A Nebraska-based meat packer is recalling more than 40,000 pounds of ground beef products that were shipped to institutions and distributors in California and other states over food poisoning concerns. According to an Associated Press news report, the meat, produced by Tyson Fresh Meats Inc. was also shipped to 15 other states. The U.S. Department of Agriculture conducted tests on samples, which detected the presence of the deadly E. coli bacteria in the ground beef products. Other states affected by this recall include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The recall includes 10-pound chubs of chuck fine ground beef 80/20, packed in cases containing eight chubs. USDA officials said that they discovered the problem through "routine monitoring." So far, no illnesses have been reported linked to these defective products. Anyone with questions or concerns is asked to contact Tyson at 866-328-3156.

E. coli Symptoms

In California, during 2008, 242 cases of E. coli were reported, according to the California Department of Health's web site. E. coli infections typically cause abdominal cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea with bloody stools. Young children and the elderly are at the highest risk for becoming infected with E. coli and developing Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which can lead to serious kidney damage or even death.

Tips to Avoid Infections

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers several tips to guard against E. coli contamination. First, cook all ground beef products thoroughly. Test the meat by putting a food thermometer in the thickest part of the meat. It should be cooked to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not eat ground beef that is still pink in the middle. If a restaurant serves you an undercooked hamburger, send it back for more cooking. Also, ask for a new bun and a clean plate. While cooking in your own kitchen, keep raw meat away from other foods to prevent cross-contamination.

Protecting Your Rights

If you have been sickened by contaminated meat, isolate the food and preserve it so it can be tested in a lab to determine what the contaminants are. Seek immediate medical attention and contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer who will help protect your legal rights and best interests. Negligent food producers can be held liable for damages including medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Ground Beef Recalled for Possible E. coli Contamination is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

The manufacturer of a defective child seat, which caused several skull fractures and head injuries among young children, has made no effort to improve their products or make them safer, according to consumer safety advocates. A Reuters report states that despite facing several lawsuits from parents of injured children, South Africa-based Bumbo has done little to reconfigure these seats or make them safer.

Bumbo issued a defective product recall for the seats after 28 injuries were reported to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2007. Many of these injuries involved skull fractures. After the recall, the company place warning labels on the seats saying that they should not be used on elevated surfaces. Kevin and Lucy Ferrell filed a lawsuit on behalf of their son Colby. The 9-month-old suffered a skull fracture after he fell out of the seat. The couple had purchased the seat from Toys R Us.

Companies Knew about Defective Products

As part of the lawsuit, records were obtained from Bumbo that showed the company knew about the injuries and the potential for serious injury. There were about 300 reported incidents including many in other countries such as Great Britain. Bumbo maintains that its seats are safe when used as intended. Company representatives say that the seats should always be used on the floor and never at an elevation.

In addition to Bumbo, Toys R Us has also been named in lawsuits relating to these defective products, of knowingly selling a baby product that has caused injuries. In fact, one of the company's buyers is quoted saying under oath in the litigation that she had never seen an infant product like the Bumbo seats that came without a safety restraint. She testified as she did not think it was safe. The lawsuit filed by the Ferrells alleges that Toys R Us has a significant profit margin on the seats and has stocked these items and sold them, even disregarding concerns raised by those within the company about their safety.

Holding Corporations Accountable

As a California personal injury lawyer who represents victims injured by defective products, it is encouraging to see parents like the Ferrells not giving up. Although their son was seriously injured, they are now "evangelists for seatbelts" because they do not want to see it happen to other children. This is yet another outcome of of civil litigation. It is not always about the money. In fact, more often, it is about making sure that the victims are heard. It is about making sure that negligent corporations are questioned, challenged, and forced to change their unscrupulous ways. In this particular case, it seems to me that both Bumbo and Toys R Us put profits over the welfare of these young children – babies. I would be very interested to see if federal officials impose a fine on these corporations. My heart goes out to all the families that have been affected by these dangerous and defective products.

Manufacturer of Child Seats Put Profits before Child Safety, Lawsuit Alleges is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

The America College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Urogynecologic Society have issued a joint Committee Opinion stating that there is an "urgent need" for the development of a national registry to track outcomes for all current and future patients who receive vaginal mesh implants. There have been serious concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of these synthetic mesh products that are placed vaginally to treat a condition known as pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Given the horrific side effects thousands of women are experiencing as a result of receiving these transvaginal mesh implants, these groups now recommend that use of these mesh implants should only be reserved for high-risk women "for whom the benefit may justify the risk."

Pelvic Organ Prolapse

What is pelvic organ prolapse? When the organs in the pelvis such as the uterus, bladder, urethra, small intestine and rectum, drop down and bulge into the vagina, that condition is known as a pelvic organ prolapse. POP can be caused by several factors including menopause, aging, intense physical activity, obesity, prior pelvic surgery, chronic coughing, and straining to have bowel movements. According to the American Urogynecologic Society, more than 350,000 women undergo surgery for this condition in the United States. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration first approved the mesh implants for use in 2001.

Nightmarish Symptoms

However, the mesh implants led to a number of complications among the women who received them. Instead of improving women's lives, many women experienced horrendous symptoms including excruciating pain. In some women, the mesh cut into the vaginal lining causing infections and even nerve damage. Others could not sit down or urinate without a catheter. Some patients even had to be hospitalized or stop sexual intercourse because the symptoms had become so painful and unbearable. In July 2011, the FDA issued a safety alert warning consumers about the possible risks these defective products pose.

Recommendations by Professionals

The professional group's other recommendations include continuing the audit and review of outcomes, and establishing a registry for all current and future vaginal mesh implants; surgeon training for vaginal mesh placement specific to each device; patient counseling with regard to alternative options, risks and benefits of mesh implant surgery; and adopting new mesh products and devices only after they have been properly tested and their safety and efficacy have been established.

Seeking Compensation

If you or a loved one has suffered complications as a result of vaginal mesh implants, please contact a reputed California personal injury lawyer who has experience handling similar cases. You can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Professional Groups Issue Recommendations for Use of Vaginal Mesh is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A California food company has issued a recall for 6,141 cartons of cilantro in seven states over food poisoning concerns. According to an Associated Press news report, Salinas-based Pacific Cilantro recalled the herbs in seven states after U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspectors found salmonella in a sampling of the products. So far, no illnesses or fatalities have been reported. The recall has been issued in seven states including California, Arizona, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Indiana, South Carolina and Missouri, as a precaution. Those who have these products in their homes are asked to return them. The herbs were grown by Salt River Farming in the Phoenix area.

Statistics Relating to Food Poisoning Cases

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there are approximately1.4 million cases of salmonella food poisoning in the United States each year. Only 40,000 of those cases are actually reported. The Department of Health and Human Services reports that there are 5,000 instances of fatal food poisoning cases each year caused by a variety of defective products.

Symptoms of Salmonella Poisoning

The symptoms of salmonella poisoning can be extremely painful and traumatic. The most common signs of salmonella infection include nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal cramping or pain, diarrhea, fever, chills, headache, muscle pains and bloody stools. In many instances, salmonella infection could lead to several days of hospitalization. Salmonella infection may also, in certain cases, result in serious injuries or death. There are certain strains of salmonella that cannot even be treated with antibiotics. These infections often affect the very young, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.

Compensation for Food Poisoning Victims

If you have become ill as a result of consuming these defective products, it would be in your best interests to isolate the food item and preserve it, so it can be tested in a lab for the presence of disease-causing germs or contaminants. In such cases where a negligent food producer or retailer may be involved, victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, diagnostic tests, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Victims of food poisoning would be well advised to contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will better advise them about their legal rights and options.

Cilantro Recalled for Possible Salmonella Contamination is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A California farm is voluntarily recalling bags of chopping romaine lettuce due to food poisoning concerns. According to an Associated Press news report, True Leaf Farms of Salinas is recalling 90 cartons of lettuce, which is believed to have been contaminated with listeria bacteria. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified the company that a sample taken as part of a random check tested positive for listeria. The recall covers products with a "use by" date of September 29, 2011 and a bag and box code of "B256-46438-8."

This listeria recall comes at a time when the nation is witnessing one of the most deadly listeria outbreaks, which has been linked to cantaloupe from Jensen Farms in Colorado. The outbreak involving the tainted cantaloupes has so far caused 16 deaths and 72 illnesses in 18 states including California. Listeria is a type of bacterium that can survive even in room temperatures. Although we may not hear about listeria as often as we do about E. coli or salmonella, this type of infection has the potential to be deadly. In the United States the last known large listeria outbreak happened on 1998 when 21 people died as a result of eating contaminated hot dogs and deli meat.

Symptoms of Listeria Infection

The most common symptoms of a Listeria infection include fever, muscle aches, a stiff neck, and headaches. Those who are older and have compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to these infections. Pregnant women are particularly at risk because listeria can be extremely harmful to fetuses, resulting in birth defects, miscarriages or stillbirths.

Liability Issues in Food Poisoning Cases

It is unclear from these reports if anyone has been sickened or killed as a result of consuming the tainted lettuce. It is important that consumers who have these defective products at home immediately discard them if they have not been consumed or opened. If you have eaten the tainted food, isolate the remainder of the food in a separate bag or box and preserve it so it can be tested in a laboratory for evidence of contamination.

Negligent food producers or those who fail to follow federal and state safety standards can be held liable for the injuries and illnesses their food products cause. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, diagnostic tests, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. An experienced California personal injury lawyer will better advise victims or their families about their legal rights and options.

Romaine Lettuce Recalled for Listeria Contamination is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market Inc. is recalling its f&e-brand organic baby spinach over food poisoning concerns. According to an Associated Press news report, this food recall was issued due to concerns that the spinach could be contaminated with listeria, a bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children or those with weak immune systems. The company, which is based in El Segundo, California, said the recall was issued after one bag of spinach tested positive for listeria. The products involved in this recall have an "enjoy by" date of August 1, 2011 and were sold in Fresh & Easy stores in California, Nevada and Arizona.

Food Poisoning Statistics

The Department of Health and Human Services reports that there are 5,000 instances of fatal food poisoning cases each year. It is even more disturbing to note that the number of safety inspections has fallen sharply in recent years. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which monitors food producers nationwide, inspects fewer than 25 percent of food production facilities each year. Also, nearly 75 percent of all food facilities have gone five or more years without an FDA inspection.

Symptoms of Listeria Poisoning

Reports state that these defective products that were recalled have been contaminated with listeria. This type of bacterial infection, also known as Listeriosis, has the potential to cause serious injury or death. The most common symptoms of listeria poisoning include fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, the victim may experience symptoms such as headache, stiffness, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Listeria infection can have devastating consequences for pregnant women. The baby may die unexpectedly before birth or experience a life-threatening infection within the first few days of birth.

Liability Issues

If you have been sickened as a result of consuming a certain food, it is important that you label the food, isolate it and preserve it, so it can be tested in a lab for the presence of disease-causing germs or contaminants. The food producer or even the retailer can be held liable for injuries and illnesses caused by contaminated food. Victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, diagnostic tests, loss of earnings, cost of hospitalization, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will better advise victims in such cases about their legal rights and options.

Fresh & Easy Recalls Organic Spinach for Listeria Contamination is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

A study of nearly three million women taking the newest and most popular contraceptives, particularly Yaz birth control pills, between 1997 and 2009, found a small, but statistically significant risk of gallbladder disease. Yaz, manufactured by Bayer, is a combination of drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol and has also been associated with other side effects such as blood clots, heart problems and seizures.

Several Studies Show Adverse Effects

Another recent report on Bnet, about 190 women have died after taking Yaz and its predecessor Yasmin. The Swiss media says that Bayer is facing a shareholder motion condemning its marketing of these two contraceptive pill brands.

Further, two new studies show women who take these defective products with the newer hormone, drospirenone, have a higher risk for developing potentially serious blood clots than women who take pills that have the older hormone levonorgestrel. Women in the studies took oral contraceptives containing drospirenone such as Yaz, Yasmin, Ocella, Gianvi and Zarah. These medications increased the risk of nonfatal blood clots by two to three times, the studies said.

There are several counter studies that dispute these findings. Bayer has denied reports detailing the deadly effects of these contraceptives, and say that they are perfectly safe. Yasmin (approved by the FDA in 2001) and Yaz (approved by the FDA in 2006) are birth control medications manufactured by Bayer Healthcare. Ocella, is the generic form which is marketed and distributed by Teva Pharmaceuticals and was approved by the FDA in 2008.

Dangerous and Defective Drugs

Even though these medications can be an effective means of birth control, these recent studies underscore the importance of giving women the information they need to make an informed decision. It is the drug maker's responsibility to inform consumers about all the potential health risks and side effects associated with what could be dangerous or defective products. Some of the known side effects of Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella include blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, liver tumors and gallbladder disease.

If you or a loved one has experienced serious health problems or side effects associated with Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella, please contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer, who will fight for your rights and ensure that the manufacturer of these dangerous and defective drugs is held accountable. The best pharmaceutical litigation attorneys will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Lost a family member in a California defective drug case? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Yaz product defect case. Call 800-561-4887. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE pharmaceutical litigation lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.

Yaz Linked to Significant Risk of Gallbladder Disease is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

According to a recent report on Bnet, about 190 women have died after taking Bayer's popular contraceptive pills Yaz and Yasmin. The Swiss media says that Bayer is facing a shareholder motion at the end of this month condemning its marketing of these two contraceptive pill brands. The vote, although unlikely to pass, will put the pharmaceutical giant's increasing problems especially with regard to contraceptive pills Yaz and Yasmin in the spotlight.

Lawsuits Proliferating

As of February 2011, Bayer faced 6,950 lawsuits in the United States stemming from these two brands of contraceptive pills. The lawsuits allege that these defective products create potentially deadly blood clots and gall bladder damage. So far it had not been known how many women actually died from taking Yaz and Yasmin. But, a German language report on Swiss television last year claimed that a search of the Food and Drug Administration's adverse event database found 140 fatalities associated with Yasmin and 50 fatalities linked to Yaz, which is the newer brand.

Deadly Side Effects

There is no question that a majority of pharmaceuticals or prescription drugs or even over-the counter medication may have adverse health effects or side effects.
There are also numerous instances of drugs that were intended to treat significant health problems such as heart disease in older patients, but have caused serious injuries or fatalities. However, contraceptive pills are typically taken by young, healthy women who are not likely to simply "drop dead." That is why this death rate involving the use of Yaz and Yasmin are cause for alarm.

So far, Bayer has denied all reports that state Yaz and Yasmin could have deadly effects on the young women who take them. They have denied the drug's dangers and have refused to recall them.

I'm not really surprised that these drugs haven't been recalled, especially considering these contraceptive pills are Bayer's second biggest revenue generator. Clearly, Bayer is putting profits ahead of the health and well-being of its consumers.

Contacting a Pharmaceutical Litigation Lawyer

Bayer should disclose the real risks of these medications to consumers who unwittingly take them. It is time to seriously consider recalling these dangerous drugs, which between them have claimed 190 lives. If you or a loved one has experienced adverse side effects as a result of taking Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella, please contact an experienced California personal injury lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing your legal rights. Pharmaceutical companies, which continue to put lives at risk by marketing dangerous drugs, must be held accountable.

Lost a family member in a California defective drug case? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a fatal Yasmin product defect case. Call 800-561-4887. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE pharmaceutical litigation lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.

Death Toll Increases to 190 among those who Take Birth Control Pills Yaz and Yasmin is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

The family of Mary Ellen Kise, who died after receiving contaminated IV fluid at an Alabama hospital, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the manufacturer of the IV bags. According to a Reuters news report, the lawsuit was filed on behalf of Kise's daughter, Barbara Young, against Meds IV, the manufacturer of the fluid. So far, federal health officials have confirmed that the bags containing the intravenous fluids were contaminated with the deadly serratia marcescens. So far nine deaths and several illnesses have been attributed to the contaminated IV bags. Meds IV pulled the products off the shelves this month.

Serious Illnesses and Fatalities Reported

The U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified six hospitals where these infections have been reported -- Princeton Baptist Medical Center, Shelby Baptist Medical Center, Cooper Green Mercy Hospital, Medical West, Prattville Baptist Hospital and Select Specialty Hospital, a long-term acute care hospital that operates within Trinity Medical Center. All six of the hospitals are in Alabama. The serratia marcescens bacteria found in these contaminated IV bags, can cause infections in the urinary tract, respiratory tract and eyes. It can also infect existing wounds.

Earlier this week, officials also released a report saying that the initial reports about the possible contamination came as early as in January. Several others have also expressed concern about these contaminated IV bags being in other pharmacies. So far, the contaminated intravenous fluids have had a devastating impact on patients who have received them. One patient reportedly suffered brain damage after receiving the IV feedings. An Alabama judge has ordered Meds IV not to destroy evidence related to its recall of these defective products.

Holding Wrongdoers Accountable

Something went terribly wrong here. I hope federal health officials are looking into how these IV bags became contaminated? Did the company know about this contamination? Are all safety standards and procedures being followed at the facility where these bags are being manufactured? Did the company issue a timely recall? All these are issues that should be examined not only to hold the product manufacturer liable, but also to make sure that this never happens in the future.

Families of victims who have died after receiving the contaminated intravenous fluids or have become seriously ill, would be well-advised to contact an experienced pharmaceutical liability lawyer to obtain more information about pursuing their legal rights. Our firm is determined to get to the bottom of this issue and hold the negligent parties accountable for their actions. Whoever dropped the ball in this case should be held responsible.

Lost a family member in a California product defect case? Want to know your rights? Want to know what your case is worth? Want compensation? Want justice? Want to ensure the same thing doesn’t happen to another family?

Call your best friends in the legal industry after a defective product-related fatal accident. Call 800-561-4887. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE pharmaceutical liability lawyer for a free professional evaluation of your rights by attorneys who have been representing families of deceased accident victims since 1978. You will experience award winning representation and outstanding personal service by a compassionate and understanding law firm in a comfortable environment.

Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed in Death of Patient Infected by Contaminated IV Bag is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers

The BISNAR | CHASE Los Angeles wrongful death attorneys have struck again with the most recent success being the result of Del Taco's negligence. The premises liability action was filed against contractors and inspectors of Del Taco for an unsafe ramp that allegedly caused the death of an elderly woman. The suit has recently resulted in a substantial settlement which has left the victim's family members with more than an apology.

The absence of handrails along the path to guide disabled users to the safe boundaries of the wheelchair ramp, or to help gauge the height difference between the curb and the level of the parking lot, violated applicable building codes as well as Federal Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. A few days after the accident, a bar was constructed and the ramp was made safer.

Luckily, this family was able to achieve some level of justice. In California, merely owning or occupying land does not make that person liable for injuries sustained on the property. There must be some form of negligence on the part of the owner or occupier of property before there can be any premises liability. In order to understand the duty owed by an owner or occupier of land, it is necessary to understand the difference between the owner of the property and the occupier of the property and their relative liability. A thorough understanding of the ever-changing and fact-specific laws regarding the various and numerous incidents that result in premises liability is essential to successful legal representation.

The BISNAR | CHASE law firm's Los Angeles personal injury attorneys represent people who have been seriously injured or lost a family member due to an accident, defective product or negligence throughout California. The law firm has won a wide variety of challenging personal injury and defective product cases, involving car accidents, dog attacks and defective products.

Family Wins Wrongful Death Suit Against Del Taco is a post from: BestAttorney.com - BISNAR | CHASE California Personal Injury Lawyers