Personal Injury Lawyers' Radio Weblog

Fri, 23 Sep 2005 19:30:24 GMT

Check out the Guidant Recall Lawyer Blogs!!!

Wed, 21 Sep 2005 19:22:12 GMT

FDA Preliminary Public Health Notification*: Guidant VENTAK PRIZM® 2 DR and CONTAK RENEWAL® Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators

Date: July 14, 2005

This is to provide clinicians with current information and guidance concerning malfunctions occurring with Guidant’s PRIZM® 2 and CONTAK RENEWAL® implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) devices, which were the subjects of a Class I recall announced by FDA on July 1, 2005.

The affected devices are:

Guidant Pacemaker
		CONTAK TR Model 1241
		DISCOVERY II Models 0481, 0981, 1184, 1186, 1187, 1283, 1284, 1285, 1286
		DISCOVERY Models 1174, 1175, 1273, 1274, 1275
		Guidant Class Action
		Guidant Pacemaker Recall
		INTELIS II Models 1483, 1484, 1485, 1384, 1385, 1349, 1499
		MERIDIAN Models 0476, 0976, 1176, 1276
		Pacemaker Recall
		PULSAR MAX II Models 1180, 1181, 1280
		PULSAR MAX Models 1170, 1171, 1270
		PULSAR Models 0470, 0870, 0970, 0972, 1172, 1272
		VIRTUS PLUS II Models 1380, 1480

The malfunction that is the subject of the recall causes damage to the device’s circuitry, potentially resulting in the inability to deliver the required shock during episodes of arrhythmia. This malfunction could lead to a serious, life-threatening event. Importantly, the device does not give any sign of impending failure, and there is no test that predicts whether any particular device will fail. At this time it is not possible to provide accurate estimates of the failure rate for these devices, but at least two deaths attributable to this failure mode have been reported.

Recommendations:

If this failure mode is demonstrated to have occurred, the device should be replaced. However, the FDA is not making a recommendation on whether patients who have one of these devices should have it replaced under other circumstances. We believe that this decision must be made by the patient in consultation with his or her physician, and should be based on the patient’s condition, medical history, and other pertinent factors.

We recommend that you:

Contact each of your patients affected by the recall, and advise coming in for an evaluation if he or she has not been seen recently. Discuss with the patient the factors that will enter into the decision regarding replacement, including medical history, the risks of replacement, device battery status, and the likelihood that this patient will require the defibrillation or pacing features of the device in the future. You may wish to provide a copy of FDA’s “Advice to Patients with VENTAK PRIZM® 2 DR and CONTAK RENEWAL® Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators” http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/medicaldevicesafety/atp/071405-guidant.html to your patients.
If the device is to be left in place, advise patients to:

• continue with their regularly-scheduled follow-up appointments;

• contact you as soon as possible if they receive a shock from the device;

• go immediately to your office or clinic, or to an emergency room, if they hear a “beeping” noise coming from the ICD, because this may mean that the device is damaged.

Verify normal device function at every patient visit, using routine clinical follow-up procedures.

• If a shock was delivered since the prior follow-up visit, check for out-of-range values in the “Last Delivered Shock” impedance as stored in the device’s memory.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for evaluating warning screens encountered during interrogation of the patient’s device.

• Also check for other indicators of device malfunction, including loss of the telemetry, programming, or interrogation functions, loss of tachyarrhthmia detection and therapy, and a decrease in pacing output.

In order to better characterize the failure rate, it is essential that you return all explanted devices to the manufacturer for analysis, regardless of the reason for explant. All returned devices, including those that are still functional at the time of explant, are analyzed by the company to better understand their performance. In the case of patients who die with an implant, we strongly encourage interrogation and, if possible, explantation and return of the ICD.

Because there are no signs of impending device failure, and there is no test that predicts whether any particular device will fail, FDA has concluded that there is insufficient evidence at this time to support the value of a commanded shock.

Failure Mode Information

Guidant’s laboratory analysis has determined that a breach in insulation surrounding a high voltage wire within the lead connector block, in conjunction with other circumstances, can allow undesirable shunting of energy to the active titanium case during shock delivery. Diversion of energy away from heart tissue may trigger a programmer screen message upon next interrogation, warning clinicians that full energy was not delivered to the heart during the last shock delivered. If sufficient shock energy is diverted to internal circuitry, it may render the device inoperative, preventing telemetry and delivery of additional shock therapy or bradycardia pacing. Bench testing has shown that the number of shocks delivered does not affect the likelihood of device failure.

In some of the malfunctioning devices investigated by Guidant, a yellow programmer warning screen describing low shock lead impedance or a shorted shocking lead condition was observed upon programmer interrogation post-shock. In each case, clinical evaluation of the lead system did not confirm a lead issue and for this reason each device was explanted and returned to Guidant for analysis. In some of the other cases, the yellow screen did not appear, as circuitry damage prevented programmer telemetry.

In some of the cases, a problem was identified during in-clinic cardioversion for atrial fibrillation. In the remaining cases, patients were away from the clinic, but a warning screen or loss of telemetry was observed when the patient returned to the clinic immediately following shock delivery or for a scheduled office visit.

Reporting Adverse Events to FDA

FDA requires hospitals and other user facilities to report deaths and serious injuries associated with the use of medical devices. If you suspect that a reportable adverse event was related to the use of a Guidant ICD, you should follow the reporting procedure established by your facility. Prompt reporting of adverse events can improve FDA’s understanding of and ability to communicate the risks associated with devices and assist in the identification of potential future problems.

Thu, 09 Jun 2005 13:47:55 GMT

Millions 'hit by global warming'. Millions of people in England and Wales are being seriously affected by pollution and global warming, the Environment Agency says. [BBC News | News Front Page | UK Edition]

Tue, 07 Jun 2005 22:21:54 GMT

Social Security Disability Information

Your source for Social Security Disability Benefits information

All to often, The Social Security Administration (SSA) wrongfully denies Social Security Disability Benefits to truly disabled claimants. Congress has defined "disabled" as:

The inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of no less than twelve months.

For a claimant to be determined "disabled" under disability he or she must have physical or mental impairments to the extent that the severity is to such a great degree that he or she is unable to return to their previous employer due to the fact that they can not perform their pre-injury work place tasks. Generally, the claimant must also have one of the listed Social Security physical or mental impairments.

We are The Social Security Law Group and we have designed this web site to offer you useful Social Security resources and assistance in obtaining SSDI benefits. We are a private law firm (not affiliated with SSA nor any other Federal or State Agency) practicing nationwide exclusively in the area of Social Security Disability Law. We have dedicated our professional careers to ensuring that eligible disabled claimants who have been wrongfully denied Title II Social Secuirty Disability (SSDI) receive the benefits they rightfully deserve. If you have questions regarding your claim or potential eligibility, please feel free to contact us using our free case evaluation form. Please remember, we are currently assisting only those claimaints who are eligible for Title II SSDI benefits.

Every inquiry we receive is carefully evaluated by one of our experienced SSDI attorneys. We will offer you a free, no obligation evaluation of your Social Security Claim and contact you directly to discuss any additional issues. You can take advantage of this free service by clicking on the Free Case Evaluation button above. Studies show that a 20-year-old worker has a 3-in-10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching his or her retirement age.

The Social Security Law Group provides ethical, professional, legal advocacy and has extensive experience in Social Security Disability Law. We provide quality legal administrative support to claimants who are disabled and are no longer able to work. We guide and support them with attorney representation in their pursuit of Social Security benefits at all levels of the Social Security Administrative and Judicial process.

What’s the difference between SSI and SSDI?

The difference is significant. Below is a brief description of each program and how it works.

SSDI - This is known as Title II (2) Social Security Disability Benefits. This program is for people who have made sufficient FICA (Federal Insurance Contribution Act) contributions in the last 5 years. We have listed below the minimum amounts of earnings in 2003 to qualify for Title II Disability Benefits.

Year	Amount Per Quarter		Amount Per Year
2003	$890.00		$3,480.00

For Example: if in 2003, you earned at least $890.00 of gross wages (wages which you or your employer reported and paid FICA taxes), you would have paid for 1 quarter of SSDI coverage. If you earn $3,480.00 in 2003 you are covered for the entire year (4 Quarters). Remember, you need to pay 20 of the last 40 quarters to be eligible for SSDI benefits. Below is the coverage amounts for years 2002 through 1994.

Year	Amount Per Quarter	Amount Per Year
2002	$870.00	$3,480.00
2001	$830.00	$3,320.00
2000	$780.00	$3,120.00
1999	$740.00	$2,960.00
1998	$700.00	$2,800.00
1997	$670.00	$2,680.00
1996	$640.00	$2,560.00
1995	$630.00	$2,520.00
1994	$620.00	$2,480.00

If you qualify for SSDI benefits, you must file an application and be deemed medically disabled under SSA’s rules. Once you are approved, you need not worry about other sources of income such as rental income, stocks bonds, etc. Once you start to earn income from “work” or “Substantial Gainful Activity” as SSA deems it, then these earnings are monitored for purposes of a trial work period. (see this section of our web site for details)

If you qualify for SSDI benefits, THE SOCIAL SECURITY LAW GROUP® can assist you in your application or appeal.

SSI—This is known as Title XVI (16) Supplemental Security Income. This program is for people who either:

Have not paid enough quarters (earnings) into Social Security for any reason.
- You must have paid into Social Security through wage and FICA contributions for 20 out of the last 40 quarters.
- b. If you are unsure, please read the instructions below as to how to confirm if you have paid enough into SSDI.
Have limited resources and income

Although you must be disabled according to SSA’s definition, you must first meet SSA’s strict resource eligibility test prior to your medical condition being considered. If your resources exceed SSA’s limit, you cannot collect SSI irrespective of your medical disability.

Once you are approved, all your other sources of income will be monitored by SSA to ensure that you continually meet their strict resource requirements. THE SOCIAL SECURITY LAW GROUP® is presently not assisting claimant’s in SSI claims.

What if I am not sure if I qualify for SSI or SSDI?

Some of the people who visit our site and contact us are unsure if they are Title II eligible. You are encouraged to contact SSA to verify your eligibility for Title II. To do so, please follow the instructions below:

Call the SSA national Toll Free line at 800-772-1213
Follow the prompts to speak with a representative
Tell the representative you want to file a Disability claim, and you need to know if you are Title 2 or Title 16 eligible. If they tell you that you are Title 2 eligible, please ask them:
What is my DATE LAST INSURED?

Thu, 26 May 2005 20:15:24 GMT

Online Legal Research
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
Check Standing of Massachusetts Lawyers
Federal Rules of Evidence
State and Federal Laws
Findlaw
Lawyer's Guide to Investigation on the Internet
Court Web Sites
Legal WebLogs

FEDERAL COURTS:
US FEDERAL COURTS
Federal Court Cases

SUPREME COURT:
US Supreme Court Official Site
Supreme Court Decisions
Supreme Court Search

STATE COURTS:
State Court Cases
State Court Directory
The National Center for State Courts

OTHER MASSACHUSETTS LINKS (NON LEGAL)
Massachusetts Deleading Services

MASSACHUSETTS SHOPPING & SERVICES
Boston Video Production
Boston Web Design
Massachusetts Vinyl Siding
Replacement Windows

Asbestos
Auto Accidents
Aviation Accidents
Birth Injury
Brain Injury
Business Litigation
Cerebral Palsy
Condominium Law
Consumer Protection - M.G.L. 93A
Contract Litigation
Criminal - Drug Possession
Defective Drugs
Dog Bite
DUI / DWI
Employment Law
Estate Planning
Family Law
Fraud / Misrepresentation
Immigration
Insurance Bad Faith Denial
Internet Law
Legal Malpractice
Medical Malpractice
Mesothelioma
Motorcycle Accidents
Nursing Home Abuse
Personal Injury
Purchase & Sale
Railroad Accident
Real Estate
Sexual Harassment
ocial Security Disability

Spine & Spinal Cord Injury
Stock & Broker Fraud Traumatic Brain Injury Truck Accident Trusts Vioxx Welding Fumes Workers Compensation Wrongful Death Wrongful Discharge Zicam

Fri, 13 May 2005 00:37:57 GMT

VIOXX LINKED TO HEART ATTACK AND STROKE

Vioxx, a widely used prescription medicine produced by drug manufacturing giant, Merck & Co., was voluntarily withdrawn on September 30, 2004 due to mounting evidence linking it to increased risk of cardiovascular problems. Following a three-year study involving the drug, researchers concluded that withdrawing Vioxx from the market would be in the best interest of the patients. The drug, a popular pain reliever used worldwide by millions of patients, has also been connected with higher incidences of respiratory and liver and kidney dysfunction.

NEWS: 11-10-04 - BEXTRA MORE THAN DOUBLES RISK OF HEART ATTACK - This week, researchers said a preliminary study indicated that Bextra, a painkiller in the same class as Vioxx, more than doubled the risk of heart attack. Bextra has also been linked to strokes, heart disease, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, exfoliative dermatitis and erythema multiforme. Click Here for more information regarding Bextra.

Vioxx is classified as a COX-2 inhibitor, a type of drug deemed to be safer for the gastrointestinal system than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Unfortunately, the cardiovascular safety of this drug family has come under enormous scrutiny of late. Studies have shown that individuals taking Vioxx have between a 17 and 24 percent increase in heart attack risk compared to individuals taking comparable pain relief drugs on the market.[1]

Vioxx is used extensively for the treatment of many types of pain. While most commonly used to treat arthritis-related pain in its various forms, there are a number of other uses for the drug:

Relief of pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis (arthritis from wear and tear on your bones and your joints)
Relief of pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis in adults (arthritis caused by a condition where your immune system attacks your joints)
Management of short-term pain
Treatment of menstrual pain (pain during women’s monthly periods)
Treatment of migraine headache attacks with or without aura.[2]

Vioxx has been linked to serious cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes. If you or someone you love has been injured as a result of taking the drug Vioxx, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. For a free review of your claim, please fill our Vioxx Free Consultation form. Upon submission, your free consultation form will be sent to the sponsored personal injury lawyer for evaluation. That lawyer will personally evaluate your case, and may contact you to further discuss your situation, and/or attempt to refer you to a qualified lawyer who may be able to assist you. Please be advised that by submitting a free consultation form, you are not entering into an attorney client relationship with the individual firm or lawyer.

[1] www.healthfinder.gov/news/newsstory.asp?docID=518497

[2] Patient Information about Vioxx

Bextra Efoliative Dermatitis

Bextra Erythema Multiforme

Bextra Heart Attack

Bextra Heart Disease

Bextra Stroke

Bextra Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

FDA Vioxx Press Release

FDA: Vioxx Safety

Merck Voluntary Recalls VIOXX

Rofecoxib Recall

Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Vioxx Drug Information

Vioxx has no effect on arteries

Vioxx Q&A

Bextra Efoliative Dermatitis

Bextra Erythema Multiforme

Bextra Heart Attack

Bextra Heart Disease

Bextra Stroke

Bextra Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

FDA Vioxx Press Release

FDA: Vioxx Safety

Merck Voluntary Recalls VIOXX

Rofecoxib Recall

Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Vioxx Drug Information

Vioxx has no effect on arteries

Vioxx Q&A

Bextra Efoliative Dermatitis

Bextra Erythema Multiforme

Bextra Heart Attack

Bextra Heart Disease

Bextra Stroke

Bextra Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

FDA Vioxx Press Release

FDA: Vioxx Safety

Merck Voluntary Recalls VIOXX

Rofecoxib Recall

Stevens Johnson Syndrome

Vioxx Drug Information

Vioxx has no effect on arteries

Vioxx Q&A

Mon, 09 May 2005 20:38:15 GMT

Q.: Where can I find California statutes and laws online?

A.: California Law consists of 29 codes, covering various subject areas, the State Constitution and Statutes. Information presented reflects laws currently in effect. All California Codes have been updated to include the 2003 Statutes.

To display the Table of Contents for a code, click on your area of interest below.

Business and Proffesions Code Code Of Civil Procedure

Corporations Code Civil Code

Commercial Code Education Code

Elections Code Evidence Code

Family Code Financial Code

Fish & Game Code Food and Agricultural Code

Government Code Harbors and Navigation Code

Health & Safety Code Insurance Code

Labor Code Military and Veterans Code

Penal Code Probate Code

Public Contract Code Public Resources Code

Public Utilities Code Revenue and Taxation Code

Streets and Highway Code Unemployment Insurance Code

Vehicle Code Water Code

Welfare and Institutions Code

Mon, 09 May 2005 15:41:34 GMT

Case Specific Resources and Free Legal Consultations

Black=Free Legal Consultation
Red=Government, Medical Website or Third Party Sources

Acquired Brain Injury Free Attorney Consultation- brain condition that occurs due to prolonged contact or intake of toxic substances.
- (ABI) Acquired Brain Injury
- (TBI) Traumatic Brain Injury
- Head Injury- Workplace or Slip and Fall Related
- Government Site Dedicated to the assitance and rehibalitation of ABI victims
Airplane Accidents Free Attorney Consultation- in the United States alone over 200 people die per year in airplane crashes.
- Airline Safty Neglect
- Airplane Crash Fatalities
- Airline Related injuries
- See the Airplane Crash Statistics from 1982-2003
Amusement Park Accidents Free Attorney Consultation- in the year 2000 alone over 10,580 injuries that required ER treatment were reported due to mechanical amusement park rides alone.
- Park Product Liability
- Operator Neglect
- Wreckless Endangerment
- See Government Amusement Park Statistics From 2001
Auto Accidents Free Attorney Consultation- In 2002, 42,815 people were killed in the estimated 6,316,000 policereported motor vehicle traffic crashes, 2,926,000 people were injured.
- Car Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- See Government Auto Accident Statistics from 2002 (PDF)
Birth Injury Free Attorney Consultation- "Impairment of the infant’s body function or structure due to adverse influences that occurred at birth." In the year 2002 there were 3,623,893 birth injuries reported."
- Birth Injury / Medical Malpractice
- Erbs Pals / Cerebral Palsy
- Shoulder Dystocia
- See Government Site For Birth Injury Damages and Statistics (pg. 95) (PDF)
Brain Damage Free Attorney Consultation - can be the result of a sudden traumatic experience or can be the result of prolonged exposure to harmful or toxic materials. Also occurs due to a lack of oxygen.
- (ABI)
- (TBI)
- Worplace Injury
- Brain Injury Association of America- Resources and Information On Brain Injury
Car Accidents Free Attorney Consultation- NHTSA estimates that alcohol was involved in 41 percent of fatal crashes and in 6 percent of all crashes in 2002. The 17,419 fatalities in alcohol-related crashes during 2002 represent an average of one alcohol-related fatality every 30 minutes.
- Car Accidents
- Auto Fatalities
- DUI Wrongful Death
- See Government Car Accident Statistics Related to Alcohol (PDF)
Cerebral Palsy Free Attorney Consultation- "a group of disorders that affect a person's ability to move and to maintain balance and posture due to a nonprogressive brain abnormality, which means that it does not get worse over time. However, the exact symptoms can change over a person's lifetime."(CDC)
- Cerebral Palsy
- Birth Injury
- Medical malpractice
- See Government Site for Cerebral Palsy Information Resources and Statistics
Coma Free Attorney Consultation- "A coma is a profound or deep state of unconsciousness. An individual in a state of coma is alive but unable to move or respond to his or her environment. Coma may occur as a complication of an underlying illness, or as a result of injuries, such as head trauma."
- Coma
- Workrelated or Work Place Injury
- Workers Compensation and Disability Benefits
- See Governmnet Coma Information and Resource Page
Construction Accidents Free Attorney Consultation- "You have a right to a safe and healthful workplace. That's why Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, requiring employers to provide workplaces free from serious recognized hazards..."
- Industrial Accidents and Construction Accidents
- Workers Rights
- OSHA Violations
- See Government Site: File a OSHA Violation Complaint
Defective Products Free Attorney Consultation- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has jurisdiction over more than 15,000 kinds of consumer products.
- Defective Products: Cars, Boats, Foods, Medicines and Environmental Products
- Product Liability
- Defective Product Class Actions
- See Government Site for a Database of Defective Products and Recall Products
Elder Abuse Free Attorney Consultation- "Each year hundreds of thousands of older persons are abused, neglected and exploited by family members and others. Many victims are people who are older, frail, and vulnerable and cannot help themselves."
- 551,011 persons, aged 60 and over, experienced abuse, neglect in a one year period.
- Elder Neglect Claims
- Nursing Home Abuse
- See Government Site for Elder Abuse Information and Elder Assistance Resources
Erbs Palsy Free Attorney Consultation- a condition that occurs due to breech births, prolonged births or other situations where the Doctors believe they are required to remove the infant with some measure of force that can lead to Brachial Plexus Injuries.
- Birth Injury / Birth Injury Malpractice
- Erbs Palsy- Brachial Plexus nerve damage
- Cerebral Palsy- lack of oxygen during the birth process
- See Government Site for Erbs Palsy and Research Erbs Palsy Orginizations and Studies
Failure to Diagnose Free Attorney Consultation- delay in the diagnostic process can allow for cancer metastisis, corroded arteries to devolop into a stroke and in serious cases can be the direct cause of a preventable death.
- Failure to Diagnose
- Medical Malpractice
- Wrongful Death Claims
- See The Patients Bill of Rights provided by the American Cancer Society
Fatal Accidents Free Attorney Consultation- in the year 2002 alone there were 5524 workplace fatalities reported to the Government. From 1992 to 2002 there were 67,363 work related deaths reported to the government.
- Fatal Accidents: All Industries
- Car Accident Deaths
- Medical Malpractic
- See Government Site Fatality Statistics from ever business sector from 1992-2002
Head Injury Free Attorney Consultation- "A blow or jolt to the head can disrupt the normal function of the brain. Doctors often call this type of brain injury a 'concussion' or a 'closed head injury.' Doctors may describe these injuries as “mild” because concussions are usually not life threatening. Even so, the effects of a concussion can be serious."
- Head Injuries: TBI ABI
- Shaken Baby Syndrome
- Workplace or Construction Realted Accident
- See Government Site for Infomation, Resources and Symptoms of Head Injuries
Medical Malpractice / Medical Error- "A recent report by the Institute of Medicine estimates that as many as 44,000 to 98,000 people die in U.S. hospitals each year as the result of medical errors. This means that more people die from medical errors than from motor vehicle accidents, breast cancer, or AIDS."
- See Government Site for Medical Malpractice Statistics and Information
Mesothelioma Free Attorney Consultation- "Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles."
- Mesothelioma
- Workplace Injury with a Focus on Asbestos Inhalation
- Mesothelioma: High Risk Professions and Products
- See Government Site for Mesothelioma Resources and Information
Motorcycle Accident Free Attorney Consultation- "In 2001, 3,181 motorcyclists were killed and an additional 60,000 were, injured in traffic crashes in the United States..."
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Motorvehicle Related Accidents and Fatalities
- Helmet Laws Enforced in 20 States
- See Government Site for Motorcycle Accident Statistics: Injuries, Deaths per number of Rider.
Negligent Security Cases Free Attorney Consultation- When a known unsafe condition is not addressed and is allowed to persist, putting consumers, neighbors and workers in harms way damages thousands of people each year.
- Negligent Securities
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Workers Compensation and Lost Wage Restitution
- See Government Site for Workplace Negligent Securites Information and Resources
Nursing Home Abuse Free Attorney Consultation- "About 1.6 million elderly and disabled Americans receive care in nearly 17,000 nursing homes...states have the primary responsibility for conducting on-site inspections and recommending sanctions against nursing homes that violate health and safety requirements."
- Nursing home Abuse
- Elderly Neglect
- Medical Malpractice / Geriatric Health Care
- See Government Site for Nursing Home Abuse Press Release and Resources
Paralysis Free Attorney Consultation- "Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when a traumatic event results in damage to cells within the spinal cord or severs the nerve tracts that relay signals up and down the spinal cord."
- Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
- Workplace Injury
- Types of Common Spine Injuries Covered: contusion, compression, laceration and central cord syndrome.
- Spinal Cord Injury Information: Quick Reference (PDF)
Paraplegia Free Attorney Consultation- is commonly defined as paralysis of both legs and the lower part of the body. Aprox. 31% of people lose their job due to their injury and the first year costs due to a change in life style can be a heavy burden (See Spinal Cord Infomation Above)
- Paralysis / Paraplegia / Quadriplegia
- Auto Accident Related Paraplegia and Workplace / Work related Paraplegia Claims
- See Government Site Spinal Cord Injury Information and Resources
- Government Site: Resource: Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Information
Product Liability Free Attorney Consultation- to provide better service in alerting the American people to unsafe, hazardous or defective products, six federal agencies with vastly different jurisdictions have joined together to create www.recalls.gov.
- Product Liability
- Defective Products
- Wrongful Death Claims / Cases Due to Product Liability and Company Negligence
- See Government Site and Search for Defective Products by Company
Quadriplegia Free Attorney Consultation- Paralysis from the neck down, including the trunk and both legs and arms, this is both a devistating and costly accident. See the links provided below for Information and Resources of the link above for a free Consultation from a lawyer.
- Spinal Cord Injury: Quadriplegia
- Workplace Injury: OSHA Violations
- Christopher Reeves and Dana Reeves Paralysis Resource Center
- See Government Site Spinal Cord Injury Information
Railroad Accidents Free Attorney Consultation- From Jan-Dec of 2002 12,047 casulties were reproted to the Federal Railroad Administration's Office of Safety and 540 non rider/ tresspasser fatalities were reported as well.
- Train Wrecks
- Derailment Accidents
- Highway Crossing Accidents
- See Government Site Railroad Saftey and Railroad Accident Facts / Statistics
Rhabdomyolysis Free Attorney Consultation- Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of muscle fibers resulting in the release of muscle fiber contents into the circulation. Some of these are toxic to the kidney and frequenty result in kidney damage.
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Workplace Injuries
- Symptoms- Abnormal urine color, Muscle tenderness, Weakness of the affected muscle, Generalized weakness, Muscle stiffness or aching.
- See Government Site for Rhabdomolysis Information, Resources and Orginizations
Silicosis Free Attorney Consultation- "Silicosis is a disabling, nonreversible and sometimes fatal lung disease caused by overexposure to respirable crystalline silica. Silica is the second most common mineral in the earth's crust."
- Silicosis
- Workplace Accident / Work related Injury
- Silica Inhalation in Construction and Industrial Atmospheres
- See Government Site For Information and Prevention Of Silicosis
- OSHA Silicosis Prevention and Information
Slip and Fall Free Attorney Consultation- "More than a million people suffer from a slip, trip or falling injury each year; over 11,000 die as a result of falls alone."
- There are an estimated 300,000 disabling injuries each year in the American work force, resulting in 1,400 worker deaths.
- Slips, trips and falls account for 15 to 20 percent of all workers' compensation costs.
- See Government Site for Slip and Fall Prevention with the Elderly
- See Government Site for Slip and Fall Article
Spinal Cord Injury Free Attorney Consultation- "The Spinal Cord is a complex organ containing nerve cells, supporting cells, and nerve fibers to and from the brain. The spinal cord is arranged in segments, with higher segments controlling movement and sensation in upper parts of the body and lower segments controlling the lower parts of the body."
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Work Related / Work Place Spinal Cord Injuries are more prevalent in Adults
- Sports Related Spinal Cord damage is more prevalent in children and teenages
- See Government Site for New Research On Spinal Cord Injury Treatment
Swimming Pool Accident Free Attorney Consultation- "In 2000, there were 3,482 unintentional drownings in the United States, an average of nine people per day. This does not include those who drowned in boating-related incidents."
- Swimming Pool Accidents
- Negligent Swimming Pool Precautions
- Wrongful Death due to Swimming Pools
- See Government Site for Swimming Pool Information, Facts and Statistics
Taxi Accidents Free Attorney Consultation- "In 1993, the risk for taxicab drivers was 1,658 fatalities per million employees, the highest among all transportation occupations."
- Taxi Cab Accidents: Workers Compensation / Work realted Accident
- Taxi Cab Collisions / Taxi Cab Injury Victims
- "The risk of being killed while working in a transportation occupation is more than five times the average for all occupations"
- See Government Site For Transportation Information and Taxi Cab Statistics
Thorium Exposure Free Attorney Consultation- "Inhaling thorium dust causes an increased risk of developing lung cancer, and cancer of the pancreas; bone cancer risk is also increased because thorium may be stored in bone."
- Thorium Exposure
- Work Place Injury
- Home Owner Risk / Unlawful Dumping or Midnight Dumping
- See Government Site for Thorium Information, Facts and Resources
Train Accident Free Attorney Consultation- the United States has 194,731 km mainline railroad routes.
- Train Wreck
- Railroad Negligence
- Wreckless Endangerment and Product Liabilities
- See Government Site: View All Transportation Fatalties By Mode From 1960-2001
Truck Accident Free Attorney Consultation- "In 2002, 434,000 large trucks were involved in traffic crashes in the United States; 4,542 were involved in fatal crashes. A total of 4,897 people died (11 percent of all the traffic fatalities reported in 2002)"
- Large Truck Accidents / Small Truck Accidents
- Workers Compensation
- Fatal Accidents
- See Government Site For Truck Accident Information and Safety Statistics
Welding Rod Injury Free Attorney Consultation- welding rods have been linked to Parkinsons disease. The cause of this disease is the manganese in the welding rod that enters the air in the form of fumes when the rod is melted in the welding process. The manganese fumes harm the part of the brain that produces dopamine.
- See Medical Study On the Realtionship between Parkinson's and Welding Rods (PDF)
Whistle Blower Free Attorney Consultation- "OSH Act, employees who believe that their employer has discriminated or retaliated against them for raising or reporting safety or health concerns may file a complaint with OSHA."
- Whistleblower Protection Rights
- Workers Comensation
- OSHA Violations
- See Government Site Regarding Whistleblower Protection and Employee Rights
Workplace Accidents Free Attorney Consultation- the OSHA provides a list of many of the Fatal workplace accidents that all to commonly occur. The list also comes with a set of provisions as to how employers can make a safer work environment.
- Workplace Accident
- OSHA Employee Rights
- Negligent Employer/Unsafe working Conditions
- See Government Site: Workplace Injuries and Fatal Accidents: Types and Prevention Methods
Wrongful Death Free Attorney Consultation- accidental injury that leads to mortality is the number 5 killer in America. In the year 2002 85,964 people were victims of a wrongful/accidental death.
- Wrongful Death
- Product Liability
- Medical Malpractice
- See Government Site Wrongful Death Statistics, Mortality Information by Race
Zicam Free Attorney Consultation- Zicam has been reported to cause extreme pain and even possibly causing loss of taste or smell for the user.
- Zicam
- Product Liability
- Defective Products
- Negligent / Unethical Buisness Practice