Injury Law Firm Blog

Allergy-Type Reactions Spur Recall of Baxter Heparin Vials

Heparin Sodium Injection Vials were recalled due to an increase in adverse Heparin reactions. Baxter has received 100 reports of negative reactions and one death that may be linked to the Baxter Heparin recall.

Medical Mistakes Cause Too Many Injuries and Deaths

According to a study by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) about half of adverse reactions to medicines are the result of medical errors. These errors could be in the form of a misdiagnosis, not checking for allergies, incorrect medication or doseage filled by the pharmacy to name a few.

Baby Formula Can Chemical, BPA Under Congressional REview

Bisphenol-A, a toxic chemical that made news because it is used in the manufacture of baby formula cans, is getting attention from Congress. House Democrats are investigating whether bisphenol-A—known as BPA— poses a risk to infants. U.S. regulators claim BPA is safe for children and adults. BPA is a fairly ubiquitous chemical used in polycarbonate plastic products, including baby bottles and metal can coatings, intended to protect the food inside from the can. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the infant formula industry—which adheres to federal packaging guidelines—BPA is legal and safe. Representatives John Dingell and Bart Stupak sent letters Thursday to seven companies—including Hain Celestial Group, Nestle USA, Abbott Laboratories, and Wyeth—that make baby formulations, questioning whether they use BPA in the lining of their cans and bottles.

Former Dallas Cowboy's Wife Files Malpractice Lawsuit

Adriane Springs, the wife of former Cowboys running back Ron Springs, has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit in state district court after her husabnd, Ron Springs, 51, fell into a coma in October during a surgical procedure to have a cyst removed from his elbow and reportedly remains in an incapacitated state. According to published reports, named in the lawsuit, which is seeking unspecified damages, are Dr. Joyce Abraham, an anesthesiologist; Dr. David Godat, a plastic surgeon; and the Texas Anesthesia Group.

Surgical Tools Left in Patients Account for Thousands of Injuries

According to the FDA and Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), about 2500 surgery patients leave the hospital with surgical devices such as clamps, and tweezers or pieces of surgical devices that unintentionally fell off during surgery.

E. coli Contaminated Stolen and Possibly Sold on Black Market

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for nearly 15,000 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli produced by Texas American Food Service Corporation, a Fort Worth, Texas, establishment doing business as American Fresh Foods. This public health alert was initiated after a trailer containing the products was reported stolen by the company.

Class I Beef Recall

Over 13 thousand pounds of steak and ground beef have been recalled due to another E.coli risk. Mark’s Quality Meats, Inc. is recalling beef products because they may contain the E. coli O157:H7 virus. This is a Class I recall meaning there is a reasonable chance of serious injury illness or death.

Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents: Aranesp , Epogen, and Procrit Linked to Increased Tumor Growth

The FDA informed healthcare professionals of findings from two additional clinical studies, Preoperative Epirubicin Paclitaxel Aranesp Study (PREPARE), and the National Cancer Institute Gynecologic Oncology Group (COG-19), showing an increase in mortality and shorter time to tumor progression in patients with cancer receiving an Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agent (ESA). Both the PREPARE study in breast cancer and the COG-19 study in cervical cancer showed higher rates of death and or tumor progression in patients who received an ESA compared to patients who did not receive an ESA. FDA strongly recommends that healthcare professionals discuss the risks of ESA-associated tumor progression and shortened survival in patients with cancer before starting or continuing ESA therapy.

Tot Tower Block Recall Due to Choking Hazard

Tot Tower blocks were recalled by the eeBoo Corporation due to a choking hazard. The plastic cover could cause a choking risk if it comes off the blocks. About 170,000 sets have been recalled. The Tot Tower toys come in 10-block sets. The Tot Tower blocks have been sold at specialty and gift shops across the U.S. from January 2003 through September 2007 and sell for about $20.

Parents should take the blocks away from children immediately