Northern California Accident Attorney Blog

LOUISVILLE, KY - The Courier-Journal reported this week that a lawsuit has been filed against Medtronic and Norton Hospital in Kentucky, after a Louisville woman was reportedly permanently disabled from a bone graft procedure in 2006. According to the newspaper report, plaintiff Crystal Stevens suffered "substantial nerve damage" and must recline or lie flat most of the time. The lawsuit states that in this particular case, Medtronic's bone graft was used "off label" and resulted in debilitating, painful, and uncontrolled bone growth, compressing spinal nerves.

The lawsuit states that medical device manufacturer Medtronic downplayed the risks of complications and serious side effects related to the bone graft, especially when used off-label. The suit also alleges that Medtronic "actively and illegally" promoted off-label uses. Medical device companies by law are not allowed to promote off-label uses or procedures, and physicians are required to inform patients of the off-label nature of a surgery and get their permission.

If you have suffered complications from an Infuse bone graft procedure, the Medtronic bone graft lawyers at Estey Bomberger are available to answer your questions and advise you of your legal rights. Damages obtained in a personal injury claim will vary, and may include compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our experienced dangerous product attorneys are currently reviewing claims nationwide. Contact us today for more information and a free consultation.

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Generic drug maker, Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, has issued a voluntary recall of multiple lots of oral contraceptives. The contraception recall is due to a packaging error, which reversed the weekly tablet order and hid the pill's expiration date. According to a statement released by Qualitest, the packaging error may cause the daily regimen of the pills to be incorrect. When taken out of sequence, the pill can be rendered ineffective and increase the risk of an unintended pregnancy. There are no immediate health risks associated with the packaging defects, however, consumers using the affected birth control pills are advised to use a non-hormonal form of contraception immediately. Qaulitest also advises consumers taking the affected product to consult a health care provider or pharmacist.

The oral contraceptives being recalled, include Cyclafem 1/35,Cyclafem 7/7/7, Gildess FE 1.5/30, Gildess FE 1/20, Emoquette, Previfem, Tri-Previfem, Orsythia. A full list of the recalled products can be found online. For additional information on the recall, contact Qualitest at (877) 300-6153.

If you suffered an unplanned pregnancy as a result of taking one of the recalled products, you would be well advised to speak with a northern California defective product lawyer at the law firm of Estey Bomberger for free. As advocates of those affected by a dangerous or defective product, we will not hesitate to go up against large corporations who fail to provide consumers with a properly labeled, designed or manufactured product.

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Independent studies conducted by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Consumer Reports have shed light on the dangers associated with the use of toning shoes like Skechers Shape-ups, Reebok EasyTone and New Balance True Balance shoes. Using electromyography to record muscle activity, researchers at ACE found no evidence to support the claims made by the makers of Skechers and other toning shoe manufacturers. The Consumer Reports study found toning shoe wearers were more likely to sustain an injury when exercising than individuals who wore regular sneakers.

Skechers Shape-Ups Injuries

What's causing the growing number of toning shoe related injuries? Most toning shoes feature a rounded or curved sole, which is designed to throw a wearer "off balance." According to medical and fitness experts, it is toning shoes' curved sole that is making it difficult for wearers to make even the smallest maneuver without stumbling or tripping over themselves. A Maryland woman suffered multiple foot fracture injuries after taking just one wrong step in her toning shoes. Unfortunately, the Maryland woman is but one case out of a growing number of toning shoe related injury cases. Reports of stress fractures, hip fractures, chronic tendonitis, wrist fractures, ankle fractures, torn ligaments and muscle strains are rampant throughout the nation.

Maximum Compensation for Serious Injuries

If you sustained a toning shoe related injury and the manufacturer of the shoe designed an inherently dangerous product, you may be entitled to monetary compensation from the toning shoe manufacturer. To help you in your quest for justice, it is highly recommended you hire a northern California Skechers Shape-ups injury lawyer at the law firm of Estey Bomberger. Most manufacturers will invest millions to defend their product and will do everything in their power to prevent paying you compensation. Our team of lawyers have decades of experience going up against big corporations and have the resources necessary to properly prepare and litigate a large case. We will not rest until we obtain maximum financial compensation for your serious injuries. Some of the types of damages you may be entitled to compensation for include surgeries, lost income, medicine, loss of quality of life, mental anguish, doctor visits, physical pain and medical equipment.

Call Now to Schedule a Free Case Consultation

If you would like to learn how one of our award-winning Skechers Shape-ups injury attorneys could assist you, contact our office today to schedule a free case consultation. If your injuries prevent you from traveling, we will gladly meet you at your home or in your hospital room. Time is of the essence when filing a personal injury claim; so do not wait to phone our law firm.

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Sales of Skechers Shape-Ups toning shoes, one of the latest trends in the fitness industry, have declined sharply this year. According to one estimate, Americans purchased nearly 10 million pairs of the shoes last year. However last week, Manhattan Beach, CA based Skechers reported the company lost $29.9 million in the second quarter, compared to a $40.2 million profit during the same time last year.

As more and more people are reporting injuries from the Skechers Shape-ups, Skechers currently is working to roll out a brand new line of lighter-weight, athletically styled Shape-ups and Tone-ups with smaller soles; those shoes were renamed "fitness" rather than "toning."

Northern California personal injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger are currently representing several dozen individuals who have suffered serious bone, muscle and tendon injuries while wearing the popular rocker bottom toning shoes. If you have been injured and would like to know more about your legal rights, contact the California Skechers Shape-Ups injury lawyers at Estey Bomberger for a free consultation.

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Skechers Shape-ups and other similar toning shoes, boots and sandals promise consumers great benefits like weight loss, better posture, and more energy. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that wearing toning shoes increases consumers' risk of sustaining a serious injury in a fall, or a stress fracture from repeated wear. Many people have reported suffering serious injuries as a result of wearing shoes, including many injuries that have required hospitalization or surgery.

The northern California Skechers Shape-ups injury attorneys at Estey Bomberger are currently screening personal injury claims for toning shoe injuries, including ankle fractures, knee fractures, and other serious injuries. If you have suffered a stress fracture or fall related injury from wearing Skechers Shape-ups or another toning shoe, our defective product lawyers would like to speak with you about your injuries. You may be entitled to compensation in a personal injury claim, including medical expenses, reimbursement for lost earnings, as well as compensation for pain and suffering.

At Estey Bomberger, our northern California defective product lawyers have more than 70 years of experience representing consumers injured by defective products. We are serious about helping our clients obtain the full and fair compensation they deserve for their injuries. Call us today at (800)406-3563. Be sure to keep the shoes, and if you have it, the receipt and any instructions and packaging that accompanied the shoes. Your toning shoes will be important evidence in your claim.

Estey Bomberger is screening claims for serious injuries resulting from all types of toning shoes, boots and sandals, including Reebok EasyTone shoes, Skechers Shape-ups, Crocs Tone Shoes, New Balance True Balance Toning Shoes, AVIA Avi-Motion Toning Shoes, MBT Sport Walkers, Chung Shi Balance Step Shoes, Easy Spirit Anti-Gravity Shoes, Puma Body Train Shoes, RYKÄ Reform Shoes, Finn Comfort toning shoes, Dr. Scholls toning shoes, Earth Exer-Fit shoes, Z7 Atonement shoes, Finn Comfort sandals, and Trim Treads. Call us today to discuss your legal rights.

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A U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) press release reported on May 12 the reannouncement of a November 2009 Maclaren USA stroller recall for risk of fingertip amputations and lacerations. According to the release, 149 accidents with the strollers, including 37 reported injuries, have been made known to Maclaren since the announcement of the first recall. Out of these reported stroller injuries, five included additional fingertip amputations, 16 additional lacerations, and 16 additional fingertip entrapments/bruising. When the original recall was launched, 15 incidents, including 12 reports of fingertip amputation throughout the United States, had been reported.

These recalled strollers pose the potential danger of fingertip amputation and laceration to the child when a person is unfolding or opening the stroller. These risks are present due to a flaw in the hinge mechanism of the stroller. The reannouncemnt of the stroller recall involves all Maclaren single and double umbrella strollers placed on the market before November 2009. Maclaren strollers placed on the market after May 2010 contain dissimilar hinge design than the previously recalled strollers and are not included in this recall.

The recalled strollers were sold at juvenile product and mass merchandise stores throughout the nation from 1999 to November 2009. Any consumer who has not installed the hinge covers is being advised to contact Maclaren USA right way to get a free repair kit at hingecovers@maclaren-usa.com or toll-free at (877) 688-2326 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Manufacturers are responsible for designing and creating products that are safe and do not contain any defects or unknown dangers that could cause consumers injury, illness, or death. A Sacramento product liability lawyer will know what effective steps need to be taken in order to help you and your family hold negligent manufacturers liable for their oversight.

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced the recall of approximately 307,848 Toyota vehicles for defective airbags that may deploy inadvertently, potentially causing injury to vehicle occupants. Toyota vehicles included in the recall are model year 2008 Highlanders, model year 2008 Highlander Hybrids, and model years 2007-2008 Rav4s.

According to the recall notice, there is a flaw with the two sensors in the curtain shield airbag (CSA) system in the airbag sensor assembly. These airbag components are meant to be designed to detect vehicle roll angle. When there is a malfunction with one of these sensors, the airbag warning light (malfunction indicator light: MIL) will illuminate and the roll detection system will be deferred. However, the airbag CSA still functions should a side collision occur. If both airbag sensors fail nearly at the same time after an initial airbag system check, there is a chance that the CSA and the seat belt pretensioner may unintentionally activate, potentially leading to vehicle occupant injury.

To fix the problem with the frontal airbags and sensor control module, Toyota is expected to replace the airbag sensor assembly with a new one that contains improved roll rate sensors at no-cost to the consumer. Owners of recalled Toyota vehicles should receive official notification early to mid-May.

Most drivers don't think twice about the performance or functionality of airbags when entering their car and heading to work or running errands. Consumers trust that auto manufacturers have upheld their vital responsibility of designing, testing, and manufacturing vehicles that are safe and free of defective parts that could cause an accident, jeopardize crashworthiness, or otherwise cause injury.

In order for individuals injured and family members of those killed by vehicle defects or auto accidents caused by vehicle defects to successfully hold negligent manufacturers liable for their negligence, they may want to consider contacting a Sacramento defective products lawyer. An attorney with experience handling auto product liability cases is familiar with the most productive ways of ensuring you and your family receives the compensation you deserve.

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As parents, it is expected that you will devote a good amount of time to selecting the safest car seat for your child. To ensure that parents are up to speed on the latest car seat safety developments, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published new guidelines for parents to maximize the safety of their child or children while they are traveling in a vehicle. Considering that motor vehicle collisions are the main cause of death for children from 3- to 14-years-old, the NHTSA's child restraint guidelines serve an important purpose in promoting safety and helping prevent serious injury or death to children.

The NHTSA recommends that parents and caregivers do the following:

• Choose a car seat based on the child's age and size


• Select a child car seat that fits inside their specific vehicle


• Use the car seat every time the child travels with them in the car


• Remember to completely read their car seat manufacturer's instructions as well as their vehicle owner's manual on how to install the car seat with the seat belt or LATCH system


• Check seat height and weight limits in relation to their vehicle


• As long as the child is within the manufacturer's height and weight limits, keep the child in the car seat for as long as possible


• Keep children in the back seat who are at least through the age of 12

In addition to following the above child seat guidelines, parents and caregivers can register their child seat and receive recall and defect notifications. Even though the NHTSA notes that about 8,950 lives were preserved because of child restrains from 1975 to 2008, unfortunately, child car seats can be poorly designed or improperly manufactured.

When the unthinkable happens, an Oakland defective product attorney can assist parents whose child was injured because of a defective child car seat or other product intended for child use. Manufacturers of children products are responsible for designing, testing, and making products that are safe. A skilled products liability lawyer will work hard to ensure that any failure to uphold this duty does not go unpunished.

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