Author Archives: Kevin S. Kaufman
West Virginia Uses Strict Liability and Negligence Standard in Dog Attack Cases
In the majority of U.S. states, dog owners are held strictly liable for the injuries caused by their pets biting someone, regardless of what the owners knew or what actions they took to prevent the incident. In West Virginia, however, strict liability is limited to situations where the owner of a dog has allowed the… Read More »
How Hours-of-Service Violations Contribute to Truck Accidents
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) cites driver fatigue as a leading cause of U.S. commercial motor vehicle crashes. Driver fatigue is impaired performance caused by insufficient sleep, long work hours, strenuous labor or other mental or physical exertion. Tough and unrealistic deadlines set by trucking firms may encourage drivers to rush and skirt… Read More »
West Virginia Car Wreck Guide to a Smoother Outcome
The aftermath of a car accident can be a stressful, overwhelming time. However, if you’ve been in a car crash in West Virginia, there are four main steps you should take immediately after the accident if you are able to, which will help ensure a smoother outcome. 4 Steps to Do Immediately After a Car… Read More »
When Do You Need to Hire a West Virginia Car Accident Lawyer?
As a rule of thumb, you should always consult an attorney after any type of auto accident, regardless of how minor the car crash may seem. Most reputable car accident lawyers provide free consultations, which can help you determine whether it’s prudent for you as the accident victim to file a personal injury claim. A… Read More »
Lawsuits Allege Truvada Linked to Kidney Disease and Bone Damage
Gilead Company Inc, a biopharmaceutical company, has been faced with hundreds of lawsuits over its anti-HIV drug Truvada, filed by users alleging the company failed to warn the public of the potential toxicity and severe side effects of the medication. Truvada is an antiretroviral medication intended to treat viruses like HIV. The medication is a… Read More »
Essure Contraceptive Injury Claims Persist After $1.6B Settlement
Bayer, a German pharmaceutical company, has agreed to pay $1.6 billion to settle lawsuits claiming that its Essure contraceptive implant caused serious injuries. According to Bayer, the settlement covers 90 percent of an estimated 39,000 U.S. claims by users alleging injury from the nonsurgical birth control implant. The company is continuing talks with counsel for… Read More »
Lawsuits Mount Over Recalled Allergan Biocell Textured Breast Implants
The global recall of the Allergan Biocell textured breast implant has prompted a spate of U.S. lawsuits against the manufacturer, a Dublin-based pharmaceutical giant. The July 2019 recall followed recommendations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after the product was linked to anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL), a cancer of the lymphatic system that… Read More »
Who Gets the Stimulus Check When Spouses Are Separated or Divorcing?
Going through a divorce is stressful enough, but the coronavirus pandemic spreading throughout the United States presents additional complications for spouses who have decided to split. In addition to changes that might need to be made regarding custody and visitation arrangements while travel is restricted, negotiations over property division need to address any new economic… Read More »
Cancer Risk Gives Zantac Users Reason for Heartburn
The medication ranitidine has been on the market since 1981 and has been heavily advertised under its most popular brand name, Zantac. It is available over the counter to treat mild cases of heartburn and may also be prescribed by doctors in stronger doses to treat ulcers. But recent news suggests that the cure might… Read More »
Recall Spurs Lawsuits by Valsartan Users at Risk of Cancer
Valsartan, which came on the market in 1996, is a drug used by millions of people to treat high blood pressure. But starting in 2018, the FDA began ordering recalls of several generic versions after discovering that they included chemicals found to be potential causes of digestive-tract cancer and liver damage if consumed in large… Read More »