NutriBullet Proposes 10 million Settlement

NutriBullet Class Action Proposes $10 Million settlement

After several years, NutriBullet has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit brought by consumers because of exploding blenders.

A class action was filed alleging that NutriBullet blenders were defective. After reports that NutriBullet canisters exploded without warning, consumers filed the class action in California.

The class action contains claims that NutriBullet blenders are defective because the blades create tremendous heat when they spin, causing pressure to build up inside the canisters. The result is the expulsion of the canister and its hot contents. The blades also become exposed, causing an even more dangerous situation.

The NutriBullet class action is against Homeland Housewares, LLC, NutriBullet, LLC, and Capital Brands and claims these parties knew about the defective design of the blenders and did nothing to make them safer or warn consumers.

In a settlement agreement yet to be approved by the court, NutriBullet has agreed to set aside 10,000,000 to settle claims of people who purchased NutriBullet blenders. NutriBullet admitted no wrongdoing in the proposed settlement but agreed “to add disclosures to the exterior of the 600-watt and 900-watt NutriBullet Blenders’ packaging informing consumers that the Blenders should not be operated continuously for more than one minute or be used to blend hot or warm ingredients.”

The settlement, if approved, will provide eligible consumers with partial refunds or credits toward the purchase of a new NutriBullet blender.

The class action does not address any liability for claims by victims across the country that NutriBullet blenders caused them serious injuries.

NutriBullet Blenders Explode and Cause Injuries

Injuries from exploding NutriBullet blenders have ranged from minor to severe. Reported NutriBullet injuries include:

  • 1st-degree burns
  • 2nd-degree burns
  • 3rd-degree burns
  • Lacerations
  • Nerve damage
  • Mobility issues
  • Bruising
  • Eye injuries
  • Facial injuries
  • Disfigurement

People who have suffered these injuries have required medical treatment, including surgeries, stitches, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and more. The costs of these treatments can be in the 10s of thousands of dollars. They will not receive any compensation from the NutriBullet class action settlement.

Victims Injured by NutriBullet Blenders File Individual Lawsuits

Since individuals injured by exploding NutriBullet blenders are not part of the class action lawsuit or a proposed settlement, what can they do? Some victims across the country have opted to file individual lawsuits against NutriBullet, seeking compensation for their injuries. Are you eligible to file a NutriBullet lawsuit?

Did your NutriBullet blender explode during use?
Did you suffer injuries from the NutriBullet explosion?

If the answer to these questions is “yes,” you might qualify for a NutriBullet lawsuit.

Call Alonso Krangle, LLP To Find Out if You Can File a NutriBullet Injury Lawsuit

Call our lawyers today at (800) 403-6191 for a free evaluation of your NutriBullet lawsuit.

There are time limits to filing these claims. We can’t determine how much time you have until we hear the facts of your case– so don’t wait. If you were injured in a NutriBullet blender accident, call Alonso Krangle, LLP. Let us help you collect the maximum amount of compensation allowed by law.

 

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NutriBullet Settlement

NutriBullet Class Action Lawsuit to Settle

Perhaps you recently heard that NutriBullet has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit for $10 million. Plaintiffs from across the country participated in the class action lawsuit and might be eligible to collect partial refunds for their NutriBullet blenders or receive credits toward new ones.

NutriBullet is also dealing with individual lawsuits brought by some victims who suffered serious harm when their blenders unexpectedly exploded.

Near the end of 2020, Fox11, a Los Angeles news station reported on some of these serious injuries and the allegations that evolved from what victims call “defectively designed” products.

Plaintiff and Her Daughter Cut and Burned by NutriBullet

Chrissundra Hall and her daughter claim that they both suffered injuries using the blender. Hall claims that they were using the product according to directions at the time of the incident. Hall told reporters that she tried to stop the blender after 35-45 seconds and it would not turn off. She unplugged the machine so it would stop.

At the time she unplugged it, the cup blew off the blender, hitting the ceiling and even cracking it. Hall said the contents of the blender became scalding hot, spewed everywhere, and caused third degree burns on her daughters’ body, eyes and face. Hall herself, suffered second degree burns on her arms.

Other victims have reported experiencing lacerations from the blades, burns, nerve damage, and pain because of exploding NutriBullet blenders.

NutriBullet Blames Consumers for Misuse, Consumers Claim Defective Design

NutriBullet continues to hold the position that the blenders are safe, and that extensive testing has proven this. The company stands firm in its belief that when used according to instructions, which state the content of the blenders will get warm but will not explode. What are those instructions? Do not blend anything for more than 60 seconds and do not put any warm liquids in the blender.

Injured victims, however, claim that their NutriBullet blenders exploded well before the 60 second mark and that the contents they used were not warm. Many claim that NutriBullet blenders are defectively designed and that a pressure safety valve would make the products safer for consumers.

NutriBullet Does Not Admit Wrongdoing in Settlement

In the proposed settlement agreement, NutriBullet has agreed to set aside $10 million for to pay partial refunds for NutriBullet Blenders. The settlement also offers the opportunity for consumers to receive credits toward the purchase of new NutriBullet blenders.

NutriBullet does not admit to any wrongdoing in the agreement. The settlement agreement does not require NutriBullet to make its blenders safer or issue any recall of the exploding blenders.

The court must approve this settlement before the NutriBullet class action lawsuits are truly resolved.

Our Lawyers are Reviewing Individual NutriBullet Lawsuits

People who suffered serious injuries from exploding NutriBullet blenders, might wish to seek damages for their injuries. The class action does not involve personal injuries.

If you were injured by an exploding NutriBullet blender, you might be entitled to file a lawsuit to collect monetary damages. If you suffered burns, lacerations, nerve damage or disfigurement you might be able to obtain substantial compensation from NutriBullet.
Call our NutriBullet lawyers at (800) 403-6191 to learn more about your legal rights when you are injured by a consumer product.

Alonso Krangle, LLP can help you enforce those rights and collect compensation for your injuries when they are caused by negligence. Call us today at (800) 403-6191 for a free evaluation of your NutriBullet lawsuit.

NY Legislators Seek Establishment of Nursing Home Compensation Fund

New York Legislators Seek to Establish $4 Billion Nursing Home Victims Compensation Fund

Queens Assemblyman Ron Kim is the sponsor of a bill that will establish a large nursing home victims compensation fund. The legislation, if passed, will open the door to financial relief for families of the approximately 15,000 individuals who died in NY nursing homes during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The legislation is called “The Justice For Nursing Home Victims Act” and will, according to the New York Post, “allow families to submit applications to a nursing home victims compensation board and receive payments from the state.” The relief aims to compensate families of “those who died after contracting Covid-19 in nursing homes.”

The bill is similar to the legislation that created the Sept 11 Victims Compensation Fund. The “9/11 Fund” provides financial assistance to victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, including those that are suffering from long-term health problems caused by the collapse of the World Trade Center and the toxic air that lingered in lower Manhattan.

How Much Can You Receive From the Nursing Home Victims Compensation Fund?

Eligible families would have to submit applications to the board in charge of overseeing the fund and awarding distributions. Victims would then receive the payments from the state. The exact criteria for eligibility are not yet clear.

Kim stated that families would be eligible for at least $250,000 for every loved one who died of Covid-19 in a nursing home. Spouses and dependents, Kim added, will each be able to collect a minimum payout of $100,000. Legislators would like the fund to contain 4 billion dollars, although what part of the NY State Budget that money will come from is unclear at this time.

Why Do Legislators Want A New York Nursing Home Victims Compensation Fund?

Covid-19-related nursing home deaths have been a source of controversy in New York since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

Many people, including NY Attorney General Letitia James, believe that the number of nursing home residents who died from Covid-19 has been seriously unreported and manipulated. Some of former Governor Cuomo’s aides admitted to withholding data from the federal government.

Many of these deaths, according to angry family members and legislators, resulted from bad policies and practices implemented by then-Governor Cuomo.

For example, the governor issued an order that prevented nursing homes from refusing to admit or readmit Covid-19 patients and prohibited nursing homes from testing them. Although he repealed the order after a few months, experts say this policy alone resulted in up to 1000 preventable deaths.

Additionally, a provision “snuck” into the state budget granted nursing homes and their employees immunity from negligence suits related to Covid-19. This controversial “Emergency or Disaster Treatment Protection Act” was subsequently repealed as well.

New York Legislation Seeks to Prevent Future Nursing Home Negligence

In addition to establishing the victim compensation fund, the bill would extend the statute of limitations to file personal injury claims against nursing homes for covid-19 related deaths.
NY Legislators supporting the bill clearly believe that the families of nursing home residents who were put in danger and died by these “bad” policies deserve the opportunity to seek compensation from the fund or by being allowed ample time to file civil claims.

Assemblyman Kim stated that at the height of the pandemic, the government’s motivation was protecting nursing home industry profits over lives. Kim suggests that nursing homes and long-term care facilities had financial incentives to commit “eldercide” during the pandemic. Through this bill, Kim hopes to put an end to such bad practices and make it prohibitively expensive for New York nursing homes to harm their residents.

Call Alonso Krangle, LLP, If Your Loved One Suffered Harm in a New York Nursing Home

If you have a loved one or family member who died from Covid-19 while they were residents of a nursing home, you might be eligible to collect compensation. Reports suggest that the death toll of coronavirus patients who lived in long-term care facilities is greater than we think. Negligence might be to blame. Ask yourself:

  • Did someone I love who lived in a nursing home die of Covid-19 in the home or a hospital?
  • Did they receive adequate care?
  • Were they placed in danger because of the policies and practices of the nursing home?
  • Were they neglected?

Consider your answers and then call our today at 800-403-6191 to find out if you are entitled to receive compensation for the Covid-19 related death of your loved one, who was a nursing home resident. Call now to schedule a free review of your nursing home negligence claim and find out if you are eligible to seek compensation.

 

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Winter Driving Tips from NY Personal Injury Lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP

Winter Driving Tips from NY Personal Injury Lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP

Winter is here. A winter storm – even a flurry – can bring snow, ice, and sleet that cover our roads quickly. In places like New York, this will happen frequently. According to the Department of Transportation, over 70 percent of our nation’s roads are in areas that get over five inches of snow annually. Every year, nearly 900 people are killed, and nearly 76,000 people are injured in vehicle crashes that occur while it is snowing or sleeting. Even a small flurry can cause serious accidents as cars lose traction on snowy and icy roads.

While some of us might not be traveling far this winter because of Covid-19 restrictions and precautions, it is still important to remember that accidents can and do occur close to home.

Accidents on Snow Happen on Long Island for Many Reasons

Winter driving accidents often happen on local roads that might be dangerous because of negligent plowing, speeding cars that can’t safely brake at stop signs, or power outages that make it difficult to navigate busy intersections. Others occur because drivers simply lack the proper skills to drive safely on snow. Even staying “local” can require driving on highways, dealing with traffic, and icy roads.

If you or someone you love is injured in a car accident this winter, call our personal injury lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP. We fight for the legal rights of accident victims when they suffer injuries because of someone else’s negligence. If you need help, call our New York car accident lawyers at 516-350-5555.

Tips from the NHTSA for Safe Winter Driving

We hope everyone stays safe on the roads this winter. Here are some of the tips provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that might help you and your family remain safe when traveling by car during the cold, snowy winter.

Check Your Car at the Start of Winter

The NHTSA recommends that drivers take some measures before winter sets in to ensure their vehicle is safe and you are prepared to drive. These might include:

  • Checking for recalls on your vehicle
  • Servicing your car, especially checking:
    • Brakes
    • Tires
    • Lights
    • Wipers
    • Wiper fluid
    • Cooling and heating system
    • Floor mats
  • Reading the owner’s manual or refreshing your knowledge of your car’s safety features like antilock brakes or different driving modes.
  • Making sure your seatbelts work and that car seats and booster seats are age-appropriate, size appropriate, and installed properly.
  • Filling your gas tank

Prepare Your Car with Safety Items Before Heading Out on Snowy Roads

The NHTSA recommends stocking your vehicle with some items that might become useful in the event of a breakdown or accident. Preparedness can mean the difference between surviving or not if you are in a car crash during a storm or frigid temperatures. Consider putting the following items in your car before heading anywhere during the winter months:

  • Ice scraper
  • Snow shovel
  • A broom
  • Something abrasive like sand in case your car gets stuck in the snow
  • Jumper cables
  • A flashlight with extra batteries
  • Flares
  • Blankets
  • Water
  • Food
  • A fully charged cell phone
  • A few days’ supply of essential medications

Ready to Go? Drive Carefully!

You should always be careful when driving—alert, attentive, reasonable. During the winter, it is essential that you exercise extra caution to avoid accidents from happening. What does it mean to drive carefully?

Stay alert and avoid distractions.

  • Try not to use your phone unless it is an emergency.
  • Don’t read or respond to texts.
  • Don’t drive while tired.

Avoid risky driving behavior.

  • Obey the speed limit.
  • Do not drive with any alcohol or drugs in your system.
  • Do not text and drive.

Use Caution Around Snow Plows

  • Drive behind snowplows when possible
  • Be extremely cautious passing snowplows.
  • Remember snowplows stop frequently, may drive in more than one lane, and make wide turns.

Call Alonso Krangle, LLP, if You Are Injured in a Car Accident on Snow or Ice This Winter

We hope these tips and suggestions are useful and that you and your family remain safe while navigating the icy and snowy roads this winter. Should you get injured in an accident, call our experienced personal injury lawyers for help.

We provide exceptional legal services and fight for the rights of victims of accidents. Our goal is to ensure you collect the compensation your injuries warrant when someone else’s negligence causes them.

Call our New York car accident lawyers today at 516-350-5555 to schedule a free case evaluation. Find out if you are eligible to collect compensation after being injured in a car accident.

 

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NY Court Affirms Huge Jury Award in Burn Injury Case

Court Upholds Jury Award of $59 Million in High School Burn Accident Case

When negligence causes accidents that result in injuries, the victims of those injuries often have the right to collect damages. Sometimes victims recover damages from insurance companies. At other times, they file personal injury lawsuits, which either settle or go to trial.

When personal injury cases involve severe injuries, victims can receive significant compensation for things like medical expenses, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering. The amount will vary depending on the injuries, how the injuries occurred, and how much the victim suffered and will continue to suffer. The goal is ensuring that the victims collect compensation that accurately represents the true nature of their injuries and their suffering.

In July 2019, a New York jury awarded Alonso Yanes $59 million after he suffered severe burn injuries in 2014 while in his high school chemistry class. In August 2020, a New York State Supreme Court Justice upheld the verdict, making it one of the largest awards for pain and suffering ever to be affirmed in New York.

Chemistry Explosion Caused 10th Grader to Suffer Third Degree Burns

In 2014, Alonso Yanes was 16 and a sophomore student at Beacon High School. His chemistry teacher Anna Poole attempted to conduct an experiment called “the Rainbow” to demonstrate how salts change color when exposed to methanol.

The result of her attempt was a huge fireball that immediately engulfed Yanes in flames.
Yanes testified that he was “hopelessly burning alive.” One witness testified at the trial that Yanes was burning for at least one full minute.

Yanes suffered third-degree burns over much of his body, leaving him disfigured and facing various health problems. He spent over five months in the hospital after the accident and has had over 120 medical procedures in the years that have followed.

Burn Victim Filed Negligence Lawsuit Against New York City Education Department and Teacher

Yanes filed a lawsuit against Poole and the New York City Department of Education. The defendants argued in their defense that the chemistry experiment gone awry was nothing but a tragic accident and that there was no negligence. However, weeks before this horrible “accident,” the United States Chemical Safety Board issued a video warning of the dangers of this exact experiment.

Yanes prevailed, and in 2019 the jury found the defendants liable for Yanes’ injuries, pain, and suffering. The city felt that Yanes should not receive more than $5 million for his pain and suffering. The jury, however, “granted $29 million for past pain and suffering, including Mr. Yanes’s surgeries, and another $29 million” for future suffering and rehabilitation.

Defendants in Burn Injury Case Asked Court to Reduce the Amount of Damages

The defendants asked the court to reduce the damage award. Judges can do this when they find that an award deviates from what is reasonable under the case’s circumstances.
Justice Alexander Tisch wrote in a 38-page opinion that “the emotional suffering that Mrs. Yanes must endure on a daily basis is tremendous.” Tisch laid out dozens of facts, including Yanes’s own testimony, which indicate the jury award was indeed “based upon a fair interpretation of the evidence.”

Tisch stated, “the jury carried out its duty based upon this Court’s charge on the law that if ‘the plaintiff is entitled to recover from the defendant, it must render a verdict in a sum of money that will justly and fairly compensate the plaintiff for all losses resulting from the injuries and disabilities he sustained’ … including the loss of enjoyment of life.”

Contact Alonso Krangle, LLP if you suffer injuries in an accident. We represent victims of burn injuries, car accidents, slip and fall accidents, and other innocent victims of negligence. Call us at 800-403-6191 or 516-350-5555 today for a free case evaluation.

 

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Alonso Krangle, LLP, Shares Child Safety Tips For the Winter

At Alonso Krangle, LLP, We Want Your Children To Be Safe During The Winter

The winter season is upon us, and with it might come spending time with family, presents for the kids, and festive decorations inside and outside the house. We want the holidays to be special and the winter to be fun. For many, it is a season we look forward to all year long.

At Alonso Krangle, LLP, our personal injury lawyers want your winter to be filled with joy. For this reason, we want to remind you that safety is an important factor in the memories you will be making this year.

The unfortunate truth is that some of the most cherished aspects of the winter can cause injuries to children. Annually, thousands of children get treatment in emergency rooms for injuries that are related to defective or dangerous toys, broken or defective holiday decorations, fires, sports injuries, and burns. While these injuries can occur at any time during the year, the danger can increase during the winter months.

We want you and your families to be safe this season.

Here are some tips to help ensure your winter activities are happy and healthy.

  • Consider the age and developmental skills of children when choosing toys for them to play with. If you engage in family games and activities, don’t forget that everyone might not be the same age. Plan accordingly.
  • Be especially aware of toys and gifts with small pieces like buttons, batteries, or other little parts. Even if toys are age-appropriate, consider any small children in the home who can possibly choke on little pieces.
  • Do not leave children alone in any room with lit candles, matches, lighters, space heaters, fireplaces, or any open flame.
  • Avoid overloading outlets. With so many activities taking place indoors, use power strips with built-in circuit breakers. Keep electrical cords and hanging cords out of the way to avoid trip and fall accidents and asphyxiation/hanging injuries. Use outlet safety covers.
  • Do not leave children unattended with glasses or open bottles of alcohol. Clean up drinks quickly. Even small amounts of alcohol can severely harm a small child.
  • Make sure your holiday decorations are put away and are out of reach of young children. The Mayo Clinic reminds parents that “Any object small enough to fit through a toilet paper tube can obstruct the airway of a child.” Keep this in mind at all times.
  • Keep poisonous plants out of reach from children and pets. Don’t keep mistletoe, poinsettias, and holly berries around after the holidays.
  • Make sure your children are dressed for the weather if you are going out to play. Cover your kids’ hands, feet, and head. If you are going sledding, ice-skating, snowboarding, or skiing, make sure everyone wears proper safety gear like helmets.
  • Never leave children unattended in the kitchen.

At Alonso Krangle, LLP, it is our sincere hope that you and your children remain safe and injury-free this holiday season and always. But, as we all know, accidents can happen.

If you or someone you love is injured this holiday season, call our experienced New York personal injury lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP. You can reach our child injury lawyers at 516-350-5555 or 800-403-6191.

 

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Food Poisoning Lawsuit

Claiming Damages from Food Poisoning : Hello Fresh Recall Leads to Lawsuits

The US’s food supply is considered one of the safest in the world – but 1 in every 6 Americans get sick from foodborne illnesses every year. While most restaurants and fast-food chains adhere to food safety guidelines, there are still some instances when something happens, and contaminated food gets sent to or eaten by a customer.

Just recently, HelloFresh, a meal-kit delivery business, recalled their meal kits because they were possibly contaminated with Salmonella. They were distributed from May 8, 2020, to July 31, 2020, within the entire country.

The onions were believed to be the cause of the Newport Salmonella outbreak, which has caused 869 illnesses and 116 hospitalizations across the US.

HelloFresh has since cut ties with its supplier, Thomson International, Inc., but the CDC maintains that if you have any foods made with the recalled onions, do not eat them, and throw them away.

The company also says that “In the event that the onions have been consumed, please note that thoroughly cooking the product to 165ºF/74ºC, as instructed on the recipe, will kill the salmonella bacteria.”

Even with the possibility of killing the bacteria in high temperatures, food poisoning is still a possibility. Injuries arising from food poisoning can get serious and can cause huge medical bills. When this happens, people usually ask for help from lawyers to file food poisoning lawsuits.

Is Food Poisoning Common?

Food poisoning might be more common than you think. Remember, roughly 16% of all Americans get sick due to food every year. No matter how careful we try to be when preparing our food, something bad may happen. There is always a chance of getting sick because of someone’s carelessness. Like the HelloFresh onion recall, there can also be instances when someone else’s negligence can cause personal injury because of food poisoning.

Some examples of situations where food poisoning might be possible are grocery stores selling spoiled food, manufacturers distributing contaminated food that is not up to health standards, caterers who may negligently serve spoiled salads, and purchasing food after recalls.

When food mishandling occurs, someone probably did not follow health standards on food safety. Negligence in preparing and manufacturing food can cause serious injuries to another person – especially if ingested by a customer, client of hundreds of innocent victims across the country.

What Can You Do If You Get Sick Because of Consuming Bad Food in New York?

Negligence of another in preparing food can cause injury to you. This is why the food industry sets high standards for food safety. The general public will be at risk if mishandling occurs and causes a food poisoning outbreak.

If you get sick after consuming food, always make sure you keep records. Document as much as you can. What can you do?

  • Collect food receipts from food stalls or restaurants that you have eaten at
  • Check if you have taken photos of your food before consuming it
  • If you have been to a wedding or an event, get the caterer’s name and contact information
  • Make a list of everything you ate or drank during the 24 hours before feeling food poisoning symptoms
  • If you had food or meal kits delivered, keep a copy of the receipts
  • Document your symptoms, if possible
  • If you have been brought to a hospital, obtain a copy of your medical records
  • Keep a record of all your medicine

Having documents to back up your claims of possible food poisoning can help if you decide to file a legal action. Once you can, remember to back up these documents digitally, so you always have copies if physical receipts get lost.

Contacting Our Lawyers Helping Victims of Food Poisoning

If you need help claiming damages from huge corporations or companies that might have been negligent in manufacturing or preparing your food, call our dedicated lawyers.

Our lawyers have the experience to help you claim monetary damages if someone has injured you because of their negligence in preparing food. We are dedicated to protecting the rights of personal injury victims due to food poisoning and believe in protecting the health and safety of our clients.

Our food poisoning and personal injury lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP, can help you collect damages if you suffered injuries due to food poisoning negligence. Call us today at 800-403-6191 to schedule a free consultation and find out how our New York food poisoning lawyers can help you obtain the damages you deserve.

 

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Zantac MDL

Panel Selects Florida to Hear Zantac MDL Lawsuits

On February 6, 2020, law.com reported that federal Zantac cancer litigation would be consolidated in the Southern District of Florida. The popular heartburn medicine is the subject of nearly 150 lawsuits in jurisdictions across the nation. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation selected US District Judge Robin Rosenberg to oversee the cases in Florida. The Zantac cancer litigation will be the first time Judge Rosenberg handles an MDL.

Why Are People Suing the Makers of Zantac?

Zantac is a drug, with the generic name ranitidine, that millions of consumers have relied upon for decades to treat or relieve heartburn, ulcers, and related ailments. It is available in over-the-counter and prescription strengths. There is concern among many that Zantac contains dangerous levels of the carcinogen N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA).

The plaintiffs’ court documents state, “every one of the millions of the drug’s consumers have been exposed to dangerous levels of NDMA and many thousands of those consumers have contracted cancer as a result.”

Manufacturers Recall Zantac

Generic ranitidine makers, including Apotex and Sandoz, recalled the drugs. Generic drug maker Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories also issued a voluntary recall of ranitidine at the end of October 2019.

Sanofi, the manufacturer of brand name Zantac, recalled some of its products. Several drug store chains across the country decided on their own to stop selling Zantac products.

Zantac Manufacturers Wanted MDL Cases Consolidated in the Northeast

The drug makers hoped the MDL would land in the Northeast. In their response to the petition for consolidation, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Boehringer Ingelheim, argued that the cases should be heard in New Jersey.

The defendants wanted to argue the cases before Judge Freda l. Wolfson, who in their words is “an experienced MDL judge currently overseeing all of the Zantac actions already pending in that jurisdiction.” Judge Wolfson is the Chief US District Judge in the District of New Jersey.

Chairwomen of the MDL Panel, Karen Caldwell, wrote, however, “A large number of Zantac actions are pending in the Southern District of Florida, which is supported by the majority of responding plaintiffs. The district is a relatively convenient and accessible forum, with the resources and the capacity to efficiently handle what could be a large litigation.”

Legal Experts Predict More People Will File Zantac Lawsuits

Many expect the number of lawsuits to rise, given the millions of consumers who have used Zantac since the 1980s. Our dangerous drug lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP, are reviewing Zantac lawsuits now.

If you or someone you love takes Zantac or ranitidine and developed cancer, call our office right away. We can determine if you have a Zantac claim against the manufacturers of this dangerous drug. Call our experienced dangerous drug lawyers today at 800-403-6191 for a free evaluation of your Zantac claim.

 

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Holiday Fire Safety

Don’t Let a House Fire Ruin Your Holidays

With the holiday season upon us, we get to experience many joys that we look forward to all year long. Sitting by the fireplace, hanging stockings from the mantle, putting up lights, and other decorations are common activities during the winter months when the days get short, and the air becomes chilly.

It is important that during this season of joy, we remember to be safe. Fire is of particular concern during the winter holidays. Happy family gatherings can become dangerous in a split second if we do not pay attention to certain risks and ensure the safety of our loved ones and property.

What Are Some Common Causes of House Fires During the Holidays?

Some of the most common items involved in fires around holiday time are the following:

  • Christmas Trees
  • Electrical Lighting
  • Holiday Decorations
  • Candles
  • Cooking Holiday Meals
  • Fireworks

It is typical for more than one of these factors to contribute to a house fire and the injuries or deaths that follow. For example, the National Fire Prevention Association reported that of all fires that began with a Christmas tree, approximately 25% of them started because a heat source, like a candle, was too close to the tree. The same is true for approximately 45% of fires involving holiday decorations. About 20% of cooking fires, which peak annually on Thanksgiving, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, involve some type of holiday decoration too close to the stove.

What Can You do to Keep Your House Free From Fire this Holiday Season?

Based on the statistics, you must maintain a safe distance between candles and other heat sources and anything that can catch fire, such as a tree, decorations, furniture, and curtains.

The Red Cross offers these tips for fire safety during the holidays:

  • Use electric or battery-operated candles
  • Use a fireplace screen and keep all materials several feet away from the fireplace
  • Never leave embers or candles burning when you leave the house or go to bed
  • Always leave at least 3 feet between a fire source (candle, fireplace) and anything that can catch fire
  • If you use a real Christmas tree, be sure to keep it watered
  • Use a power strip for your lights
  • Throw away frayed or worn out light strings
  • In the kitchen, practice safety by keeping towels, grocery bags, and children away from the stove and oven

Contact Us if You Suffer Injuries in a Fire

It is our sincere hope that you and your loved ones will enjoy a safe, healthy holiday season. Accidents happen, however, and if there is a fire, you may be able to hold someone liable for your injuries.

Call our personal injury lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP at 800-403-6191, for a free evaluation of your fire injury claim.

 

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