DeVaughn James Injury Lawyers along with other national leaders in the mass tort and/or harmful product industry are investigating the following cases. We would be honored to talk to you or a loved one about these injuries and see how we can help with our No Fee Guarantee!
Dangerous Drugs
Physiomesh – Physiomesh is a flexible mesh that is coated on both sides. The coating is supposed to prevent exposure of bowels to the polypropylene. Polypropylene mesh is intended to reinforce the abdominal wall. This is supposed to prevent future hernias from happening. Physiomesh has been linked sepsis, organ perforation, mesh migration, and even death.
Hernia mesh surgery – This surgery is linked to evoked mesh products which were reported to the FDA and are no longer on the market. Hernia mesh used in surgical procedures to repair hernias. Complications such as pain, infection, obstruction, adhesion and perforation have been some of many complications and side effects.
Zimmer Persona knee – This device is used for total knee replacements. The device can become loose and cause many complications that sometimes require corrective surgery.
Invokana – A popular drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, Invokana, has been shown to cause an increase in the production of ketones, and continued use may result in kidney failure. Symptoms of high ketones include difficulty breathing, nausea, and vomiting.
Risperdal – Used to treat children and young adults with mental health issues, this drug has been associated with weight gain and the growth of gynecomastia in boys or young men. The drug was mainly advertised to doctors by its manufacturer, Johnson & Johnson, for prescription to children with mental disorders.
Zofran – Intended to treat nausea after cancer treatment, Zofran has been shown to cause birth defects in infants when taken by their mothers during pregnancy. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), the drug’s creator, was found to have unlawfully promoted the drug despite the fact that the FDA had not approved it to treat morning sickness during pregnancy.
Abilify – The antidepressant or antipsychotic drug Abilify has been connected to the development of impulse control problems such as, uncontrollable gambling, uncontrollable shopping, hyper sexuality and other compulsive behaviors.
Viagra – This drug, used to treat erectile dysfunction, has been reported as a possible cause for the most aggressive form of skin cancer known as melanoma. Men who have taken the drug are at an 84 percent greater risk to develop this serious skin disease.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy – A number of testosterone therapy products have been researched and linked to an increased chance of life-threatening medical conditions in men who use the products for a few years. These conditions include heart attack, stroke, blood clots or death.
Taxotere permanent hair loss – Taxotere (docetaxel) is a popular chemotherapy drug. This is the most prescribed drug in its class approved in the treatment of breast cancer. Taxotere has been linked to permanent and incurable alopecia, causing depression and decreasing quality of life.
Talcum Powder and Ovarian cancer – Talcum powder is comprised of minerals including magnesium, oxygen and silicon. The powder is pulverized and used as a personal hygiene product to absorb moisture. Over 2,200 cases of ovarian cancer have been linked to consistent use of talcum powder. When applied to the genital area on a regular basis, a woman’s risk for ovarian cancer increases. Recently, a jury found that Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of talcum powder, was aware the risks connected with use of the product and failed to give warning to consumers.
Antidepressant birth defects – Often prescribed during pregnancy, antidepressant drugs have been connected to the development of cleft palate, persistent pulmonary hypertension, spina bifidia, skull defects, club feet, holes in the heart and sometimes fatal birth defects in newborns.
Prilosec – Nexium – Heartburn drugs – This medication slows the stomachs production of acid, reducing symptoms of heartburn. This helps prevent and treat Gastroesophageal and peptic ulcer disease. Researched believe this drug is linked to kidney disease, intestinal infections, low magnesium levels, bone fractures, and dementia.
Byetta, Januvia, Onglyza, Janumet, and Victoza – Used to treat type 2 diabetes, these drugs are from a class known as incretin mimetics. Studies have linked these drugs to an increased risk of thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer and acute pancreatitis.
Kombiglyze XR – Research shows that consumers who have taken Kombiglyze XR for type 2 diabetes are at an increased risk for heart failure and pancreatitis.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome – An allergic reaction to a certain medication that can lead to severe peeling, open sores and blistering. If this syndrome is not diagnosed in time it can be life threatening. In later stages becomes Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (Ten) a very serious and potentially life- threatening disease.
Benzene and acute myeloid leukemia (AML)– Benzene, is a chemical compound that can be found in vehicle emissions, cigarette smoke, oil, and gasoline. Also, is used in to manufacture dyes, pesticides, detergent, synthetic fibers and plastic and many other chemicals. Benzene can be found anywhere. Outside, workplace, in your home if you are exposed to tobacco smoke and even in your soft drinks. This chemical compound has been linked to serious forms of cancer and other serious health issues.
Endoscope bacterial infections – Used during procedures, doctors insert the scope through the throat and sometimes through the anus to diagnose various diseases. There are microscopic clefts in the design of the scope that allows bacteria to remain even after being disinfected and cleaned and has been linked to superbug (CRE).
Dangerous Devices
Transvaginal Mesh – Used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence, transvaginal mesh is inserted surgically through the vagina. The FDA has reported complications resulting from use of the mesh such as the mesh protruding out of the vaginal tissue and becoming exposed. Side effects include pain, organ perforation, and urinary problems.
Metal-on-Metal Hip Replacements – Designed to last at least 20 years, these implants have had high failure rates, often malfunctioning within 5 years. The FDA has ordered a review on all metal-on-metal implants. The issues with the devices include fractures, infections, dislocation, inflammation, loosening, and revision surgeries.
Mirena (IUD) – A device inserted into the uterus, Mirena was manufactured to provide birth control for up to 5 years, and was later approved as treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding. This drug has been linked to serious adverse side effects and life-threatening complications including migration of the IUD outside of the uterus, expulsion of the IUD, organ perforation, and permanent infertility.
Power Morcellator – This device, often used to perform hysterectomies, has been linked to the development or expansion of uterine cancer in women. The FDA has issued its most serious warning, a black box warning, for the morcellator, indicating an increased probability of life-threatening side effects or death. Johnson & Johnson, the morcellator’s largest manufacturer, has not only ceased selling the device, but has asked for the immediate return of any devices already distributed.
3m Bair Hugger – Generally utilized during surgery, the Bair Hugger is a blanket used to regulate a patient’s circulation. However, studies have indicated that use of the Bair Hugger may significantly increase a patient's risk of infection after surgery.
Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) Filters – Used as a substitution for blood thinners, these devices are inserted through the vena cava vein in an attempt to prevent clotting in the blood. The FDA has received over 1,000 negative reports associated with IVC filters. Studies have shown that IVC filter complications may include device migration, filter fracture, perforation of the inferior vena cava vein, serious bleeding, or in some cases, death.
Essure – This medical device implanted in the fallopian tubes, was intended to function as permanent birth control. Harmful effects include perforation, allergic reaction, infection, and movement and embedment of the device in other organs. Drastic remedies include removal surgeries or hysterectomies.
Exploding e-cigarettes – The batteries can overheat and explode causing severe burns, permanent injuries and even blindness.
Other Mass Torts
Mesothelioma – A fatal form of cancer known to be caused by exposure to Asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral commonly used in manufacturing, is often inhaled unknowingly, and its effects may lie dormant for many years. Exposure to asbestos, can cause a variety of negative side effects and diseases, the most serious of which is mesothelioma. The only known cause of this very serious form of cancer is inhalation of asbestos.
Whistleblower Claims – Under state and federal False Claims Acts, an individual who possesses direct knowledge of fraudulent activity may be compensated for ‘blowing the whistle’. An effective claim will require accurate documentation. Compensation may be up to 30% of the amount retrieved by the government.
Antitrust – Antitrust lawsuits help battle the development of monopolies and price-fixing in the marketplace. Monopolies pose a danger to equal competition among businesses, when a single business entity dominates an industry.
Insurance Fraud – Fraud committed by insurance companies generally takes the form of denied benefits to a claimant or misrepresentation of a product. This results in the insurance company saving money at the consumers' expense.
