Auto Accident

Auto Accident Attorney

Getting into a car accident can be a frightening and devastating experience, especially if you have been injured. Let us help you get the settlement you deserve. We are here to answer your questions, fight for your rights, and help you get the justice you deserve. If you are in need of an auto accident attorney, Don’t wait – Call Us Today.

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Auto Accidents In United States

Auto accidents cause more than two million injuries and over 35,000 deaths every year in the United States. With the cost of medical expenses, loss of wages from inability to work and the price of repairing your damaged car. Motor vehicle accidents can cause a huge upheaval in your life. You may also have to deal with the devastating loss of a loved one, or a tough road forward in the case of significant personal injury. Without the help of an Attorney, someone else’s mistake can put you on the hook for millions of dollars in damages.

Many different terms are commonly used to describe vehicle collisions. Other common terms include auto accident, car accident, car crash, car smash, car wreck, motor vehicle collision (MVC), personal injury collision (PIC), road accident, road traffic accident (RTA), road traffic collision (RTC), and road traffic incident (RTI) as well as more unofficial terms including smash-up, pile-up, and fender bender.

Why You May Need to Hire Auto Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in auto accident, you may need to hire auto accident lawyer. An experienced injury attorney can help you recover losses resulting from a motor vehicle accident and/or reduce the hefty amount of paperwork and hassle often associated with auto accident insurance claims.

Most personal injury claims in the United States are a result of an accident involving a car, truck, or other motor vehicle. Many of these accidents result in minor vehicle damage in the form of a “fender bender,” and can generally be handled alone through direct contact with an insurance company. However, auto accidents that involve physical injury, fatality, or other significant damage may warrant the legal representation of experienced counsel.

An experienced attorney can help you get compensation to cover any losses incurred due to the accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and car repairs. In some states, a car accident lawyer may help you recover when a loved one is killed, especially if reckless driving, speeding, distractions such as mobile phones or drunk-driving was involved.

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When to Hire Auto Accident Lawyer

It is best to hire auto accident attorney early to avoid any costly mistakes. The deadline for filing personal injury claims varies from state to state. Because you may need to pay for medical bills and/or cover lost wages, the sooner you contact an attorney the better. In general, a person should contact an attorney shortly after the accident occurs or within a week or two of the accident. But before reaching a settlement with the insurance company.

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Legal Fees: Overview

Most auto accident cases are handled on a contingency or “no win-no pay” basis. This means that if the attorney does not win or settle the case on your behalf, he or she does not collect a fee. On the other hand, if the attorney wins the case, they will get a percentage of the personal injury award. The attorney’s percentage varies from case to case, but can equal approximately one-third to 40 percent of the total award, with different limits imposed from state to state. It’s important to note that attorney fees are different from costs, and you may be responsible for certain out-of-pocket expenses associated with your case.

Ready to Hire Auto Accident Lawyer?

An auto accident lawyer can be invaluable to your claim and ability to be fairly compensated. Learn more about your legal options by speaking with an experienced auto accident attorney in your area. But before calling check out the list who qualifies.

Motor Vehicle Accident Qualifiers:

  • Injured in a car, truck or motorcycle accident.
  • Date of accident is less than two years.
  • The accident resulted in injury that resulted in hospitalization, medical treatment, surgery, missed work.
  • The accident happened with in the last 72 hours.
  • The accident was all or partially the fault of another party.
  • And finally if you are not represented by an attorney for this matter.
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Can I Handle My Own Car Crash Personal Injury Claims? Do I Specifically Need a Car Accident Attorney?

It is understandable for individuals to want to settle matters quickly and move on as soon as possible after a car crash. As a result, many people are tempted to try to take care of all issues—including legal issues—without getting help from a car accident attorney with a focus on personal injury claims.

Before proceeding on your own, it is crucial to understand the pitfalls of trying to handle your case without legal representation.

You can be sure that those representing the negligent party—usually an insurance company—will be investigators, adjusters, and lawyers working to pay out as little as possible. Insurance companies and their attorneys will often calculate the value of your claim based on how aggressive they feel the injured party will fight for full compensation. When you retain a car accident lawyer to fight for you, you are essentially ensuring that you will not be taken advantage of by the other side.

You should seek the help of an injury attorney with vast experience handling car accident cases that can stand up to insurance companies. If the other side is not cooperating and your case requires litigation, the attorney must be prepared to take the case to trial for full and fair recovery.

If the opposing side sees that you are willing to go as far as necessary to ensure justice, they will often deal more reasonably right from the start. Obtaining experienced legal counsel with a focus on car accident claims will show the defending insurance company that you are serious about your case.

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How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Claim?

The statute of limitations applies to every potential car accident lawsuit. Even if you hope to resolve your case through a negotiated settlement without the need for legal action, missing this deadline could prevent you from negotiating a settlement in your case—even if the facts are on your side.

The consequences of noncompliance with the statute of limitations are the same everywhere. If you wait too long to pursue your personal injury claim, you could miss out entirely on your chance for compensation. In addition, the law bars you from filing a lawsuit, which means the other side has no reason to negotiate a settlement in your case. While the time frame differs, the statute of limitations exists in every state in the country. To ensure that you protect your right to negotiate an insurance claim or pursue an injury lawsuit, let our firm advise you on the deadline that applies in your case.

Should I Accept the Insurance Company’s Settlement After My Auto Accident Injury?

Adjusters often come ready to make payments immediately to convince you to accept less than what you actually deserve. Typically, insurance agents’ settlement offers are less than 5% of the value of your car accident case!

For this reason, an insurance adjuster will contact you immediately after your car accident and may even visit you in the hospital after an auto accident injury to get information from you.

There is no reason to rush into accepting a settlement offer from an insurance company without first seeking the help of a personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can help you through your case to get you the highest compensation you deserve. Your lawyer will make sure that you never sign away your legal rights without being fully informed of the consequences.

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What Kind of Compensation Can I Get after A Car Crash?

The law allows recovery for a wide range of situations. A lawyer can help you get money for past medical bills, future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, therapy, lost wages, future lost income, and often most importantly, pain and suffering. Pain and suffering after a crash can include the loss of enjoyment of your life and the mental anxiety of dealing with pain, trauma, and/or a disability caused by a crash.

A car crash attorney may also help you obtain compensation for your family members who were adversely affected by the crash. Harm to spouses or children can often be recovered separately from the damages awarded to the injured individual. Your car accident attorney will explain whether damage awards to your spouse or children applies in your case.

What Is a PIP Claim and How Does It Work?

If you live in Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, or Utah, you may be eligible to make a personal injury protection (PIP) claim following a car accident. PIP coverage and claims have to do with “no fault” car insurance, which means that your own insurer will pay a portion (or all of) of your medical bills and lost earnings if you get into an accident, regardless of who was at fault.

No fault car insurance is typically enacted by states as a way to streamline accident insurance claims. Every state’s law is different; some limit the amount of compensation that your insurance company is allowed to pay you, and some do not. Once your medical bills exceed your state’s no fault limit, it becomes your responsibility to pay the remaining balance. Understanding how PIP insurance can work for you after an accident can be confusing, and you should contact an attorney to help you navigate the process.

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What Are Some of the Main Causes of Car Crashes?

Car accidents can be caused by a number of factors. These can include driver negligence, reckless or intentional misconduct, and defective car parts such as airbags, seat belts, and lack of crashworthiness. Some of the most common causes are:

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Negligence

Driver Negligence is perhaps the number one cause of auto accidents. Negligence generally means that the driver who caused the accident did not exercise reasonable care under the circumstances on the road. The driver’s actions are compared to what a reasonable person would do under similar circumstances.

Examples of negligent driving include speeding, distracted driving (talking on a cell phone, texting, smoking, eating), carelessly ignoring traffic signals, or not taking conditions like rain or snow into account. There are many areas in which negligence can occur, but the common thread is that negligence is a failure to act reasonably under the circumstances.

Impaired Driving: Drugs, Alcohol and Fatigue

Drowsy driving and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol are all impairments that heighten a person’s likelihood of getting into an auto accident. Of course, no one should drive if they feel they are impaired by medication or the use of recreational drugs.

In most states, auto accident injuries caused by drunk drivers could result in liability for the business or host who supplied the alcohol and allowed the patron to drive in an impaired condition. The rules related to these issues are often referred to as “dram shop” laws, and they are currently implemented in 38 states

Finally, a person should not be driving if they are feeling overly tired or did not get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can have the same effects on a person as being drunk, and. symptoms of drowsy driving include

  • Trouble keeping focus on the road,
  • Performing careless or thoughtless driving behaviors
  • Drifting in and out of lanes, and
  • Falling asleep behind the wheel.

For commercial drivers and truck drivers, it is federally mandated that workers take sufficient breaks between shifts to get enough sleep.

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Recklessness or Intentional Misconduct

Intentional misconduct, on the other hand, is an act committed when the person knew that doing so could cause harm and did not care, or actively desired to harm others. Someone who drives drunk or impaired, or at a high rate of speed, cutting in and out of traffic, is intentionally putting himself and others at risk.

Defective Auto Products

Under strict liability, a manufacturer of a product can be held liable for damages caused by its products if the product is shown to be defective. Defective car products can lead to dangers on the road for the driver and other drivers around them. Dangerous car products that can cause accidents include faulty tires, airbags, seatbelts, seatbacks, blinding headlights, and other products that affect the driver and occupants.

In addition, road conditions may cause a crash. Be sure to advise the responding police officers if there were dangerous road conditions at the time of the crash.

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What Are Some of the Most Common Car Accident Injuries?

When you are involved in an auto accident, it is extremely important to be evaluated by medical personnel to ensure you are injury-free as internal damage may not be apparent immediately following the incident. It could take days for symptoms to begin to show, if they even show at all. There is no limit to what type of physical injuries may be sustained from a car crash, but some of the most common include:

  • Soft tissue injuries including damage to tendons, ligaments, or muscles.
  • Scrapes and cuts
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Head and brain injuries including concussions, traumatic brain injuries, or internal bleeding
  • Burns
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal injuries

It is important to see a health care provider as soon as you begin to experience symptoms so you can be sure to make a claim and get your medical costs paid. Regardless of your insurance coverage, if you didn’t immediately seek medical attention, insurance companies can and will dispute your claim.

If you have been in a car accident and think you have sustained an injury, contact us as soon as possible so we can provide a free case evaluation and help you determine how much you may be owed.

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Ready To Hire a Car Accident Attorney? Get Started Today

If you or a family member has suffered as a result of another party’s reckless or negligent driving, a car accident lawyer may be able to help. Seeking financial awards for your injuries, pain and suffering, and other losses may help you avoid further hardship and move on with your life faster. To learn more about what a car accident lawyer can do for you, Call Today!

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Zantac

If you have been harmed due to taking the drug Zantac, file a Zantac Lawsuit today. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently recalled the popular heartburn medication Zantac due to its link to various forms of cancer. Call Today!

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What is Zantac?

Zantac belongs to a group of drugs called histamine-2 blockers. It works by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces.

Zantac has been used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It also was used to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome..

Zantac was also used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions in which acid backs up from the stomach into the esophagus, causing heartburn.

A cancer-causing impurity found in many ranitidine medications may increase to unacceptable levels over time and when ranitidine is stored at high temperatures. As a result, the FDA has asked all makers of ranitidine to withdraw this medicine from the market in the United States.

How Does Zantac (Ranitidine) Work?

Zantac (ranitidine) belongs to a class of acid-blocking drugs called H2 blockers. The active ingredient, ranitidine, works by blocking a chemical called histamine. This reduces the amount of acid in the stomach.

The drug starts to work in as little as 30 minutes. It can control acid production for up to 12 hours and reduce the frequency and severity of heartburn.

Zantac made with ranitidine was used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including heartburn, GERD and gastric ulcers.

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What Is Zantac Used For?

Zantac (ranitidine) is a histamine-2 receptor agonist, or H2 blocker. H2 blockers lower stomach acid. They work fast and can stop the symptoms of heartburn in as little as 30 minutes. Zantac can control acid for up to 12 hours, reducing the severity and frequency of heartburn. Doctors prescribe Zantac to treat or relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, GERD and gastric ulcers.

But after the FDA found the potential carcinogen NDMA in some batches of Zantac, it requested all manufacturers withdraw all Zantac made with ranitidine from the market. As of April 2020, Zantac made with ranitidine is no longer available on the US market.

Several other drug companies have been involved in selling it over the years, including Boehringer Ingelheim, Johnson & Johnson and Sanofi SA. Sanofi created a new formula made with famotidine called Zantac360, which is available over-the-counter in the US.

What Are the Common Side Effects of Zantac (Ranitidine)?

Zantac is a medication often used to relieve heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). It is an antacid medication that blocks the production of stomach acid. Zantac is available over-the-counter (OTC) for heartburn relief. It is also available by prescription.
Common side effects of Zantac are:

  • Chest pain
  • Constipation
  • Dark urine
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting
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  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Jaundice
  • Nausea
  • Rash
  • Shortness of breath

What is NDMA?

N-Nitrosodimethylamine, or NDMA, is an organic chemical that is classified as a cancer-causing substance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the World Health Organization (WHO). It is not intentionally produced in America but can be accidentally created as a by-product of various chemical reactions, either naturally or in the manufacturing process.

Exposure to very small amounts of NDMA can come from many common sources and is typically harmless. However, NDMA has recently been found in higher, potentially dangerous levels in certain medications, such as Zantac.

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Does Zantac cause cancer?

It is possible that Zantac can cause cancer, though it is not listed as one of the drug’s potential side effects. Zantac has recently been found to contain unacceptably high levels of the nitrosamine impurity N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). This substance is classified by the FDA as a “probable human carcinogen,” meaning that it could likely cause cancer in humans upon exposure. However, research is still ongoing in an attempt to draw a definitive link to Zantac use and the development of cancer.

Acute side effects of NDMA overexposure

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Jaundice
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Malaise
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Enlarged liver

Severe side effects of NDMA in ranitidine

  • Liver cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Stomach/gastric cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Reduced liver function
  • Reduced kidney function
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What Are the Alternatives to Zantac?

The FDA announced that ranitidine is the only anti-heartburn medication that may metabolize into NDMA. Their testing has found no traces of the chemical in the following alternatives:

  • Pepcid (famotidine)
  • Tagamet (cimetidine)
  • Nexium (esomeprazole)
  • Prevacid (lansoprazole)
  • Prilosec (omeprazole)

They recommend taking any of these as an alternative to Zantac. If you have any questions, please consult your doctor.

Is Zantac the Same as Ranitidine?

Zantac and ranitidine are the same thing. Zantac is just the brand name for ranitidine. Ranitidine is the active ingredient in all brand name Zantac products as well as generic versions of Zantac. Ranitidine works by blocking a hormone in the body called histamine which activates stomach acid pumps. This effectively decreases the levels of stomach acid and prevents heartburn and related problems.

Why was Zantac (Ranitidine) Recalled?

According to the official FDA statement, the presence of high levels of NDMA in some Zantac tablets may be associated with impurities due to improper storage, and investigations are continuing in order to help protect the public from this ongoing problem.When the FDA made its initial findings public in September of 2019, they did not initially request a recall of Zantac. However, many retailers—such as CVS, Walmart and Walgreens—chose to voluntarily suspend the sales of Zantac until further information was released. In some countries, sales of Zantac or generic ranitidine hcl equivalents were also suspended pending further investigation.

The FDA continued to investigate the potential for high amounts of NDMA in Zantac through 2020. On April 1st, 2020, the FDA announced they submitted a voluntarily recall request of Zantac from the manufacturers of the medication.

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Why is Zantac Dangerous?

In September 2019, independent analysis found that over-the-counter samples of Zantac contained higher-than-acceptable amounts of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a potent carcinogen that has been shown to produce cancer in both animals and humans. Further testing by both the independent lab and the FDA found that, under circumstances simulating the conditions of the human body, Zantac and other ranitidine products could metabolize into NDMA.

Is it Safe to Take Zantac?

It may not be safe to take Zantac or other products containing ranitidine because they may contain high levels of a cancer-causing chemical called NDMA. Testing recently discovered that Zantac and its generic equivalents contain alarmingly high levels of NDMA. NDMA is a chemical that is known to cause cancer. In response to this discovery, Zantac and generic ranitidine products have been pulled off the shelves by major retailers across the U.S.

Who Makes Zantac?

Zantac was originally developed by GlaxoSmithKline back in the 1980s. However, the original patent protection on Zantac (ranitidine) expired years ago and by the time ranitidine was recalled in 2019, there were at least 10 different companies manufacturing prescription and OTC ranitidine products in the U.S.

Who can and can’t take Zantac

Zantac (Ranitidine) can be taken by adults. It can also be given to children under 16 years of age on prescription.

Zantac (Ranitidine) isn’t suitable for some people. To make sure that it is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

  • have had an allergic reaction to Zantac (Ranitidine) or any other medicines in the past
  • have kidney problems
  • have an intolerance to, or cannot absorb, some sugars such as fructose
  • have been advised to eat a low calcium or low salt diet
  • cannot have alcohol – Zantac (Ranitidine) liquid contains a small amount of alcohol
  • have phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare inherited illness

If you’re due to have an endoscopy to find out what’s causing your symptoms, stop taking Zantac (Ranitidine) at least 2 weeks before your procedure. This is because Zantac (Ranitidine) may hide some of the problems that would usually be spotted during an endoscopy.

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Zantac Lawsuits

After the announcement from the FDA regarding the carcinogenic property of NDMA,people who took ranitidine- based Zantac started filing Zantac cancer lawsuits after being diagnosed with cancer. Zantac lawsuits claim that ranitidine, the active moleculen in Zantac, is highly unstable, and the manufacturers did not warm the public about its carcinogenic potential. In Zantac ( Ranitidine) Cancer Lawsuits, each plaintiff’s case is distinct. However , to speed up the legal process, all of the lawsuits are consolidated into an MDL( multi- district litigation).

As per the data of April 16,2020, there are 2,100 lawsuits against Zantac filed in federal court in the U.S. The actual figure would exceed 75,000.

What is the process for filing for Zantac lawsuit ?

Who Qualified for a Zantac Lawsuit?

People who filed Zantac lawsuits took brand-name Zantac and had to meet several criteria to qualify to file a lawsuit. Generic ranitidine was not included in lawsuits.

Those who qualified for a Zantac lawsuit satisfied several conditions:

  • Have taken brand-name Zantac made with ranitidine for at least one year before being diagnosed with cancer.
  • Been diagnosed with bladder, stomach, esophageal, liver or pancreatic cancer.
  • Be younger than 20 years of age between the last time they took Zantac and their first cancer diagnosis.
  • Be younger than 89 years old at the time of their first cancer diagnosis.
  • Have used Zantac at least once a week for one year or longer.

Lawyers are the only ones who can properly evaluate a claim, and they can help gather medical records and evidence to build a case.

Why Are Zantac Lawsuits Being Filed?

Zantac wasn’t technically recalled. A recall is when the Food and Drug Administration requires all of a product be pulled from shelves. The FDA simply requested that all retailers stop selling Zantac and ranitidine products. Because all retailers did stop selling Zantac, though, the product is as good as recalled now and is no longer on the market. In 2021, Sanofi introduced a replacement for Zantac, called Zantac 360, which replaced ranitidine with famotidine. Famotidine is also found in other heartburn medications.

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What If I Have Zantac In My Shelf?

When the FDA recommended the complete recall of ranitidine products, they also recommended the disposal of any ranitidine products in your household as well. If you have any Zantac or ranitidine products, it is important to properly dispose of these according to the instructions on the label. NDMA is a potent carcinogen that also has the ability to contaminate clean water, so it is crucial to dispose of it properly to prevent further harm to others.

Are All Forms Of Zantac Unsafe?

At first, the FDA stated that not all medications in the U.S. marketed under the name ranitidine were necessarily toxic. Yet new information in April 2020 revealed that storing the medication improperly (in too warm an environment for an extended period of time) could lead to dangerously high levels of NDMA contaminants within the product.

At this time, all Zantac products containing ranitidine have been recalled by the FDA and are no longer allowed for marketed use.

If you’ve been taking Zantac over-the-counter (OTC) or as prescribed by a doctor for a health condition, contact your prescribing doctor as soon as possible to discuss your options for continuing to take the drug or switching to a safe alternative.

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Who Are The Named Defendants In Zantac Lawsuits?

There are several Zantac product drug makers who have been named in recent lawsuits for failing to protect consumers from the drug’s NDMA risk.

Some of the biggest manufacturers named in these suits thus far are pharmaceutical giants Sanofi, Pfizer, and Boehringer Ingelheim—all of whom have reaped enormous profits off their Zantac products.

Plaintiffs in Zantac personal injury lawsuits claim these drug makers marketed and sold drugs contaminated with toxic amounts of NDMA, failing to disclose the associated health risks to the government and broader public.

Did Drug Makers Know About Zantac’s Cancerous Effects?

At this time, it is unclear whether makers of Zantac knew of its cancer-causing effects prior to making, distributing, and selling it. There has been no definitive statement released from Zantac drug makers on whether they were truly aware of the cancer risk prior to findings reported by Valisure and the FDA.

However, multiple peer-reviewed studies have indicated that it’s very likely the drug makers were aware of the risk for high NDMA levels in their products and neglected to disclose this risk to the public.

One peer-reviewed study published in the journal Carcinogenesis in 2016 found that healthy male and female patients who had taken ranitidine products were 400 times more likely to have elevated NDMA levels in their urine compared to patients who had not taken ranitidine.

Valisure, the online pharma company who first detected the toxic NDMA levels in Zantac products, has given a statement confirming that the cancer-causing effects of NDMA (and by extension, Zantac) is “well characterized in the scientific literature”.

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How Many People Will File Zantac Lawsuits?

The scope of the impact is still unclear, although thousands of people have already filed a dangerous drug personal injury claim against the primary manufacturers of Zantac for their failure to disclose the risks of taking their products.

In 2016, more than 15 million prescriptions for ranitidine were written in the United States alone. Across the globe, many countries that distribute ranitidine products, including Canada, have issued mandatory recalls for all ranitidine (Zantac) products. At this time, the U.S. has not joined these countries in issuing mandatory recalls.

How Much Is A Zantac Lawsuit Worth?

As this is a fairly new development there has not been a settlement to give an accurate range of value to any Zantac lawsuits. Teh Zantac litigation will most likely be resolved with a global settlement of cases. The cases will likely be ranked into settlement tiers based on the severity of the plaintiff’s injuries and strength of claim. Some attorney’s speculate that cases in the top tier could be worth around $500,000. Second tier cases may be in the $250,000 range and the lowest tier cases will likely be worth $100,000 or less.

​Outside of providing the basic qualifying events there isn’t much for you to do other than provide your information and join the suit. Provided you took Zantac (or another ranitidine product) on a daily or regular basis and were diagnosed with cancer after you may be eligible.

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What is the average payout for Zantac lawsuits?

There were no 2021 Zantac lawsuit payouts, and none are expected in 2022 either. Settlement talks typically do not begin until some cases go to trial – which will likely happen in 2023.

How these bellwether trial verdicts turn out helps gauge what money victims can demand. Predictably, plaintiffs’ attorneys are aiming for a very high Zantac lawsuit payout. No amount of money can make up for getting cancer.

Although the Zantac litigation has incurred some delays because of the COVID 19, it is still proceeding according to schedule.

MDL settlements resolve through either:

  • Global (or matrix) settlements: This is when defendants pay out a Zantac lawsuit settlement amount that covers all claims. Then plaintiffs’ attorneys use a matrix of criteria to determine how much each plaintiff pockets. 
  • Inventory settlements: Each plaintiff agrees to an acceptable minimum payout. Then if their attorneys win a larger amount, each client will receive a percentage of the bonus funds.

What are Zantac’s long-term effects?

Cancer is not the only potential consequence of taking Zantac. There are at least twenty other medical conditions linked to ranitidine use:

  • Liver failure or reduced liver function
  • Reduced kidney function
  • Reduced lung function
  • Enlarged liver
  • Jaundice
  • Skin rash
  • Hair loss
  • Hepatitis
  • Vitamin B-12 deficiency
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Reduced platelet levels
  • Cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and/or tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
  • Nervous system problems
  • Elevated pneumonia risks
  • Fever
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach cramps, constipation and/or diarrhea
  • Dizziness, drowsiness, and/or sleep problems
  • Headaches
  • Tender breasts (in males)

Some short-term effects of Zantac are scarring and fibrosis of the liver.

Additionally, many people diagnosed with cancer after taking Zantac are also developing:

  • Crohn’s Disease – an inflammatory bowel and digestive tract disease that manifests as diarrhea, pain, weight loss, and cramping; and/or
  • PPH (Primary Pulmonary Hypertension) – when the lungs’ blood vessels narrow, resulting in high blood pressure in the pulmonary artery.

Why Is Zantac Banned?

All versions of the heartburn drug Zantac (ranitidine) have been pulled from the U.S. market due to possible contamination with a probable cancer-causing chemical, the U.S. Food and Drug administration says. In some ranitidine products, NDMA increases over time and when the drugs are stored at higher temperatures, which may result in people being exposed to unacceptable levels of the chemical, according to the FDA. In December 2019, Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro urged in a letter to the FDA to remove ranitidine from shelves and ban all sales in the United States because of the cancer risk

NDMA is an environmental contaminant that can be found in water and foods and has been classified as a “probable human carcinogen” by the World Health Organization.

Has There Been a Zantac Settlement?

There have been no Zantac settlements or jury verdicts in Zantac federal MDL litigation, but a plaintiff in Illinois, Joseph Bayer, voluntarily dismissed his state case before his trial after several generic manufacturers offered to settle the claim for more than $500,000.

Typically, bellwether trials help plaintiffs and defendants understand how much a case may be worth. Bellwethers in 2023 in California and Florida could provide more insight into a potential global settlement.

Potential settlement amounts are based on a claimant’s injuries, monetary damages and other unique factors. Lawyers speculate that individual Zantac lawsuit payouts could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars because people who took Zantac could claim the drug caused cancer.

In November 2022, GlaxoSmithKline set aside £40 million, or about $45.9 million, for litigation costs, but it didn’t factor in settlements.

Benefits Of Filing A Zantac Lawsuit

If you or a loved one has been harmed by cancer-causing Zantac products, you may be wondering: what are the advantages of filing a lawsuit against Zantac drug makers? The advantages of filing a claim can be numerous and will depend on the type of claim you file.

Benefits of filing a personal injury claim for harmful effects caused by Zantac may include:

  • seeking compensation for direct harm caused by Zantac (effects on health)
  • seeking compensation for indirect harm caused by Zantac (such as pain and suffering, effects to relationships, etc.)
  • holding drug makers, distributors, marketers, and prescribing physicians accountable for their actions
  • prompting change: filing lawsuits against drug manufacturers can force policy changes which ensure they change the drug to make it safe for all consumers
  • ensuring the safety of others: prompting changes to the drug makeup helps ensure no one else will be harmed by Zantac’s risky effects
  • inspiring changes on a grander scale for laws surrounding drug manufacturing: some cases are instrumental in helping prompt change for a certain area of law. This generally happens when many people have been harmed by a singular product, entity, etc., such as Zantac.

The main benefit of joining a class action lawsuit, in lieu of a personal lawsuit or in addition to it, is recouping what a person spent on a product which turned out to be harmful or defective.

However, other benefits are also possible when joining a Zantac class action lawsuit, such as:

  • no responsibility for lawyer or attorney fees, as these are typically paid out of awarded damages
  • a class action suit is more viable for people with limited time and financial resources
  • building solidarity among individuals who have been unlawfully harmed by the named defendant(s)
  • class action lawsuits are more efficient than filing numerous individual lawsuits
  • one judgment and one settlement will be offered across the board
  • an equal share of compensation among plaintiffs in a successful suit (with the possible exception of the lead plaintiff)
  • little action required from plaintiffs, excepting the lead representative

Why Was Zantac Taken Off the Market?

Zantac initially came under scrutiny when a third-party lab analyzed over-the-counter versions of it and found higher-than-acceptable levels of NDMA. Further testing found that, under certain conditions, ranitidine had the possibility to metabolize into the carcinogen. Zantac manufacturers pushed back, claiming that they had underwent rigorous testing that found ranitidine only metabolized under extreme pressure and temperatures.

After refining testing procedures, the third-party lab found that, in conditions simulating the temperature and pH of the human body, ranitidine indeed metabolized into NDMA. As a result, the FDA stepped in to conduct their own investigation into the matter, issuing a voluntary recall of the product to remain cautious.

After months of investigation, the FDA concluded that Zantac and all ranitidine products must all be removed from the market. According to their findings, ranitidine may be an inherently unstable drug that persistently metabolized into NDMA, even under normal conditions. They found that older ranitidine samples had more amounts of NDMA than newer samples – and the longer they were left alone, the more NDMA was found.

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Contact a Skilled Zantac Lawsuit Attorney

If you were diagnosed with cancer after taking Zantac, you may be eligible for financial compensation. As soon as possible following your diagnosis, contact a Zantac lawsuit attorney who can represent you in your lawsuit and secure the settlement you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation of your case or call at any time for more information.

Paraquat Mass Torts

Paraquat Mass Torts

Paraquat is a toxic chemical used commercially to kill weeds and types of grass. It has been shown to have serious health side effects that can cause significant damage. You may be entitled to significant compensation. Get help to file your mass tort paraquat lawsuits. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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What is a Paraquat lawsuit?

A Paraquat lawsuit is a claim for financial compensation for a person who has suffered physical harm because of exposure to the herbicide Paraquat. It is a civil claim for personal injury damages because of the dangers of Paraquat. The victim may receive compensation for medical expenses, loss of quality of life, suffering, diminished life expectancy, and other losses.

Is Paraquat a mass tort?

Yes, Paraquat is a mass tort. With the wide use of the chemical since the 1950s and exposure to thousands of people, there are many potential victims who may have valid legal claims. The Center for Biological Diversity reports 27 known deaths and at least 200 incidents of harmful exposure in the United States alone. These victims may allege similar claims and legal theories. The claims may involve multidistrict litigation to consolidate proceedings and increase efficiency.

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How does Paraquat work?

Paraquat can alter cell chemistry to the point that it can result in cell damage or death through a process called oxidative distress. When specific dopamine neuron cells in the brain are damaged or lose their ability to properly function, it may result in the development of Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that can lead to uncontrollable shakiness, stiffness and the general deterioration of the patient’s motor function and movement abilities. There is currently no cure of the disease but paraquat antidote treatments are available that may help lessen some of the motor and non-motor functions of the individuals affected by paraquat Parkinson’s commercial product uses.

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What compensation is available for a Paraquat mass tort claim?

A victim may claim the following compensation in a Paraquat mass tort claim:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost income
  • Travel for medical care
  • Cost for dependent family care
  • Physical suffering
  • Mental injuries and emotional anguish
  • Compensation for decreased life expectancy

Victims may claim an exhaustive list of economic damages as well as pain and suffering compensation. Because of the extreme harm caused by the herbicide, compensation amounts may be high to fairly reflect the harm resulting to the victim.

How do I get compensated for Paraquat exposure?

To receive compensation for Paraquat exposure, the following circumstances must be present:

  • There has been exposure to Paraquat. The exposure may be recent or in the past.
  • You suffer illness or death because of the exposure.
  • Damages resulted, including economic losses; you may also claim pain and suffering.
  • You initiate a lawsuit to claim financial compensation.

You may have representation from an attorney throughout the litigation process.

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What is a Paraquat settlement?

When the parties agree to resolve a claim, they agree to a Paraquat settlement. A Paraquat settlement is an agreement where the defense voluntarily agrees to make a payment to resolve the claim without going to trial. Both parties must agree and sign the agreement.

What is the average settlement for Paraquat?

Litigation proceedings will determine the average settlement for Paraquat. Each victim may receive a settlement based on actual losses and damages. Because of the serious, and varying, injuries that may result from Paraquat exposure, it is hard to place an exact dollar amount on settlements. To learn more about your potential settlement value please speak with a Paraquat lawyer. It is important to note that the exact settlement value is not known until the cases are finalized. Exact amounts may not be known if settlements are confidential.

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What is Paraquat poisoning?

Paraquat short term poisoning can occur for many reasons – in contrast to long term health issues which are linked to Parkinson’s disease. Short term poisoning can occur if you:

  • Inhale or ingest paraquat
  • Come into contact with sprayed plants
  • Get paraquat on the skin
  • Mix, load or apply paraquat

What are the common Paraquat poisoning symptoms?

  • Breathing difficulties or failure, increasing your risk of death
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Pain and swelling of the mouth and throat
  • Confusion
  • Dehydration
  • Gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody stool)
  • Muscle fatigue
  • Seizures
  • Coma

What are the long-term health issues of Paraquat poisoning?

  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Atypical Parkinson’s
  • Multiple system atrophy, and
  • Progressive supranuclear palsy

According to a study published in 2012, people with certain genetic variations, when exposed to paraquat, are 11 times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease, making them more at risk than others.

Parkinson’s disease affects your motor symptoms or your ability to walk, move or control body movements at will. Over time, people with Parkinson’s disease may experience difficulty walking and talking.

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What are the common motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?

  • Slowness in the voluntary movement and reflexes (Bradykinesia)
  • Impaired balance or postural instability
  • Resistance to passive movement
  • Limb rigidity or stiffness
  • Resting tremors (shaking movement when the muscles are relaxed)

Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and other paraquat side effects include:

  • Constipation
  • Apathy
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Depression
  • Sleep behavior disorder (insomnia)

Is Roundup in Paraquat?

Roundup — also known as glyphosate — and paraquat are both herbicides, but they contain different chemicals.

Paraquat is more poisonous than glyphosate and is 28 times more acutely toxic, according to a report by the Pesticide Action Network. Because of its toxicity, paraquat is banned in several countries and is a restricted use herbicide in the United States.

Unlike paraquat, Roundup has no restrictions on use and anyone can purchase and use it, including homeowners. EPA considers glyphosate’s toxicity to humans to be low.

Several people have sued the makers of Roundup because of its link to cancer, specifically non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

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Who Can File a Paraquat Lawsuit?

Anyone who has been exposed to paraquat and developed Parkinson’s disease may decide to file a claim, but contacting a lawyer is the only way to be sure you qualify.

Some types of paraquat exposure are more difficult to determine than others, but an experienced attorney can help prove your case.

People who may qualify to file a paraquat lawsuit include:

  • Agricultural workers including farmers, licensed paraquat applicators, growers, pickers and landscapers
  • People who live near farmland sprayed with paraquat
  • Anyone who works around commercial weed killers and pesticides
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We’re here to help you file your mass tort paraquat lawsuits. Contact us today for a free consultation and secure rightful compensation. Call today for help!

Talcum Powder

Talcum Powder

Talcum powder has been linked with the appearance of ovarian and uterine cancer, in addition to other injuries. Speak with an attorney about a Talcum Powder related Injury.

What is Talcum Powder?

The main ingredient for talcum powder is talc. Talc is a soft white mineral soapstone, primarily made of magnesium silicate, silicon, and oxygen. Talcum powder is found in a variety of over-the-counter cosmetic products.

Talcum powders include:

  • Adult Facial Powder
  • Adult Body Powder
  • Baby Powder
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Why Is Talc Dangerous?

Both talc and asbestos are naturally-occuring minerals, often mined alongside one another. While talc is used in a number of cosmetic products, including baby powder, makeup and more, asbestos is a known carcinogen and has been linked to serious health issues.

The presence of asbestos in talc-containing products has become public only within the last few years, but has created a significant product liability issue for manufacturers. Though only a small percentage of talc products screened positive for asbestos contamination, and there is no consistent link between talc products and asbestos, the fact that any asbestos was detectable in any cosmetic talc products raises legitimate concerns.

There is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos, and consumers would not reasonably expect cosmetic products, such as baby powder, to contain asbestos. In addition to neglecting to label talc products with a health warning, claims have also argued that manufacturers have not done an adequate job of screening their talc products for asbestos.

Who Makes it?

Talc-based products are sold by a number of companies globally. These companies are primarily in the cosmetic and home care space. The flagship talcum powder brand is sold by Johnson & Johnson, although many other brands sell talcum-based powders.

How Does it Work?

Talcum powder is used for preventing excessive sweating in sensitive areas.

Talcum powder works by:

  • Absorbing moisture
  • Keeping skin dry
  • Cutting down on friction
  • Preventing or soothing rashes

What Is Talcum Powder Used For?

People have used talcum powder around the world for centuries.It is not exclusive to any industry or brand.Talcum powder is most suitable as a drying agent, and some users even treat it as an offhand tool by washing their hair with it or keeping surfaces dry.

Nowadays, the airy mineral is used most often in the following products:

  • Baby powder
  • Chalk
  • Makeup, such as blush, foundation, and eye shadow
  • Paints and glazes
  • Soap
  • Condoms
  • Drug capsules
  • Deodorant
  • Toothpaste
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Types of Talc Powder Products

Talc is a naturally occurring mineral made of magnesium, silicon, oxygen. Its absorbent properties make it a common choice for personal hygiene products, because it can reduce moisture and friction on the skin. That’s why many women apply talcum powder to their genital areas and use it on their children to prevent diaper rashes. However, the mineral is also listed as an ingredient in hundreds of other types of products. Here are some of the cosmetic powders that contain talc:

  • Baby powder
  • Body powder
  • Foot powder
  • Pressed powder
  • Blush
  • Eyeshadow
  • Concealer
  • Antiperspirant

Talcum Powder Risks and Side Effects

Thousands of women have filed lawsuits claiming baby powder and other talc-based products caused their ovarian cancer, but that’s only one side effect from exposure to talc dust. In its natural form, talc contains asbestos, a known cancer-causing substance. Although consumer grade talc products have been asbestos-free since the early 1970s, the FDA admits its product testing for contamination can’t ensure every product is safe. However, for talc miners who inhale talc dust, the risk of asbestos exposure is real, and victims point to the increased incidences of lung cancer among workers. Several plaintiffs have sued Johnson & Johnson for asbestos-related cancers like mesothelioma. Here are the common side effects victims have suffered from talc exposure:

Reported Talcum Powder Side Effects

  • Ovarian cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Mesothelioma
  • Endometrial (uterine) cancer
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Health Risks of Talcum Powder and Its Links to Cancer

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Ovarian Cancer

Women have used talcum powder as a feminine hygiene product for many decades because it reduces friction, moisture, and odor. However, it may be dangerous to use near the genitals. Organizations such as the American Cancer Society acknowledge that talcum powder, if applied near or to the genitals, may travel to a woman’s ovaries, increasing a woman’s risk of developing ovarian cancer.

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Mesothelioma

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies asbestos, a natural mineral, as a human carcinogen. When an individual inhales asbestos-contaminated talcum powder, there is an increased risk of developing mesothelioma. Talc mines may be close to asbestos deposits, increasing the chance that talc may be contaminated with asbestos when mined.

How does talcum powder cause ovarian cancer?

For decades, women have applied talcum powder to their genital areas, sanitary napkins, diaphrams, or condoms. Studies suggest baby powder particles can travel through the vagina, uterus, and fallopian tubes to the ovaries, raising the risks of ovarian cancer in some women. A study of 4,000 women released in 2016 showed those who routinely applied talc in this way had a 33 percent higher risk of ovarian cancer. A woman in the U.S. has a 1 in 70 chance of having ovarian cancer. Studies show that women who have used talc have a 1 in 53 percent chance.

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Baby Powder Containing Talcum Powder

If you look at talcum powder on its own, it looks just like baby powder.That’s because it is the main ingredient in many baby powders along with cornstarch.In fact, the physical properties of talcum powder make it an alternative to brand name baby powder on its own.The most famous talcum baby powder is made by Johnson & Johnson, a product they’ve sold for over 100 years. It’s intended for babies but is popular for all ages.Controversy has surrounded Johnson & Johnson baby powder after thousands of its users have claimed that the powder caused them to develop adverse health effects such as cancer and mesothelioma. Researchers believe these injuries to be caused by the talcum powder. Talc companies will market the mineral as “pure” or “organic” but fail to ensure the quality of their product. As a result, some talcum powder contains harmful impurities, namely asbestos, a known carcinogen. Inhalation of asbestos can damage the lungs over time and lead to fatal complications.

What Is the Difference Between Talc and Baby Powder?

There is little difference between talc and baby powder. In the past, they could only be differentiated by the scents added to them and the way their makers marketed them.

Baby powder was explicitly made for babies. It was manufactured to prevent diaper rashes as they keep the baby’s skin dry. The main ingredient used in baby powders is either talc or cornstarch, depending on the manufacturer. Some manufacturers still use talc, while others have already shifted to preferring cornstarch because of the issues surrounding talc.

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Baby Powder Cancer

Research relating asbestos-free baby powder to cancer is conflicting, but the investigation is ongoing.

Some studies suggest that baby powder increases the risk of uterine cancer.

Other studies show that talcum powder increases the risk of lung cancer but only in talc miners, not baby powder consumers.

The government has taken steps to reduce asbestos exposure since the 1970s, but they are yet to intervene with talcum powder.

The World Health Organization classifies asbestos as carcinogenic but has not ruled the same for pure talcum powder.

Nonetheless, many baby powder manufacturers such as Johnson & Johnson warn buyers not to inhale the powder.

Other baby powder companies have even added warning labels for ovarian cancer.

Taking preventative measures to phase out talc is crucial because cancers become less treatable the further they progress.

How Does Talcum Powder Cause Cancer?

Talc, when in its natural form, contains asbestos. Asbestos is a silicate mineral used in insulation and makes materials fire-resistant with its heat-resistant and flexible fibers. Exposure to asbestos is highly toxic when inhaled or ingested, as the fibers get trapped inside the body. These trapped fibers cause scarring and inflammation from within. Being subjected to asbestos causes mesothelioma, lung diseases, and even cancer.

Is Talcum Powder Safe for Children?

The discussions about talcum powder cancer risks and why doesn’t it affect children are two contradicting concepts. To clear things up, talcum powder can affect and can be harmful to children. Pediatricians from the American Association of Pediatrics greatly recommend parents avoid using any baby powder with talc as one of the ingredients on their children, especially babies. This is because children and babies can easily inhale the talc particles in the air and cause health problems.

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How to Protect Your Baby

  • Use a cornstarch-based powder instead of talcum powder.
  • Always keep baby powder out of reach of children.
  • Keep powder away from your child’s face to avoid inhalation.
  • When using powder, place it on your hands first away from your child and then apply to your baby’s skin.
  • Use powder sparingly.
  • Do not use talcum powder on broken skin.
  • Never use any type of powder around infants who are premature or have lung problems.
  • Use over-the-counter creams and ointments instead of powder to treat diaper rash.

Why was baby powder advertised as being safe for diapers and underwear?

In 1892, Johnson & Johnson’s director of scientific affairs, Dr. Frederick B. Kilmer, first invented a scented talc powder intended “for toilet and nursery”. Since then, baby powder has become so associated with the smell of babies as to be inseparable, and untold numbers of women have used the product on themselves and their families. However, in the early 1970s questions around its safety first came to the public’s attention. Nearly forty peer-reviewed studies later, the potential link between talcum powder, asbestos contamination, and cancer continues to gain scientific consensus. Despite almost a billion dollars in court awards against Johnson & Johnson, the FDA continues to list commercial grade talcum powder products as safe for consumers.

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Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder Lawsuits

Johnson & Johnson is one of the many companies that has faced lawsuits over asbestos-contaminated talcum powder, especially in its baby powder products. In October 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) completed a year-long study of talc-containing cosmetic products. After detecting asbestos in several of the products, the FDA worked with manufacturers, including J&J, on recalls of some of the products that contained traces of asbestos. Later in that same month, J&J recalled a single lot of Johnson’s Baby Powder.

By April 2020, J&J was named in thousands of lawsuits alleging a link between the company’s talc products and cancer diagnoses, leading the company to announce it would no longer sell talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder product in the U.S. or Canada. As of July 2022, J&J had nearly 38,000 cases related to asbestos in talc products and had paid approximately $4 billion in settlements, verdicts and defense costs.

In August 2022, J&J stated it would pull all talcum powder products off the global market in 2023, replacing talc with cornstarch.

Talcum Powder Litigation: What Is the Talcum Powder Lawsuit?

Individuals are filing lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson after long-term exposure to talcum powder caused them to develop cancer. These lawsuits allege that talcum powder caused cancer and that Johnson & Johnson knew about the cancer risks and failed to warn consumers.

A few of the products that have been named in the talc powder lawsuits include:

  • Johnson’s Baby Powder
  • Shower to Shower
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Who Can File a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?

You may be entitled to compensation for damages if the following talcum powder lawsuit criteria apply to your situation:

  • You have had significant exposure to talcum powder or another talc-based product for an extended period.
  • You have ovarian cancer or a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Compensation for victims of talcum powder

Victims of talcum body powder stand to recover compensatory damages and punitive damages in a successful lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson. These are meant to cover the victim’s losses and setbacks, including:

  • Medical expenses,
  • Lost wages,
  • Reduced earning capacity,
  • Pain and suffering, and
  • Their family’s loss of consortium.

When the victim has died from their condition, their family can pursue a wrongful death claim on their behalf. The compensation available in a wrongful death lawsuit is slightly different, as it focuses on the impact of the death on the victim’s family, rather than compensating the victim.

Additionally, numerous verdicts against Johnson & Johnson have awarded punitive damages against the company for its attempts to cover up the risks of their baby powder. This portion of the verdict has frequently been well beyond the amount of compensation that has been awarded to a victim or their family, and is meant to punish Johnson & Johnson for its conduct.

What Is the Expect Settlement Amounts for a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?

It is too early to accurately predict what the average settlement compenation payouts of a talcum powder lawsuit will be. Johnson & Johnson did payout $100,000,000 to settle a group of 1,000 cases.

Again, this works out to an average of about $100,000 per case. The value of a mass tort case rarely goes down with subsequent settlements. So the likely average talcum powder settlement amount for the remaining talc cancer lawsuits may be higher.

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Who Is Eligible To File A Talcum Powder Cancer Claim?

In order to sue a manufacturer of talcum powder that you used and developed cancer, you need to meet the following requirements:

Talcum-based powder must have been used. The ongoing lawsuit surrounds Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower brands.

If possible, you should have received an ovarian cancer diagnosis sometime between 2000 and the present day. If possible, you should have biopsy results showing your cancer may have been related to baby powder.

If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma after using Johnson & Johnson’s talcum products, you might be eligible to file a claim.

What Damages Can I Seek From Injuries Related To J&J's Baby Powder?

Pursuing a claim against Johnson & Johnson for developing cancer because of asbestos in their baby powder products could result in compensating you for:

  • Physical pain, suffering, and distress
  • Mental and emotional anguish
  • Loss of happiness
  • Decreased life expectancy
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Lost job, income, and wages

If you are a surviving family member of a loved one who died from ovarian cancer or mesothelioma and it was the result of powder products containing talc, you may be able to file a wrongful death suit. These cases may involve compensation for both the suffering of your loved one and for the economic contribution he or she made to your household.

Can I Still File A Johnson & Johnson's Talcum Powder Lawsuit?

The deadline to file your talcum powder lawsuit has not passed. Talcum powder lawsuits are possible if you used talcum powder regularly for over one year and you developed ovarian cancer within the last three years (or the statute of limitations in your state).

The talcum powder lawsuits have been going on for a long time, and some cases have already been settled, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to file your own talc lawsuit.

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Did You Use Talcum Powder For Feminine Hygiene Issues?

One factor in an individual’s exposure to talc powder may be whether or not they used products such as baby powder or body powder. It’s common practice to use this type of talc powder in intimate regions of the body, like the perineum. In reality, up until very recently, the chemical makeup of this very popular feminine hygiene product had traces of asbestos in it. For a long time, women would use it every day.

What Exactly Is Johnson & Johnson Being Sued For?

Many scientific studies have linked talc, the ingredient found in such products as Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower, as well as other Talcum Powder brands, to ovarian cancer in some women.

Johnson & Johnson has been sued by thousands of women who developed ovarian cancer after long-term talcum powder use, who allege that the company knew about the dangers of talc and failed to warn consumers.

Researchers have concluded that there is substantial evidence that exposure to talcum powder can lead to ovarian cancer. They attribute this to asbestos, a natural ingredient found in crushed talc. The American Cancer Society reports that nearly 20,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with ovarian cancer every year due to asbestos in talcum powder. These statistics are alarming, given how prevalent ovarian cancer is in the country and its links to talcum powder. This year, nearly 13,000 women will succumb to it as well.

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Were You Diagnosed With Any Other Diseases Due To Talcum Powder Exposure?

Most people that get a type of cancer called mesothelioma are exposed to asbestos in talc. You’ll need to show medical proof of your current state of health with a recent doctor’s visit to prove it.

When ovarian cancer is combined with mesothelioma, a lawyer may be able to link that directly to the talcum powder brands you’re claiming damages against.

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Call us about your talcum powder case

Do you believe that you may have a viable talcum powder claim? Act quickly, and do not hesitate to reach out to a talcum powder attorney from our firm about a free no-obligation case review. Every state has a statute of limitations about how long you have to bring a lawsuit. Missing this deadline may mean losing your right to file a lawsuit.

Personal Injury

Personal Injury

Injured in an accident? Let us help you get the settlement and peace of mind you deserve.

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What is a personal injury lawsuit?

A personal injury lawsuit is a legal action taken to recover damages from another party that has caused harm through inaction, negligence or malfeasance. If the negligence or inaction of another has caused you to suffer harm, you may be able to recover some or all of your medical expenses, rehabilitative costs, lost wages and pain and suffering with a personal injury lawsuit.

What are some typical personal injury claims?

Personal injury claims can be filed in response to a wide variety of incidents that cause physical harm. Here is a short list of some common types of personal injury claims:

Car Accidents

Car accidents are one of the most common causes of injuries in US. When negligence on the part of another driver or another responsible party is to blame for the crash, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

Boating Accidents

Many visitors and locals alike enjoy time on the water. However, boater negligence can turn a pleasure cruise into a tragedy. Victims of boating accidents may be entitled to bring an injury claim against the parties responsible for their injuries.

Truck Accidents

Crashes that involve tractor-trailers or other heavy trucks frequently produce some of the most severe injuries – particularly for the people in the lightweight cars involved in the crash. Truck accident lawsuits are also more complex than many “standard” car accidents due to the higher stakes and multiple parties involved.

Bicycle Accidents

Cyclists have the same rights in traffic as anyone else, but some motorists refuse to share the road with bicyclists. Collisions between cars and bikes often result in serious injuries for cyclists. If another driver was at fault, an injured cyclist may be able to recover compensation in an injury lawsuit.

Birth Injuries

Some victims suffer injuries at the very beginning of their lives. When negligent medical errors cause avoidable injuries during the labor and delivery process, the parents of the injured baby may be entitled to bring a claim against the responsible healthcare professionals.

Construction Accidents

Construction sites are among the most dangerous workplaces in US and are prone to different accidents such as electrocution accidents. Victims of construction accidents may be entitled to bring a claim against the non-employer parties whose negligence caused the accident.

Pedestrian Accidents

People who are walking when they are hit by a motor vehicle suffer some of the worst injuries seen in traffic accidents. When a motorist is to blame for the crash, an injured pedestrian may be entitled to significant compensation in an injury claim. Compensation may be available even in a hit-and-run situation if the pedestrian carries auto insurance.

Medical Malpractice

Some injuries are caused by the very professionals who are charged with making people healthier. When a negligent medical mistake results in a serious personal injury, the injured patient may be entitled to compensation by bringing a medical malpractice claim against the healthcare providers responsible for the incident.

Motorcycle Accidents

Weather makes for great year-round motorcycling. Unfortunately, it also means more motorcycle crashes. When an accident involves a motorcycle and another vehicle, the biker often suffers more severe injuries. Some insurance companies try to shift the blame to the motorcyclists by playing on stereotypes. Don’t let them get away with it.

Slip & Fall

Property owners have a duty to maintain walking surfaces in reasonably safe condition. When they fail in this duty and someone is injured in a slip-and-fall accident, the victim may be entitled to recover compensation through a personal injury claim.

Brain Injuries

Many types of accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries, which are among the most serious and costly types of injuries. Many brain injury victims face a lifetime of impairment. Compensation may be available from the party whose negligence caused the accident.

Dog Bites

Dogs make wonderful pets, but some dogs also pose a serious threat to others – particularly children. Victims of dog attacks may be able to bring a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner whose negligence was responsible for the incident.

Spinal Cord Injury

Damage to the spinal cord can lead to devastating injuries that a victim must endure for the rest of his or her life. The worst spinal cord injuries cause permanent paralysis. When a spinal cord injury resulted from someone else’s carelessness, the victim may be able to recover significant compensation.

Premises Liability

When an unreasonably dangerous condition on someone else’s property causes serious injuries, the victim may be entitled to bring a premises liability claim against the negligent property owner. Many other accidents besides falls may give rise to this type of claim. Examples include swimming pool accidents, inadequate security, dangerous stairs and many others.

Product Liability

The companies that design, manufacture, market, distribute and sell products owe a duty to consumers to ensure that their products are reasonably safe. When this duty is breached and a product causes serious harm, victims may be entitled to bring an injury claim.

What do I need to prove before I can file a personal injury lawsuit?

You don’t need to prove anything to file a personal liability lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit means that you have opened legal action against the defendant. In order to win your personal injury lawsuit you will need to show the standard of proof that governs your liability case. Most personal injury lawsuits are pursued under the theory of negligence, which requires you to prove four things:

  • Show the defendant had a duty to perform at least as well as a reasonable person
  • Demonstrate that the defendant failed in that duty
  • Prove that the failure caused your injuries
  • Prove that you suffered injury

What damages can a personal injury lawsuit recover?

A number of physical and non-physical damages can be recovered in a successful personal injury lawsuit:

  • medical bills
  • necessary rehabilitative/ongoing care
  • emotional pain and suffering
  • lost wages
  • lost earning capacity
  • punitive damages (depends on malicious/intentional conduct)
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How Personal Injury Damages Work

You may be entitled to “damages”, which are financial compensations for your injuries and/or losses. Personal injury cases involve three types of damages: general, special, and punitive.

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Special Damages

These are damages with a specific dollar amount attached. They may also be called economic damages, and can include:

  • Medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident
  • Future medical expenses such as additional surgeries, therapy, or follow-up doctors’ appointments
  • Lost wages
  • Future lost wages
  • Repair or replacement of personal property

General Damages

These are damages for which it is not as easy to assign a specific dollar amount. Courts or insurance companies will sometimes award this type of damages if you are suffering from long-term injuries or you have lost a loved one in an accident. General damages may include compensation for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of use of a body part or limb
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of consortium
  • Wrongful death
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Punitive Damages

Courts only award punitive damages if the defendant’s behavior was grossly negligent or intentionally harmful. This type of damages is used as a punishment for the defendant. For example, a court may award you punitive damages if they find that the defendant was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident and caused your injuries or the death of your loved one.

Courts may also award punitive damages in certain cases where the defendant committed an intentional tort, such as trespassing with the intent to harm you or your family. For example, if the defendant trespassed on your property and started a fire in your home knowing you were at home, a court might order the defendant to pay punitive damages in a civil case. Of course, the defendant may also face criminal charges for trespassing and arson in a criminal court.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Personal Injury?

The median payout for a personal injury lawsuit is approximately $52,900. For most victims with moderate injuries, like broken bones, sprains, and whiplash, the payout ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. However, extreme injury and mental suffering has helped some victims earn millions.

Higher settlements may skew the typical payout, making the average much larger than it might be for many personal injury victims. But every case is different. There is no exact payment for any one injury type, as the court may need to examine many other mitigating factors.

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What Factors Determine a Personal Injury Payout?

The settlement you can expect from your case will depend on the losses you suffered. There are three main categories of damages to consider before a personal injury case settles:

  • Physical suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Financial hardships

If you follow the protocol suggested by many personal injury lawyers, there may be a paper trail to detail the injuries you suffered. Any noneconomic suffering, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may be more difficult for the courts to assign a value.

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What Types of Personal Injury Cases Pay the Most?

No specific injury case is guaranteed to pay out more than any other. Injuries are wholly unique to the individual victim. Outside factors may also affect their injuries, including the victim’s physical build or weather conditions during the time of the accident.

However, as a typical rule of thumb, the more severe the injury is, the higher its payout may be. Cases with permanent or significant losses may be worth more. Higher settlements may be expected in cases involving:

  • Fatal injuries
  • Severe injuries requiring years of treatment
  • Permanent, incurable disabilities
  • Diminished quality of life

Ultimately, any type of accident may be as dangerous as the next under certain circumstances. For example, a slip and fall case may cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI), while a high-speed semi-truck accident may only lead to minor scrapes and bruises.

Personal injury cases are examined on a case-by-case basis to see how much compensation a victim may deserve. In the event that a loved one suffers a fatal injury, can seek compensation on your behalf proportionate to the losses suffered.

 

What Is a Good Personal Injury Settlement Amount?

A good personal injury settlement will allow you to recover your losses from the accident that injured you. Your payout should reimburse you for:

  • Diagnostic testing
  • Surgery
  • Physical therapy
  • Medication

To determine a good personal injury payout amount, review all the details of your case. Total your losses from the accident by adding the cost of your hospital bills and treatment. Speak with a medical expert to estimate the cost of future care you may also need.

How Much is Rewarded for Different Cases

When it comes to accident cases, the amount of money awarded in compensation varies a lot from case to case. Overall, the median amount given to the plaintiff for any case is $31,000, and half of the cases usually don’t receive more than $24,000.

Product liability has the highest average compensation of $748,000, and motor vehicle accident claim have the lowest at $16,000 being the average payout. That’s a pretty big difference between the two!

Other average payouts include:

  • $90,000 for premises liability
  • $100,000 for intentional tort
  • $679,000 for medical malpractice

It’s clear that you can get a lot of money for personal injuries so it’s not hard to see why there are so many claims.

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Laws That May Reduce Your Personal Injury Settlement

Depending on your case, state laws may reduce your settlement amount. For example, car accidents that happen in fault states are subject to comparative negligence laws. If you are at 10% at fault for the accident, your financial win will be reduced by 10%.

Additionally, some states utilize the modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be 51% at fault for the accident, you won’t be able to collect any compensation. Teaming up with a personal injury lawyer will help you recover the full settlement you deserve.

For example, Alabama follows a fault-based system with contributory negligence rules. And even if you were partially to blame for your accident on someone else’s property, your slip and fall attorney could still help you collect a portion of compensation based on your percentage of fault.

Similar Accidents May Result in Different Payouts

Just because a truck accident causing neck and back injuries settles for $490,000, that doesn’t mean you should expect the same outcome for your truck accident. Results may vary, even between similar situations.

For example, if you suffer whiplash from a car accident, but that injury resulted in you also missing two weeks of work, you may receive more than the average personal injury settlement than someone who did not miss any work while suffering from a similar injury.

What to Do if You Have a Personal Injury

As you can see, personal injuries aren’t uncommon. Whether you’re at work or out for an evening walk, they can happen anywhere at any time! If you have a personal injury, the first thing you need to do is visit a medical professional who can check your injuries and treat them properly.

You should also find an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you make a claim. If you’ve been injured and it wasn’t your fault, don’t sit by and let the consequences affect your life. Take action and get the help you need!

Personal Injury Lawyers May Be Able to Help Your Case

Many accident victims turn to personal injury lawyers for legal guidance. Working with a lawyer can benefit your case in multiple ways. Your lawyer can:

  • Ensure your rights are protected
  • Gather evidence to prove your case
  • Calculate your total losses related to the accident
  • File your lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires
  • Negotiate a reasonable settlement:

Your personal injury lawyer will do everything in their legal power to try to protect your right to compensation. While no lawyer can guarantee you get the average settlement for a personal injury, your legal team will work to demonstrate just how severely the accident impacted your life.

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Get the Help You Need

If you’ve suffered a personal injury because of someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct, you may be entitled to significant compensation. Contact Us and learn more about the legal services we provide and to schedule your free consultation.

Roundup Mass Tort

Roundup Mass Tort

If you or someone you know used Roundup and are now diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma or Leukemia, contact and speak with an attorney.

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What is Roundup?

Roundup is an herbicide (weed killer) manufactured by Monsanto, which was purchased by Bayer in a massive deal in 2017, according to Scientific American. Roundup’s active ingredient is glyphosate, a chemical that is at the heart of the debate over Roundup’s safety. Roundup has been used across the country for more than 40 years.

Several organizations consider Roundup to be “probably carcinogenic to humans,” including the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer, according to The Lancet. Carcinogenic means capable of causing cancer. Other organizations, like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), classify it as likely non-carcinogenic.

How does Roundup work?

Roundup has an active ingredient called glyphosate which inhibits the enzyme EPSP synthase in plants. Without it, plants will not be able to produce the needed proteins to grow, thus turning yellow and dying within days or weeks.

Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides in the US since its release in 1973. Glyphosate comes in both solid or liquid forms. It can cause irritation in the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Swallowing glyphosate can cause increased salivation, mouth and throat burn, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

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Who is most at risk for Roundup Exposure?

  • Professional Gardeners
  • Landscapers
  • Farmers
  • Agricultural Workers
  • Herbicide Applicators
  • Groundskeepers

Though it seems to have the most dangerous effects from chronic use, Roundup may be dangerous for homeowners too.

How you can be Exposed to Roundup

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup and a host of other commercial herbicides. The plant-killing chemical is widely used in both homes for private use and for agricultural use. Unfortunately, this means that anyone can be exposed to the chemical. Exposure to Roundup or herbicides containing glyphosate can include:

  • Breathing the air near a sprayed area
  • Touching sprayed plants
  • Drinking from a contaminated water supply
  • Eating food grown in treated soil

It doesn’t matter if you live in a city, on a farm or in the suburbs, you are likely at risk for glyphosate exposure.

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What Side Effects and Injuries Do Roundup Cause?

Cancer is the most serious side effect of prolonged exposure to Roundup. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia are known to be the most common. Some 70,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma annually. In 90 percent of the cases, the patients have B-Cell lymphoma while around ten percent have T-Cell lymphoma.

Symptoms include loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes, stomach and chest pain, fever, and night sweats. If you used Roundup frequently and you’ve experienced these symptoms, see a doctor as soon as possible.

Landscapers, farmworkers, and nursery and garden center employees are most at risk. They can inhale the herbicide when mixing, spraying or cleaning up. Roundup can also harm people who eat or drink contaminated food or water.

Why is Roundup dangerous?

During the last decade, many studies showed that exposure to glyphosate is responsible for causing cancer, including a lethal form of leukemia (blood cancer) called non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The weed killer may also cause other forms of lymphoma as well.

Professional workers who are constantly exposed to this chemical, such as farmers, park employees, and gardeners have been never warned about this risk, and never knew they had to wear protection to avoid breathing it.

Residues of glyphosate can contaminate water and food, and reach dangerous levels in the human body. In 2016, The Alliance for Natural Health USA found high concentrations of this substance in breakfast cereals, eggs, and other common food products.

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Is Roundup a Carcinogen?

Answers to this question vary. For example, research from the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) identifies glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, as a carcinogen that causes cancer. Conversely, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that glyphosate is not a carcinogen and does not pose a risk to public health.

So, Roundup may or may not increase your risk of developing some forms of cancer. However, if you or someone you love was diagnosed with cancer after exposure to the glyphosate in Roundup products, a Roundup lawyer from our law firm may be able to prove Roundup caused or contributed to your diagnosis and collect financial compensation for you.

What Is the Cancer-Causing Ingredient in Roundup?

The University of Washington’s Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) cites glyphosate as a cancer-causing ingredient in Roundup. Its research indicates that this ingredient in the weedkiller can increase the risk of some cancers. The department also believes glyphosate exposure significantly increases the risk (by as much as 41%) of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Does Roundup Really Cause Cancer?

While the EPA suggests that there’s no direct link, the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s stance is more in line with scientific evidence. A study from the University of Washington found that exposure to glyphosate increased an individual’s risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by 41%. That is significant.

The CDC recently released findings that up to 80% of Americans may have traces of Roundup in their urine, showing they have been exposed to it. Considering that 200 million pounds of Roundup are sprayed annually on U.S. crops, it is not surprising most of the population has been exposed to it.

If you have used Roundup even once, you could be at a higher risk of cancer. See your doctor regularly to watch out for symptoms.

What Types of Cancer does Roundup Cause?

According to the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), glyphosate may cause or contribute to the following types of cancer:

  • Breast cancer
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Myeloid leukemia

There is additional research suggesting glyphosate exposure can lead to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia, and pediatric brain cancer.

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Can Roundup Cause Hodgkin’s Lymphoma or Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?

Scientific research does not point to Roundup causing Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Research does, however, establish a clear and compelling link between Roundup’s active ingredient, glyphosate, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Roundup, currently owned by Bayer, is facing thousands of lawsuits across the country. Many of these lawsuits claim the herbicide caused their non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This cancer originates in the lymphatic system, a network of nodes that allow your body to fight disease. An overproduction of white blood cells forms tumors that surround the lymph nodes and create swelling.

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What is non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a group of blood cancers that usually develop in your lymphatic system. They’re acquired genetic disorders. You’re not born with these disorders. Instead, they happen when genes inside certain cells mutate or change. In this case, the affected cells are B lymphocytes (B cells) or T lymphocytes (T cells) that are part of your immune system.

There are more than 70 types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. People are living longer with these conditions thanks to new treatments, including targeted therapies. In some cases, treatments eliminate all non-Hodgkin lymphoma signs and symptoms and cure the condition. In other cases, the goal of the treatment is to put the disease into remission for as long as possible.

Symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include:

  • Swelling lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, or groin
  • Abdominal pain or swelling
  • Chest pain, coughing, or shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Fever or night sweats
  • Weight loss

The largest signifier of NHL{ Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma} is swollen or enlarged lymph nodes. Lymph nodes in the neck, groin, underarms or above the collarbone may be visible or felt as lumps under the skin. However, they are usually not painful. While swollen lymph nodes are a common symptom of lymphoma, infections are the usual culprit. When infections are present, they are called reactive nodes or hyperplastic nodes.

Can Roundup Cause Leukemia?

The University of Washington’s Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) indicates that glyphosate can increase the risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma—which may include chronic lymphocytic leukemia—by as much as 41%.

Leukemia is a fairly rare form of cancer, with under 200,000 new cases reported in the U.S. each year. The condition mainly affects children and teens. Leukemia is a cancer of early blood-forming cells. While it often affects the white blood cells, there are many different types of leukemia, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Patients with slow-growing types of leukemia may not display symptoms. Fast-growing leukemia may cause symptoms including:

  • Frequent infections
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Bruising easily
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss

Treating Leukemia
Treatment is vastly different depending on which variation of leukemia a patient has. Your doctor may recommend monitoring slow-growing cancer or treating fast-growing cancer with chemotherapy, radiation, or a stem-cell transplant.

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Pediatric Brain Cancer

A study published in BMC Public Health found that a review of evidence did not support concerns that glyphosate-based pesticides could pose risks to unborn children.

However, a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that unborn children could develop brain cancer if a parent was exposed to herbicides. The effects of exposure could even be as far-reaching as two years before their children were born.

Symptoms of pediatric brain cancer include:

  • Feeling pressure in the head
  • Frequent or severe headaches
  • Sudden vision problems
  • Hearing problems
  • Trouble eating
  • Vomiting

Treating This form of Cancer
The most common treatment for brain cancer in children is surgery. Your child’s surgeon may recommend removing a slow-growing brain tumor to alleviate pressure. Other treatments include radiation and chemotherapy for more aggressive forms of brain cancer.

Is Roundup Still Being Sold?

Roundup has not been subject to any widespread product recall, and for the time being it remains on store shelves nationwide (though Costco appears to have stopped carrying glyphosate products).

There’s been little in the way of changes to Roundup labeling, and no mention of cancer risk. California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment listed glyphosate as cancer-causing in 2017, but in July 2020 a federal court judge in California prevented state officials from requiring that Roundup contain a prominent “Prop 65” safety warning. (Prop 65 warnings come from a 1986 state ballot initiative requiring California businesses to provide warnings to consumers about products that could bring significant exposure to chemicals that cause cancer and birth defects).

While there’s no mention of cancer risks, various iterations of Roundup warning labels have stated:

  • anyone using the product must wear long sleeves, long pants, shoes, and socks
  • avoid breathing vapor or spray mist
  • wash hands immediately after using the product, and before eating, drinking, using the bathroom, chewing gum, or using tobacco
  • remove clothing immediately if the product gets absorbed into the fabric, and wash thoroughly, and
  • discard and do not reuse any clothing that has become drenched or soaked with the concentrated liquid.

In July 2021, Bayer announced that it will remove glyphosate-based Roundup from the consumer market in 2023. The German manufacturing giant hopes that the move will take some of the air out of its ballooning liability over the popular weed killing product. But what will a glyphosate-free Roundup look like? According to a statement from Bayer, new formulations will “rely on alternative active ingredients,” subject to review and approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state safety agencies.

Who can file a Roundup lawsuit?

Many believe that Roundup causes cancer. The World Health Organization has also classified it as a carcinogen. You could be concerned because you or a family member used the product. The following parties can file lawsuits against the makers of Roundup:

  • Individuals. If you developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or another ailment after Roundup exposure, you could file a lawsuit. While many claimants have filed individual lawsuits against Bayer and Monsanto, some partake in mass torts, which allow multiple claimants to file a unified case against an entity.
  • Beneficiaries. If you lost a loved one to cancer due to Roundup exposure, you could file a lawsuit on behalf of a late loved one. Your eligibility largely depends on where you live; not all family members have the inherent ability to file wrongful death lawsuits.
  • Estate representatives. If you’re a decedent’s personal representative, you can file a lawsuit on behalf of their loved ones. Again, this depends on where you live, and personal representatives aren’t necessarily family members.
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Why file a lawsuit against Roundup?

Lawsuits against Monsanto indicate that the company has been aware of the links between Roundup and cancer for as many as 30 years. Monsanto incorrectly and intentionally claims that glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup) targets an enzyme found only in plants. Their claim is “false, misleading and deceptive.”

In 2018, Bayer inherited litigation brought against Monsanto when it purchased Monsanto. Bayer paid more than $10 billion to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits brought against Roundup in 2020.

The company has failed and continues to fail to warn users of the connection between their product and cancer going so far as creating fake information, attacking studies that link Roundup to cancer, and colluding with the EPA to disavow any connection between the two.

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How Much Is a Roundup Case Worth?

Like all injury-related legal claims, the value of a Roundup lawsuit will depend on the plaintiff’s specific circumstances and experience, including:

  • The details of your Roundup-related health problems, including diagnosis of the nature and extent of the illness, prognosis for ongoing treatment, and prospects for a full recovery
  • The impact of your illness on your ability to work or otherwise earn income, now and in the future
  • The effects of your illness and medical treatment on your daily life, including your ability to perform household chores, care for loved ones, enjoy activities and hobbies, etc.
  • The extent of your physical pain and discomfort, and

any mental anguish, anxiety, sleeplessness, and other negative effects of your illness and medical treatment.

How Long Do I Have to File Roundup Lawsuits?

The time requirement (statute of limitations) to file a Roundup cancer lawsuit will depend on where you live and when you have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Were you or a family member diagnosed with either condition? If so, you should speak to a Roundup weed killer lawyer as soon as feasible so you can preserve your legal rights for compensatory damages by filing a Monsanto lawsuit.

Failure to comply with the applicable statute of limitations will forever bar your legal rights for recovery.

Did your family member die from complications after being exposed to Roundup? If so, you might also have grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Contact a Roundup lawyer at our law office today for a free consultation to determine how the law applies to your situation.

How Do I Prove I Have Used Roundup?

Documentation is the key for proving Roundup claims. Sales receipts that describe when you purchased Roundup and how much of the herbicide you bought are crucial for establishing a link between the development of cancer and applying Roundup to kill weeds and other types of vegetation. If you can not find any of the sales receipts for Roundup, you might be able to prove you used the herbicide if you present bank statements that itemize purchases at home improvement stores. If you applied the herbicide as part of your professional responsibilities, invoices and/or work orders can help you establish a link between your illness and the herbicide. Working with our team of personal injury lawyers can help you organize the documentation you need to prove you used Roundup at home and/or at work.

Can I Sue My Employer If I Used Roundup at Work?

Possibly. It’s important to explore all areas of potential liability, besides Bayer and Roundup. If your job duties included using Roundup or another product containing glyphosate, you may be able file a claim against your employer.

When your employer requires you to use Roundup, they must provide you with safety equipment. This could include face masks, gloves and other protective gear. If your employer hasn’t provided you with these items, or with any safety training, you could hold them liable for your cancer diagnosis.

This is a completely separate claim from the one you would make against Bayer, and it’s perfectly acceptable to file both. Be aware, however, that you cannot double dip. So if you get compensation from your employer for lost income, you won’t be able to get money from Bayer for the same reason. Keep in mind that if you file a workers’ compensation claim, you cannot separately sue your employer for damages.your lawsuit against Bayer may be restricted to your state court.

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Who Is Eligible to File Roundup Claims?

To qualify for the filing of a personal injury lawsuit against Bayer/Monsanto, you must prove you have received a diagnosis of a type of cancer such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. You also have to make the connection between the development of your cancer and exposure to the herbicide Roundup.

Attorneys for Bayer have argued in the past that using the herbicide or storing a bottle of it at home does not constitute legal cause to file a personal injury lawsuit against the company. This means you must demonstrate that you developed cancer symptoms because of prolonged exposure to Roundup. The definition of “prolong” has varied meanings for the different lawsuits filed against Bayer. Prolonged can be one year or it can span more than five years.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis goes right to the heart of the legal issues surrounding Roundup. The secondary legal issue involves proving that Bayer/Monsanto did not provide adequate warning to the users of Roundup, such as adding a label describing the possible physical consequences of using the herbicide.

If you can show you suffer from one or more of the symptoms that are associated with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, you might qualify for both economic and non-economic monetary damages.

How Much Do The Lawyers Get In The Roundup Lawsuit?

Roundup lawyers typically take between 33-40% of the total amount recovered in a personal injury lawsuit.

Contingency fee agreements may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

The attorneys’ fees in a Roundup lawsuit will be contingent upon whether the case is resolved through settlement or trial.

If the case settles, the attorney’s fees will generally be a percentage of the total settlement amount.

If the case goes to trial, the roundup attorneys fees will be charged hourly.

You should discuss this with your attorney prior to signing any legal documents.

It is important that you understand all of the terms of your agreement before moving forward.

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Who is most likely to be affected?

Those who have used or been exposed to Roundup extensively are most at risk for developing cancer related to Roundup. This may include:

  • Farmers or Farm Workers
  • Landscape Workers
  • Nursery/Garden Center Employees
  • People Who Regularly and Consistently Use Roundup

Is Roundup Safe To Use?

Roundup’s safety is still under debate. Bayer and the EPA claim that Roundup and glyphosate do not cause cancer. However, other research and personal accounts question the weed killer’s safety and suggest that sustained use could result in serious skin irritation and life-threatening conditions.

Those at the greatest risk of developing cancer are landscapers, gardeners and others who regularly sprayed Roundup over an extended period of time.

Who Can Sue Bayer?

Simply using Roundup or another of the 19 Monsanto-Bayer products with glyphosate isn’t enough to file a claim. You’ll need to have suffered an injury. In most Roundup cases, that’s a diagnosis for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The cancer diagnosis will need to be linked to exposure to Roundup.

The specifics of your health problems will play a central role in your lawsuit. You’ll need to be ready to discuss details of your health, turn over medical records, and talk about personal aspects of your life.

Protect Yourself From Roundup Exposure

If you must use Roundup, it is absolutely critical that you use the proper protective gear.

Here is the thing, you must bare in mind that the negative effects of Roundup are not typically short term. Though some people may have an immediate allergic reaction, most of the alleged diseases caused by roundup happen slowly. With chronic long term use.

Protect yourself from Roundup Exposure by:

  • Wear sturdy rubber gloves during use.
  • Wear safety glasses with side view protection.
  • Wear closed toed socks and shoes
  • Wear long sleeve pants and shirts.
  • If your sprayer is leaking be sure to fix it!
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Roundup Cancer Lawsuit

Have you been sick from exposure to RoundUp? You might be owed compensation. Call a Roundup lawsuit attorney today for a FREE consultation.

Paraguard

Paraguard

If you have suffered injury or other serious side effects caused by the Paragard IUD,
you may be able to bring a lawsuit against ParaGard IUD. Claimants are seeking compensation and allege Paragard is defective and manufacturers failed to adequately warn about the risk of device breakage and injury.

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What Is Paragard?

The Paragard IUD is a form of birth control that works by disrupting the process of conception. The T-shaped copper device is placed inside the uterus and produces an inflammatory reaction which acts as a non-hormonal spermicide, inhibiting the union of a sperm cell with an egg cell.

The Paragard IUD is the only copper intrauterine device approved for use in the United States. Paragard is also 100% hormone free and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use up to 10 years.

Each device is made in the USA and consists of a T-shaped polyethylene frame wound with copper wire. Two monofilament threads hang down from the device to aid in simple removal of the IUD in a doctor’s office.

How does ParaGard work?

ParaGard works by releasing small amounts of copper into the uterus. In theory, the copper helps to prevent sperm from reaching an egg by creating an inflammatory reaction that is toxic to both sperm and eggs—preventing pregnancy. Additionally, the ParaGard IUD alters the lining of the uterus to reduce the risk of implantation.

Paragard is one of five birth control medications in the form of an intrauterine device available to women in the United States. What sets it apart from the others, is that it is non-hormonal. Non-hormonal birth control are a favored option for women of childbearing years because it doesn’t carry the risks of side effects such as blood clots. In addition, non-hormonal birth control can be used while breast-feeding.

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Who might use Paragard?

You might choose Paragard if you:

  • Want long-term birth control that provides a low chance of getting pregnant (less than 1 in 100)
  • Want birth control that works continuously for up to 10 years
  • Want birth control that is reversible
  • Want a birth control method that you do not need to take daily
  • Are willing to use a birth control method that is inserted in the uterus
  • Want birth control that does not contain hormones

Who should not use Paragard?

Do not use Paragard if you:

  • Are or might be pregnant
  • Have a condition of the uterus that changes the shape of the uterine cavity, such as large fibroid tumors
  • Have an untreated pelvic infection called pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Have had an infection in your uterus after a pregnancy or abortion in the past 3 months
  • Have or suspect you might have cancer of the uterus or cervix
  • Have unexplained bleeding from your vagina
  • Have an untreated lower genital infection now in your cervix
  • Have Wilson’s disease (a disorder in how the body handles copper)
  • Are allergic to copper, polyethylene, or barium sulfate
  • Have an intrauterine system in your uterus already

Paragard Side Effects

The most common Paragard side effects are less severe and part of the adjustment period. According to Teva Pharmaceuticals, these side effects usually wear off after the first two or three months of use. Some are more severe and may require medical attention.

Side effects include:

  • Spotting between periods
  • Longer, heavier periods
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Expulsion
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Infections
  • Pain during sex
  • Allergic reactions
  • Anemia
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Perforation of the uterus
  • Difficulty removing the device
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Paragard Dangers & Complications

It’s important to be familiar with Paragard IUD risks if you use or are considering using Paragard IUD.

Paragard defects & complications can result in serious injury.

Common complications and dangers include:

  • Negative reactions between Paragard & the body, resulting in injury.
  • Complications during the removal process, resulting in injury.
  • Device fracture, breaking and migration during use, resulting in injury.

These complications are not assumed by Paragard users as the manufacturer failed to warn consumers of these defects and complications.

For that reason, users suffering injuries resulting from these complications may be entitled to participate in the Paragard injury lawsuit.

TYPES OF PARAGARD IUD INJURIES

Countless women reported needing surgery and suffering from serious injuries due to the product’s complications and defects. Among the most common types of Paragard IUD injuries reported to the FDA include:

  • IUD getting embedded in the uterus
  • Perforation of the uterine wall, cervix, colon, etc.
  • Migration of all or part of the device to other parts of the body, leading to organ perforation and organ damage
  • Device breakage requiring surgery
  • Infections
  • Scarring and damage
  • Ectopic pregnancy
  • Loss of reproductive health
  • IUD expulsion or falling out of the uterus
  • Inflammation or allergic reaction because of copper left in the body
  • Death from any of the above injuries.
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What Should I Do If I Have Been Injured by Paragard?

Any woman who has been injured by the Paragard IUD should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. Women can endure long-term complications from the injuries caused by this IUD, including being unable to have children. When a company designs a medical product, they have an obligation to produce a safe product that will not cause harm to those who use it. When the device has not been designed properly and causes injury, patients have the right to seek financial compensation.

If you have suffered complications from Paragard, we recommend you take the following steps:

  1. Seek medical treatment from a doctor and focus on healing.
  2. Speak with an attorney. Our firm has extensive experience helping patients injured by medical devices.
  3. Gather paperwork and document your injury and medical treatments as much as possible. Be sure to record the dates of your doctor visits, when the doctor first noticed your health issues, and what your medical treatment has entailed. An experienced lawyer will help you in finding any other evidence that could be beneficial to your claim.

If you have been injured by Paragard, you should consult an attorney. Our lawyers understand the impact these devices can have on you and your family, and we want to help. Our highly skilled and compassionate attorneys will help you determine if you a case. You need to have someone representing you who will make sure you get the help you need. Do not delay.

What Types of Compensation Are Available?

The compensation you are entitled to will depend on the facts and circumstances of your particular case. An experienced Paragard lawsuit attorney can give you an idea of the potential value of your claim. You may be eligible to recover the following damages:

  • Medical bills (past, present, and future) – The costs of hospitalization, doctors’ appointments, surgery, ultrasound imaging, medications, physical therapy, and all other costs associated with your medical care.
  • Lost wages – Lost wages from missing work due to your injury.
  • Lost earning capacity – Any income in the future you would have earned had the injury not affected your ability to work.
  • Pain and suffering – Non-economic damages like pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment resulting from the injury are difficult to calculate without the help of an experienced attorney.
  • Loss of consortium – If the injury has had a negative impact on your relationship with your spouse or partner, loss of consortium could help cover loss of companionship, affection, and support.
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How Much IUD Can Cost?

According to Planned Parenthood, an IUD can cost anywhere from $0 to $1,300. But because of the Affordable Care Act, most people with insurance can get Paragard for little to no cost.

Patients can check with their insurance company to see if Paragard is covered. If it’s not covered as a medical benefit, it may be covered as a pharmacy benefit, according to Cooper Surgical.

Paragard may also be offered for free or at a low cost for people with Medicaid or through other government programs. Contact your local Planned Parenthood health center or local health department for details.

Have There Been Any Pargard IUD Lawsuits Filed?

Recent studies and lawsuits claim that Paragard, the 380 product models, in particular, may cause serious injuries and complications. The Paragard IUD specifically can migrate throughout the body and/or get embedded or lodged in various parts of the body, like the uterus. Another potentially dangerous defect is when pieces of the Paragard IUD break off and may cause damage or perforation to vital organs and tissues. That makes it hard to retrieve the Paragard IUD and may result in serious invasive surgeries, which includes hysterectomy. Also, it is claimed that Paragard is linked with ectopic pregnancies.

Do I Have An Eligible Case?

Following an injury, you might be wondering whether or not you are eligible to pursue legal action against an entity or person who has harmed you. However, every situation is complex and unique. You might have a valid case. However, we won’t know for certain until we have a thorough understanding of your personal situation. There are several things that we may consider, including:

  • Warnings that were issues about the implanted device’s risks
  • Whether or not the device has been subject to any safety alerts or recalls
  • Hospitalization needed for surgically repairing or removing a perforated organ or treating an infection
  • Any complications that arise while removing the device, which includes device migration or breakage
  • Whether or not the device needed to be removed earlier than was anticipated, maybe due to expulsion
  • The reason why you decided to use the device instead of other contraception methods

It can be complicated to determine liability in a defective medical device without consulting with an experienced attorney. We are prepared to answer any concerns or questions you might have during your free consultation. Calling us to find out more about your potential legal options carries no risk to you.

Is it painful to have a copper IUD inserted?

Generally, having an IUD inserted isn’t painful. It isn’t like adding an implant in the ram where a cut is made. But women may experience some discomfort or pain when the copper IUD is put in. The process generally takes 15 minutes to complete or even less sometimes. Women may feel some pressure or pinching when the procedure is being done. Women can resume normal activities after the copper IUD is inserted. But some may take a day or two to rest and keep cramping and pain medicine with them. Women who have children find it less painful than women who haven’t. But this is a general observation.

Is a copper IUD the right birth control for you?

IUDs are a good method of birth control for most women, especially because it’s easy to use. If a woman doesn’t want a baby for a good number of years, like 3-10 years, then they can go for an IUD. A copper IUD lasts for 10+ years. However, if she decides to have children, she can have it removed. The ten years is the time till expiry, but women can have it removed before that as well. ParaGard is appealing to women who want a hormone-free method for birth control. Women who get cramps or have heavy periods may need to watch out as there is potential for heavier periods. An IUD can prevent pregnancy effectively, but it doesn’t help in preventing sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS or HIV. After a woman discusses her needs and pre-existing medical conditions with her doctor, she can decide on the best method of birth control.

What if you get pregnant with a copper IUD in?

Very few women can get pregnant while they are using a copper IUD. But if a woman does pregnant, then it is a medical risk. It happens to less than 1% of women. A pregnant woman with an IUD inside her is at risk for an ectopic pregnancy. This pregnancy isn’t viable and puts the woman at risk as well. The egg will implant outside the uterus, generally in the fallopian tube. Usually, the pregnancy needs to be terminated unless you remove the IUD as it can trigger early labor, miscarriage, and even infection.

What to expect after having a non-hormonal IUD inserted?

After having the copper IUD inserted, women may experience side effects for 3 to 6 months post-insertion. Some side effects include cramps, heavy bleeding, and pain before the period comes. But over the counter medications can help manage the discomfort. These side effects will not last forever. The body will get used to the copper IUD; then, there will be very few side effects that are negative.

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Contact a Paragard Lawyer

Call today to set up a FREE case evaluation with an experienced Paragard lawsuit lawyer today. We are happy to discuss with you all of your legal options and advise you on how best to proceed with your claim. Call us today to learn if we can help.

Tax Debt

$10K in Tax Debt?

Are you in tax debt and looking for a solution to take back control of your life? We can help you! speak with a tax attorney about your options.

Monday to Friday – 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
(all times Eastern)

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What Is Tax Debt Relief?

Tax debt relief is designed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to help lower a taxpayer or business owner’s tax bill. There are several types of tax debt relief programs, typically in the form of payment plans or partial or full debt settlement.

There are many situations that could allow you to qualify for tax debt relief, such as an unexpectedly high tax bill, a natural disaster hitting your home and making it difficult to file taxes and pay your bill, or other financial hardships. The important thing is if you need tax debt relief, you must act quickly to find a solution.

If you fail to pay your tax debt, the IRS will charge a failure-to-pay penalty of 0.5% of your unpaid taxes per month, plus interest (which starts accruing the day your taxes are due and continues until you pay your bill in full). If you delay payment long enough, you could pay up to 25% of your unpaid taxes in penalties.

How does tax debt relief work?

Essentially, tax debt relief is incentives and programs designed by the IRS to lower a taxpayer or business owner’s tax bill. Examples include tax credits and other temporary incentives, allowable deductions for pension contributions and tax debt forgiveness and the removal of any tax liens. Your specific tax situation will determine the best form of tax debt relief for you. It’s important to bear in mind the fact that the IRS does not openly promote tax debt relief. That’s why it’s good to seek out a reputable tax service to explore your tax debt relief options and determine which is best for you.

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What qualifies you for tax debt relief?

Trying to catch up on your IRS payments can leave you in a financial crunch, and you can experience a great deal of stress, as well. Besides an unexpectedly high tax bill, a natural disaster may have recently swept through your area, making it challenging for you to successfully file your taxes and pay your tax bill. You may also be going through a financial hardship which can allow you to qualify for relief. There are many different situations that could qualify you for tax debt relief.

Tax debt relief programs

There are a number of tax debt relief programs offered by the IRS that can help make your tax debt more manageable. You must apply and be approved by the IRS for these programs, but here are some of your options:

  • Installment agreements: If you can’t pay your debt in full, but are able to make smaller payments overtime, an IRS installment agreement may work for you. This allows you to pay off your tax debt in smaller increments over a determined period of time. If this is approved, the IRS will stop any wage garnishment, seizure, or tax lien they’d placed, and may also reduce penalties you faced for failing to pay. You will, however, have nominal fees to pay if you enter an installment agreement.

    Even if you enter an installment agreement, you must continue to make your payments or the IRS could revoke your agreement. You must make every one of your payments, file all current and future returns and income taxes, and provide accurate information throughout the process.

  • Offer in compromise: This is when you’re able to negotiate a settlement that’s less than your outstanding balance. If approved, the IRS will forgive some of your debt in order to receive as much of the total bill as possible. However, to be approved, you must meet one of these conditions:
  1. Effective tax administration – you do not contest your collectability or liability, but can demonstrate that paying debt would create a significant financial hardship or distress.
  2. Doubt as to collectibility – you will never feasibly pay off your tax bill in full, though the IRS will ensure your assets and current and projected future income will not allow for them to enforce traditional collection means.
  3. Doubt as to liability – requires you to prove there is doubt the tax liability is correct, typically due to examiner mistakes, omitted information, or new information that would change how much you owe.
  • Currently not collectible: In this case, your tax debt is put on hold for a certain period of time. While in this status, the IRS will stop all other collection activities, but your debt may still accrue interest and other penalties for failing to pay. The IRS can also still file a Notice of Federal Tax Lien, which can significantly affect your credit score in a negative way. The IRS has 10 years to collect from you.

    To qualify for this, you must file any delinquent tax returns and provide details around your income status, current expenses, and other debts you have.

  • Innocent spouse relief: If you and your spouse file a joint income tax return, you are both responsible for the tax, interest, and penalties that result from the return. Even if it’s your spouse that reports income or claim credits or deductions incorrectly, you’re still liable. However, with this program, you may be able to prove you’re an innocent spouse and be exempt from taxes caused by the other person.

In most cases, the IRS tax debt relief will not forgive your debt completely. Due to the extensive qualifications, total debt forgiveness is very rare. You must be able to prove that you don’t have the means to repay your debt, have few assets the IRS would be able to levy, and don’t make an income above the minimum need for essential living expenses. Because these regulations are so strict, your better option would be to work with a professional on one of the programs listed above.

How to get tax debt relief

It’s possible to set up an IRS debt forgiveness program on your own, but the extensive detail you must provide and qualifications you must meet could make it difficult to get approved for a program, or a tax balance removed or reduced. It’s important to work closely with the IRS to understand your options and ensure you meet all requirements.

Or, you may choose to work with a tax professional who can help get IRS debt forgiveness approved. They will help analyze your finances and develop a case for the IRS based on your individual situation, providing all of the correct information and meeting requirements for the program.

Typically, whether applying yourself or working with a tax professional, there are a few steps in the tax debt relief process if you owe taxes to the IRS:

  1. Identify the issue (how much do you owe, does the IRS currently have any holds on your assets, etc.)
  2. Investigate the cause (did you provide incorrect information on your return, do you not have a high enough income, do you not have assets that can be used as collateral, etc.)
  3. Find a solution (which debt relief program would work best for your situation)
  4. Build a case (outlining why you can’t pay the tax debt and the proposed solution)
  5. Submit the case to the IRS
  6. Receive tax relief (if approved, your relief depends on the program you applied for)

The best form of tax debt relief will depend on your personal situation, and it’s important to work with a reputable tax service or the IRS directly to understand your options and decide what’s best for you.

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How to pay off tax debt

If you don’t get approved for one of the above programs, or you prefer to take a different route to pay off your tax debt, you do have other options including:

  • Take out a bank loan or personal line of credit to cover what you owe. Try to get a lower interest rate than that charged by the IRS so that you owe less in the long run.
  • Take out a loan against a qualified pension plan, such as 401(k) or IRA. While you’ll lose some potential investment returns, and there will likely be some interest owed, it will likely be less than the penalties you’ll owe from tax debt.
  • Consolidate your taxes with a personal loan or home equity loan or line of credit.
  • Stay on top of your budget. Cut all unnecessary spending, and track what you’re spending everywhere else. Try to lower your bills or eliminate payments you don’t need, such as subscription plans or gym memberships.
  • Generate additional income, either by picking up a second job, starting a side hustle, or selling some of your gently used items that you no longer need.

Again, the most important part of repaying debt is starting to do so right away. As time passes, penalties and fees, as well as interest, will add to the total amount you owe and can make paying off the debt even more difficult.

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Tax debt relief in a national disaster

If a natural disaster, like a hurricane or flooding, is a federally classified catastrophe and affects you and your city, the IRS may file an automatic tax extension so you can pay taxes you owe later in the year.

To be eligible, you must reside in or your business must operate out of a federally declared disaster region and there must be natural devastation. Additionally, if you have property loss that’s not covered by homeowners insurance, it may be tax-deductible.

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Benefits of tax debt relief

The primary benefit of tax debt relief is your debt may be lowered or even eliminated (in rare cases). The IRS will work with you to repay your debt or lower your total amount so that you avoid financial ruin and other penalties.

For example, when you’re unable to pay your tax bill in full, the IRS can garnish your wages, meaning your earnings can be withheld by your employer for the payment of debt. However, with tax debt relief, you can stop wage garnishment and keep those funds for your other financial needs.

Another thing the IRS may do is implement a bank levy, which allows them to take funds directly from your bank account. This freezes your account until the funds are removed and sent to the IRS, and they use those funds to pay down your debt. Tax debt relief helps prevent this action, so you don’t have to worry about your debit card being declined or your savings account drained.

The IRS can also put a lien on your property, which can result in seized proceeds when you sell. Or, they could place a tax levy, which means they can take the property and sell it to recoup the taxes you owe. Tax debt relief helps ensure none of this happens.

Does tax relief hurt your credit?

Tax relief doesn’t hurt your credit score, but the IRS will report overdue tax debt to the credit bureaus. So, if you owe taxes to the IRS, this will hurt your credit score. Failing to make payments can also hurt your credit score, as could taking out a loan or using a credit card to pay your tax bill because it increases your credit utilization. Once your tax debt is paid off, your score will likely rebound.

Are tax debt relief companies legitimate?

Some tax debt relief companies are legitimate, but others are not. They may charge massive non-refundable fees, and still not get your debt relieved. They may even take your money and never send the proper paperwork or application to the IRS. Be sure to look out for the signs of tax debt relief scams.

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Call our tax experts today for a free consultation. Speak to a tax expert about Tax Debt Relief.

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Hernia Mesh

Hernia Mesh

A hernia mesh lawsuit is a legal claim filed against surgical mesh manufacturers by people who suffered serious injuries after their mesh implants failed. Talk To A Hernia Mesh Attorney.

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What Is Hernia Mesh?

Hernia mesh is a medical device that is used in surgeries to repair hernias. The mesh is implanted into the wall of the organ over the hernia to strengthen the damaged tissue. Hernia mesh is typically made out of either animal or synthetic material.

Hernia mesh can be either absorbable or non-absorbable. Absorbable hernia mesh will, over time, degrade and lose strength, eventually getting absorbed into the body. This type of hernia mesh is designed to provide only temporary support to an organ wall. The tissue itself will provide the necessary support as it grows back over time. Non-absorbable hernia mesh is meant to be permanent and will not degrade.

How many types of hernia are there ?

The most common forms of hernia are:

  • Inguinal hernia: In men, the inguinal canal is a passageway for the spermatic cord and blood vessels leading to the testicles. In women, the inguinal canal contains the round ligament that gives support for the uterus. In an inguinal hernia, fatty tissue or a part of the intestine pokes into the groin at the top of the inner thigh. This is the most common type of hernia, and affects men more often than women.
  • Femoral hernia: Fatty tissue or part of the intestine protrudes into the groin at the top of the inner thigh. Femoral hernias are much less common than inguinal hernias and mainly affect older women.
  • Umbilical hernia: Fatty tissue or part of the intestine pushes through the abdomen near the navel (belly button).
  • Hiatal (hiatus) hernia: Part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity through an opening in the diaphragm (the horizontal sheet of muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen).
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Other types of hernias include:

  • Incisional hernia: Tissue protrudes through the site of an abdominal scar from a remote abdominal or pelvic operation.
  • Epigastric hernia: Fatty tissue protrudes through the abdominal area between the navel and lower part of the sternum (breastbone).
  • Spigelian hernia: The intestine pushes through the abdomen at the side of the abdominal muscle, below the navel.
  • Diaphragmatic hernia: Organs in the abdomen move into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm.
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What are the symptoms of hernia?

A hernia in the abdomen or groin can produce a noticeable lump or bulge that can be pushed back in, or that can disappear when lying down. Laughing, crying, coughing, straining during a bowel movement, or physical activity may make the lump reappear after it has been pushed in. More symptoms of a hernia include:

  • Swelling or bulge in the groin or scrotum (the pouch that contains the testicles).
  • Increased pain at the site of the bulge.
  • Pain while lifting.
  • Increase in the bulge size over time.
  • A dull aching sensation.
  • A sense of feeling full or signs of bowel obstruction.

In the case of hiatal hernias there are no bulges on the outside of the body. Instead, symptoms may include heartburn, indigestion, difficulty swallowing, frequent regurgitation (bringing food back up) and chest pain.

What is the reason behind having a hernia?

Hernias are caused by a combination of muscle weakness and strain. Depending on its cause, a hernia can develop quickly or over a long period of time.

Some common causes of muscle weakness or strain that can lead to a hernia include:

  • a congenital condition, which occurs during development in the womb and is present from birth
  • aging
  • damage from an injury or surgery
  • strenuous exercise or lifting heavy weights
  • chronic coughing or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD)
  • pregnancy, especially having multiple pregnancies
  • constipation, which causes you to strain when having a bowel movement
  • being overweight or having obesity
  • ascites
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What are the risk factors for hernia?

There are also certain risk factors that make you more likely to develop a hernia. They include:

  • being born prematurely or having a low birth weight
  • being older
  • chronic cough (likely due to the repetitive increase in abdominal pressure)
  • cystic fibrosis
  • pregnancy
  • chronic constipation
  • being overweight or having obesity
  • smoking, which leads to the weakening of connective tissue
  • a personal or family history of hernias

Do children get hernias too?

Between 10 and 25 percent of babies are born with an umbilical hernia. This type of hernia is also more common in babies who are born prematurely or with a low birth weight.

Umbilical hernias occur near the belly button. They form when the muscles surrounding the hole left by the umbilical cord don’t close properly. This causes a portion of the intestine to bulge out.

If your child has an umbilical hernia, you may notice it more when they’re crying or coughing. Umbilical hernias in children are typically painless. However, when symptoms such as pain, vomiting, or swelling at the hernia site occur, you should seek emergency medical attention.

See your child’s pediatrician if you notice that your child has an umbilical hernia. Umbilical hernias typically go away when a child is 1 or 2 years old. If it doesn’t disappear by the age of 5, surgery can be performed to repair it.

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Can a hernia occur during pregnancy?

If you’re pregnant and think that you have a hernia, see a doctor. They can evaluate it and determine if it poses any health risks.

Often, hernia repair can wait until after delivery. If a small hernia that’s present before or during the pregnancy begins to get larger or cause discomfort, surgery may be advised to repair it. The recommended time to have this performed is during the second trimester.

Hernias that have been repaired in the past may return with later pregnancies. This is because pregnancy places a strain on abdominal muscle tissue that may have been weakened by surgery.

Hernias can also occur following a cesarean delivery. During a cesarean delivery, a doctor makes an incision into the abdomen and uterus. The baby is then delivered through these incisions.

An incisional hernia can sometimes occur at the site of a cesarean delivery. Get more details about hernias that occur after a cesarean delivery.

What are the complications of a hernia?

In rare cases, inguinal hernia repair can damage structures involved in the function of a man’s testicles.

Another risk of hernia surgery is nerve damage, which can lead to numbness in the groin area.

If a part of your bowel was trapped or strangulated before surgery, it may lead to a bowel perforation or dead bowel.

  • Strangulation: Pressure placed on the hernial contents may compromise the blood supply to a section of an organ or tissue, leading to ischemia, cell death, and even gangrene. A strangulated hernia is life-threatening and requires immediate surgery.
  • Obstruction: When part of the gut herniates, the bowel contents may no longer be able to pass through the herniated area, leading to cramps, the absence of defecation and vomiting.
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How is a hernia diagnosed?

It is usually possible to see or feel a bulge in the area where a hernia has occurred by physical exam. As part of a male’s typical physical exam for inguinal hernias, the doctor feels the area around the testicles and groin while the patient is asked to cough. In some cases, soft-tissue imaging like a CT scan will accurately diagnose the condition.

How is hernia treated?

Hernias usually do not get better on their own, and surgery may be the only way to repair them. However, your doctor will recommend the best therapy to address your hernia, and may refer you to a surgeon. If the surgeon thinks it is necessary to repair your hernia, then the surgeon will tailor the method of repair that best meets your needs.

In the case of an umbilical hernia in a child, surgery may be recommended if the hernia is large or if it has not healed by the age of 4 to 5 years old. By this age, a child can usually avoid surgical complications.

If an adult has an umbilical hernia, surgery is usually recommended because the condition will not likely improve on its own and the risk of complications is higher.

One of three types of hernia surgery can be performed:

  • Open surgery, in which a cut is made into the body at the location of the hernia. The protruding tissue is set back in place and the weakened muscle wall is stitched back together. Sometimes a type of mesh is implanted in the area to provide extra support.
  • Laparoscopic surgery involves the same type of repairs. However, instead of a cut to the outside of the abdomen or groin, tiny incisions are made to allow for the insertion of surgical tools to complete the procedure.
  • Robotic hernia repair, like laparoscopic surgery, uses a laparoscope, and is performed with small incisions. With robotic surgery, the surgeon is seated at a console in the operating room, and handles the surgical instruments from the console. While robotic surgery can be used for some smaller hernias, or weak areas, it can now also be used to reconstruct the abdominal wall.
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What can happen if a hernia is not treated?

Other than umbilical hernias in babies, hernias will not disappear on their own. Over time, a hernia can grow larger and more painful or can develop complications.

Complications of an untreated inguinal or femoral hernia may include:

  • Obstruction (incarceration): Part of the intestine becomes stuck in the inguinal canal, causing nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and a painful lump in the groin.
  • Strangulation: Part of the intestine is trapped in a way that cuts off its blood supply. In such cases, emergency surgery (within hours of occurring) is necessary to prevent tissue death.

How can a hernia be prevented?

  • Maintain ideal body weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising.
  • Eat enough fruits, vegetables and whole grains to avoid constipation.
  • Use correct form when lifting weights or heavy objects. Avoid lifting anything that is beyond your ability.
  • See a doctor when you are ill with persistent coughs or sneezing.
  • Don’t smoke, as the habit can lead to coughing that triggers a hernia.
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Hernia Mesh Complications?

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