of indirect benefits to the society, which includes medical costs caused by bike-related head injuries, future earnings and other tangible resources.

Bicycle Accidents – Some Facts

Cyclists are recommended to wear safety helmets at all times. There are around 73-85 million bicycle riders in the US.  Around 1,300 deaths per year occur in the US due to bicycle related accidents, and head injuries account for over 60% of the bicycle related deaths. Here are some facts about bicycle accidents:

Each year, 196 children less than the age of 15 die from bicycle-related injuries.

Over 90 percent cyclists meet with fatal accidents on US roads

Most of the victims are male and without protective gear

Riders without a helmet are 14 times more susceptible than a helmeted rider.

Helmets can protect head injuries affecting your brain, estimated at anywhere around 45 to 88 percent of the times.

Bicycle helmets offer substantial protection to the forehead and midface.

Non-helmeted cyclist injuries costs around $81 million each year in medical expenses, whereas indirect expenses add up to $2.3 billion.

About 75 percent of bicycle-related deadly accidents can be prevented among children with helmet use.

Most of the accidents happen to boys.

Falls are the cause of over 90 per cent of the accidents

The head is hit in 38 percent of the accidents.

If 85 percent of all child cyclists wear helmets for one year, the lifetime medical cost savings can be anywhere between $197 to $256 million

Every bicycle helmet saves health insurers $57 and auto insurers $17.

One third of the bicycle victims have high alcohol levels.

There can be no argument that safety helmets can be highly effective in preventing head related injuries, thereby minimizing health costs and, above all, saving lives. However, faulty helmet cases are also reported these days. If someone close to you has suffered brain damage or injury on the road due to someone else’s negligence, immediately contact a personal injury lawyer. The victim is entitled to monetary compensation against physical injury and emotional pain.

Respect the Water: Practice Safe Boating

Boating

Boating, a pleasure and relaxing sport, can turn dangerous at times. Hundreds of people die each year and thousands are injured in boating accidents. Most accidents happen due to carelessness, ignorance or lack of experience. A careless attitude can cause such mishaps. Thus, a little caution can prevent accidents and save lives.

Boating Accident Figures

There are about 12,875,568 recreational boats in the United States and, according to the National Recreational Boating Safety Survey of 2007, there were around:

• 5,191 boating accidents
• 685 fatal accidents
• 475 deaths caused by drowning
• 3,673 injured needing serious medical treatment

Property loss was estimated at over $53 million.

Boating Activities and Rules in Montana

The beautiful state of Montana has about 2,673 ponds, lakes, reservoirs and other water bodies. A large number of these are frequented by residents and tourists for recreational activities.

The minimum federal requirements are:

• Rented boats and watercraft: A person must be 18 years and above to rent a motorboat. Children below 18 years of age should not operate a motorboat that is more than ten horsepower, unescorted.
• Motorboat operator certificate needed: The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks conducts boat safety education programs and provides students certificates at the successful completion of the course. Boating classes are also held by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.
• Registration of boats: The registration of a vessel can be done after you obtain a certificate of ownership (title). After your vessel has been registered by the authorities, the certificate number should be kept aboard at all times.
• Every passenger on board a watercraft must wear PFDs or personal flotation devices.
• Equipment requirement: A person should ideally use (depending upon the size of boat) compass, charts, marine VHF radio, fixed fire extinguishing system, paddle, oar, flashlight, searchlight, binocular, first aid kit, bailers and other marine hardware.

Any person found violating the Montana boating laws can be fined up to $500 and/or sentenced up to six months in jail.

What to Avoid while Boating

While boating, it is advisable to not:

• Consume alcohol or any other psychotropic substance
• Discharge or throw matter of any kind (including trash, garbage and oil)
• Drive recklessly harming nature or wildlife
• Resort to reckless operation of the boat

In case of a major boating accident in US waters, you should immediately call for help, if possible. The accident should be reported to the local sheriff or game warden without delay. If you or your friend or relative has suffered any kind of injury or mental agony or you know someone who has died in a boating accident, contact an experienced marine attorney immediately. If the injury or death is due to another person’s negligence, the victim or his immediate family may be able to receive compensation and/or punitive damages.

Insurance Holders and Bad Faith Practices

Under US law, most insurance companies are bound to practice the covenant of ‘good faith’ and ‘fair dealing’ when it comes to dealing with people on a daily basis. There are circumstances where an insurer denies rights to consumers without giving a good reason. This is called a ‘bad faith.’  The unwritten rule also is that insurers should always look at the financial interests of the insured or its customers in the same manner as they look at their interests. There always are; however, a few cases when insurance companies, whether automobile, homeowners and general, routinely follow ‘bad faith practices,’ This can be classified as:

• Delaying payment or failing to settle a case;
• Unreasonably denying/delaying a payment;
• Refusing to settle a claim or offering less than what is justified;
• Offering untimely settlement of claims;
• Gross misrepresentation of actual coverage in the contract;
• Failure to initiate an investigation towards a claim; and
• Inadequate or complete denial of defense and indemnification.

The number of ‘bad practice’ cases is on the rise through a breach of contract and unethical business practices. A fair judgment must be achieved against dishonest, unscrupulous, deceptive and fraudulent insurance companies. This can be done by awarding significantly higher punitive damages to deter similar conduct by insurers.

Negative exposure of financial institutions through derivatives

Cases of derivatives, such as collateralized debt obligations (CDO), credit default swaps (CDS) and other mortgage-backed securities (MBS), are increasing and a growing market, worth $39 trillion. It has received negative reviews after insurance giants, such as AIG, Bear Sterns, Lehman Brothers, Washington Mutual and others, reportedly collapsed due to a volatile debt market.

These derivatives are financial instrument that is an unregulated/ privately negotiated contract, used to offset risks by creditors. It allows creditors to insure themselves in a situation when a borrower might default. Although initiated for legitimate protection, manipulative practices in this default swap market should be curbed for greater market stability, more transparency in the credit market and to restore ‘good faith practices.’

Insurance Money

Filing a case

When you come to know about a bad claim, the defendant and the plaintiff’s, documents and defenses will be presented in court. You will have to bring the entire claim, underwriting file and the company’s handbook that describes what was promised. The insurance company in return will seek answers regarding the claims and damages you are seeking. The process of filing a case can be emotionally stressful, while being also considered part of bad faith practices. If you have ever been affected by a bad faith practice by an insurance company, then legal action should be taken to protect your insurance rights.

Teenagers and risks of car accidents

In America, teenagers constitute the highest risk category when it comes to road accidents. Teen drivers are four times more vulnerable to casualties than any other age group. The main reason for this is that teenagers tend to not follow the law; they are unskilled and inexperienced drivers and are inclined to behave recklessly. There are various other reasons for car accidents as well. Let us quickly look at some facts:

• Every year over 5,000 teenagers between the age group of 16 to 20 die due to car accidents;
• Teenagers comprising 10% of the American population and account for 12% of all fatal crashes;
• The 16-19 year old drivers comprise the highest risk in terms of people involved in car accidents;
• In the US, about $26 billion is spent every year on drivers involved in accidents, male and female, aged under 24 years;
• Of all fatal teen car accidents in 2007, one third were due to speed related collisions and one quarter due to driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs;
• Around 53% of all fatal accidents involving a teenager happened on a weekend (between 9 PM to 6 AM);and
• In 2007, every 2 out of 3 teenagers killed in a motor vehicle crash was male.

Why do fatal crashes happen?

Car accidents cause tremendous loss of property and life, apart from having a huge emotional impact. Thoughtlessness, unsafe driving and negligence are the primary reasons for fatal accidents among teenagers. The most common reasons for crashes are:

• Speeding – Teenagers tend to drive over the speed limit;
• Lost control – These are high speed crashes where a driver has lost control over the vehicle;
• Substance/alcohol abuse – In 2007, around 29% of males and 15% of females who were fatally injured had high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels;
• Low vision – Driving at night is a high risk activity for a teenager. Night driving can be twice as risky as driving during the day;
• Lack of safety measures – Two-thirds of the teenagers who died in 2007 did not wear seat belts;
• Defective airbags – There are times when the advanced frontal air bags meant to safeguard a driver’s life fail to protect;
• Faulty seat belts – There have been incidents reported where the seat belts did not buckle or latch properly;
• Faulty brakes – There are times when brakes of the vehicle did not work for technical reasons or simply failed;
• Cell phone usage and driving- Texting and/or using mobile phones while driving can be fatal;
• Tire malfunction – Under-inflation of tires is the most common cause of accidents;

How can accidents be prevented?

Responsible driving is something that needs to be instilled among teenage drivers. This can only happen if the parents guide their children to follow traffic rules. Tougher laws, such as for drinking and driving, should be enforced strictly.

What to do in case affected?

Thousands of Americans are left with incapacitating injuries each year after traffic accidents; some of them need permanent rehabilitative therapies. One should contact an experience personal injury lawyer in case of an accident that has occurred due to negligence or someone else’s fault, in order to recover lost wages, medical expenses and other costs.

Toxic Mold is a Rising Health Crisis

Mold was identified as the cause of mysterious deaths in farm animals in Europe in the 1930’s. A lot has changed since them; however, a Dripping Springs family in Austin, Texas, won a $32 million lawsuit against Farmers Insurance Group for toxic mold.

Mold Attack

Mold and health related risks are growing and they should not be taken lightly. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), mold and mildew develop quickly – in about 24-48 hours of water exposure.

Molds: What is it?

Mold is mostly harmless microscopic organisms/fungi that grow in damp environments. They are omnipresent and can be found in the soil, air, homes, workplaces, and basically any place that has moisture and some organic matter. The common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Alternaria, Aspergillus and Penicillium verrucosum. The two household molds, Stachybotrys and Memnoniella, are toxic and pose serious health risks to humans.

Modern Buildings are Susceptible to Mold

Sick or fungi infested buildings are the major cause of fungal illnesses, mainly mycotoxicosis. Construction materials and techniques used in residential zones, retail/commercial stores, offices, factories and schools have undergone a change over the years in America. There is extensive usage of paper/cellulose based building materials, such as insulation, drywall, fiberboard, wallpaper and ceiling tiles. As a result, mold now has the perfect environment to grow and thrive when these materials become wet or even moist. Toxic molds created a pandemic when the south was hit by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The “Toxic Mold Safety and Protection Act” addresses a few things, such as:

• Scientific examination of molds and its after effects, and educating the public regarding this.
• Provisions made for routine mold inspections for multi-unit residential properties and public housing.
• Indoor mold hazard assistance and certain grants for the removal of mold from public buildings.
• Tax credits for remediation and/or inspection of toxic mold.
• Introduction of the national toxic mold insurance program with the help of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This program aims to protect humans against catastrophic losses caused by toxic mold.
• Health care provisions, such as Medicaid, for mold victims.

Health hazards caused by Mold

If exposed to hazardous molds, such as Stachybotrys or Chaetomium, a person can experience headaches, respiratory problems and also suffer from:

• Chronic bronchitis
• Learning disabilities
• Mental retardation
• Cancer
• Heart related problems
• Multiple sclerosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Lupus
• Lungs bleeding
• Multiple sensitivity towards chemicals
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Chronic fatigue
• Skin rashes
• Loss of memory and/or brain damage (under extreme circumstances)
• Lung disease
• Infant death
• Mood swings
• Tremors
• Anxiety

Is Your Home Safe?

In a situation where a family member is affected by toxic mold, you have a legal right to file a claim against:

• Your landlord
• People who sold you a mold infected house and did not disclose
• Contractors who built your house
• Homeowner’s insurance companies
• Suppliers who provided defective/infected materials

You also have the legal right to cover the costs of:

• Repair
• Emotional distress
• Medical expenses
• Replacement/repair of ruined household items
• Inspection charges

Mold is increasingly becoming a threat to us in the environment and the type of houses we live in. You need to contact an experienced and reliable lawyer in case you are affected by toxic mold to represent your case.