Simvastatin is a drug marketed under the brand name of Zocor by Merck & Co.  Zocor and its generics are used to regulate high cholesterol in those who cannot control their cholesterol level through diet and exercise alone.

Simvastatin, or Zocor, was first marketed in 1979 when Merck scientists isolated a strain of the fungus Aspergillis terreus.  The fermentation of this fungal extract led to the discovery of a high-potency cholesterol inhibitor which would stop internal cholesterol overproduction, a major factor in heart disease.

With the discovery of the active ingredients in Zocor, the drug soon became Merck's largest selling pharmaceutical product.  Merck held the patent on Zocor until June of 2006, when generics were allowed to be produced.  It is estimated that Merck sold a total of $4.3 billion per year in Zocor before the patent expired.

Consumer watch groups & Zocor lawyers began petitioning the Food and Drug Administration to examine Zocor for a possible Zocor recall when it was found that several serious side effects were associated with its use.  Zocor carries a risk that the user will develop myopathy, a condition which causes muscle pain and weakness.  Women are more likely to develop myopathy from the use of Zocor than men, and a few patients develop a very deadly form of the disease known as rhabdomyolysis, which lead to kidney failure.

Signs that you are developing problems from taking Zocor or a generic form of simvastatin include:

• muscle pain or weakness
• dark or red urine
• unexplained fatigue

Any patients experiencing these side effects should stop taking Zocor and contact a doctor immediately.

Although the FDA failed to recall Zocor in the face of potential life-threatening problems, citizens' watch groups and personal injury lawyers have been hard at work to file claims against Merck and its subsidiaries for distributing Zocor without adequate warnings about side effects.  While Merck has taken no official position on the matter, no warning material was packaged with Zocor during the pertinent time period, and personal injury lawyers have already begun to file claims due to lack of proper warnings regarding Zocor's side effects.

These lawsuits are based on the idea that Merck had available to it from 1997 to 2000 the same data available to the watch groups, but failed to take action to discover why the side effects of Zocor were so harmful.  Further, several serious illnesses and deaths have been blamed on Zocor, and no warning was given that these could be possible problems for patients using the drug.

If you have been injured by Zocor, or know someone who has, it is time to talk to a personal injury attorney about your case and be sure that you file your claim against Merck in a timely manner.  If you hesitate, you may lose the right to file your claim, and lose the opportunity to collect damages.  It is very important that you talk with a personal injury lawyer immediately about any side effects you may have suffered due to Zocor usage.

Zocor Recall Overview is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

DePuy is an orthopedic manufacturing company which makes hip replacement products such as the DePuy ASR XL Acetubular System™ total hip replacement, and the ASR Hip Resurfacing System™, both of which have been used worldwide since 2003. However, without warning in August, 2010, DePuy, which is a division of Johnson & Johnson Company, recalled the products, stating that the company had discovered a high failure rate of both devices.

Apparently, people had begun to experience problems when using the DePuy hip replacement implants. These implants were created with a ball-and-socket configuration, and seemed at first to work well. However, doctors soon discovered a higher rate of loosening of the implant, which sometimes led to complications which were unanticipated when the device was designed. These complications included severe pain, dislocation of the hip socket, and dangerous levels of metals in the body as the hip replacement moved. Moving of the device could also cause damage to the hip itself and extend the patient’s recovery time considerably.

Doctors speculated that the cup of the ASR hip implant was too shallow, which in turn caused the implant to "slip" out of place. For the past three years, the Federal Food and Drug Administration, which oversees orthopedic devices as well as medications, has received complaints about a variety of unpleasant side effects resulting from the DePuy implant.

Patients and doctors cited loose hip cups as a complaint, which in turn led to hip dislocations or bone fractures. Metal debris, which was released into the body from the sliding hip replacement structure, could result in allergic reactions and permanent damage to muscles, as well as "tumors" under the skin.
While hip implants are supposedly designed to give at least fifteen years' worth of service, the DePuy hip implant has been failing after only two or three years, leading patients to have to pay large sums and suffer through extensive surgery to correct the problem.

While DePuy has been offering some forms of compensation to some customers, possibly in the form of a replacement unit, it has not yet offered to compensate any of these victims for pain and suffering or other intangible damages. Various class-action lawsuits have been filed against the company, and many are filing individual suits as well. Most of these suits claim that the money or compensation which DePuy offers is not significant enough, as it does not take into account many factors such as extended recovery time and further medical bills.

If you receive any correspondence from DePuy about your hip implant, be sure to take it to a professional Depuy attorney immediately. An expert personal injury lawyer will evaluate your case and advise you whether you should join one of the class-action lawsuits, tackle the case on your own, or accept the compensation DePuy is offering. No matter what your ultimate decision, you owe it to yourself to consult with a good, professional attorney before you make such an important choice, one which may affect your health for the rest of your life.

Depuy Recall Overview is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Three workers were injured on the job after they fell from a three-story building that was under construction. According to a news report in The San Diego Union-Tribune, the construction accident occurred the morning of October 17, 2011 at the Euclid Family Health Center on Euclid Avenue, near Logan Avenue, in Valencia Park.

Officials say one of the men was holding a ladder at the top of the structure, while the other two were climbing up. For unknown reasons, the ladder failed and the two workers who were climbing up fell. The man on top of the metal structure was thrown to the ground. Two of the men suffered major injuries, while one sustained what were described as moderate injuries. All three workers, believed to be in their 40s, were transported to an area hospital for treatment. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to all three victims who have suffered injuries in this construction site accident. I wish them the very best for a speedy and complete recovery. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Statistics Relating to Falls

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 847 fatal falls in 2007. Falls to a lower level, which accounted for 85 percent of all falls, were down 23 percent in 2008. However, it still remains a high number and proves to be the most serious hazard for workers, especially in the construction industry.

What Caused this Accident?

Based on this news report, it appears that the workers fell because the ladder failed. Was this accident the result of a defective product, specifically a defective ladder? Were the workers taking all necessary safety precautions at the time? Were they properly trained for the job that they were doing? Did they receive safety training? Were they provided with fall protection? The Department of Labor requires that fall protection be provided to workers at 4 feet in general industry, 5 feet in maritime, and at 6 feet in the construction industry. Regardless of distance, fall protection must be provided when working over dangerous equipment or machinery.

Workers' Compensation Issues

In such cases, injured victims can seek workers compensation benefits from their employers. However, they may also be able to file a third-party claim in cases where a party other than the employer is at fault. Examples of such third parties include general contractors, sub-contractors, property owners, and manufacturers of defective products. An experienced San Diego personal injury lawyer will better advise injured workers and their families about their legal rights and options.

Workers Injured at San Diego Construction Site is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Over the years pharmaceutical companies have released several defective drugs, but Plavix is a rare case. Plavix is used to treat pain, but seriously dangerous side effects and even death have been reported. These companies that make defective medications must be held accountable for their negligent actions.

They are morally and financially responsible or any and all of your injuries. Many lawsuits have been filed and have been very successful in getting affected patients economic compensation. Plavix has been known to be dangerous, and the side effects that have been reported include:

• Strokes
• Heart attacks
• Ulcers
• Internal Bleeding
• Thrombotic
• Death

These are incredibly hazardous risks for a simple pain killer. If you've suffered any of these injuries due to Plavix, then you have a case.

Please do yourself a favor and call the experienced Plavix attorneys of Bisnar | Chase at 1-866-990-8787. They've been at it for over 30 years, and they know how to get you the results you want. Don't let pharmaceutical companies get away with this.

Plavix Problems on the Rise is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

The fact that these Depuy defective hip implants are still lingering around is disgraceful. Thousands have found these implants to be defective over the last several years, and things aren't getting any better. In August 2010 the manufacturer of the implants, Johnson & Jonson, recalled the some 93,000 devices and have been in fighting legal battles ever since. Injury and corrective surgery have been the results of this hazardous medical product.

The two devices recalled by Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiary, DePuy Orthopedics, are the ASR XL Acetabular System and the DePuy ASR Hip Resurfacing System. Johnson & Johnson is also facing charges that they were aware of the problems with the implant as early as 2008. They knew corrective surgery was a common result of the implant but failed to make that data public for two more years.

People that have had the Johnson & Johnson implants are being advised to consult with their surgeon to find out if another surgery is necessary. If you've been affected by this defective product, please call a qualified personal injury to rectify the problem. Don't let large companies like this get away with releasing defective products to the public. They need to be held accountable for their negligent actions, and the right attorney can help you get the just compensation you deserve.

Depuy Hip Implant Defects Not Going Away is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Edgardo Almaraz, 36, was killed in a Los Angeles County watercraft accident when his WaveRunner collided with a 20-foot ski boat. According to a City News Service report, the fatal boating accident occurred on Pyramid Lake in Castaic, the afternoon of July 16, 2011. Almaraz was riding the WaveRunner when he allegedly turned into the path of the boat. He was fatally injured in the crash. An investigation is underway to determine what led to the fatal collision.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Edgardo Almaraz following this tragic boating accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

California Boat Accident Statistics

According to the 2008 California Boating Safety Statics reported by the California Department of Boating and Waterways, there were 686 boating accidents resulting in 382 injuries and 48 fatalities. During that same year, there were 139 boat accidents involving a personal watercraft and 317 accidents involving an open motorboat.

What Caused This Fatal Boat Accident?

The report states that the fatally injured victim may have abruptly turned into the path of the boat before the collision. What caused him to turn? Was this crash the result of a defective product? Did the WaveRunner malfunction? Were alcohol or drugs a factor in this crash? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine precisely what occurred and why.

Liability Issues

In this particular case, it would be in the best interests of the victim's family to preserve the WaveRunner in its current condition, unaltered, so it can be carefully examined by an expert for product defects or malfunctions. If it is determined that a defective product caused this accident, the manufacturer of that faulty product can be held liable for Almaraz's wrongful death. Families of deceased victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. An experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer will be able to advise families of deceased victims about their legal rights and options in such cases. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to boating accident victims and their families.

Lost a family member in a Los Angeles County boating accident? 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 WaveRunner watercraft accident. Call 866-990-8787. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Los Angeles wrongful death 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.

California Boat Accident Lawyers

Do you feel that people should undergo some type of training to be able to operate a wave runner? Yes No Maybe Current Results

Man Killed in Pyramid Lake Boating Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

A male driver identified as 40-year-old Lewis Stokes and his unidentified male passenger died in a San Bernardino car accident after the vehicle they were in went out of control and rolled over. According to a news report in The San Bernardino County Sun, the fatal rollover accident occurred the afternoon of April 2, 2011 on the northbound 15 Freeway near Main Street in Hesperia. Officials say Stokes lost control of the Kia Sedona he was driving. The vehicle rolled several times. Stokes was partially ejected from the vehicle, while his passenger was completely ejected. Both died at the scene. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my heartfelt sympathies to the families of Stokes and his passenger for their tremendous loss. Please keep these grieving families in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 10 fatalities and 300 injuries involving car accidents in Hesperia. In San Bernardino County as a whole, 263 people died and 8,504 were injured as a result of car accidents during the same year.

What Caused This Fatal Car Accident?

Based on this news report, it is not entirely clear how or why this fatal rollover accident occurred. There are several unanswered questions here.

Was driver error a factor in this crash? Was Stokes impaired, speeding or distracted at the time? Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the Kia? Was another vehicle involved? For example, was the Kia run off the roadway by another vehicle? Why were the men ejected? Were they not wearing their seatbelts or were they ejected because of defective seatbelts in the vehicle? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine how or why this fatal car accident occurred.

Liability Issues

In such cases, it is important to preserve the vehicle in its current crashed condition so it can be examined thoroughly by an expert for evidence of auto defects, design flaws and other malfunctions. If this accident and fatal injuries were caused by a vehicle defect or a defective seat restraint system, the auto maker can be held liable for the wrongful deaths of the two victims. An experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer will be able to analyze all aspects of the incident and ensure that the negligent parties are held accountable.

Lost a family member in a San Bernardino County car accident? 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 Hesperia rollover accident. Call 866-990-8787. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE San Bernardino wrongful death 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.

Two Killed in San Bernardino Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Robert Decker Sr., 72, was killed in a Costa Mesa car accident after his pickup truck went off the freeway and crashed into a tree. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal car accident occurred the afternoon of January 30, 2011, when Decker's pickup went down the side of the southbound lanes of the 73 Freeway near the 55 Freeway. Decker was trapped in the vehicle. He was extricated and transported to a regional trauma center, where he died from his injuries. Officials are investigating the cause of this fatal car accident.

I offer my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Robert Decker for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. Please keep this grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were six fatalities and 785 injuries involving Costa Mesa car accidents. During the same year, 152 people died and 13,414 were injured in Orange County car accidents.

What Caused This Fatal Car Accident

Based on this news report, it is not quite clear how or why this fatal car accident occurred. There are more questions than answers at this time. Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the pickup truck that caused Decker to lose control? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway? Did the driver suffer a medical condition at the time? Were any other vehicles involved in the car accident? For example, was the pickup truck run off the roadway by another driver? I trust officials are looking into these and other factors in order to explain how or why this fatal car accident occurred.

Liability Issues

If an auto product defect is determined to have led to the accident, then the auto maker or manufacturer of the defective product could be held liable. In such cases, it would be a good idea to preserve the vehicle in its current crashed condition so it can be examined by an expert for design flaws, product defects, malfunctions and other evidence. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will be able to better advise families of deceased car accident victims about their legal rights and options. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.

Lost a family member in an Orange County car accident? 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 Costa Mesa car accident. Call 866-971-2345. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Orange County wrongful death 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.

Man Killed in Orange County Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Kenneth Emser, 56, was killed in an Orange County motorcycle accident when his cycle veered off the road and into a ditch. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal injury accident occurred the afternoon of January 21, 2011 on Santiago Canyon Road near Silverado Canyon Road. Authorities are trying to determine what caused Emser to lose control of his motorcycle. Emser was transported to a local hospital following the accident, but died shortly afterward.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Kenneth Emser, the victim of this tragic accident. My thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), three people were killed and 49 were injured in motorcycle accidents in the unincorporated areas of Orange County. During that same year, there were 35 fatalities and 801 injuries as a result of motorcycle accidents in Orange County as a whole.

What Caused This Fatal Motorcycle Accident?

Based on this news report, police are not sure at this time what caused the rider to lose control of his motorcycle. There are more questions than answers here at this time. Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in the motorcycle that caused the rider to lose control? Was there a dangerous or defective condition on the roadway that caused Emser to crash? Were there any other vehicles that caused the motorcycle to go off the roadway? For example did another driver run the motorcyclist off the roadway? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine how or why this accident occurred.

Liability Issues

If this motorcycle accident was caused by a defective product, the manufacturer of the defective product can be held accountable. If a dangerous or defective roadway caused this accident, the public entity responsible for maintaining this roadway can also be held liable. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved, the family of a deceased car accident victim can file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for medical and funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of love and companionship, and other related damages. An experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer will advise families of victims in such cases about their legal rights and options.

Lost a family member in an Orange County car accident? 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 Orange County motorcycle accident. Call 866-971-2345. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE Orange County wrongful death 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.

Orange County Accident Proves Fatal for Motorcyclist is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal

Kye Lean, a 51-year-old Orange County resident, was killed in a San Bernardino car accident after he entered into opposing lanes of traffic and crashed into a utility truck. According to a news report in The Orange County Register, the fatal car accident occurred the afternoon of December 8, 2010 on the 138 Freeway. Lean was driving a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck east on the highway when he veered into the westbound lanes at Sheep Creek Bridge in Pinion Hills. Lean's pickup truck collided head-on with a utility truck. Lean died at the scene. It is not clear if the other driver sustained any injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

I offer my deepest condolences to everyone who knew and loved Kye Lean for the devastating loss they have suffered. Please keep his grieving family in your thoughts and prayers.

Car Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol's 2008 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 107 fatalities and 1,925 injuries reported as a result of car accidents in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. Also, countywide, car accidents claimed 263 lives and injured 8,504 people during the same year.

Possible Car Accident Causes

It is not clear from this news report how or why Lean drifted into opposing lanes of traffic. California Vehicle Code Section 21651 (a): "Whenever a highway has been divided into two or more roadways by means of intermittent barriers or by means of a dividing section of not less than two feet in width, either unpaved or delineated by curbs, double-parallel lines, or other markings on the roadway, it is unlawful…to drive any vehicle over, upon, or across the dividing section."

There are several unanswered questions here. Was there a vehicle defect or mechanical malfunction in Lean's Tacoma, which led to the car accident? Was the accident caused by driver error or inattention? Were there any other vehicles involved? For example, was Lean cut off by another vehicle? Was there a dangerous condition on the roadway? I trust officials are looking into these and other issues in order to determine how or why this fatal car accident occurred.

Contacting an Experienced Injury Lawyer

The family of a deceased car accident victim would be well-advised to preserve the vehicle in its current crashed condition, so it can be examined carefully by an expert for design flaws, product defects or malfunctions. It would also be in the family's best interest to contact an experienced San Bernardino personal injury lawyer who will better advise them about their legal rights and options.

Lost a family member in a San Bernardino County car accident? 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 Pinion Hills car accident. Call 866-971-2345. The call is free. The advice may be priceless.

Call a BISNAR | CHASE San Bernardino wrongful death 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.

Have you ever been involved in a head-on collision?

The law firm that sponsors this blog has agreed to provide a free, confidential consultation to any of our readers who were injured in this or a similar accident. The offer applies to the family of the accident victims as well.

At the time this article was posted, none of the parties mentioned in this article were represented by any of our sponsoring law firms. The source of our information is cited in the article. No independent investigation was conducted unless specifically mentioned in the article. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein; get a comprehensive consultation with a reputable law firm.

Orange County Man Killed in Head-on Car Accident is a post from: Personal Injury Attorney News Portal