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Dangerous side effects of Risperdal

Risperdal is a well-known anti-psychotic medication that is produced by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a division of the world’s largest medical manufacture Johnson & Johnson. Risperdal is also sold under its generic drug name, Risperidone and in a slightly different form known as Invega (paloperidone).

The drug works by blocking neurotransmitters in the brain, like dopamine and serotonin. When it was introduced, Risperdal was hailed as a “next generation” drug that was going to be a safer version of an older drug called Haldol (haloperidol).

During the drug’s existence, Risperdal has earned Johnson & Johnson over $40 billion in sales and continues to bring over $3 billion in yearly earnings. However, that is not the only figure they can boast, since Risperdal is also responsible for thousands of injuries, countless emotional pain, and a few hundred deaths.

Risperdal came onto the market in 1993 when the FDA approved the drug for treatment of schizophrenia in adults.  It was later approved to treat schizophrenia in children, bipolar disorder in adolescents, and behavioral disorders associated with autism. It has also been used off-label to treat a number of other conditions.

Side Effects of Risperdal

Risperdal can cause everything from harmful, yet more common side effects to very serious, life threatening side effects. Of course, all medications have side effects, but few have been as irresponsible and as dangerous as Risperdal.

Common Risperdal side effects include: (1) Nausea and vomiting, (2) Anxiety or restlessness, and (3) Fatigue or sedation.  Risperdal can also have dangerous interactions, including (1) Irregular heart rhythm, (2) Increased sedation, and (3) Increased risk of seizure.

In addition to common side effects, Risperdal causes serious adverse effects which have been extremely dangerous to many different people.These side effects can be permanent, humiliating, and increase the risk of death.

The most serious side effects include: (1) Breast Development in Boys, (@) Lactation in Young Girls, and (3) Movement Disorders

Risperdal has another serious side effect that has been widely publicized and has created some legal issues for Johnson & Johnson. This dangerous side effect involves movement disorders which can become worse over time.  These abrupt, often violent movements are known as extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) and can be permanent even after Risperdal is discontinued. Symptoms of EPS often include Tremors similar to those caused by Parkinsons disease, Drooling or inability to control mouth muscles, Facial tics, and Abnormal head, shoulder, and limb movements (Tardive Dyskinesia).

One of the most disturbing dangerous side effects of Risperdal is the increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia.  These elderly dementia patients died from pneumonia, cardiac failure, or stroke while taking Risperdal. Because of this disturbing trend and the clear correlation, the FDA required that a so-called “black box warning” be placed on Risperdal.  A black box warning is the most severe warning the FDA issues and is so named because of thick, black border surrounding the warning on the packaging; it is meant to be highly visible.

Relevance of Personal Injury Claims in Business

There are a number of types of personal injuries that a business can be liable for, as a business lawyer Danbury CT can turn to can attest. In the long term, most businesses find themselves subject to some personal injury claims. It is possible that  customers, employees and others on your premises can hold businesses liable for compensation if found negligent for injuries incurred. As a business owner, it is important to protect yourself from a claim by making your premises safe and obtaining insurance that protects from personal injury lawsuits.

Safety and Duty of Care

It is the responsibility of the business owner to ensure that all employees,  consumers and others are safe when on the property of the company. To protect the public when they come to your business, there are a series of responsibilities that the business owner must uphold. To prevent incidents, it is important to maintain your property in order to prevent injury. As a business it is important to maintain: structures that could be susceptible to injury with proper  handrails and staircases, maintaining parking lots in inclement weather, and preventing customers from sustaining slip and fall injuries. However, if an incident occurs make sure you have the correct insurance.

When an Accident Occurs on the Job

If an employee is involved in a car accident while on the job, they are normally covered under worker’s compensation. Despite this, if an employee is hurt in the accident, they may be  entitled to file a personal injury claim against the the business or another third party. Ensuring that the appropriate vehicle insurance is in place is a smart way to insure against and accident resulting in a personal claim. Similarly, a general liability policy will insure against accidents on your premises. Failure to have the appropriate insurance in the event of an injury, can be an incredible expense for a business.

Claims that are Petty

In most cases, an attorney will not take a case that is frivolous or small,   However, lawyers sometimes accept cases where there is not much evidence available to win the suit in search of a fast relatively small settlement. Larger businesses are more susceptible to such claims than smaller ones. Claims that are frivolous or small  can be expensive to business in the aggregate. Sometimes, when a business is settles with a claimant, they risk a rise in insurance costs.

When it comes to personal injury claims, it is important to evaluate your insurance on a regular basis. Without the appropriate insurance in place, a business’s future could be put at risk of serious financial issues if a personal lawsuit is successful. As a business owner, it is important to safeguard your business  from financial ruin by acquiring the appropriate insurance and retaining a personal injury lawyer for their experience and know-how.

Thanks to our friends and contributors from Sweeney Legal for their insight into business law.

 

Common Construction Injuries

Every year, thousands of construction workers are injured or killed because of on the job accidents. Many times it occurs because the employer or contractor failed to provide fall protection equipment and other safety precautions. Injured construction workers have a legal right to compensation for their damages.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is a federal agency that regulates workplace safety in the United States. They have defined requirements for many industries, including construction. For instance, if a worker is working more than six feet above the ground, they are required to wear a harness or other type of fall protection. Another common example is the failure to have guardrails in place when there are floor openings or an open wall with no barrier. Construction workers may mistakenly fall into an opening and injure themselves.

What Can You Do About Your Construction Injury?

Construction companies are like any other entity or person in the sense that there are a lot of good ones out there that follow safety standards and run very safe workplaces. However, there are also a lot of bad ones out there that do not care about their workers and just want to get the job done and get paid. There are a lot of companies and contractors that try to cut corners on a regular basis.

Workers compensation is not the only recourse one can take after being injured at work. The whole idea behind workers compensation is that it compensates workers for their injuries if there is an incident. Workers compensation does not require the employee to prove their employer’s negligence. In exchange, the worker cannot sue their employer for damages, even if the employer was responsible for the accident occurring.

However, if there are other individuals or companies involved who contributed to causing the accident such as a subcontractor, the worker has legal recourse. With the help of a personal injury lawyer, you can file an injury claim against the responsible party or parties.

If the employer does not have workers compensation, the employee can file a claim against the employer to seek compensation. As opposed to a workers compensation claim, a personal injury claim can include damages such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, and disfigurement. Reach to an attorneys to clarify whether or not you have a valid claim.

Contact a Knowledgeable Attorney

An attorney will do their best to ensure you get the fair and just compensation you deserve. Start fighting for your rights; contact a lawyer, like a personal injury lawyer relies on, today.

Motorcycles, The Dangers of Sharing the Road with Other Vehicles

When riding a motorcycle, having a quick response is vital in order to prevent an accident from occurring. Motorcycle fatalities are among the most common types of vehicle accidents. In the majority of these situations, the person driving the other vehicle was at fault. Although being a motorcycle enthusiast is an enjoyable activity, it comes with its fair share of risk. To avoid accidents, a motorcyclist must be able to respond quickly and ride preventatively.

Road Conditions

Having an awareness of road conditions will help prevent an accident from occurring. When riding a bike, it’s vital that you are alert and aware of road conditions to ensure that you do not slide your bike and lose control. Avoiding the following conditions will help prevent accidents:

Vehicles on the Road

Motorcycles are mostly at risk of accidents when another vehicle on the road does not see them.

While there are many dangers when riding a motorcycle, there’s no reason why it can’t be an activity that should be enjoyed by those who are interested. Educating oneself and taking the appropriate precautions will leave a motorcyclist as prepared as possible. Contacting a motorcycle accident lawyer trusts is vital if you have suffered a biking accident and would like guidance regarding whether or not to file a personal claim. Often the first meeting is free in order to assess the information before moving forward with a plan.

 

Estate Planning: Will Revisions After Personal Injury Settlements

When an accident results in injury, individuals may seek compensation from another party. For a victim of an accident to be awarded compensation, they must prove the defendant displayed negligence or gross negligence; which was responsible for the victim’s injury. Should the victim receive compensation, it may be issued in various formats. The victim may receive one large lump sum paid following the hearing. Or, the award may be divided into smaller payments issued periodically. Though it may be ordered by the court to issue a monthly check, precautions should be established to provide a plan for the assets in the event of an emergency. There are methods available in revising a trust or estate plan to include the personal injury settlement.

Contact an Attorney

Revising a will or trust may contain legal hurdles that could be difficult to overcome on your own. The guidance and advice of an estate planning attorney may be beneficial when revising an estate plan. Inform them of the details regarding your personal injury award. The lawyer may ask the following questions to help better understand your situation; which may help provide them with a baseline to begin revising.

Break Ups, Separations and Divorces

After a severe accident, you may be subject to long term disability. The accident may have resulted in decreased mobility and function; which may require you to alter your living situation. The change in living situation, as well as the effect the injury may have on your career, can be taxing to not only you, but your partner as well. In the event that you and your partner separate after an accident, you may wish to alter your estate plan. An attorney, like an estate lawyer Sacramento can rely on, should be familiar with the necessary steps required to change beneficiaries.

Regardless of the changes to your estate plan you wish to make, an estate planning attorney may be able to provide insight on whether the change is feasible, legal, and the steps that may be required. Unfortunate events may occur in your life, such as a personal injury suit or a divorce; thankfully, there is help available when it comes to planning your estate.

 

Negotiating Medicare and Medicaid Liens

One portion of dealing with any personal injury claim, whether it is a wrongful death claim or a claim for bodily injury, is dealing with subrogation claims from medical providers, as a personal injury lawyer Little Rock, AR trusts can explain..

In the U.S. Supreme Court case of Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services v. Ahlborn, 547 U.S. 268 (2006), the court dealt with the right of Medicaid in a subrogation claim.  The court held that Medicaid must reduce its claim on personal injury or wrongful death recovery by the percentage that the Plaintiff reduced its claim in accepting a settlement.

Benefit of Ahlborn: Wrongful Death Lawyer Little Rock, AR

What does the Ahlborn holding mean?  It ultimately allows for the Plaintiff in a personal injury or wrongful death claim to keep more of the settlement, giving less of it back to Medicaid/the government.  The subrogation claim made by Medicaid to recover its costs provided to the Plaintiff must be reduced if the Plaintiff had to reduce its own recovery in settlement.

Whether Medicaid has historically recognized Ahlborn is a different matter.  In a practical sense, having dealt with Medicaid subrogation claims, Medicaid will claim not to recognize the case but will negotiate a reduced recovery on the merits of the case (same thing as Ahlborn, basically).  This has generally been very helpful to assist settlement in large or risky claims.

Death of Ahlborn – Wrongful Death Lawyer Little Rock, AR

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 statutorily modifies Medicaid subrogation and allows for Medicaid to recoup all of the money it expended on a Plaintiff rather than the reduced formula allowed by Ahlborn.  However, the effective date of the Act was extended to October 1, 2016 and then extended again until October 1, 2017.  This implementation will create a ‘super lien’ in favor of Medicaid greatly affecting an attorney’s ability to negotiate a subrogation claim by Medicaid in order to resolve a case amicably without court intervention. 

This means that negotiating Medicare and Medicaid liens will become increasingly difficult, if not impossible, as time progresses.  For these reasons, it is imperative to hire a veteran litigator and experienced trial lawyer who has been involved in wrongful death cases for years.  

 

Dos and Don’ts After a Truck Accident

Car accidents are already a devastating ordeal, but when a large truck is involved in an accident, the impacts and damages are often much greater. Commercial trucks, such as 18-wheelers and semi-trucks, are much larger and heavier than most vehicles, so they are harder to control on the road and can cause severe damage and injuries in an accident.

If you or a loved one was injured in an accident involving a large truck, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. Before moving forward, it is imperative to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer who can review your case and help determine the best course of action to take. In the meantime, there are important steps to take and consider.

Give an Accurate Statement

After an accident, the police will take a statement from everyone involved to ultimately determine the cause of the accident. When you speak with the officer, make sure you are calm and composed so that you can provide an accurate, thought-out statement. This is your chance to report your side of the story, which will be imperative evidence in an insurance claim or even a civil or criminal case. In order to protect yourself, it’s important that you don’t admit fault in the accident.

Collect Necessary Evidence

After an accident, you should gather the necessary information and evidence from the scene. You should obtain the name, address, phone number and insurance information of the other driver or drivers, get witness testimony and document the scene of the accident. If injuries were suffered, you should also gather medical records and bills. Proper evidence is needed to build a strong case.

Avoid Speaking with the Defendant

After the time of the accident, you should avoid speaking with the truck company, their lawyers or insurance company. Everything you say can carry weight in the case, so if you accidentally say something wrong, you could hurt your chances of receiving compensation. Instead, it is advised that a truck accident lawyer works with the other party on your behalf to negotiate a fair settlement. They can ensure the necessary components are handled and prevent potential problems.

Negotiate the Settlement Offer

If the other party offers a settlement early on, you may feel inclined to take it in order to cover medical bills and other expenses. Most insurance companies, however, start by offering a very low, unfair settlement for this reason. The first settlement usually won’t even cover the full extent of damages. Allow a lawyer such as the truck accident lawyer  locals turn to to negotiate the settlement offer on your behalf so they can get you the highest settlement possible.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

Motorcyclists Should Always Consider These Safety Tips

It’s true that riding a motorcycle can be exciting, fun, and economical.  It’s also true that riding a motorcycle is much more dangerous than driving a car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motorcycle riders are 27 times more likely to die in traffic accidents than other motorists. Their reports also conclude that most of these occurrences are the motorcyclist’s failure to comply with certain safety measures. The following is a list of the appropriate safety tips a motorcycle rider should consider:

Wear Protective Clothing and Gear

The most important gear one should wear is a helmet that has been approved by the Department of Transportation. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of sustaining a serious head injury in an accident.  Other gear that can be beneficial in reducing injuries is heavy leather clothing, thick gloves, and skid-proof leather boots.

Defensive Driving

A motorcyclist should always be cautious when riding in the presence of other vehicles.  Motorists do not always see motorcycles; therefore, the risk of having an accident is much higher for the motorcyclist. Don’t always assume the other driver can see you, so drive defensively, keep an eye on your side mirrors as well as keeping a firm grip on both handlebars to insure your own safety.

Do Not Drive When You Are Fatigued

As a motorcycle rider, you need to be completely focused. Along with being aware of your surroundings, you will be constantly changing gears, braking and maintaining your balance.  When fatigued, your reaction time is slowed and you may not be as able to maneuver through traffic. The rule of thumb is that you take breaks and rest every 75 to 125 miles.

Sharpen Your Riding Skills

Skilled motorcycle riders are able to make quick decisions when faced with surprises and hazards on the road. The ability to make good decisions can change the outcome of an accident. There are several ways to improve your riding skills such as taking a motorcycle safety class. These courses can help the rider hone skills such as:

Make Sure Your Motorcycle Engine, Brakes, Lights and Electrical System Are Reliable

Obey Road Signs and Traffic Signals

Always stay alert and comply with traffic rules such as stop signs, traffic signals, and speed limit signs.  At high speeds, it is more difficult for a motorcycle to stop in case of an emergency which could cause potentially fatal accidents.

If you were injured in a collision due to a defective part or another driver, call us today to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer such as the motorbike accident lawyer  locals trust.

Social Media and Personal Injury Cases

The explosion in Social Media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.) has created problems for a wrongful death lawyer representing clients who have been injured due to the negligence and carelessness of others.

In years past, insurance companies would often hire private investigators to follow injured plaintiffs and take movies of them engaged in physically demanding tasks in order to disprove that the person was not seriously injured. These videos would then be shown to the jury during trial and sometimes prevented an injured person from obtaining a just monetary verdict. The problem with these videos is that they were a brief snapshot in time, and often showed the plaintiff engaged in an activity that he had not performed for some time and which afterward resulted in many days in bed recuperating from one day of “overdoing it.”

In today’s world, insurance companies and defense attorneys often avoid the expense of hiring a private investigator and instead subpoena records from Social Media accounts.

A June 8, 2017 article posted in Forbes magazine online detailed the unfortunate experience of injured persons who torpedoed their case by the Social Media post they made.

Consider a case of a woman who sustained a serious back injury in a car crash and, after spending over a month bed-ridden, her husband takes her on a trip to Florida to enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Her husband takes a photo of her on the beach in Miami in a swimsuit, with a drink in her hand and smile on her face. She then posts the photo to Facebook. Of course, the photo will not show the chronic pain she is enduring, or the fact that she did not even feel strong enough to go into the water to enjoy a good swim. In other words, a totally honest photo could create a false impression in the minds of a jury viewing that photo.

For the above reasons, people involved in personal injury lawsuits should stay away from Social Media as much as possible until their case is concluded. Moreover, attempting to delete their Facebook account might further damage their case if the defense attorney at trial argues that the injured party engaged in the unlawful spoliation of evidence. Spoliation of evidence is a legal term for the intentional or reckless destruction of evidence. Courts have the ability to punish the destruction of evidence in several ways. For example, the judge might instruct the jury that the jurors are to infer that the destroyed evidence would have been evidence damaging to the plaintiff’s case. In extreme cases, the trial judge may simply order the dismissal of the plaintiff’s case, resulting in the recovery of no monetary damages.

 

Help Me Help You.

Close your eyes and imagine you just got into a car accident. You are coming into a complete stop at a red light and the vehicle behind misses the light change and rear ends you at about a speed of 45 mph. Police show up at the scene information is exchanged. What now? How does that make you feel? Confused, shock, anger, etc. Consulting a Car accident lawyer Arlington, TX trusts is the next step.

Assuming you first response is to look for an attorney, this blog will inform you what to expect from the moment you call a law firm, and through your consult. You will be walked step by step.

  1. Call the attorney that you feel will be a good fit for you. Of course always keep in mind the Brandy Austin Law Firm.
  2. Set the consult. Before calling check your calendar to see what days work best for you, that makes scheduling a lot easier. Also, that helps avoid rescheduling for conflicts in schedule. Be prepared to share a brief summary of how the accident happen. Your frustration is understood but please, BE POLITE.
  3. Your consult has been scheduled. Please prepare a day before all documents you will be bringing in for the consult. Don’t be nervous, the attorney is here to help you.


Documents to bring for your consult:


The attorney needs anything and everything that will help with your case.

1. At the time of the consult, please arrive on time if not at least 5 minutes before your scheduled time. Attorneys are here to help you but please be mindful of their time. During the consult always be honest. It helps a lot in the long run. If you gave a statement to either insurance companies please inform them. If you have a criminal background be ready to share that information with us. Everything that will be asked is for the best of your claim, in a client and attorney confidentiality. If you have any questions, please ask away. The sky is the limit.

2. At the end of your consult, please feel comfortable letting the attorney know whether you want to move forward and retain, or if you simply feel like they are not a good fit.

3. Assuming you retain. You have successfully retained/hired an attorney to stress for you. All your worries should be about treating and feeling better.

See this is like a “help me help you” situation. Your helping the attorney by bringing all the above information to the consult, and the attorney is helping you by taking over your case and working hard to get the best settlement for you.

 

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Brandy Austin Law Firm for their insight on how to prepare for your first interactions with an attorney.