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Overview Catastrophic Injury/Motor Vehicle Accidents Millions of Americans are injured every year, which for many leads to disability, chronic pain, a profound change in lifestyle and, in some cases, death. An estimated, 1.5 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury each year, most often from motor vehicle accidents and falls. Motor vehicle accidents account for more deaths than all natural disasters combined. Although early symptoms may appear mild, many injuries can lead to significant suffering and permanent impairment, affecting an individual's ability to function cognitively, physically and psychologically. Dental Implant Injury Although implant dentistry has become widely accepted to restore esthetics and function of teeth, it is not without risks. One serious complication that can occur is alteration of sensation due to nerve injury. Some reports place this occurrence as high as 13%. For dental practitioners, thorough understanding of anatomy, surgical procedures, and implant systems along with proper planning of treatment are essential to reduce this complication. Fen-phen/Redux Fenfluramine (Pondimin©) and Dexfenfluramine (Redux©) were popular weight loss drugs in the mid-1990s. They were taken off the market in 1997. An FDA investigation supported by a Mayo Clinic Study suggested that one-third of users of the medication developed serious heart valve damage often requiring cardiac surgery. They have also been associated with pulmonary hypertension, a life threatening disease involving the progressive narrowing of blood vessels in the lungs. It is characterized by progressive shortness of breath, and is incurable. Food Poisoning Food poisoning is a common, yet distressing and sometimes life-threatening problem for millions of people in the U.S., and throughout the world. People infected with foodborne organisms may be symptom-free or may have symptoms ranging from mild intestinal discomfort to severe dehydration and bloody diarrhea. Depending on the type of infection, people can even die as a result of food poisoning. More than 250 different diseases can cause food poisoning. Some of the most common diseases are infections caused by bacteria, such as Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli and Listeria. Symptoms include Diarrhea (sometimes bloody), Nausea and vomiting, Abdominal pain and/or cramping, Malaise (general uneasiness), and sometimes death. Medical Malpractice The rise and dominance of managed care corporations has eroded the quality of health care for many Americans. Treatment decisions made by these corporations, rather than doctors, have resulted in unnecessary and avoidable death and suffering. Gianni ♦ Petoyan has won substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients against doctors, nurses and hospitals for medical negligence. Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a cancer that can take up to 50 years to manifest. The only confirmed cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. It is common among people who work in asbestos mines or with asbestos products, which were used in the construction of ships and buildings in the 1940s through the 1970s. It is usually fatal. The average life expectancy after a mesothelioma diagnosis is about 18 months. Nursing Home Neglect/Elder Abuse Americans are living longer than ever before. The fastest growing population segment in the United States is the elderly. As a result of this demographic shift, many elderly Americans have become residents of nursing homes during their final years. There are no clients more vulnerable to abuse than those who are patients in nursing homes. When nursing homes put profits before patients, the results can be tragic. Gianni ♦ Petoyan considers the special needs of these clients when litigating cases against nursing homes for needless injury and suffering due to neglect. Overtime Pay Litigation Many employees are denied overtime pay by employers who simply don't want to pay. These employees are either misclassified as exempt from overtime, or simply told not to submit more than 40 hours per week--even if they are expected to work extra hours. An employee paid a weekly, bi-weekly and/or monthly salary may still be entitled to overtime pay. Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Litigation Drug companies have been putting profits before patient safety by failing to adequately test new drugs and warn of serious side effects. Gianni ♦ Petoyan is a recognized leader in drug and medical device litigation including review and analysis of clinical trials and company documents as well as the deposition of company scientists and litigation experts. Roundup Wee Killer On August 11, 2018, a San Francisco jury found Roundup, the most popular weed killer in the world, gave a former school groundskeeper terminal cancer, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), and awarded him $289 million in damages, including punitive damages to punish the agricultural company Monsanto. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in cells that are part of the body’s immune system. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma starts in the white blood cells or lymphocytes and usually affects the lymph nodes and the skin. It can spread anywhere lymph tissue is found, including the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, thymus, adenoids, tonsils and digestive tract. Glyphosate is the ingredient in Roundup responsible for this cancer. CNN reported last year that more than 800 patients were suing Monsanto claiming Roundup gave them cancer. Since then, hundreds more plaintiffs -- including cancer patients, their spouses or their estates -- have also sued Monsanto, making similar claims. After three days of deliberations the jury awarded Johnson $250 million in punitive damages and about $39 million in compensatory damages. Sexual Harassment Employers are now required by law to maintain a workplace that is free of unwanted sexual harassment. Sexual harassment against women is a devaluing and aggressive act that disrupts the personal relationships of the victim and leads to long periods of disconnection and isolation. The emotional injury associated with the experience can include confusion, self-blame, denial, fear, depression and anger. Litigation resulting from these acts can provide compensation for emotional injury, medical treatment and lost wages. SSRI Litigation Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) are a class of compounds typically used as antidepressants in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and some personality disorders. Common medications in this class of drugs include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). SSRIs are classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as potentially causing harm to a developing fetus if it is used during pregnancy. These drugs cross the placenta and have been associated in human studies with congenital malformations in newborns. Talcum Powder and Ovarian Cancer Talcum powder or baby powder, is a common personal hygiene product. Many people use it to absorb moisture and reduce friction and discomfort and generally to stay fresh during a long day. It can be used on any part of the body, but it is regular use in the genital area that may lead to ovarian cancer in women. Evidence is growing that regular, long-term use of talcum powder can lead to an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. There are several examples of women who used it for decades and then were diagnosed with this cancer. Some of those women or their families are filing lawsuits and winning in court, proving that companies like Johnson & Johnson were negligent in failing to warn consumers of the risks. Talc, because it is a natural mineral, often contains traces of other minerals when it is mined. Asbestos is one of these additional minerals. Asbestos is natural, but it is also harmful to human health and is a known carcinogen. Accidentally inhaling, ingesting, or otherwise taking in fibers of asbestos can lead to tissue damage and cancer in some people. Wrongful Termination The law provides powerful protection for employees against retaliation and wrongful termination. It is illegal for an employer to adversely impact a worker due to race, religion, gender, age, national origin, medical condition or because the worker files a worker's compensation claim. Whistle Blower termination is all too common when an employee stands up for what is right. Litigation of these claims can provide for the recovery of lost wages and employment benefits. |
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