Seeger Weiss LLP Blog » Seeger Weiss News

Gronkowski Expected to Use Toradol in Super Bowl

Jocelyn — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:48:54 +0000

With Super Bowl XLVI around the corner, sports pages are abuzz with predictions for both contenders. One topic on many fans’ minds specifically, is the fate of New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. After sustaining a high ankle injury during last Sunday’s AFC Championship Game, Gronkowski will almost certainly not be playing at his best this Sunday, doctors and players who have dealt with the injury in the past say. Doctors also expect that Gronkowski will be given the drug Toradol to manage the pain. However, even with the help of the anti-inflammatory, many in the league still have reservations about the effectiveness of Gronkowski’s playing and the long-term damage the big game could do to his ligaments. The Boston Herald reports, ”‘It’s not a miracle drug,’ said former Patriots fullback Heath Evans, who indicated he used Toradol for neck trouble last season. ‘It’s not, “Oh I can’t play, and now I can.” This is just something that takes the edge off. That’s it.’”

The article also notes that the NFL has recently come under scrutiny for its excessive use of Toradol. While the drug helps to numb pain, it also makes it harder for players to recognize injuries – a side effect especially dangerous in a contact sport as rough as football. At least part of the heat on the NFL has come from Seeger Weiss LLP. In December, the law firm used its expertise in drug injury to file a lawsuit against the NFL on behalf of 11 former professional players, who say they have suffered brain damage after being given Toradol to treat concussions. Those who have been harmed after receiving Toradol for a sports injury can contact Seeger Weiss LLP by phone or online. The firm’s drug injury lawyers will review any claim for free.

FDA Issues Another Warning to DePuy

Jocelyn — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:58:11 +0000

In a warning letter published last week, the Food and Drug Administration announced that fourteen types of devices sold by DePuy Orthopaedics Inc. lacked necessary approval. The letter, sent by Steven D. Silverman, director of the office of compliance, was the result of a near month-long inspection of the Warsaw, Indiana-based company. The inspection also found that DePuy’s quality system did not comply with FDA requirements.

DePuy Orthopaedics Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, has been the subject of significant FDA attention in the past. In 2010, the FDA released another warning letter regarding the manufacturer’s defective hip replacements, the ASR Hip Resurfacing System and the ASR XL Acetabular Cups System. These “metal on metal” hip replacements released dangerous metal shavings in patients, often leading to debilitating pain and other health complications. DePuy recalled the hip implants in 2010, and since then, Seeger Weiss LLP has been working with victims to restore their health and recover compensation for their suffering. If you have been affected by the DePuy ASR hip replacement recall, contact Seeger Weiss today. One of our experienced attorneys will review your case for free.

Couple Sues J&J Over Death of 2-year-old Son

Jocelyn — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:37:51 +0000

Last week, the Washington Post reported the story of a Washington state couple suing Tylenol manufacturers, Johnson & Johnson. According to the Post, Daniel and Katy Moore claim that their 2-year-old son River Moore died as a result of consuming a Children’s Tylenol product. The specific package in question had been recalled due to high levels of the active ingredient acetaminophen. Shortly after taking the over-the-counter medication for a slight fever, the young boy died of liver failure, a known effect of an acetaminophen overdose. “The lawsuit, filed…in Philadelphia’s Court of Common Pleas, accuses Johnson & Johnson of recklessness, negligence, breach of warranty, infliction of emotional distress, conspiracy and other offenses,” the story explains.

The article also notes that Johnson & Johnson’s 2009 recall of the product at the center of this lawsuit is “part of the company’s continuing string of recalls of drugs and medical devices.” In fact, the drug injury practice of Seeger Weiss LLP is currently investigating complaints of liver damage at the hands of Tylenol. If you or someone you know has suffered liver damage as a result of taking Tylenol, let Seeger Weiss help you seek justice. Our experienced drug injury attorneys have won billions of dollars for our clients and will review your Tylenol liver damage case for free.

TIME Weighs in on NFL Concussion Policies

Jocelyn — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 20:05:48 +0000

In a recent piece in TIME, sports columnist Sean Gregory examines the National Football League‘s policies regarding on-field injuries. As Gregory notes, in response to the widely publicized injury of Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy, the NFL has recently refined its rules on concussions, now requiring an independent trainer to be present at all games. But according to Gregory, this effort isn’t enough to keep players safe. He suggests that the League should place a neurologist in the press box along with the trainer, to ensure that someone with a specialty in concussions is present.

Even prior to the helmet-on-helmet hit involving Colt McCoy, Seeger Weiss LLP has been putting significant pressure on the NFL to improve its treatment of players’ concussions. In early December, the experienced drug injury and medical malpractice attorneys of Seeger Weiss filed a lawsuit against the League on behalf of 11 former players. These athletes now suffer from a host of ailments due to the League’s repeated mistreatment and neglect of concussions.

If you have suffered from a sports related injury or have experienced any of the adverse effects of Toradol, a drug administered by the NFL that is known to decrease the warning signs of a concussion, contact Seeger Weiss today. Our drug injury and medical malpractice attorneys will review your case for free.

Seeger Weiss Announces $800 Million Settlement for Victims of Toxic Drywall

Jocelyn — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:50:12 +0000

The Honorable Judge Eldon E. Fallon of the U.S. Eastern District Court, New Orleans, Louisiana, announced on Friday that Seeger Weiss LLP and the other members of the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee, along with defendant Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin (KPT) had proposed a settlement in the toxic Chinese drywall case affecting thousands of American families. The victims in the case, who own close to 5,000 properties, alleged that German manufacturer Knauf sold defective drywall that was installed in their homes. The toxic ingredients in the faulty imported products caused the plaintiffs a host of problems, ranging from the corrosion of plumbing and electrical systems to respiratory problems and other physical injuries. The final settlement, which will cover remediation of the affected properties and claims of personal injury and equity loss, is expected to be between $800 million and $1 billion. Read more about the groundbreaking settlement.

For Seeger Weiss LLP, the victory is one of many in a long and complicated battle against Knauf on behalf of several homeowners who have fallen victim to the manufacturer’s defective product. In 2009, founding partner Christopher Seeger along with Stephen J. Herman of Herman, Herman, Katz & Cotlar became the first to take KPT, a division of Knauf, to trial. In the bellwether verdict, the plaintiffs were awarded $164,049. Since then, Mr. Seeger has gone on to win close to $3 million for other victims of the toxic drywall.

Seeger Weiss continues to investigate toxic Chinese drywall claims. Our defective products practice has the expertise and the track record you need to settle your claims. Learn more about our Chinese drywall investigation here.

NFL Concussion Controversy Continues

Jocelyn — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:11:48 +0000

Football fans across the nation are weighing in on the National Football League‘s medical practices since Colt McCoy of the Cleveland Browns was permitted to continue playing after enduring a helmet-on-helmet hit last week. McCoy was back in last Thursday’s game a mere two plays after colliding with linebacker James Harrison of the Pittsburgh Steelers; and by the end of the fourth quarter, McCoy was experiencing classic concussion symptoms, including memory problems and sensitivity to light. It has since been revealed that the medical staff of the Cleveland Browns did not conduct a concussion test immediately following the tackle.

This controversial story comes just a few days after Seeger Weiss LLP filed a lawsuit on behalf of 11 former NFL players who say they were given Toradol, a drug that minimized the warning signs of concussions. Many of these players continue to experience symptoms ranging from depression to frequent headaches. If you have been harmed by Toradol or another drug, our experienced drug injury and personal injury lawyers might be able to help you seek retribution. Our attorneys practice in a number of states across the country, and Seeger Weiss LLP was recently named to the top tier of New York City Mass Tort and Class Action firms by U.S. News and World Report.

Click here to learn more about our lawsuit against the NFL.

Click here to learn more about our drug injury practice.

Seeger Weiss Represents Former NFL Players in Concussion Suit

Jocelyn — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:30:27 +0000

Seeger Weiss LLP is currently representing a group of eleven former professional football players in a lawsuit against the National Football League. The players - Joe Horn, Chris Walsh, Jim Finn, Scott Dragos, Jerome Pathon, Isaiah Kacyvenski, Brad Scioli, Matt Joyce, Sean Ryan, Paul Zukauskas and Sean Berton - allege that the NFL failed to take necessary steps to protect them from long-term brain injuries in the face of overwhelming medical evidence that on-field concussions lead directly to such injuries. The suit also contends that NFL officials – including the League’s own medical committee – repeatedly concealed from players risks associated with concussions and also dangerous side effects of medication administered by NFL personnel.

An important new element to the lawsuit is its focus on a potent anti-inflammatory medication called Toradol. Players allege that they were repeatedly administered the drug, often just prior to games, to reduce on-field pain, a practice that is reportedly still widely condoned by NFL teams today. Medical experts have found that Toradol – manufactured by Roche – can mask symptoms of head injury while inducing greater cerebral bleeding, greatly increasing the risk of long-term brain damage.

“The use of pain reducing, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Toradol in professional sports is a dangerous practice potentiating greater injury and long-term damage to players,” said Christopher Seeger, founding partner of Seeger Weiss LLP. “This is especially relevant in the case of concussions in the NFL due to the extreme high- impact forces incurred, the highly competitive nature of the players, the environment that fosters post-injury play and the importance of the brain to human function.”

In addition to Mr. Seeger, the players are represented by Marc Albert of the Law Offices of Marc S. Albert, as well as James Cecchi of the New Jersey firm of Carella, Byrne, Cecchi, Olstein, Brody & Agnello, P.C.

Click here to read more about this ground-breaking case, or visit Seeger Weiss’ website for more information about this acclaimed national plaintiffs’ firm.

Bloomberg: 10,000 Actos Cancer Claims in U.S.

Jocelyn — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:35:56 +0000

A major report published by Bloomberg Businessweek today found that Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturers of the drug Actos, could face as many as 10,000 drug injury lawsuits in the United States. The claimants allege that the diabetes medication caused them to develop bladder cancer. In fact, the number of drug injury suits involving Actos being brought to court has become so massive that a group of judges is being polled to decide whether or not to consolidate the litigation. Learn more about the link between Actos and bladder cancer.

In a legal environment like this one, victims of Actos drug injury need an experienced and dedicated law firm in their corners in order to ensure their claims receive the attention they deserve. If you or someone you know has suffered complications as a result of taking Actos, contact Seeger Weiss LLP today. An attorney with our award-winning drug injury class action practice will assist you in evaluating your claim. Attorney consultations incur no obligation on your part and all initial consultations are free of charge. Seeger Weiss LLP has office locations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and California.

Fosamax Lawsuits On the Rise, Drug Injury Experts Warn of Fractures

Jocelyn — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:45:18 +0000

As lawsuits against Fosamax manufacturer, Merck & Co. emerge around the country, drug injury experts are warning patients and doctors about the drug’s harmful side effects. Most notably, the medication, which is indicated to strengthen the bones of those at risk for osteoporosis, has actually been said to make bones weaker, causing an array of unusual problems. Because of such claims, the FDA is expected to publish official warnings about Fosamax later this month. Sheryl Vondracek, an associate professor at the University of Colorado’s Department of Clinical Pharmacy cited in this article, notes that “osteoporosis of the jaw…has been reported with longer term use and atypical fractures, which are fractures of the femur, or thigh bone.”

The experienced drug injury attorneys of Seeger Weiss are actively investigating the claims of those who have been harmed by Fosamax. Click here to visit our Fosamax page.

Drug Injury Claims Cause Actos Sales to Plunge

Jocelyn — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:29:19 +0000

Reports surfaced early today that profits for Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. have substantially declined. One factor that several news sources, including Bloomberg Businessweek, have attributed to the company’s losses is the controversy surrounding its top-selling drug, Actos. Calls for the FDA to release cautionary warnings for the diabetes medication began to emerge after it was linked to an increased risk of bladder cancer. Takeda projects that its net income will plunge by over 30 percent over the course of the next four months.

Seeger Weiss’ highly experienced drug injury practice is closely monitoring reports of bladder cancer associated with Actos. To learn more, visit our Actos investigation page.