0
20
Aug

What Can I Do if I Have Been Exposed to Roundup?

August 20, 2019

The distribution and marketing practices of Roundup represent one of the most egregious attacks on human health by herbicide companies in history.

As more evidence surfaces about the dangerous effects of Roundup exposure, victims and their families are taking steps to hold Roundup and other glyphosate herbicide companies responsible for their injuries. With the excessive and rampant use of Roundup by farmers and organizations seeking to clear vegetation from large tracts of land, it is almost impossible not to become exposed to glyphosate.

For many, Roundup exposure over time can lead to devastating health issues.

Diseases Caused by Glyphosate

Roundup uses an active ingredient known as glyphosate. This is a well-known toxic herbicide that keeps certain plants from being able to grow. Most commonly used by farmers in the Midwest, it is effective at killing unwanted plants, but it is also raising major health concerns.

Glyphosate does not simply wash away with water or disappear once produce treated with it reaches the grocery store. Once ingested, residual doses of glyphosate can lead to the dissipation of healthy bacteria in the stomach and intestines.

Additionally, those living near glyphosate-treated fields may come into contact with the herbicide via the skin or airways.

Roundup exposure neither leads to disease immediately nor in every individual. However, ongoing exposure has been known to lead to various forms of cancer, Parkinson’s disease, liver and kidney disease, lymphoma, and more.

What’s more is that scientists have also noticed that exposure to glyphosate can gather aluminum in the brain, leading to neurological diseases such as autism, ADHD, and Alzheimer’s disease.

How to Detox from Roundup Exposure

The best way to protect yourself from Roundup exposure is to avoid it as much as possible. If you garden at home, consider non-glyphosate alternatives to Roundup.

If you must use Roundup or live near crops that use Roundup, consider wearing shoes that completely cover the foot, as well as long pants and long-sleeve shirts.

At the grocery store, organic produce avoids glyphosate completely. Buying only (or mostly) organic produce can limit your and your household’s exposure, thus minimizing the risk of disease.

Lastly, drinking apple cider vinegar (1-2 teaspoons in a cup of juice) can neutralize the negative effects of glyphosate on the body.

Injuries Sustained from Exposure to Roundup

For many, detoxing the body from the negative effects of Roundup comes too late. It is in the food we eat and the air we breathe.

Roundup and other glyphosate herbicide companies have been known to interfere with lab test results seeking to measure the negative side effects of glyphosate on human beings. Additionally, they’ve been proven to use deceptive advertising techniques to minimize public awareness of the risks of Roundup exposure.

If that were not enough, the World Health Organization noted in 2015 that glyphosate is likely responsible for carcinogenic effects on the human body, leading more specifically to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Seek Legal Aid with Stewart & Stewart

If you or someone you love is suffering as a result of the negative effects of Roundup, you may be eligible for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, funeral costs, and pain and suffering.

By discussing your situation with an experienced attorney, you and your family can seek justice against these companies. 

For more information about how a drug injury attorney in Indianapolis can help you with your case, contact Stewart & Stewart at 800-333-3529 or visit our website.

0
15
Aug

How Do I Receive Veteran Disability Benefits?

August 15, 2019

If you served in the United States Armed Forces and received an Honorable Discharge, you are likely eligible for a disability rating with Veteran Affairs.

No matter how severe the injury was, if they originated while you were in service, it is important that you make those injuries known to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Doing so involves filing a disability claim with the VA.

While the process can feel arduous, it is crucial that every veteran takes stock of their injuries and file disability claims. For many veterans, it is best for them to work with a veteran disability attorney. Doing so can lighten their load of paperwork as well as keep the VA from trying to deny claims that should be approved.

Create an eBenefits Account

The first step to filing and managing your disability benefits is to set up an online account with eBenefits.va.gov.

During registration, the government will confirm your identity and give you an online profile to track your benefits and/or apply for more benefits. In addition to assistance with your disability benefits, eBenefits offers a host of other benefits for veterans, including tuition assistance, vocational training, VA home loans, and more.

Make Copies of Your Service Record

Locate your service record, including your DD-214. Make copies of these documents so that you can send copies to the VA while filing your claims. If you are working with a veteran disability attorney, they will ask you for copies or make copies for you.

Do not ever surrender your original documents to the VA. They have been known to misplace your records.

Make Copies of Your Medical Records

You should also make copies of all your medical records, both during and since your time in the military. This process can be overwhelming, so you may want to ask for help from friends and family.

If you’re seeking medical treatment from a VA medical facility, then you should also set up an online account with My Healthy Vet. Doing so will grant you access to all of your medical records at the VA hospital/outpatient clinic.

Identify Your Injuries

Name every part of your body that has noticeably deteriorated because of your time in service. If you suffered a severe injury while in the military, that injury should be claimed. For example, if your knees were in pain just after getting out of the military, and your knee pain is directly related to things that occurred during your time in service, your knees should be claimed.

It can be helpful to solicit help from your spouse while itemizing your injuries. Don’t forget to take stock of mental and emotional injuries, such as poor sleep, irritability, or difficulty focusing. These are common side effects of anxiety disorders or PTSD and likely resulted from your military service.

File Disability Claims

Once you’ve identified what injuries you would like to claim, you can apply for disability compensation.

Because each veteran’s claims file can be different in terms of what evidence must be submitted, it is a good idea to seek assistance from a veteran disability attorney. They can help you complete the application and submit the appropriate documentation.

The VA will do their best to claim that your injuries are not connected to your service. If this is the case, a veteran disability attorney can help you challenge the VA’s decision and approve your claim.

Once your claim is approved, you will be given a disability rating which will designate the amount of disability you receive each month. You will be able to manage your benefits online through your eBenefits account.

For more information about how a veteran disability attorney in Indiana can help you with your case, contact Stewart & Stewart at 800-333-3529 or visit our website.

0
10
Aug

5 Signs Your Water May Be Contaminated

August 10, 2019

It’s easy to take clean water for granted. Unfortunately, our advanced civilization still produces waste in large quantities, which can lead to water contamination.

If you or someone you love begins demonstrating symptoms that don’t seem to go away, your household water may be contaminated. If a water-contamination test confirms your suspicions, you should speak with a personal injury attorney right away.

Because water contamination often results from neglect by those tasked with properly disposing of toxic chemicals and pollution, you and your family may be eligible for compensation in a personal injury claim.

Contaminated Water Typically Has a Distinct Smell

Distinct smells coming from the tap and showers could be an indication that your water is contaminated. The most common smells are bleach, metal, fish, or rotten eggs.

While none of these smells confirm that your water is contaminated, it might be a good idea to order a water test, especially if the smell is new. Clean water has no perceptible scent at all.

Contaminated Water Typically Has an Unpleasant Taste

Just as with odors, clean water will not usually have a distinct taste. However, contaminated water often does.

If you taste something different in your water, chances are that something is off. Even a change in texture—such as a greasy or oily feeling from the tap—is a sign that your water is not sanitary.

Contaminated Water Might Look Cloudy

Contaminated water frequently looks cloudy as a result of chemicals or toxins. In extreme circumstances, it will appear almost muddy.

If your water appears cloudy, it is best to stop drinking the tap water until a water test determines it’s safe to drink.

Contaminated Water Might Leave Stains

When copper starts to contaminate your drinking water, you will see blue and green stains form on metal parts of the tap that are exposed to the water. This could happen inside your home at the sink or outside on a water spigot.

Bear in mind that some hoses and hose parts use copper. Therefore, if you see green/blue stains outside, but you do not see any stains in your sink, the water is probably fine. Excess copper in your drinking water will also have a metallic taste.

Contaminated Water Can Result in Lower Water Pressure

If toxic minerals and chemicals begin infiltrating your water system, build-up inside the pipes often accompanies the contamination. As a result, it will feel to you and your household that the water pressure is gradually decreasing.

These signs often indicate that your water is hazardous to use and drink. It is always best to stop using the water in your home until a test confirms that it is safe.

If you have no choice but to use water from the tap, you should boil any water before bathing or drinking it. Make sure that the water remains at a full boil for at least 60 seconds before cooling and using.

For more information about how a local, Indianapolis personal injury attorney can help you with your case, contact Stewart & Stewart at 800-333-3529 or visit our website.

0
5
Aug

Can I Sue After Complications from Testosterone-Boosting Products?

August 05, 2019

Depending on the circumstances in which you took any testosterone supplements or drugs, and depending on the effects of those drugs, you may be eligible for compensation in a product liability case or drug injury case.

If you or someone you love has suffered adverse effects after taking testosterone-boosting drugs, talk to your doctor before continuing use.

Additionally, you should consult a local drug and personal injury attorney to discuss your eligibility for compensation.

Not only have testosterone-boosting products often fail to produce results, but they have also led to severe physical side effects that endanger the lives of the men and women who take them.

Why Men are Using Testosterone Supplements

While some women take these supplements, it is usually middle-aged to older men who are seeking to boost their testosterone levels. There are a number of reasons why one would take testosterone-boosting drugs, from doctor prescriptions, to public marketing, to trying to privately remedy erectile dysfunction.

As men age, it is common that their testosterone level decreases, and possibly their sex drive and muscle tone does as well. Men often use products to “boost” their testosterone to address one or more of these concerns.

Unfortunately, “low T” is not a well-defined symptom or diagnosis. Doctors might prescribe these drugs with little or no thought. Men might also self-diagnose and try a variety of testosterone-boosting products on their own.

Those who create and sell testosterone-boosting products often employ marketing on the basis of trying to help men feel more youthful and appealing.

Known Adverse Effects of Using Testosterone-Boosting Products

More and more reports have surfaced indicating a strong connection between testosterone-enhancing drugs/supplements and severe health complications.

These complications include heart attacks, blood clots, stroke, and even breast cancer in men.

The FDA is attempting to issue proper warnings and regulate the testosterone-boosting industry, but unfortunately, many of the sellers and manufacturers have not stopped marketing their products.

In the meantime, the number of testosterone-drug victims merits suspicion that these products are not worth the risk.

Even if your doctor were to advise you to take testosterone-boosting drugs, you should discuss the possible severe side effects before using drugs to address low testosterone.

Basis for a Lawsuit

Many lawsuits have already been filed against testosterone drug and supplement companies.

Not only have testosterone-boosting products shown time and time again to harm their users, but there has not been concrete evidence to support that these products actually work.

Anyone seeking justice and compensation against one or more organizations creating and selling testosterone-boosting products would file a lawsuit on the basis of product liability.

There are currently thousands of motions seeking to address the claims that testosterone drug companies have been negligent and misleading customers.

If you or someone you love feels that they are suffering from “low t” (low testosterone), they should first consult with their doctor to confirm that is the case. If after taking any testosterone-boosting products you begin to experience major discomfort, such as chest pain, you should notify your doctor of your symptoms and that you have already used these products.

Studies have shown that using testosterone drugs and supplements can increase your chances of having a stroke or heart attack.

If you or someone you love has suffered a stroke or heart attack after taking testosterone-boosting products, you should seek assistance from a personal or drug injury attorney right away. You may be eligible for compensation for medical bills and other damages.

For more information about how a drug injury attorney in Indianapolis can help you with your case, contact Stewart & Stewart at 800-333-3529 or visit our website.

0
30
Jul

5 Low Testosterone Treatments that Can Lead to Heart Risks

July 30, 2019

Since increased reports of low testosterone (particularly in men) is a relatively new concern in the medical community, solutions have sprung up quickly and come with unknown risks.

More and more men have begun using different forms of low T treatments, but some negative side effects are starting to emerge. The FDA and other accountability groups are demanding more tests and urging doctors and patients to proceed with caution.

Some of the more serious side effects include attacks on the cardiovascular system, such as blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. In rare cases, the extended use of testosterone-boosting drugs can lead to breast cancer in men.

If you or someone you love feels that they may be suffering from low testosterone, you should consult with your doctor to verify the condition before self-medicating with over-the-counter solutions.

If a doctor prescribes you testosterone to treat your symptoms, make sure to discuss the possible risks associated with the drug and any family history of heart conditions.

Here are some of the common forms of low T treatments that have been known to lead to blood clots, stroke, and heart attacks.

Oral

Often in pill form, oral low T treatments are common. They can also be consumed as a legal form of anabolic steroids.

While testosterone pills come with directions for how often you should take them, this kind of treatment is often abused or overused.

Injections

Also known as testosterone shots, these are considered the most potent form of low T treatment. Some men inject themselves in the thigh area, or a doctor can inject them on one side of the buttocks.

Those who are on low T therapy may be directed to take a shot once every 1-3 weeks.

Mouth Patch

Two times a day, patients can apply a patch to the top of their mouths, typically on the gums near the teeth, just to the left or right of the center of the mouth.

Throughout the course of the day, the patch releases testosterone orally into the blood.

Skin Patch

For skin patches, doctors typically prescribe the appropriate testosterone levels according to the amount of low T therapy required. Patients can wear them on their arms, legs, back, or abdomen (as directed by instructions).

Gels

Testosterone gels are perhaps the most common and easily-obtained low T treatment available. Patients apply the gel to parts of the arms covered by a short-sleeved shirt. Other gels recommend an application to shoulders, back, thighs, and abdomen.

While packages typically recommend one use each day, patients have been known to over-apply or apply directly to the penis. In addition to the negative side effects of low T treatments, testosterone gel misuse can lead to even more severe health complications.

Another danger of testosterone gel occurs when the gel comes into contact with others. Even a casual brush can cause another person to absorb testosterone from the gel. Women and children have experienced numerous negative effects, including unusual hair growth and accelerated puberty.

If anyone you know begins to demonstrate these symptoms after coming into contact with a testosterone-treated area, encourage them to seek medical attention and to inform their doctor that they came into contact with testosterone gel.

If you or someone you love has already experienced blood clots, stroke, or heart attack after using one or more of these treatments, you should consult with a drug injury attorney right away. You may be eligible for compensation for any medical bills and damages associated with your heart condition.

For more information about how an Indiana drug injury attorney can help you with your case, contact Stewart & Stewart at 800-333-3529 or visit our website.

0
25
Jul

I Got Bladder Cancer After Using Invokana – Now What?

July 25, 2019

If you or someone you love was prescribed Invokana to treat type II diabetes and have since been diagnosed with bladder cancer, it is crucial that you speak with a medical malpractice attorney right away.

One might think that the drug only recently showed signs of causing cancer, but unfortunately, clinical trials and testing revealed that the drug may have been known to do so over a year before Invokana even came to the US market.

In addition to bladder and kidney cancer, diabetics who were prescribed Invokana have suffered a wide array of other severe side effects. You should discuss your medical malpractice case with an attorney so they can help you take the next steps in seeking justice and compensation.

Why Was Invokana Prescribed?

Originally, Invokana was thought to be a new, special drug to help type II diabetics control glycemia levels. It showed promising signs by treating diabetic symptoms as an SGLT2 inhibitor.

Unfortunately, a number of SGLT2 inhibitors, including Invokana, have proven to do more harm than good.

When Lawsuits Began Over Invokana

Lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson over the adverse effects of Invokana only began in the last few years in New Jersey. At first, the lawsuits alleged that Johnson & Johnson did not disclose the drug risks associated with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Patients taking Invokana began complaining of pain in the stomach, followed by vomiting and dehydration. Additionally, patients began experiencing chest pain, breathing difficulties, and more.

These are symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis, a complication where the body produces too many blood acids. If left untreated, the condition can ultimately lead to death, but if diagnosed and treated promptly, the effects are manageable.

After more cases of diabetic ketoacidosis were reported, the FDA issued a warning, but Johnson & Johnson continued to market their product. Doctors continued prescribing Invokana in spite of the warnings.

Decreased Bone Density

There have also been reported cases where taking Invokana can lead to brittle bones, which can cause fractures.

The FDA promptly issued a new warning noting that patients taking Invokana could begin losing significant bone density within 3 months of use.

Acute Kidney Injury

The FDA issued another warning in 2016 stating that a number of cases had surfaced where Invokana users suffered acute kidney injury.

Johnson & Johnson continued selling the drug, and doctors were merely advised to look for symptoms of acute kidney injury before taking their patients off Invokana.

Risk of Amputation

One of the more recent (and disturbing) FDA warnings came out in 2017 when a number of Invokana-prescribed diabetics began experiencing pain and numbness in their limbs. Many of these patients had to have limbs amputated.

Cancer

Because clinical trials showed a strong possibility that the use of Invokana could lead to bladder and kidney cancer, lawsuits have increased against companies selling and doctors prescribing SGLT2 inhibitors.

Cancer has surfaced most commonly in older males who had been taking Invokana for a year or more.

If you or someone you love has been prescribed Invokana, consult with your doctor about the risks and FDA warnings. If you’ve already begun experiencing any of the side effects listed above, you must speak with a doctor and attorney right away.

For more information about how an Indiana Medical Malpractice attorney can help you with your Invokana case, contact Stewart & Stewart at 800-333-3529 or visit our website.

0
20
Jul

I Got an Infection from an Endoscope – What Can I Do Now?

July 20, 2019

An endoscopy is a useful medical procedure that can examine parts of the body that were once only accessible via exploratory surgery.

However, studies show the risk of infection from the equipment used in the procedure is higher than previously thought.

What is an Endoscopy?

An endoscopy is a nonsurgical procedure that examines a person’s digestive tract. An endoscope is a flexible tube with a tiny camera attached to it that allows doctors to view your digestive tract on a monitor.

There are different types of endoscopies, depending on where the camera is inserted. In an upper endoscopy, the tube goes into the mouth and down the throat into the esophagus. From there, doctors get a good view of the esophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine.

If the endoscope enters the body through the rectum, the procedure is called a sigmoidoscopy or a colonoscopy, depending on how far up the colon (large intestine) is examined.

Endoscopies can also be used to conduct biopsies or to place objects into the body to help treat medical issues.

Why Do Infections Occur After Endoscopies?

Several studies have concluded that current cleaning methods and guidelines do not effectively sterilize the endoscopes used for the procedure.

One particular study examined a number of cleaned endoscopes from three hospitals in the United States. It found that 71 percent still contained microbial growth, and 22 percent of endoscopes had signs of organic contamination. Two of the hospitals were found to be practicing substandard reprocessing and drying methods.

There are three levels of medical equipment that require different forms of cleaning, ranging from noncritical to critical. Noncritical devices like stethoscopes require low-level disinfection, while critical devices require sterilization. Endoscopes fall into the semi-critical category, where high-level disinfection is required but not sterilization.

How Common is an Infection?

It was thought that the risk of infection after an endoscopy was around one in one million cases. However, a study released in 2018 by Johns Hopkins University found that number to be up to 100 times higher. The rates are around one in one thousand for a screening colonoscopy. That number rises to around 45 in one thousand for people who were hospitalized within 30 days prior to their endoscopic procedure.

What are the Signs of an Infection from an Endoscopy?

The following symptoms are signs of a general complication from an endoscopic procedure:

  • Fever
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Bloody, black or very dark-colored stool
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Severe or persistent abdominal pain
  • Vomiting (especially if the vomit is bloody or looks like coffee grounds)

Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if any of these symptoms occur.

Most infections are treated with antibiotics and will resolve on their own. However, there is a risk of contracting a “superbug” infection, especially in those with weakened immune systems. These infections can have severe complications and can even lead to death.

What Are My Options?

While the FDA is releasing more rigorous guidelines for cleaning these devices, faulty practices can leave medical facilities and healthcare professionals open to medical malpractice cases.

When you go to a hospital or other medical facility for a procedure, it’s supposed to make you better or lead to better health, not make you sick or worse.

If you had an experience where an endoscopic procedure left you with a serious infection, you need to contact an attorney to see if a medical malpractice suit is an option for you. Stewart & Stewart is the home of the best medical malpractice attorneys in the state of Indiana, and they will be happy to discuss your situation with you and let you know if you have a case. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you – call 1-800-33-33-LAW or visit our website for more information.

0
15
Jul

What Can I Do if I have Hernia Mesh Complications

July 15, 2019

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), more than one million hernia repair procedures are performed in the United States each year.

What is a Hernia?

Most hernias are caused by a combination of pressure (or straining) and an opening (or weakness) of muscle or connective tissue. That pressure can push the organ or tissue through the opening.

Common causes of a hernia include obesity, lifting heavy objects, diarrhea or constipation, and persistent coughing or sneezing. Sometimes, muscle weakness is present from birth, but it usually becomes more of an issue as we age. Additional risk factors include poor nutrition, smoking, and overexertion.

How do You Treat a Hernia?

Occasionally, a surgeon will elect to monitor a hernia instead of performing surgery if it isn’t causing pain or any other problems for the patient. If surgery is required, it can be done in two ways:

  • Laparoscopic: Several small incisions are made in the abdomen that allows surgical tools into the opening to repair the hernia.
  • Open Repair: The incision is made near the hernia and the weak muscle area is repaired.

When is Surgical Mesh Used?

Both methods can be done with or without surgical mesh. The mesh is designed to strengthen the repair and reduce the risk of reoccurrence since hernias have a tendency to come back.

Most mesh devices used today are made from animal tissue or synthetic material. Mesh from animal tissue (biologic mesh) will gradually be absorbed by the body, while the synthetic mesh is considered a permanent implant.

Are You Having an Adverse Reaction to Surgical Mesh?

According to one study in England, surgeons believe the complication rate for hernia procedures with surgical mesh is between 12 and 30 percent.

Symptoms of complications with a hernia repair using mesh include pain, infection, hernia recurrence, adhesion, and bowel obstruction. Many products that have already been recalled by the FDA caused bowel perforation and obstruction complications.

Mesh infections have been found to lead to typical symptoms of infection – lack of healing, warmth at the incision site, fever, chills, and nausea. However, there are also unique symptoms that have been reported, such as dental problems like weak and chipped teeth. Nerve damage and scar tissue have also led patients to complain about chronic pain, especially when standing or trying to bend over.

Given the high rate of complications, the FDA has recalled several surgical mesh devices over the past several years. Despite that, people are still ending up in worse shape due to complications from surgical mesh that was used in their hernia procedure.

What Options Does Someone Suffering from Surgical Mesh Issues Have?

Given the unstable nature of the product, several questions need to be answered. You must know what kind of mesh was used, how it was applied, and if mesh should have been used in the first place.

It’s difficult to tell without deeper investigation if the pain was part of the accepted risk of surgery or if a defective product was used. To help you with these concerns, we invite you to contact the attorneys of Stewart & Stewart for a free initial consultation.

Stewart & Stewart has some of the most experienced attorneys handling defective product cases in the state of Indiana. We would be honored to help you get what you deserve for having to suffer from the negligence of a manufacturer. Please call us at 1-800-33-33-LAW or visit our website today so we can start to get to work.

0
10
Jul

What Can I Do if I am Injured by Farm Equipment

July 10, 2019

You may not think that working on a farm could be a dangerous profession, but the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) considers agriculture one of the most hazardous industries in the United States. The NIOSH found that around 100 agricultural workers suffer a lost-work-time injury every day.

In 2016, 417 farmers and farm workers died from a work-related injury, most of which were in transportation accidents like tractor overturns. A device called a Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) with a seatbelt is the most effective way to prevent tractor overturn deaths, but in 2014, the NIOSH reported that only 62 percent of tractors used on farms were equipped with ROPS.

Types of Accidents Involving Farm Equipment

  • Tractors – Besides rollover accidents, tractor accidents can occur on public roads when a faster vehicle may not notice the tractor moving slowly. These vehicles should be equipped with a Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) symbol, which is an orange triangle. It’s also recommended that flashers are used whenever farm equipment is traveling on a public road.
  • Other Vehicles – Accidents involving equipment like hay balers, grain augers, corn pickers, combines, and brush hog mowers are common. Many do not display proper safety warnings in visible locations.
  • Exposure to Pesticides and Other Toxic Chemicals – Both short- and long-term exposure can result in poisoning, respiratory problems, and skin damage.
  • Structures – Places like grain storage bins and silos can cause several different types of accidents. Gases can build up, causing asphyxiation or an explosion. Structure collapses can also trap, injure, and kill workers.

If I’m Injured in a Farming Accident, What Should I Do?

The first thing you should do when injured is to seek medical attention for your injuries.

You will also need to notify your employer of the injury as soon as possible, and get the names and contact information of anyone who was a witness to the incident.

If possible, you should take photos of the area where you were injured, the injuries themselves, and the equipment involved in your injury. You should also see if it is possible to retain the equipment from the injury.

Personal injury cases stemming from farm equipment injuries are unique because, often, there are more people and companies involved than in a standard worker’s compensation case.

You may be entitled to worker’s compensation from your accident. However, farm vehicles and equipment are operated by subcontractors or other companies, and they each carry different types of insurance designed to deflect personal injury complaints. Farm equipment manufacturers may also be on the hook in a personal injury case, and they will have their insurance companies working against you as well.

If you’re struggling with either worker’s compensation benefits or dealing with insurance companies of a manufacturer or subcontractor, you need representation. Anyone – regardless of age or citizenship status – is entitled to representation in the wake of a farm equipment accident.

The lawyers at Stewart & Stewart are among the most experienced in the state of Indiana when it comes to personal injury lawsuits – especially when it comes to protecting farm workers. We’ll take on companies (both large and small) and hold them responsible, so you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you – call 1-800-33-33-LAW or visit our website for more information. Our consultations are no-risk – our experts will lay out the prospect of your case so you can make an informed decision on how to proceed.

0
5
Jul

What Are the Hernia Mesh Products that are Linked to Injuries

July 05, 2019

Over one million people undergo a hernia repair procedure in the United States each year, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

A hernia is generally caused by a combination of pressure (or straining) and an opening (or weakness) of muscle or connective tissue. That pressure pushes an organ or tissue through the opening, causing the hernia.

Lifting heavy objects is generally associated with a hernia, but other causes include obesity, diarrhea or constipation, and persistent coughing or sneezing. Some people are more susceptible to hernias than others from muscle weakness being present at birth. However, it usually becomes more of an issue as we age. Poor nutrition, smoking, and overexertion are cited as additional risk factors.

Hernias do not heal themselves, but sometimes a surgeon will wait to see if the hernia causes a problem for the patient as some are harmless. If a surgeon determines that a hernia needs to be repaired, it can be done in one of two ways:

  • Laparoscopic: Several small incisions are made in the abdomen that allows surgical tools into the opening to repair the hernia.
  • Open Repair: The incision is made near the hernia and the weak muscle area is repaired.

When is Surgical Mesh Used?

Both methods can be done with or without surgical mesh. Hernias have a tendency to recur, so the mesh is designed to strengthen the repair and reduce the risk of it happening again.

Most mesh devices used today are made from animal tissue or synthetic material. Mesh from animal tissue (biologic mesh) will gradually be absorbed by the body, while the synthetic mesh is considered a permanent implant.

According to one study in England, surgeons believe the complication rate for hernia procedures with surgical mesh is between 12 and 30 percent.

Symptoms of complications with a hernia repair using mesh include pain, infection, hernia recurrence, adhesion, and bowel obstruction. Some people have so much pain that they have trouble standing or bending over. Many products that have already been recalled by the FDA caused bowel perforation and obstruction complications.

Given the high rate of complications, the FDA has recalled several surgical mesh devices over the past several years. Despite that, people are still ending up in worse shape due to complications from surgical mesh that was used in their hernia procedure.

What Mesh Products Are Most Linked to These Complications?

Certain types of mesh products are causing more problems for patients than others. One is called composite mesh. This is synthetic mesh with a special coating applied. Popular brands include ST Hernia Mesh, Composix Kugel Hernia Mesh, 3DMax, PerFix Plug, Proceed Hernia Mesh, Prolene Hernia System, and ProLoop Plug. Several of these composite meshes have had issues with the FDA, but it is possible there are even more complications as many are never reported.

When used properly, the surgical mesh can be beneficial to those suffering from a hernia, but if you are having complications, you must answer several questions. You must know what kind of mesh was used, how it was applied, and if mesh should have been used in the first place.

It’s difficult to tell without deeper investigation if the pain was part of the accepted risk of surgery or if a defective product was used. To help you with these concerns, we invite you to contact the attorneys of Stewart & Stewart for a free initial consultation.

Stewart & Stewart has some of the most experienced attorneys handling defective product cases in the state of Indiana. Put our experience to work for you today by calling us at 1-800-33-33-LAW or visit our website today.