Blog: Mass Torts

Factors to Consider when Hiring a Pennsylvania Mesothelioma Attorney

Feb 10, 2016

Mesothelioma cases are complex from both a medial and legal standpoint. Many of the complexities arise from the fact that multiple asbestos manufacturers are often involved, and exposure often occurred decades before the onset of symptoms. The legal process requires thorough investigation in order to obtain justice and compensation in a timely fashion. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can identify all liable parties and pursue every detail of the case to maximize a family’s recovery. How can...

The Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease

Feb 8, 2016

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that involves the gradual loss of kidney function. Many kidney specialists use a system involving stages to describe patients’ symptoms as the disease progresses, according to the National Kidney Center. Stage 1 90% Kidney Function Most people do not know they have stage 1 CKD, as they may not experience any symptoms. However, factors such as abnormally high levels of creatinine or urea in the blood, blood in the urine...

Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease

Feb 2, 2016

More than 10 percent of adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease (CKD), which involves the gradual loss of kidney function. That’s more than 20 million people with varying stages of the disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are numerous risk factors and causes of chronic kidney disease, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Approximately one in three adults with diabetes has CKD as well as one...

Power Morcellator Litigation: A Closer Look at Putting Women at Risk

Feb 1, 2016

46. The number of cases currently pending in In re Ethicon, Inc. Powel Morcellator Products Liability Litigation (MDL 2652) pending in the District of Kansas (D. Kan. No. 15-md-2652-KHV). 1 in 352. 1 in 368. 1 in 278. These figures represent estimates of the number of women who are at risk of having a deadly cancer spread when undergoing routine gynecological surgeries with a power morcellator. Generally speaking, this is a very high risk, especially considering we are dealing with an...

Proton Pump Inhibitors Linked to Adverse Effects, May be Overprescribed

Jan 27, 2016

More than 15 million Americans used proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as Prevacid, Prilosec and Nexium in 2013 to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), ulcers, and other stomach acid-related issues. However, a serious and life-threatening side effect was recently associated with PPIs, which are among the most commonly used drugs in the world. An analysis of medical records from more than 250,000 patients linked PPI use to a 20 to 50 percent greater risk of developing...

Chronic Kidney Disease and Acid Reflux Medication

Jan 25, 2016

Chronic kidney disease is a condition that worsens over the course of months or years as a person’s kidneys lose their ability to function properly. People with chronic kidney disease may not have noticeable symptoms until kidney function has greatly declined, according to an article by Medline Plus. Symptoms of advanced kidney damage may include: Bone pain Changes in skin color Bad breath Blood in the stoo Difficulty concentrating Drowsiness and/or sleep problems Easy bruising Excessive thirst Fluid retention and swelling of extremities Frequent hiccups Loss of...

Jan 22, 2016

A widely used class of stomach acid drugs called “Proton pump inhibitors” (PPIs) have been associated with an increased risk for chronic kidney disease, according to two population-based analyses published in JAMA Internal Medicine in January 2016. An estimated 15 million Americans take PPI drugs, which reduce the production of acid made by the stomach glands. These drugs are typically taken to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic or stomach ulcers, and damage to the lower...

Filing an Asbestos Lawsuit in Pennsylvania

Jan 19, 2016

Asbestos is a naturally mined mineral used for a multitude of industrial, commercial and residential purposes related to heat resistance and insulation for nearly 100 years. When airborne asbestos fibers reach a person’s lungs, they can cause scarring, fibrosis, and lung restriction and impairment. These fibers can result in the development of cancers including mesothelioma, which is virtually always fatal regardless of treatment. Overwhelming evidence shows that asbestos suppliers knew about the potentially deadly effects of...

Could Your Shoulder Pain Be A Vaccine Injury?

Dec 23, 2015

What may begin as shoulder pain after a vaccination could develop into a potentially permanent medical problem. Below are some of the rare shoulder injuries that can result as an adverse reaction to a vaccine. Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration After a vaccination, some people have suffered what is called Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA), which is an injury to the musculoskeletal structures of the shoulder including the ligaments, tendons and bursa. The condition...

Four Important Questions about Mesothelioma Lawsuits

Dec 2, 2015

A mesothelioma diagnosis is devastating. Victims and their families dealing with this situation may feel powerless, but they can get assistance and take action in order to obtain justice and much needed compensation. Below is a breakdown of the lawsuit process and common questions about filing a claim. Who Can File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit? Mesothelioma sufferers and their family may be able to file a mesothelioma lawsuit to seek damages such as lost wages, medical expenses and pain...