Snowmobiling is a winter tradition in Maine. The state has 15,000 miles of groomed trails, 300 snowmobile clubs from north to south, and more avid âsleddersâ every year. Public safety officials remind people about the risks of snowmobiling: Excessive speed, poor maintenance, and operating under the influence are just some of the factors that cause injuries and death to Mainers each year.
Berman & Simmons News Articles
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Patient Safety News: $1B verdict for plaintiffs harmed by hip implants
Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay more than $1 billion, mostly in punitive damages, to plaintiffs who claimed they were harmed by Pinnacle hip implants. Attorneys for the plaintiffs presented evidence that the metal-on-metal hip implants were defectively designed, and that manufacturers failed to warn consumers about risks.
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Patient Safety News: Questions linger about Xarelto clinical trials
As lawsuits increase against the makers of the anti-clotting medication Xarelto, attorneys around the U.S. say the drug never should have received approval from the FDA. Xarelto was approved in 2011 after a fast-track regulatory review, despite the fact that some of the agencyâs own scientists had concerns about its safety.
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Patient Safety News: Bair Hugger caused devastating infections, multiple surgeries, patients claim
Lawsuits continue to mount against manufacturer 3M for its Bair Hugger blanket devices, which have been used by hospitals since the 1980s to keep patients warm before, during, and after surgery involving anesthesia. These devices are believed to have caused devastating post-surgery infections in some patients.
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Patient Safety News: FDA adds new, stronger warning for Essure birth control implant
Essure is a permanent form of birth control that does not require surgery or anesthesia for placement, and it was approved by the FDA in 2002. Initial research conducted on the product did not account for long-term effects of its use.
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Patient Safety News: Medical errors are third leading cause of death
Medical errors are now the third-leading cause of death in the U.S., behind cancer and heart attacks, according to a study by Johns Hopkins University.An estimated 250,000 people die each year from medical errors, and others suffer debilitating injuries that can leave them out of work, in need of constant contact with medical professionals, and out of viable options to feel well again.This article discusses the wide variety of issues comprised by the term medical errors, and highlights a Portland Press Herald piece interviewing Dr. Dora Anne Mills, the vice president of clinical affairs at the University of New England.If you have been harmed by medical malpractice due to a medical error, contact Berman & Simmons for a free consultation.
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Patient Safety News: Diabetes drugs linked to increased risk of heart failure
Type II diabetes medications containing saxagliptin has been linked to an increased risk of heart failure, according to an April 2016 report released by the FDA.The safety review determined that patients using Onglyza (saxagliptin) and Kombiglyze XR (saxagliptin and metformin extended release) may have an increased risk of heart failure, especially if patients have existing heart or kidney diseases. Some patients receiving drugs containing saxagliptin were hospitalized for heart failure.Healthcare professionals and patients should report any adverse side effects related to the medications to the FDAâs MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.Berman & Simmons attorney Susan Faunce is working in collaboration with other national law firms to help clients who have taken any of these medications and suffered damages.
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Patient Safety News: Power morcellator worsened prognosis for women
The power morcellator was used during gynecological surgery to cut up uterine fibroidsâuntil the FDA reported that it can spread cancerous tissue throughout the abdomen.According to The Wall Street Journal, about 70 of the estimated 100 claims filed against Johnson & Johnson for their morcellator (which came off the market in July 2014) were settled recently, with settlements ranging from $100,000 to $1 million.This article describes cautions about the device, as well as its continued sale and marketing by other manufacturers.Berman & Simmons attorney Susan Faunce is working in collaboration with other national law firms to handle legal claims involving women who were diagnosed with cancer after surgery involving morcellation.
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Patient Safety News: Bair Hugger blanket allegedly led to amputation
More lawsuits have been filed against 3M for its Bair Hugger blanket devices, used by hospitals since the 1980s to keep patients warm in surgery involving anesthesia.According to the Louisiana Record, Lee Edward Peyton of New Orleans claimed the Bair Hugger system led to a hospital-acquired infection and ultimately the amputation of his left leg.This article highlights Peytons case, one of many Bair Hugger lawsuits filed nationwide, alleging its manufacturers were aware of the risks of hospital-acquired infections but did not warn patients or the medical community.Berman & Simmons attorney Susan Faunce is working in collaboration with other national law firms to handle legal claims involving patients who developed serious infections after surgeries in which Bair Hugger and other forced-air heating systems were used.
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Patient Safety News: Makers of Xarelto misled medical journal, NYT reports
The makers of the anti-clotting medication Xarelto were cited for allegedly misleading the editors of the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) by failing to include critical laboratory data. Concerns about this letter are deeply troubling for consumers who deserve transparency and full disclosure from drug makers.This article highlights a New York Times piece that raises new questions about the FDA approval process for Xarelto in 2011. The drug was approved after a fast-track regulatory review, despite the fact that some of the agencyâs own scientists had concerns about its safety.Berman & Simmons attorney Susan Faunce is working in collaboration with other national law firms to handle legal claims involving clients who took Xarelto and suffered harm.