Product Liability Lawyer Blog

March 20, 2024

Cancer-Causing Chemical Found in Popular Acne Products

In a recent investigation conducted by the independent laboratory Valisure, alarming levels of benzene, a chemical known for its carcinogenic properties, have been identified in several acne treatment products. This discovery encompasses products from renowned brands such as Estee Lauder’s Clinique, Target’s Up & Up, Reckitt Benckiser’s Clearasil, as well as other products including Proactiv, PanOxyl, Walgreens’ acne soap bar, and Walmart’s Equate Beauty acne cream.

Details of the Discovery

Valisure’s rigorous testing identified benzene in various acne treatment solutions, including those from Proactiv, PanOxyl, and retail brands like Walgreens and Walmart’s Equate Beauty acne cream. The laboratory reported that these products could contain benzene at levels much higher than what the FDA considers conditionally restricted, raising alarms about potential health risks.

February 8, 2024

Philips BiPAP & CPAP Recall: Risks & Legal Insight

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

In an unprecedented move that has caught the attention of healthcare providers and patients alike, Philips Respironics issued a recall for specific models of its BiPAP and CPAP machines in 2021. This recall raises significant concerns for individuals relying on these devices for respiratory support, marking a critical juncture in the realm of patient care and medical device reliability. The announcement has sent ripples through the medical community, prompting a reevaluation of the safety and efficacy of such essential respiratory support devices. Recognizing the gravity of this situation, Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers is committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of our clients.

Important Update on Philips Respironics Machine Recalls

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued critical updates on the recall of specific Philips Respironics CPAP, BiPAP, and ventilator machines, highlighting the serious nature of the situation with 561 deaths associated with these devices since the recall began in 2021. These machines, essential for individuals with sleep apnea and other respiratory conditions, have been identified as having significant issues that could pose severe health risks to users. The alarming number of associated fatalities underscores the urgency for affected individuals to take appropriate actions and seek guidance.

January 19, 2024

Safety Alert: 4.8 Million BlendJet Portable Blenders Recalled

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

In a significant safety announcement, BlendJet has initiated a recall of about 4.8 million BlendJet 2 Portable Blenders due to fire and laceration hazards. This recall also extends to approximately 117,000 units sold in Canada. The urgency of this recall stems from the risk posed by these blenders, which can overheat or catch fire, and the blender blades can break off, creating dangerous situations for users.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the BlendJet 2 Portable Blender recall, it’s essential to act promptly to protect your rights and well-being. Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers is experienced in handling product liability cases and is ready to assist you in navigating the legal complexities associated with this recall. Your safety is a top priority, and we are here to provide the support and legal expertise you need during this challenging time.

Details of the Recall

July 24, 2023

EzriCare & Delsam Pharma Eye Drops Lawsuit

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A series of lawsuits have recently been initiated against EzriCare and Delsam Pharma, two pharmaceutical companies whose artificial tear eye drops have been linked to a multi-state bacterial outbreak. The legal battle against these two companies is intensifying as more lawsuits are filed after the recall, drawing substantial attention from various sectors.

At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, our team of experienced attorneys is committed to advocating for clients in product liability lawsuits. We specialize in cases arising from injuries caused by defective products, such as the EzriCare & Delsam Pharma Eye Drops.

The Intricacies of the Lawsuit

January 20, 2023

Jury awards $50 million to Army Veteran in combat earplug case

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Hundreds of thousands of lawsuits over the allegedly defective earplugs are pending.

On March 25, a federal jury awarded $50 million to a United States Army Veteran who blamed his hearing damage on combat earplugs 3M Company sold to the military.

Luke Vilsmeyer claimed he had suffered permanent hearing loss and severe tinnitus after using the company’s Combat Arms Earplugs Version 2, mostly during training drills, from 2006 to 2017.

January 21, 2021

An IUD Called Paragard Is the Focus of a Slew of Product Liability Lawsuits

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The device can break and perforate internal organs

When you purchase birth control, you should be able to trust that it’s safe for use. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case, as the attorneys at Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers can confirm.

One form of birth control that has been making headlines in recent months is a copper IUD called Paragard that has been around for decades. In fact, the Paragard website touts that the device is the only IUD on the market that has had U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for more than 30 years.

September 3, 2020

Study Says Most Traumatic Brain Injuries in Kids Connected to Common Products

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are among the worst injuries that people can suffer. TBIs can cause permanent impairment and in the most severe cases death. TBIs are especially devastating and tragic when they involve children.

A recent study concluded that TBIs in children and teenagers in the United States are most often linked to common consumer products such as floors and furniture, as well as various sports activities.

In fact, the researchers found that about 72% of emergency department visits involving children with TBI’s can be attributed to common household products.

Floors, Beds, Stairs and Other Common Objects Attributed to Traumatic Brain Injuries in Children

According to the study, these are the top ten items, as well as activities, that contribute to nonfatal traumatic brain injuries in children under the age of 19: Continue reading

July 1, 2020

Bayer to Pay More Than $10 Billion to Settle Roundup Lawsuits

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Bayer will pay more than $10 billion to settle tens of thousands of lawsuits that allege that the company’s popular glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup causes cancer, Bayer announced on June 24.

The German pharmaceutical and chemical company will pay approximately $10 billion to settle existing lawsuits and $1.25 billion to settle any future lawsuits, according to a company press release.

“First and foremost, the Roundup settlement is the right action at the right time for Bayer to bring a long period of uncertainty to an end,” Bayer Chief Executive Officer Werner Baumann said in the statement.

“The decision to resolve the Roundup litigation enables us to focus fully on the critical supply of health care and food,” he said. “It will also return the conversation about the safety and utility of glyphosate-based herbicides to the scientific and regulatory arena and to the full body of science.”

Bayer said the settlement will resolve approximately 75% of current Roundup litigation involving a total of about 125,000 filed and unfiled claims.

Individuals participating in the settlement must dismiss their cases or agree not to file.

The company didn’t admit liability or wrongdoing in the settlement. Continue reading

July 20, 2019

An Explosion of E-Cigarette Product Liability Lawsuits Sweep the U.S.

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Injuries stemming from dangerous and defective e-cigarettes, also known as “vaping pens,” have been mounting nationally. In Massachusetts, meanwhile, the state attorney general is suing a number of e-cigarette manufacturers for allegedly marketing their products to teens under 18, which is against the law in the commonwealth.

In fact, it is teenagers and young adults who are bearing the brunt of these injuries, which include burns, scarring, dental and facial injuries caused when the devices explode. Massachusetts product liability attorneys have opined in previous litigation that the devices are prone to explosion, thanks to unsafe lithium batteries.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to consumers in late 2017, indicating that while occurrences of exploding vapes “appear rare,” they have proven extremely dangerous. While causes are not yet fully clear, the agency noted there is evidence that battery-related issues may lead or contribute to these instances.

And yet, the agency does not tally the number of incidents, nor does it regulate their sales. Continue reading

June 24, 2019

Product Liability Statute of Limitations for Latent Injuries

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Courts are increasingly siding with victims when it comes to long-delayed diagnosis of serious or fatal injury resulting from the use of dangerous or defective products.

A lawsuit filed by former NFL football players against helmet maker Riddell has been revived after players took their case to an Appellate Court in the wake of a lower court’s dismissal of the claim as untimely. The players are contending that multiple concussions while wearing the helmets have left them with varying symptoms, including headaches, memory loss, mood swings and blurred vision. The players also allege an increased risk of developing long-term, life-threatening brain injuries, including Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Riddell argued similar allegations made in a lawsuit against the National Football League in 2012 means the players had knowledge of the alleged damages and associated liability for years, and so failed to make a claim in a timely manner. The lower court agreed. However, the iconic helmet maker is facing a slew of other liability lawsuits, which have made it difficult for the company to find a buyer, the New York Post reported.

Meanwhile, Reuters News Service reports a New York Appeals Court has voted to revive a lawsuit against a coke oven manufacturer, which alleges Honeywell’s industrial steel ovens contributed to cancer diagnoses among steel workers.

Such cases are becoming more common as consumers gain better understanding of the fact that focus on profits and a lax regulatory environment have allowed some of the nation’s largest companies to make billions of dollars at the long-term cost of the health and welfare of employees and the public. Recent high-profile examples include lawsuits against Purdue Pharma over the opioid epidemic and lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson, alleging the company has long known its iconic baby powder is tainted with asbestos.

Cancers and many other health conditions are, in fact, caused by environmental factors, including workplace exposure to dangerous or harmful chemicals or the use of dangerous consumer products.