Posts by Michael Phelan
Pinnacle Hip MDL: 5 Things to Know
This is part two of a two part question and answer piece about the DePuy Pinnacle metal-on-metal hip implant system. Part one focused on the recent $502 million verdict against Johnson & Johnson and its unit, DePuy Orthopaedics. This part focuses on the multidistrict litigation (MDL) involving the Pinnacle Hip Implant litigation. We first wrote…
Read MoreThe Challenges of Proving Traumatic Brain Injury
One of the most challenging aspects to proving a case involving traumatic brain injury is rebutting the testimony of medical expert witnesses hired by the defense who claim that no such injury exists. The very defense experts who make their living testifying against plaintiffs in traumatic brain injury cases have also testified against brain-injured veterans…
Read MoreTakata Airbag Recalls and Deaths Mounting
Takata airbags have been recalled in approximately 25 million vehicles worldwide, and at least 12 deaths have been attributed publicly to the defective airbags. I say “publicly” because there have been confidential settlements, which may have been kept from the […]
Read MoreNBC Exposes Bard IVC Filters
Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters are medical devices used in patients who are contraindicated for anticoagulant therapy. They are spider-shaped metal filters implanted into the largest vein in the body called the inferior vena cava, and are designed to prevent blood clots from traveling up to the heart and lungs. Medical device giant, C.R. Bard, made…
Read MoreClass I Recall of MicroPort’s ProFemur Hip Implant due to Fracture Rate
The FDA announced that it is recalling MicroPort Orthopedics’ ProFemur Long Cobalt Chrome 8 Degree Varus and Valgus Modular Neck implants over issues with the acute fractures. The agency labeled the recall as a Class I, the most serious type of recall, […]
Read MoreAfter the truck accident: what now?
If you have been involved in a tractor trailer truck accident or other big truck accident in Virginia, you need to take care of your medical needs first. However, it is very important that you also understand that the trucking company will likely send to the scene its own attorneys, phtotographers, and truck accident investigators as soon…
Read MoreThink the FDA tests products it approves? Think again.
Hundreds of products and drugs get approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration every year. Many people mistakenly believe that the FDA, because it has approved a device or drug, has also tested the product before allowing the sale. But this is not the case: the FDA conducts no independent testing, but rather relies…
Read MoreFrequently asked questions about the Fiat Chrysler (Jeep) recall
If you drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee or Commander, chances are you’ve probably heard or paid close attention to the news regarding the defects in certain vehicles. We’ll try to answer a few questions you may have here. How do I know if my vehicle is part of these recalls? Find your vehicle’s vehicle identification number…
Read MoreFiat Chrysler Recalls: Another “Switchgate” and a Host of Other Problems
Faulty Ignition Switches Lead to Loss of Engine Power, Power Steering, Braking and Airbags On June 3, 2015, Chrysler updated its recall of Jeep Grand Cherokees (model years 2005-2007) and Jeep Commanders (model years 2006-2007) over an ignition switch defect, which Chrysler described as follows: Chrysler has decided that a defect, which relates to motor […]
Read MoreUber Worker Ruling: Significant Legal Implications for Personal Injury Cases
People all over the world use the Uber and Lyft ride-hailing apps to find a driver for hire. Users of Uber and Lyft probably do not stop to wonder about issues such as insurance coverage and whether the driver is an Uber or Lyft employee versus an independent contractor. For answers regarding insurance coverage check…
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