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Since September of 2019, when a petition was filed to have Zantac recall its products for allegedly containing a cancer-causing substance, Zantac lawyers have filed lawsuits to help consumers of this drug get the justice they deserve. With about 45 cases filed, and thousands more expected nationwide, Zantac lawyers set their sights on January 2020. Zantac Lawsuits Could Join an MDL Oral hearings are scheduled for late January 2020 to decide if the current cases filed will establish a multi-district litigation or MDL. A motion outlined in November of 2019 called for the litigation to be centralized into a federal MDL. Within the same month, several manufacturers concurred that the cases should be consolidated. This way, the evidence being presented will not get duplicated and one ruling will not contradict others. It will now be up to a judge to decide if this motion will be granted. What Will Happen if an MDL is Established? If these Zantac lawsuits become consolidated into an MDL, the judge who is assigned will more than likely preside over “bellwether trials”. In bellwether trials, a selection of the cases filed will be chosen to act in a mock trial. Evidence will be presented and testimony will be heard just as if this was a real trial. The verdicts given and the reactions to evidence will provide an idea to both sides on how things may or may not play out in a real trial, thereby offering valuable insight on whether or not to continue with litigation or to settle. Zantac Esophageal Cancer Lawsuit Filed On January 3, 2020, a lawsuit was filed in The United States District Court of New Jersey, stating that after taking one (1) tablet of Zantac per day for several years, she developed esophageal cancer. The lawsuit alleges product liability, design defect and failure to warn, battery and fraud by omission. This lawsuit joins others with similar allegations. Contact An Experienced Zantac Lawyer Today! Zantac lawsuits are being filed all over the nation. If you or a loved one have taken Zantac and now have stomach or bladder cancer, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income, medical expenses and pain and suffering, among other losses. We work with some of the most experienced Zantac Lawyers around the country. Contact us anytime toll-free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.

Car accident victims suffer from a number of hardships, ranging from physical injury, property damage, lost wages, and in some cases, a period of disability. One obstacle that is often overlooked is the mental health impact that these victims may additionally suffer from. These mental conditions develop after the car accident and affect the daily routines of these individuals. If you or a loved one have been involved in a car accident and subsequently suffer from mental injuries, contact an experienced East Providence Car Accident Lawyer today at 401-431-1990 to successfully handle your case. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. Our firm does not charge any legal fees until you obtain the settlement or award that you deserve. How to Assess ALL of Your Car Accident Injuries It is imperative for car accident victims to undergo medical examinations and engage in the necessary treatment courses in order to heal any physical injuries that may obstruct daily routines. However, in addition to these physical assessments, it is important to consider any potential impacts that the accident may have had on your mental health. One impact could be emotional distress and is often an undiagnosed injury that the accident victim suffers from. Symptoms of emotional distress include: Anxiety Restless Sleep Loss of Appetite Mood Swings Difficulty in Daily Routines Loss of Interest Emotional distress can rise to the level where it significantly interrupts the individual’s everyday activities in work and school and in household matters. The most prominent disruption that most car accident victims suffer from is the fear of ever riding in a car again. Our East Providence Car Accident Lawyers are advocates for these victims and know all of the necessary steps to overcome all of these injuries that accident victims potentially suffer from. Contact an East Providence Car Accident Lawyer Today! The personal injury lawyers at d’Oliveira & Associates have been assisting car accident victims for over 20 years. If you were involved in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation resulting from your physical injuries, property damage, mental health conditions, and other losses. Our East Providence office is located at 2540 Pawtucket Ave, East Providence, RI and can be reached at 401-431-1990. We do not charge you any legal fees until you obtain the compensation or a settlement that you deserve. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, fill out a contact form online or call 1-800-992-6878.

It is estimated that approximately 80% of adults experience a back injury at some point in their lifetime — 10% of those will experience multiple back injuries. The data of the National Institute of Occupational Safety reveals that back injuries account for approximately 24% of all occupational injuries in the United States. Automobile and motorcycle accidents most commonly result in back injuries. These are injuries to the muscles, tendons or spinal cord, and may range from simple sprains and strains to crushed vertebrae and torn ligaments, to disc herniation and paralysis. While some injuries are relatively simple, the others are debilitating and life-changing, such as a herniated disc, crushed vertebrae, fractured spine, or a torn ligament. Severe complications may also occur when even minor back injury is not treated properly or in a timely fashion. Because injuries to the back, and specifically the spine, often affect a network of the nervous system, back injuries require prompt medical treatment. Proceeding in a back injury lawsuit is a tedious and complex procedure. It is important to show not only the catastrophic consequences of back injuries to individuals, but also the plaintiff should prove that there was an injury and that such injury was proximately caused by the accident at issue. It is also necessary to show the negligence or fault of the other party in causing the accident from which the back injury arose. Common examples include proving a party negligent maintained their premises which led you to slip and fall, or proving that a driver was negligent in causing a vehicular accident. Because of the wide range of legal issues and medical problems involved in any back injury accident or personal injury accident, an important step in road to recovery is seeking the help of an experienced back injury attorney. Selecting a back injury attorney can be a hard decision so it is crucial to find a back injury lawyer who has the competence and skill to win you a reasonable amount of compensation. The back injury attorney has to be meticulous and knowledgeable about back injury law and medical issues that may arise. Contact an Experienced Back Injury Attorney If you or a loved one has suffered a back injury, the attorneys at d’Oliveira & Associates want you to know that you may be entitled to compensation. With over 30 years in personal injury experienced and working with some of the leading personal injury lawyers in the country, the back injury lawyers at d’Oliveira & Associates can work to offer you the legal representation and compensation you deserve. With a “No Win, No Fee Promise,” you will not be charged a fee until you receive an award or settlement. Please contact the law offices of d’Oliveira & Associates at 1-800-992-6867 or fill out a contact form for a free legal consultation.

Since the middle of July 2019, and further intensifying in September of 2019, Juul has come under fire for its dangerous products and deceptive marketing tactics. Juul and the entire vaping industry have faced statewide bans of flavored products and big lawsuits being filed. As time goes on, we continue to see the push for stricter regulation to protect the youth who have been affected by these products. Here are some of the significant stories that have transpired since the vaping epidemic began. Teen Vaper Receives Double Lung Transplant In October of 2019, the U.S. had its first vaping patient receive a double lung transplant. This 17- year-old patient had irreparable damage to his lungs due to vaping. The patient would have died if not for the swift actions of the surgeon and his staff. With this information, the teen patient shot up to the top of the lung transplant list. “What I saw in his lungs is nothing I’ve seen before, and I’ve been doing lung transplants for 20 years,” the surgeon said. The parents of the teen wanted this story to reach the publics and hopefully serve as a warning sign to other parents and teenage vapers. Over 2,500 Vaping-Related Injuries Reported The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated lung injury, otherwise known as EVALI, now tops 2,500 confirmed cases in the U.S. This is a 1,100 case increase from the CDC’s report on October 17, 2019, a mere two (2) months ago. These vaping injuries have been reported in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Additionally, 25 states and the District of Columbia have reported deaths from these cases. Researchers have struggled to find a common denominator behind all of these cases. A recent test of 29 patients with vape-related injuries all contained vitamin E acetate. Furthermore, on December 20, 2019, the CDC reported that most of the vaping-related deaths had this THC additive. The CDC is still trying to deduce just how this substance causes lung injuries. Regardless, this finding is being hailed as a breakthrough in understanding the danger of this epidemic. New York Sues Juul For Youth-Focused Marketing New York’s Attorney General filed a lawsuit against Juul claiming they followed the same tactics as tobacco companies of old, aiming their advertisements at the youth of the nation. The lawsuit states Juul used its range of flavored liquid, device design and advertising on social media using celebrity influencers teens relate to, all led to this current youth epidemic. The lawsuit goes on to state that Juul mislead people about the nicotine contents of its product and misrepresented their product as a safe alternative to combustible cigarettes. Massachusetts Sues Eight Vaping Companies On December 23, 2019 Massachusetts’ Attorney General filed a lawsuit against eight (8) vaping companies, including two (2) based in South Florida. Massachusetts was the first state to ban the sale of all vaping products back in September of 2019. The complaint alleges that these eight (8) companies sold flavored vape products to Massachusetts consumers and failed to protect its delivery of these products to minors. Many other companies have made it unavailable to ship and deliver its vape products to Massachusetts because of this new law. Contact An Experienced Juul E-Cigarette Lawyer Today! If you or a loved one have used Juul E-Cigarettes and have developed a lung injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost income, medical expenses and pain and suffering, among other losses. We work with some of the most experienced Juul E-Cigarette Lawyers around the country. Contact us anytime toll-free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no obligation) case evaluation. Sources: npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/12/20/790154919/cdc-confirms-a-thc-contaminant-vitamin-e-acetate-the-culprit-in-most-vaping-deat mass.gov/news/ag-healey-sues-eight-online-e-cigarette-retailers-for-illegally-selling-flavored-products-in

Each week we compile a summary of recalls, FDA warnings, market withdrawals and safety alerts that the public should be aware of for their safety and so that they can make informed decisions. 16 Recalls to be aware this week. Medical Devices & Equipment: Surgical Gowns and Packs by Cardinal Health: FDA Statement – Potential Quality Issues Affecting Some of its Level 3 Surgical Gowns and Accompanying PreSource Procedural Packs. Pharmaceuticals/Drugs: FUSION IV Pharmaceuticals, Inc dba. AXIA Pharmaceutical Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of All Sterile Drug Products Within Expiry Due to A Lack of Assurance of Sterility. Auto: Toyota is recalling nearly 700,000 vehicles in the U.S. because the fuel pumps can fail and cause engines to stall. That can increase the risk of a crash. Porsche Cars North America is recalling 1,928 model year 2020 911 Carrera S Coupes, Cabrios, Coupes, 4 Coupes, 4S Coupes, 4 Cabrios, 4S Cabrios and S Cabrios. Due to a software error, the hazard warning lights may not function may when activated by an operator. Utility/Recreational Vehicles & Automotive Accessories: Jayco is recalling 398 model year 2018-2020 Melbourne Prestige motorhomes. The liquid propane (LP) tank hangers may be the wrong size and have insufficient welding, allowing the LP tank to dislodge. Forest River is recalling 328 model year 2018-2020 Cascade and Cherokee travel trailers. The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the vehicle exceeds the GVWR of the trailer hitch coupler, potentially resulting in the coupler failing and the trailer detaching. REV Recreation Group (REV) is recalling 170 model year 2020 Fleetwood Pace Arrow LXE, Discovery and Discovery LXE, and Holiday Rambler Navigator and Endeavor motorhomes. The wire harness/plumbing bundle within the slideout raceway may have been improperly wrapped and secured. REV Recreation Group is recalling 3,241 model year 2016-2020 Fleetwood Bounder, Holiday Rambler Vacationer, and model year 2018-2020 Fleetwood Southwind motorhomes. The generator exhaust pipe placement exits the motorhome within the vehicle’s departure angle. Jayco is recalling 51 model year 2019-2020 White Hawk (144) travel trailers, model 24MBH. The rear emergency escape window cannot open fully due to the placement of exterior ladder. Keystone RV Company is recalling 201 model year 2020 Springdale trailers, models 1700FQ, 1750RD, 1760BH, 1790FQ, and 1800BH. The Federal Identification Tag lists incorrect rim size, tire size, and tire pressure information. Food, Beverage & Nutritional Supplements: Dianne’s Fine Desserts of Newburyport, Mass., is recalling 26 cases of Sienna Turtle Brownies. The product may contain peanuts, an allergen not disclosed on the label. Lipari Foods Issues Voluntary Recall Expansion on Additional Sandwiches Due to Potential Contamination of Listeria Monocytogenes. Infant & Children Products: Baby Trend Recalls Tango Mini Strollers Due to Fall Hazard. Both of the stroller’s hinge joints can release and collapse under pressure, posing a fall hazard to children in the stroller. Industrial/Tools: The Thompson’s Company Recalls Aerosol Waterproofing Wood and Masonry Protectors Due to Fire Hazard. The contents of the cans can react with the package, causing rust to form along the can seam, which could spread to other areas of the can and create pinhole leaks. Miscellaneous: Yes To Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall of Product Due to Skin Irritation Complaints ‘Grapefruit Vitamin C Glow Boosting Unicorn Paper Mask’. Libbey Glass of Toledo, Ohio, is recalling milk bottles. The bottles can break unexpectedly during use, posing a laceration hazard. Sources: fda.gov, cspc.gov, usda.gov, reuters.com, safekids.org, goodhousekeeping.com, consumeraffairs.com, foodsafetynews.com, usatoday.com, autoblog.com, powersportsbusiness.com, roadandtrack.com, uscgboating.org, wemakeitsafer.com, guns.com

A Plainville, MA man obtained a $137,000 settlement for his Zimmer Hip Replacement lawsuit. d’Oliveira & Associates maintained joint responsibility with a Plymouth, MA Zimmer Hip attorney, who settled the case out of court. The client experienced extreme pain after the cup from the implant dislocated from his hip bone. Attorney Paul d’Oliveira said, “We have seen so many people have serious complications from defectively designed hip and knee implants, among so many other defective medical devices like hernia mesh patches and contraceptive devices. I simply do not understand why these multi-billion dollar companies are not more diligent in testing these devices before they mass produce them. It is sad to see that after all these years, so many big corporations simply do not care about how many people they injure.” Zimmer hip implants have had reports of numerous complications, including device loosening, stiffness and pain, reduced range of motion, and metallosis. Many who experience these complications must undergo revision surgeries to fix. It is important to monitor how your hip implant feels and watch for signs of corrosion, which can include squeaky joints, pain, and difficulty moving. These signs should never be overlooked as they can lead to serious injuries. If you or a loved one sustained an injury due to having a Zimmer Hip Replacement, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and lost earnings, among other losses. We work with some of the most experienced Zimmer Hip Replacement Lawyers who can help to get you the best possible compensation for your injuries. Please call us today toll-free 24/7 at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.

A New Bedford, MA man obtained a $150,000 settlement from the New Hampshire Insurance. He injured his back while lifting heavy objects at work. d’Oliveira & Associates maintained joint responsibility with another Massachusetts workers compensation attorney, who settled the case with the insurance company. Attorney Paul d’Oliveira said, “This workers compensation attorney, that we referred this case to, obtained a good settlement for the client. We see so many people injuring their backs from lifting things at work. I wish more employers properly educated their employees on proper lifting techniques as many of these injuries could be prevented.” Even if the employer was not at fault, workers’ compensation is an employee insurance program that provides benefits to an employee who is injured while on the job. Your employer’s insurance company will compensate you for your lost wages, medical bills, and in some cases, provide a lump sum settlement. Furthermore, you may also be eligible to receive other benefits, including money for permanent scarring and job retraining. If you or a loved one were recently injured while on the job, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and lost earnings, among other losses. You should contact a knowledgeable Massachusetts Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to discuss all of your options and to get you the best possible compensation for your injuries. Please call us today toll-free 24/7 at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.

Recently d’Oliveira & Associates, while remaining jointly responsible with a Warwick, RI lawyer, obtained a $500,000 settlement from Liberty Mutual Insurance for a Warren, RI man, who was seriously injured while on the job. The client broke his leg while making a delivery. Attorney Paul d’Oliveira said, “The lawyer we referred this case to got an excellent settlement on this case. I rarely have seen in my long career many workers compensation settlements that have settled for this much money.” Workers’ compensation is an employee insurance program that provides benefits to an employee who is injured while on the job, regardless if the employer was at fault. In these cases, your employer’s insurance company will compensate you for your lost income, medical expenses, and in some cases, provide a lump sum settlement. Additionally, you may also be able to receive other benefits, including money for permanent scarring and job retraining. If you or a loved one were recently injured while on the job, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and lost earnings, among other losses. You should contact an experienced Rhode Island Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to discuss all of your options and to get you the best possible compensation for your injuries. Please call us today toll-free 24/7 at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out an online contact form for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.

Some common risk factors cause car accidents. Many of these risk factors are preventable through simple observation or reducing distractions. While some of these factors are more dangerous than others, it is good to note all the common ways a car accident can happen to prevent future ones. Distracted Driving – Claiming over 3,000 lives in 2016 and 2017 separately, this safety concern grows with each passing year. While your mind may immediately go to cell phone use, other forms of distracted driving contribute to these highly preventable car accidents. Loud music, hunger, stress, and even contemplating mental to-do lists can be a form of distracted driving. Anything that takes your eyes off the road or your hands off the steering wheel is a hazard to you. Night Driving – The lack of light makes night driving more dangerous than day driving. Many aspects of your vision are affected, such as depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision. This makes judgment calls while driving more complicated and can lead to car accidents. Reaction time is drastically reduced when you are feeling fatigued after not sleeping. Additionally, night driving brings out drowsy driving. Falling asleep at the wheel is not as uncommon as you may think, as a recent survey stated that 40% of drivers polled admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel. Both drowsy driving and falling asleep at the wheel can be prevented with some honest observation of what your body is telling you. Teen Driving – Experience comes with age and practice. Many times teenage drivers do not fully know how inexperienced they are. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), teen drivers rate worse in all categories. It is merely a matter of experience. Teenage drivers need adult drivers to teach them good driving habits and setting ground rules for when they take to the road. Good examples of these rules could include no cell phone use in the car, a limit to how many passengers are in the car, and limited night driving. Vehicle Recalls – Between the years of 2015 and 2016, about 900 recalls were issued for vehicles in the U.S. Another alarming statistic comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), where they state that more than 50 million vehicles on the road have unresolved safety recalls. Only through educating yourself on your particular vehicle will keep you ahead of the game in case a recall happens. Never take a recall lightly if you are informed of one. Your life could be at stake. Poor Vehicle Maintenance – Sadly, many are reactive rather than proactive when it comes to vehicular maintenance. Many only bring their vehicle to the mechanic’s shop when there is an issue rather than for routine maintenance. Aside from giving your vehicle a long life, regular preventative maintenance helps keep you safe on the road. A mechanic can identify problems that may exist already and notice where a potential problem may come down the line. Contact An Experienced Providence Car Accident Lawyer Today! If you or a loved one was involved in a car accident due to a distracted driver, contact one of our knowledgeable Providence Car Accident Lawyers. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering, among other losses. Contact our Providence office anytime at 401-831-8600 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.

Each week we compile a summary of recalls, FDA warnings, market withdrawals and safety alerts that the public should be aware of for their safety and so that they can make informed decisions. 26 Recalls to be aware this week. Medical Devices & Equipment: Mavidon Issues Voluntary Worldwide Recall of Manufactured Products Including Lemonprep® Tubes And Single Use Cups Pediaprep® Tubes And Single Use Cups Wave Prep® Tubes And Single Use Cups Cardio Prep Single Use Cups Due To Burkholderia Cepacia Contamination. Stryker Launches Voluntary Field Action for Specific Units of The LIFEPAK® 15 Monitor/Defibrillator. Pharmaceuticals/Drugs: Appco Pharma LLC Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Ranitidine Hydrochloride Capsules 150 mg and 300 mg Due to an Elevated Amount of Unexpected Impurity, N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). Denton Pharma, Inc. dba Northwind Pharmaceuticals Voluntarily Recalls All Unexpired Lots of its Ranitidine Tablets and Ceases Distribution, Due to Possible Presence of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) Impurity. Mylan Initiates Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Three Lots of Nizatidine Capsules, USP, Due to the Detection of Trace Amounts of NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) Impurity Found in the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Manufactured by Solara Active Pharma Sciences Limited. Taro Pharmaceuticals U.S.A., Inc. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Lamotrigine Tablets USP, 100 mg, 100 Count Bottles. More generic Zantac drugs recalled as fears linger over cancer risk. Officials discovered low levels of a probable carcinogen in the heartburn drug. Auto: Mercedes-Benz is recalling roughly 750,000 cars because the vehicles’ sunroofs could potentially detach and fly off, causing road hazards. Subaru recalls model year 2019 Ascents. The transmission hydraulic sensor may inaccurately measure the hydraulic fluid pressure. Model year 2020 Range Rover Evoques recalled. The metal plate could detach from the headliner during deployment of side curtain airbags. Takata is recalling 10 million replacement air bag inflators in the United States, the largest ever auto safety recall in history. Motorcycle/Scooters: Piaggio recalls model year 2020 Moto Guzzi V 85 TT motorcycles. The final drive output seal may leak oil onto the rear tire. Piaggio Group Americas is recalling 399 model year 2020 Moto Guzzi V 85 TT motorcycles. The footrest mounting pin retaining clip may break, allowing the pin to disconnect and the footrest to fall off the motorcycle. Utility/Recreational Vehicles & Automotive Accessories: Forest River recalls model year 2020 XLR Boost trailers. The trailer has an incorrect size axle, rim/tire combination. Entegra recalls model year 2018-2020 Qwest motorhomes. The liquid propane tank may become dislodged. Jayco recalls model year 2018-2020 Melbourne Prestige motorhomes. The liquid propane (LP) tank hangers may be the wrong size and have insufficient welding, allowing the LP tank to dislodge. Food, Beverage & Nutritional Supplements: Lipari Foods Issues Recall of Various Wedge Deli Sandwiches Due to Potential Contamination of Listeria Monocytogenes. Purely Elizabeth Recalls Pouches of Chocolate Sea Salt Probiotic Granola Recall Due to a Mislabeling Error That Has Resulted in an Undeclared Allergen. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams has initiated a voluntary recall of three batches of Cold Brew with Coconut Cream Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert pints because they may contain an undeclared milk allergen. Fresh Location Announces Product Recall Due to Possible Listeria Contamination. Culinary International, LLC Recalls Chicken Burrito Products Due to Misbranding and Undeclared Allergens. Sprouts Unlimited recalls clover sprouts. The product may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O103 bacteria. Infant & Children Products: Thesaurus Global Marketing Recalls Tricycles Due to Violation of the Federal Lead Paint Ban; Risk of Poisoning; Sold Exclusively at Amazon.com. Paint on the canopy’s frame contains levels of lead that exceed the federal lead paint ban and tricycle components contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban. Household Products: Libbey Glass Recalls Milk Bottles Due to Laceration Hazard. The bottles can break unexpectedly during use, posing a laceration hazard. Industrial/Tools: The Toro Company is recalling 356 model year 2017-2019 LC922 towable log splitters, models 22618 and 22618HD. The tow bolts that secure the log splitter connection to the tow vehicle may fail while the splitter is being moved. Miscellaneous: Boston Warehouse Trading Corp. Recalls Holiday Travel Mugs Due to Fire Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Meijer Stores. The mugs are mislabeled as microwave safe. If microwaved, the metallic print on the mug can spark, posing a fire hazard. Sources: fda.gov, cspc.gov, usda.gov, reuters.com, safekids.org, goodhousekeeping.com, consumeraffairs.com, foodsafetynews.com, usatoday.com, autoblog.com, powersportsbusiness.com, roadandtrack.com, uscgboating.org, wemakeitsafer.com, guns.com