Jacksonville Personal Injury Blog

Doctors may finally be getting the message about the dangers of Johnson & Johnson’s fentanyl patches. Sales are down worldwide 20.5 % equating to roughly $200 million dollars. The drop comes after a series of deaths and lawsuits and at least two J & J recalls in the last two years.

Just last month, the painkiller was prescribed to a 15-year-old boy who died of an overdose following a tooth extraction. The Seattle teen was autistic and for some reason was prescribed the patch usually used for chronic pain in cancer patients and is generally prescribed for people who have developed a resistance to opium-based painkillers.

Since the 15-year-old was unable to speak and communicate to caretakers, it complicated his reaction and anyone’s ability to help him.

A civil suit has been filed because the boy was given the highest dose available, says his attorney. The hospital says it erred in prescribing fentanyl to the teen patient. Wrong prescriptions of the fentanyl patch are not an uncommon problem across the country.

A Sanford, Fla., jury in October 2008 awarded $13.3 million to the family of a 34-year-old woman who died after undergoing back surgery and using the Duragesic patch (fentanyl). The jurors decided that two J & J subsidiaries, Janssen and Alza, were responsible for her death.
J & J face about 60 other lawsuits over the Duragesic patches.

Part of the problem with fentanyl, whether by J & J or generic, is that it is delivered through a patch allowing the drug to pass through the skin and entering the blood at a constant rate. When someone takes a pill, the level of drug rises and falls in the blood, giving the body somewhat of a rest.

Transdermal patches don’t give the patient’s body a rest and they may end up getting too much of the drug.

There have been five Duragesic/fentanyl recalls since 1994. Watson Pharmaceuticals issued a recall for its leaking fentanyl painkiller patch in August and the company said that exposure to fentanyl exposure may lead to respiratory depression and possible overdose.

In 2005, the FDA said that there had been 120 reports of death related to the fentanyl patch.
Most recently, in December 2008, a division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen a company under Johnson & Johnson recalled defective fentanyl transdermal patches. The company said some patches had a slit along one side creating the possibility that the fentanyl get could leak out of the package exposing both caregivers and the patient to an overdose.

The last official move by the FDA earlier this year came in a letter sent to the six manufacturers to demonstrate that the drug’s benefits outweigh the potential risks. While the drug has a real benefit for those suffering from so-called “breakthrough pain,” especially from cancer, the FDA notes that the number of accident overdoses is increasing.

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Posted In: Defective Drug , Defective Medical Device , Health & Information , Law & Information , Personal Injury , Pharmaceutical Litigation , Product Liability , Wrongful Death

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A recent federal review is not happening fast enough for patients who have been hurt by defective medical devices in Florida and throughout the nation that reports say should never have been put on the market.

A federal study will take the next two years to look at a FDA program that provides an easy fast-tracked method for medical device makers to get their product into the marketplace. The process is known as – 510 (k), and it amounts to an exchange of paperwork seeking approval from the Center for Devices and Radiological Health to market the device.

Note – the device makers claim that the catheter or defibrillator is “substantially equivalent” to another device already on the market. Unfortunately many of these devices are implanted inside patients, some permanently, and they have not undergone pre-market approval for safety.

Besides bandages and wheelchairs, 510 (k) devices can include pacemakers, heart valves, and synthetic surgical mesh.

3,600 products apply for the 510(k) designation every year. About 90 percent are given the okay.

The $1.3 million review by the Institute of Medicine (part of the National Academies) is better late than never. However, for those who have been harmed by medical devices that were never reviewed for safety, waiting another two years for it to be complete, slated for March 2011, opens the door to more abuse of the system.

A Truth in Medicine founder and patient advocate who is suing Ethicon over its synthetic surgical mesh which remains implanted in her, says two years is too late.

“Thousands and thousands will be injured before they complete the review process,” says Miami-based patient advocate. She and thousands who have contacted her Web site, say they never should have been implanted with synthetic surgical mesh for hernia repair and urinary incontinence. Many say their lives have been ruined because the mesh migrates, perforates organs, and is difficult if not impossible to remove.

Continue reading "Federal Review of Dangerous Medical Devices Finally Underway" »

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Posted In: Defective Medical Device , Health & Information , Law & Information , Personal Injury

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There are about 2,421 families who call Palatka, Florida their home. With a total population of 10,804 people (as of July 2007 estimates), consumerism is undoubtedly alive and well. The city has an area of 7.5 square miles, and has experienced a 7.5% rise in population since the year 2000, meaning that more and more people each year move into the city limits, bringing their consumer goods and products with them.

From cars to clothing, home appliances to children’s toys, products can take a variety of different forms. However, there is always the possibility that those products, despite supposed testing, can be found to cause harm to people all over the country, Palatka residents included. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission is responsible for monitoring products throughout the country, ensuring that those products are free from defects and risks that could pose serious harm to consumers. However, when products fail and do injure consumers, it is the job of Palatka defective product attorneys to ensure that those parties responsible for the products are appropriately held liable for their actions.

Manufacturers have an obligation to create products that are free from any and all defects that could pose serious risk to consumers. In the event that products do harm a consumer, skilled Palatka product liability lawyers will examine the circumstances surrounding the harmful product, and will seek compensatory damages on behalf of victims to help cover the costs associated with the faulty product.

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of a defective product, contact the Palatka product liability and defective product attorneys at Farah and Farah today. Our skilled legal team will examine the details of your case, and hold negligible parties responsible for their actions. Contact us today at our Palatka office for a free consultation, and we will see to it that you receive the compensation that your deserve:

Phone: (386) 328-2889
417 St. Johns Avenue
Palatka, Florida 32177

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Defective Medical Device , Personal Injury , Product Liability , Wrongful Death

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Amelia Island, Florida is located off the coast of Florida and is part of Nassau County. With a population of about 68,437 people, Amelia Island, otherwise known as the “Isle of Eight Flags,” is only 18.2 square miles in size. However, tourism is alive and well on Amelia Island, with visitors flocking to one of the many festivals that the island hosts each year, in addition to enjoying the sites and sounds while camping and sailing.

With such a large number of people coming and going each year, there are bound to be accidents along the way caused by defective products. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were more than 2.4 million deaths in the United States in 2006, 121,599 of which occurred as the result of accidents and the unintentional injuries associated with those accidents. While not all of these deaths occurred as the result of defective products, some of them undoubtedly did. Defective products can injure unsuspecting consumers almost anywhere, including Amelia Island. In the event that defective product injury does occur, it is important to seek the assistance of a skilled Amelia Island defective product lawyer.

At Farah and Farah, our product liability and defective product attorneys will fight for you, holding negligent manufacturers accountable for providing the public with potentially dangerous products. In the event that a faulty product causes injury of any kind, an experienced Amelia Island product liability attorney will examine the details surrounding the accident to determine negligence and who should be held responsible for it. Call us today for a free consultation, and we will examine the details of your case in order to surmise the best possible actions needing to be taken. Don’t hesitate to act now:

Phone: (904) 261-4440
501 Centre St.
Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034

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Jacksonville Beach, Florida has a population of 21,849 people as of July 2007. Part of Duval County and often referred to as “Jax Beach” by the locals, Jacksonville Beach has a population density of about 993 people per square mile, and is more or less an extension of the city of Jacksonville. Operating as a prime tourist spot, Jacksonville Beach is made up of an assortment of locals and out-of-towners, all of whom, undoubtedly, use products in their day-to-day lives.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accidents and unintentional injuries were the fifth leading cause of death in the United States in 2006. Even though said accidents only accounted for 5% of the total number of deaths that year, the percentage could have been much lower had negligent manufacturers ensured that their products were safe before introducing them to consumers. In the event that consumers are injured or negatively affected in some way as the result of defective products, it is vital that a skilled Jacksonville Beach defective product attorney examine the circumstances surrounding the accident to ensure that negligent parties are held liable for their actions.

Manufacturers have an obligation to provide safe products for consumers. Whether the product is an automobile, a tent used for camping, or a household appliance, that product is supposed to have been rigorously tested to make sure that it is safe to use by consumers. When products are found to cause potential harm to consumers, a Jacksonville Beach product liability lawyer is needed to make sure that injuries caused by those products are appropriately compensated for by those responsible for the injury.

At Farah and Farah, our product liability and defective product attorneys will fight for your rights as a consumer. Our lawyers will examine the circumstances surrounding your product accident, and will devise the best strategy for your defective product case. Please contact us today for a free consultation at our Jacksonville Beach office:

Phone: (904) 249-2585
472 Osceola Avenue
Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Defective Medical Device , Personal Injury , Product Liability , Wrongful Death

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Jacksonville, Florida is the 12th largest city in the nation of any major U.S. city with a population of at least 100,000 people. The largest city in the state of Florida, Jacksonville has a population of 805,605 and stretches a total of 874.3 square miles in size, the largest land area of any city in the United States.

One of the more popular tourist destinations in the state of Florida, with its sprawling beaches and sublime weather, Jacksonville not only houses a large number of people, but hosts a large number of visitors each year as well. Consequently, a wide array of products, from automobiles to kitchen appliances to camping equipment to children’s toys, all are a part of the daily lives of Jacksonville residents. In the event of a defective product causing an accident, serious injury, or wrongful death, it is important to know that a skilled Jacksonville product liability attorney is available to assist all victims in the Jacksonville area.

Product manufacturers have an obligation to make and sell products that are free from defects and safe for consumer use. If manufactures fail to adequately provide safe products for consumers, such as those consumers in the Jacksonville area, then those manufacturers become liable for all accidents associated with their products. Experienced Jacksonville defective product lawyers can hold negligent manufacturers accountable for their actions, and seek monetary damages on behalf of their clients.

At Farah and Farah, our product liability attorneys and defective product lawyers will fight for you, holding manufacturers responsible for providing the public with dangerous products. Contact us today and we will examine the details of your case in order to surmise the best possible actions needing to be taken. Please don’t hesitate to call us for a free consultation at our Jacksonville office location:

Phone: (904) 396-5555
10 West Adams Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32202

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Lake City is located in Columbia County, Florida and is known as the “Gateway To Florida.” With a population of about 12,000 and in a county whose population is on the rise (Columbia County has close to 68,000 inhabitants as of 2006), Lake City has become a popular tourist destination as well as a stop for those on route to Southern Florida. With such an expanse of visitors and residents who rely on a variety of products to maintain healthy living or add enjoyment to life, incidents of injury or death relating to a defective product tend to take place from time to time.

As consumers who expect that products they purchase and use themselves or give to their loved ones are safe, reliable and risk-free, it is devastating to have that trust violated. When children, adults, and the elderly use products that result in personal injury or wrongful death, a Lake City product liability attorney from Farah and Farah can help the injured person or the decedent’s family receive compensation for financial hardships.

It is understandable that a lot of people don’t want to admit that defective products in Lake City exist and can be capable of causing injury or death to innocent children, the elderly, and adults alike. However, defective medical devices, defective auto parts, defective children’s furniture and toys, defective electronics or household products are all an unfortunate reality and can have serious life-altering consequences.

If a defective product was the cause of you or loved one’s injury, or if someone you care about has been wrongfully killed, the skilled Lake City defective products attorneys at Farah and Farah can be of assistance during this difficult time. We will aggressively defend your rights and ensure that the negligent manufacturer is held responsible for the harm their dangerous product has caused. Contact Farah and Farah today to speak with a member of our legal team or contact us at our Lake City offices:

212 N. Marion Ave Suite 208
Lake City, FL 32055
Phone: (386) 754-7534

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Orange Park is a suburb of Jacksonville located in Northeast Clay County just south of Jacksonville, Florida. Rich in history and a thriving community, Orange Park has a great deal to offer. Clay County, which Orange Park is located in, is also a bustling region of Florida. With a population in excess of 180,000 and a very high population density, hundreds of residents and visitors rely on a variety of products to maintain healthy living or add enjoyment to life. Many people understandably don’t want to believe or admit that defective products in Orange Park exist that are capable of causing injury or wrongful death to innocent children, the elderly, and adults alike. However, defective medical devices, defective auto parts, defective children’s furniture and toys, defective electronics or household products are all an unfortunate reality and can have serious life-altering consequences.

As consumers who expect that products they purchase and use themselves or give to their loved ones are safe, reliable and risk-free, it is devastating to have that trust violated. When children, adults, and the elderly use products that result in personal injury or wrongful death, an Orange Park product liability attorney from Farah and Farah can help the injured person or the decedent’s family receive compensation for financial hardships.

If a defective product was the cause of you or loved one’s injury, or if someone you care about has been wrongfully killed, the skilled attorneys at Farah and Farah can be of assistance during this difficult time. We will aggressively defend your rights and ensure that the negligent manufacturer is held responsible for the harm their dangerous product has caused. Contact the personal injury law firm of Farah and Farah today for a confidential consultation:

1534 Kingsley Avenue
Orange Park, Florida 32073
Phone: (904) 264-0700

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St. Augustine is home to the oldest port in the continental United States – in fact, St. Augustine is commonly referred to as “the nation’s oldest city.” In 2004, the population was estimated to be 12,157. Home to beautiful beaches and museums, St. Augustine continues to be a popular tourist destination in Northern Florida. Located about 40 miles south of Jacksonville and 60 miles north of Daytona Beach just 5 miles east of Interstate 95, St. Augustine is also a well traversed location. As a vastly populated area, St. Augustine residents and visitors use a wide variety and large amount of products on day to day. When children, adults, and the elderly use products that result in personal injury or wrongful death, a skilled St. Augustine product liability attorney can help the injured person or the decedent’s family receive compensation for financial hardships.

A lot of people don’t want to believe or admit that defective products are out there, but defective medical devices, defective children’s furniture and toys, defective auto parts, and defective electronics and household products are all an unpleasant reality and can have serious consequences on a victim’s life. The knowledge and skills of a defective products attorney in St. Augustine is needed when taking on product designers and manufacturers who will do almost anything to cover up mistakes so that they aren’t held responsible for their negligent actions that put innocent people at risk for suffering life-changing injury or wrongful death.

As consumers who expect that products they purchase are safe, reliable and risk-free, it is devastating to have that trust violated. If a defective product was the cause of you or loved one’s injury, or if someone you care about has been wrongfully killed, the skilled product liability attorneys at Farah and Farah will aggressively defend your rights and ensure that the negligent manufacturer is held responsible for the harm their dangerous product has caused. Contact the personal injury law firm of Farah and Farah today for a confidential consultation:

1301 Plantation Island Drive
Suite 206A
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
Phone: (904) 797-7977

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Medtronic, the company that’s facing a slew of product liability lawsuits over the defective medical device Sprint Fidelis cardiac wire, now agrees the death count is higher than first reported.

An independent panel of physicians concluded that 13 have died from the defibrillator lead, up from the five deaths the company previously revealed.

Last month, Medtronic told doctors that leaving the lead intact was perhaps the best choice for the majority of patients since four of those patient deaths happened while trying to remove the defective lead.

The defective lead was in the heart of about 270,000 patients when Medtronic pulled the device in October 2007.

The Sprint Fidelis lead which delivered either too many shocks or didn’t deliver an appropriate shock to steady a heartbeat, is the focus of lawsuits charging product liability, negligence, fraud, and breach of contract, among other charges.

If you were told about the number of deaths, would you want this product put in your chest?
Patients can ensure they are safe from defective drugs and defective medical devices in Florida and throughout the nation only when their makers fully and openly disclose the side effects. It would be nice if they did the right thing for the right reasons, but too often the motive of profit clouds judgment.

Continue reading "Medtronic Defibrillator Lead Killed 13" »

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