Weitz & Luxenberg is taking cases for this new class action lawsuit. We filed it on behalf of people affected by the chemical explosion that happened outside of Atlanta in late September.
If you lived in the area impacted by the BioLab chemical fire — and have suffered any negative effects — consider taking legal action. You deserve to obtain compensation for the harm BioLab’s negligence has caused you.
“It is hard to image what people in Georgia are going through right now. Suddenly, poisonous gases and chemical fumes invaded their lives and forced residents to evacuate or shelter in place,” says James Bilsborrow, a partner at W&L and co-chair of our firm’s Environmental, Toxic Tort, & Consumer Protection practice group. He was appointed in November 2024 to the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee leadership for this litigation.
“In addition to affecting their health — now and maybe in the future — toxins have affected properties and residents’ ability to live without interference in their homes. They have been forced to evacuate, and nobody is helping them pay for those expenses. Their future is so uncertain, right now,” Mr. Bilsborrow emphasizes.
People in Conyers, Georgia woke up to an environmental disaster. A chemical fire broke out on the roof of a local BioLab plant on Sunday, September 29, 2024. It spewed thick dark plumes of smoke, releasing the strong odor of chlorine throughout the greater Atlanta area.
Tens of thousands of residents were forced to evacuate their homes and businesses or ordered to shelter-in-place. The fire broke out at the plant around 5 a.m. Sunday morning, when a sprinkler head malfunctioned. (1)
If you or a loved one have been exposed to environmental pollution, contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Get a Free Case ReviewBioLab, a swimming pool and spa treatment products manufacturer, has been the site “of an industrial accident for the third time in the last two decades,” according to one news source. (2)
BioLab had similar incidents in Conyers in 2004 and 2020. This leads some residents to claim any company exhibiting this “pattern of negligence shows they have little regard for safety precautions.” (3)
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported a BioLab incident in 2016. Trichlorisocyanuric acid was left in the company’s waste storage site in 3.5-gallon buckets and it then began to smoke. (4)
Chemicals from the BioLab fire burned for several days. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other environmental officials have been monitoring air quality So far, they have detected emissions of chlorine and bromine, both of which are toxic. (5)
According to a Georgia Tech professor, chlorine particles in the air over Decatur increased 1,400 times more than normal, while bromine particles increased by 170 times as of Monday, September 30, 2024. (6)
Meanwhile, the fire not only impacted the city of Conyers, but also much of Rockdale County. Areas affected include:
Also affected were:
If you live in one of these areas, you may have been exposed to toxic chemicals — including chlorine and bromine. It is also possible there were other, as yet unknown, hazardous chemicals released in the fire.
You need to monitor your health for any symptoms of adverse health effects. Harmful chemical exposure can cause these symptoms: (7)
More serious harmful chemical exposure can also cause:
If you suffer any of these symptoms seek medical attention immediately.
You do not have to suffer acute health effects to be adversely impacted by the BioLab fire. The fire could have other long-lasting effects on you:
BioLab’s history of similar incidents indicates the company failed to exercise due care in preventing fires or protecting the environment and local residents. It can be held legally responsible for the damage and harm it has caused.
W&L has a long and successful record of standing up to large corporate environmental offenders, like BioLab. When companies are recklessly negligent, we hold them accountable. We work to get you the financial compensation you deserve.
Our record of success includes the $600 million settlement of the Norfolk Southern train derailment case in East Palestine, Ohio. Residents there suffered serious health effects from chemical exposure after a train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in their community. Not only that, but the environmental damage meant years of cleanup and recovery time.
Consequences of environmental catastrophes are long-term, and victims should not have to face it alone. Call us at (833) 977-3437 or fill out the form on this page. Our lawyers take up the fight on your behalf, to get you the optimum compensation the law allows.
The BioLab fire is in Conyers, Georgia. The smoke from the fire could reach areas within a 50-mile radius of Conyers including Rockdale, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Newton, and Fulton counties. (8) (9)
BioLab manufactures swimming pool and spa cleaning products. The fire in Conyers, Georgia was in a warehouse containing 99% trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA), used to make chlorinated tablets that control bacteria and algae. Also in the warehouse was 99% dichloroisocyanuric acid (DCCA) used to make shock treatments to break down contaminants. (10)
Symptoms of high level exposure to chlorine gas include: (11)
At lower levels of exposure, these symptoms may be delayed.
There is some dispute over exactly what caused the BioLab fire in Georgia. According to Rockdale County’s Fire Rescue Chief, the BioLab fire resulted from a malfunction of a sprinkler head and a chemical that reacted with water, creating the toxic plume. (12)
Yes, several class action lawsuits have been filed against BioLab. A judge has ordered all class action lawsuits against BioLab to be consolidated. (13) Weitz & Luxenberg partner James Bilsborrow was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee for this litigation.
Weitz & Luxenberg is investigating cases of injuries from the chemical DCPA, also called Dacthal. We are accepting — as clients for pesticide lawsuits — people who developed severe injuries and birth defects after being exposed to DCPA. We anticipate hearing from farming families, who were endangered while working.
This toxic chemical may cause birth defects and severe injuries to children exposed to this substance in utero. If you were pregnant and exposed to this DCPA pesticide, please reach out to us. We want to help you get compensation for the injuries caused by this dangerous herbicide.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has suspended registering the herbicide “dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or Dacthal) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).” This has the effect of essentially making the herbicide banned. (1)
The EPA felt compelled to stop registrations of DCPA because “unborn babies whose pregnant mothers are exposed to DCPA, sometimes without even knowing the exposure has occurred, could experience changes to fetal thyroid hormone levels.” (2)
These injuries are typically linked to:
The danger of DCPA is so severe that the EPA used its emergency suspension authority for the first time in almost 40 years. (3)
The “EPA estimates that some pregnant individuals handling DCPA products could be subjected to exposures four to 20 times greater than what EPA has estimated is safe for unborn babies.” (4)
Our team of qualified attorneys is here to help you and your family find the justice you deserve. Learn more about the DCPA pesticide lawsuit today.
(833) 977-3437DCPA is an approved herbicide for controlling weeds in a variety of settings, including agricultural. However, on August 6, 2024, the EPA issued “a Data Call-In (DCI) to AMVAC Chemical Corporation.” (5)
AMVAC is the manufacturer of DCPA. AMVAC has yet to adequately address the serious health risks for people who work with and around DCPA. (6)
W&L is exploring lawsuits on behalf of clients who have been harmed by DCPA. These individuals may be entitled to compensation:
Exposure to DCPA can occur if you:
Were you or a family member exposed to the Dacthal herbicide? Get help from experienced environmental attorneys today. Call Weitz & Luxenberg for a free consultation.
(833) 977-3437DCPA is generally applied to fruits and vegetables. The crops DCPA is most commonly used on include broccoli, onions, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli rabe, bok choy, radishes, Chinese cabbage, cauliflower, and kale.
People in these states may be more at risk from DCPA, since it was used the most in these areas:
If DCPA exposure has harmed your child, our attorneys may be able to help you get:
Families suffering from DCPA exposure are encouraged to contact Weitz & Luxenberg. We can help you file lawsuits against the manufacturer of DCPA to get the compensation and justice you deserve.
We offer you a free, no-obligation consultation regarding your legal rights. To schedule your free consultation, please call us at (855) 850-2320 or submit the form on this page.
Weitz & Luxenberg has extensive experience in settling and litigating dangerous chemical exposure lawsuits. We have represented thousands of people who were significantly harmed by toxic chemicals, such as the weedkiller Roundup.
We are a nationally recognized firm with a lengthy history of litigating personal injury cases. In the past nearly four decades, we have achieved more than $19 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Contact us today to explore your legal options.
You can sue if you or your child has been harmed after being exposed to the pesticide DCPA. Choose an experienced plaintiff’s law firm — like Weitz & Luxenberg — that handles environmental contaminants.
The EPA has ordered the immediate halt of DCPA’s use across the country. The health risks are not only severe but potentially irreversible. If you or your child was harmed, an experienced environmental pollution law firm can get you the compensation you deserve. (7)
You typically have two to three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, depending on the state you live in. You should seek an attorney as soon as you suspect you have been harmed by exposure to the DCPA herbicide. The EPA has recognized DCPA as a threat to human health, especially unborn children. Hire an experienced personal injury attorney to handle your case.
You need documents or records of your exposure to DCPA (Dacthal) to file a claim for any DCPA-related injuries. DCPA is an herbicide used across the country. Large agricultural facilities apply DCPA to weeds and grasses. However, anyone can purchase it. If you used it in your own garden, or worked in someone else’s fields, you may have been exposed. DCPA can also leach into soil and groundwater.
The more information you can provide to an attorney about how you were exposed, the better. Nationally, DCPA is recognized as a potential threat to human health. Experienced environmental attorneys are already filing lawsuits. Contact Weitz & Luxenberg today to find out if you have a case. (8)
The greatest long-term health effects of DCPA we know of right now are to fetuses of women who are pregnant. DCPA seems to affect fetal thyroid hormones. Infants may be born with low birth weight and infant brain development may also be impaired.
Children may continue to demonstrate a lowered IQ and damage to their motor skills. These birth defects may continue throughout their life. More research is being done to see if DCPA is harmful to adult farm workers and others exposed to this potentially cancer-causing pesticide. (9) (10)
If you were exposed to DCPA and notice specific birth defects in your child, have your doctor do a thorough exam to rule out other possible causes. DCPA is linked to specific types of health issues in children. The main concern is when pregnant women are exposed. The fetus is continuing to develop.
Exposure to DCPA seems to affect the thyroid hormones in the fetus. If your child was exposed to DCPA — and is a low birth weight when born — that could be one possible sign of DCPA damage. Brain development is another concern. If your infant or young child shows signs of unhealthy development — such as a lower IQ or damage to motor skills — those may be signs of DCPA injury. (11)
If you suspect you were exposed to DCPA and your child shows signs of DCPA injury, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney about possible legal action.
Patients who trusted Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus were not warned about the serious risk of NAION, a condition that causes irreversible vision loss. At Weitz & Luxenberg, we believe patients deserve justice. This is why our team of attorneys is pursuing cases of severe vision loss due to NAION in adults who took Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus for diabetes management or weight loss. A large study out of the Harvard Medical School revealed a strong association between these drugs and the development of NAION. (1)
There are similar injectable drugs on the market, such as Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide) or Victoza and Saxenda (liraglutide). These may also be shown in the future to have side effects affecting your vision.
If you used a semaglutide injection and had a loss in your vision, reach out to us today. We can help you explore your legal options and get justice for your injury, and the financial compensation you deserve.
The lawsuits are based on the fact that people were not warned that Ozempic or Wegovy were associated with NAION and that the manufacturer knew, or should have known, about this association. Recent studies have raised these concerns. Research “findings suggest an association between semaglutide and NAION.” (2)
In December 2024, a large cohort study from leading research centers in Denmark and Norway (Denmark is home to Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of these drugs), was released comparing the risk of NAION among individuals with type 2 diabetes using semaglutide compared to those using sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2s), another diabetes medication. This study confirmed “an association between use of semaglutide for type 2 diabetes and risk of NAION, with a more than two-fold increased hazard ratio.” (3)
“Despite all the hoopla on the benefits of these medications, it is often overlooked that the drugs you take can hurt you. Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy is a very serious condition and is a significant cause of blindness,” says Ellen Relkin, W&L partner and practice group chair of our firm’s Drug and Medical Device Litigation unit. “After taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus some people develop this unusual condition that causes irreparable damage to their vision. They were never warned of these serious risks. As someone who has lost vision entirely in one eye (from a different cause), I can fully empathize with the life altering impact of vision loss.”
She continues, “Patients would not suspect that taking a drug to treat diabetes or to lose weight could damage their optic nerve. The connection was observed by astute neuro-ophthalmologists at Harvard who noticed what seemed to be a large number of their patients with NAION and who had been prescribed Ozempic or Wegovy. This prompted these concerned clinicians to conduct a large retrospective matched cohort study of their patients at Massachusetts Eye and Ear in Boston. It is concerning that the patient inserts about these medications entirely fail to warn about this devastating condition.”
NAION “is a potentially debilitating condition that occurs from a lack of sufficient blood flow to the optic nerve.” This nerve “is the cable that connects the brain to the eye and carries millions of nerve fibers and blood vessels.” (4)
Sometimes, a blood vessel feeding the optic nerve can be totally blocked. Sometimes, blood flow to one half of the nerve is inadequate. (5)
Both types can lead to vision loss. In effect, the optic nerve does not receive the nutrients and oxygen it needs. The end result is blindness. (6)
If you or a loved one have experienced vision loss after taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus, our team of experienced lawyers is here to help.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation TodayIf you have NAION, you may have no warning before experiencing vision loss. However, most patients do notice some loss of vision in one eye when they wake up in the morning. (7)
Other people may notice a shadow or darkened area in your vision. This darkness might affect either the upper or lower portions of your visual field. Loss of contrast and light sensitivity are other possible symptoms of NAION. (8)
There is no medication or surgery to treat NAION. Depending on the cause of your NAION, your vision loss may be stable. However, it could worsen over a few weeks. (9)
In worst-case scenarios, you could lose vision and be blind in both eyes, not just one. (10)
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), semaglutide is a type of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It mimics a hormone the human body releases in the gastrointestinal tract when you eat something. (11)
This hormone prompts your body to produce more insulin, which lowers blood sugar. In higher amounts, this hormone “interacts with the parts of the brain that reduce appetite and signal a feeling of fullness.” (12)
The FDA has approved three semaglutide medications: (13)
Our team of qualified attorneys is here to help you and your family find the justice you deserve. Learn more about the Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus lawsuit today.
(833) 977-3437
The attorneys at W&L urge you to contact us if you used Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus at any time since January 2018 and were diagnosed with NAION.
You may have a successful lawsuit if you were diagnosed with NAION after receiving at least one administration of either medication. Talk with a member of our team by filling out our form, or calling us for more information at (833) 977-3437.
Our attorneys are reviewing cases of people harmed by Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. Reach out to us if you developed severe vision loss, so we can help you get any financial compensation you deserve.
At Weitz & Luxenberg, our qualified legal team of defective drugs and medical devices attorneys is prepared to take on large corporations nationwide. We can help you explore your legal options, provide guidance, and help you get compensation for your pain and suffering due to your vision loss.
Since the mid-1980s, our attorneys have secured more than $19 billion on behalf of clients who suffered severe injuries due to the actions or inactions of others.
Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus affect the pancreas and organs in your digestive tract — including the stomach, intestines, and rectum. These involve the same active ingredient — semaglutide — and are typically prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes and some, to promote weight loss.
Most directly, like the food you eat, semaglutide travels through your bloodstream and affects every organ in your body. This can lead to vision trouble, thyroid tumors, and neurological problems. (15)
You can participate in an Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus lawsuit by contacting a law firm, like W&L, that has experience filing and winning lawsuits due to people being hurt by defective medications.
We have offices coast to coast and in between. We have lots of experience doing just that — handling defective drug lawsuits. W&L has been around for nearly 40 years. We have secured more than $19 billion on behalf of our clients. We offer a free initial consultation and can help you consider your options.
The New York City Police Department reported 148 motor vehicle fatalities through early August 2024. This is already up by 3.5% from the 2023 total of 143. (1)
A New York State Comptroller Report notes, “fatalities have grown even as the number of vehicle miles travelled, licensed drivers and traffic accidents in the State have declined.” The report puts the total traffic fatalities for New York State at 1,175 in 2022. Of those killed, 809 were vehicle occupants and 303 were pedestrians. (2)
Traffic incidents are the source of thousands of personal injury lawsuits annually in the United States, for good reason. There are more people than ever on the roads, and not all of them are paying attention while driving, leaving a trail of fatalities, injured parties, and damaged property in their wake.
Roughly 40,990 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes nationwide in 2023, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates. New York state reported 1,111 of those deaths. (3)
Texas had the most, with 4,294 crash deaths, followed by California with 4,013. (4)
The Governors Highway Safety Association also reports U.S. pedestrians killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2023 totaled 7,318. (5) And the non-profit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports 1,084 cyclists killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2022. (6)
Closer to home, in New York City, 18 bike riders were killed during the first half of 2023, says the non-profit Transportation Alternatives. (7)
The reasons for the statistical spikes during certain periods are many — from lower gas prices to increasingly distracted drivers who seem more occupied with their cellphones, DVD players, coffee cups, and stereo systems than the steering wheel.
If you or anyone you know has suffered an injury in a car accident, contact us for a free case evaluation.
Get a Free Case ReviewRegardless of the cause, thousands of drivers and passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists in New York are injured annually because of the poor driving of others, inclement weather, driver fatigue, drunk driving, and especially excessive speeding.
A 2023 AAA survey report identifies drivers who self-report engaging in some sort of risky behavior behind the wheel. These included: (8)
AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy says, “Many risky drivers in this study were classified into profiles that involved speeding behavior. Focusing on speeding drivers will deter other risky driving behaviors like impaired driving and red-light running. This traffic safety measure will have the greatest impact on safety.” (9)
The New York City Comptroller noted, “The City’s speed and red-light camera programs reveal the scale of reckless driving in New York City: tens of thousands of drivers have accumulated over 15 speed or five red-light camera tickets within a one-year period.” (10)
For those who have been injured in a car accident, the first step is clear. Detailed laws and guidelines apply with regard to seeking compensation for injuries, pain, and suffering or other losses sustained as the result of a car accident.
For the best chance at earning a maximum insurance settlement or jury award, turn to Weitz & Luxenberg. The experienced lawyers at Weitz & Luxenberg — New York’s largest personal injury litigation firm — have been fighting for clients in civil courthouses for nearly four decades.
A Weitz & Luxenberg attorney can not only ensure that the injured parties receive all the insurance benefits to which they are entitled but also explore whether a personal injury lawsuit might be warranted in order to pursue other forms of compensation.
Qualified and experienced attorneys can make all the difference, especially when they have the heft of one of the city’s largest firms behind them. In many instances, the strength of a claim against the negligent driver’s insurance carrier will depend on how effectively an attorney can collect evidence, interview witnesses, and present information to support the claim that the other driver was at fault. If no agreeable settlement can be reached, a civil trial is often the next step.
Proving negligence on the part of the other driver is the key element in most cases; however, there are other forms of car related injury lawsuits. Sometimes, cases are filed as a result of a manufacturing defect (seatbelts, brakes, etc.) in the vehicle itself, or if the road design or traffic signs somehow contributed to the accident under question. If a death occurs as a result of a crash, a wrongful death case is a possibility, which could allow family members to seek compensation for lost wages, noneconomic damages, and punitive damages.
Examples of economic damages include costs to the client associated with past and future medical bills, lost wages as a result of an inability to work, and lost future wages because of permanent disability. Noneconomic damages can sometimes include compensation for pain and suffering, mental duress, and, if the actions of the defendant were unusually reckless, punitive damages.
The staff at Weitz & Luxenberg works on a contingency basis, so there are no legal fees until a financial settlement or jury verdict is awarded to its clients. If someone has been harmed in an auto accident, especially if other drivers were at fault, contact Weitz & Luxenberg for a free and confidential analysis regarding possible compensation at (833) 977-3437.
Dram Shop Liability laws in New York include accidents involving a minor or an intoxicated person that affected you, or a family member. Put simply, dram shop laws hold commercial establishments responsible for injuries or damages caused by their intoxicated or underage patrons. (1)
The word “dram” refers to an old British measure of alcohol. A dram is the equivalent of ¾ of a teaspoon of alcohol. (2) Today, laws aimed primarily at commercial establishments serving alcohol are collectively referred to as “dram shop laws.”
“Dram shop laws enable third-party victims of drunken behavior to file civil lawsuits against the establishment, the wait staff, or the store clerk that sold alcohol to the minor or intoxicated person. Victims may also bring suit against the intoxicated individual and possibly receive damages from both parties,” according to one consumer information website. (3)
An example of a dram shop case might be when a person is served an alcoholic beverage while visibly intoxicated already. This person then drives and hits someone with their car. The bar or restaurant is liable for continuing to serve alcohol to someone who was already drunk.
Have you or a loved one fallen victim to an accident caused by a drunk driver? Our compassionate lawyers are here to help you. Call Us Today.
(833) 977-3437Dram shop laws are not federal laws; they are enacted at the state level and differ depending upon the state. (4)
New York State has dram shop laws under Section 11-101 of General Obligations Chapter 24-A. Article II. Title 1. In New York, victims have a right to “recover actual and exemplary damages.” (5)
Exemplary damages are punitive damages. “Punitive damages are considered punishment or damages intended to dissuade and are typically awarded at the court’s discretion when the defendant’s behavior is found to be especially harmful.” (6)
These laws are particularly relevant for victims of car crashes. “In New York State slightly more than 30% of the fatal crashes are alcohol related,” says the New York State Police. (7)
It goes on to say, “Drunk drivers cause more than 17,000 deaths annually. This equates to 310 funerals each week or one death every 30 minutes.” (8)
“Drivers under the age of 21 comprise just 5% of licensed drivers in New York State, but are involved in 14% of the alcohol related crashes.” (9)
In a policy summary, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported, “45 jurisdictions imposed dram shop liability as a result of statutory or common law or both.” (10)
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion reports the Community Preventive Services Task Force concluded, “dram shop liability is effective in preventing and reducing alcohol-related harms.” (11)
What are alcohol related harms, particularly as they relate to underage drinkers?
Underage drinkers often engage in binge drinking, a very dangerous activity. This activity brings blood alcohol concentration levels to .08 percent or higher, says the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (12)
There are a number of risks and possible negative outcomes related to this behavior. Negative consequences affecting you include: (13)
When you are hurt in a drunk driving accident, you probably need help. In addition to any physical harm, you often have to deal with emotional pain.
Not to mention the expenses of getting medical care, replacing your car, and possibly being out of work. We understand what you are going through and want you to know you are not alone.
Don’t go it alone. Call us or fill out the form to get the help you need. Call Us Now.
(833) 977-3437Did you or a loved one fall victim to a construction trench or tunnel collapse accident, due to negligence? If so, your employer was supposed to protect you. If your employer had taken the necessary precautions to begin with, you and your loved ones would not be suffering as you are now.
You have the right to hold the negligent employer responsible. You have the right to receive compensation for your losses and support for your future.
Reasons for alcohol consumption among minors vary. However, survey results suggest peer pressure, lack of knowledge about possible health effects, and stress are among the primary reasons youth drink. (14)
National surveys of youth alcohol consumption highlight some disturbing trends. Here are some of the findings: (15)
Dram shop liability cases fall under personal injury law. This involves proving negligence.
Proving liability under dram shop laws means the plaintiff (person suing) must show the defendant (business, organization, or person being sued) was negligent. The defendant could be negligent by continuing to serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated individual or by serving a minor at all.
Negligence is when a party acts or fails to act with the “level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have” in similar circumstances. (16) In some cases, this means liability falls on more than one party.
For example, a bar and a drunk driver may both be found liable for a car accident. The bar could be liable if the driver was a minor and it served the underaged teen the alcohol.
Or if the bartender continued to serve alcohol to someone who was obviously drunk. The intoxicated driver is accountable for their own actions, as well. In some instances, even the wait staff may bear responsibility.
Personal injury claims are complicated, and circumstances differ with each case. An experienced personal injury attorney knows the law and can guide you through the legal process and toward the most favorable outcome for your case.
The lawyers at W&L understand the hurt and pain you are feeling from being in an accident with a drunk driver. We believe you deserve justice for the harm that caused your suffering. Harm that could have been avoided.
Bars, restaurants, liquor stores, and other companies continue to serve alcohol to people who are drunk or underage. When they do so, they should be held accountable. When businesses provides alcohol to someone they should not have given it to, they need to take responsibility for their actions.
If they had not been negligent, you would not be hurt. You are in this position and only need to sue them because they did the wrong thing.
Weitz & Luxenberg lawyers have years of experience in personal injury litigations and with getting legal success and compensation for our clients. Here are a few examples:
“Amputation is an acquired condition that results in the loss of a limb, usually from injury, disease, or surgery,” according to Stanford Health Care. (1)
A 2024 study sets the total number of people living with limb loss (LL) or limb difference (LD) in the U.S. at 5.6 million. The report goes on to say the average annual rate of LL or LD is 507,293 individuals. (2)
“Lower body amputations (83%) were much more frequent than upper body amputations (17%),” according to the report. (3) And 75% of upper limb amputations are due to trauma. (4) Overall, 45% of amputations are due to traumatic injury. (5)
More surprisingly, LL also affects mortality. The report states, “While improvements in medical care and technology may have increased survival rates of individuals with traumatic injuries that result in LL, overall mortality for LL is extremely high (18.5%).” (6)
When injuries from accidents are severe enough to cause an amputation, the responsible parties should be held legally accountable. An amputation lawsuit seeks to do just that.
Victims of limb loss not only suffer from physical injuries, but also from the financial effects, in addition to the likely emotional and psychological trauma. Such injuries require months, if not years, in recovery. All of this impacts your emotional and mental health, quality of life, financial security, and future outlook.
You deserve compensation for this disruption in your life. And the person or company who caused it should be the one to pay financially.
If you or a loved one lost a limb due to negligence, call us now for a free legal consultation.
(833) 977-3437There are many causes of amputations. You could have been injured by an accident at your workplace. Or at some event or business. Or by another person’s action — or failure to act.
Here are some of the main reasons: (7)
If you or a loved one has, through no fault of your own, suffered an amputation, it might be time to consider a lawsuit.
Laws vary, but there are generally two types of amputation lawsuits you may consider filing: personal injury and worker’s compensation claims.
You can file a personal injury lawsuit when your injuries are caused by someone else, whether intentionally or negligently.
Negligence is a legal concept. It applies when someone has been injured by another person or business because of what they did or failed to do. (8)
Proving negligence means showing the court the responsible party failed to act with the same level of care as any reasonable person would have, given similar circumstances. (9)
You can file a lawsuit if your injuries happen due to an accident at work.
Your accident may have been due to a malfunction of equipment, negligent actions by a fellow employee or the employer, violations of laws, codes, or regulations, or simply inadequate training.
In such cases, it is important to hold any and all of the responsible parties accountable. This may include your employer, a fellow employee, a contractor or subcontractor, or even manufacturers.
Workers’ compensation may cover your medical expenses, but you’ll need to file a lawsuit to get money for your pain and suffering.
Experienced amputation attorneys are able to help determine who to include in your lawsuit.
To qualify for an amputation lawsuit, you must be able to show the court you were not responsible for the accident and the resulting injuries. You need to prove the party you are suing was somehow negligent. (10)
In a negligence case, you need to demonstrate to the court the person or organization you are suing (the defendant) owed you (the plaintiff) a “duty of care.” This duty is an obligation to take precautions to prevent harm, and they are responsible for damages if they “breached” it. Their failure to succeed in the duty of care resulted in the accident causing your injuries. (11)
Explore your legal options with a free consultation. Contact our attorneys today.
Get a Free Case ReviewAn example of negligence might be if you are a construction worker injured while working on the job. You are working on scaffolding, over six feet high. You suffer an injury when the scaffolding becomes unstable and gives way. You fall and your leg is crushed so badly it must be amputated.
Your employer can be held accountable if the scaffolding equipment was defective, if there were not proper safety precautions in place (such as guardrails or personal fall arrest systems), or if the construction workers setting up or using the scaffolding had not been adequately trained.
In addition to your employer possibly being held accountable, there are many others that can be, as well. The property owner, the general contractor, subcontractors, and others may also be accountable for your injuries. An experienced lawyer can walk you through the process and ensure that all wrongdoers are held accountable.
Another example of negligence might be if a delivery truck runs a red light at an intersection and hits your car. Your injuries are so severe, you lose a limb. You might be able to sue the truck driver and the company the truck driver works for. But what if the truck driver ran the red light because the brakes on the truck failed due to a defect? Your lawsuit might also need to include the manufacturer of the truck or even the service station that maintains the vehicle.
While these are clearcut examples, most real-life cases are far more complex. An experienced attorney is able to determine the responsible parties, guide you through the legal process, and help you achieve a successful outcome in your case.
When considering the right attorney for your amputation lawsuit, look for personal injury and negligence litigation experience — and outcomes. With nearly 40 years of experience representing clients in personal injury and negligence cases, Weitz & Luxenberg has a solid reputation for achieving positive outcomes for our clients.
W&L amputation attorneys listen to your story, investigate the circumstances of your claim, file your lawsuit, gather the evidence, and represent you in court — or negotiate a settlement on your behalf. Our team is also there to guide you through the appeals process, should it be necessary.
W&L helps you seek the most compensation the law allows in your case. This monetary compensation may be for past and future medical expenses and loss of income, mental and psychological distress, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and — in some cases — punitive damages.
Weitz & Luxenberg has a solid track record of success on behalf of our clients. Here are some examples of our successes:
Weitz & Luxenberg is encouraging individuals harmed by CooperSurgical’s defective embryonic solution to reach out to us. Cases have already been filed against CooperSurgical. (2) (3)
These individuals claim CooperSurgical’s solution for growing embryos for IVF destroyed the embryos they planned on being able to use to have children. The full scale of the potential harm is not yet known, but we know from speaking with our clients that the loss is devastating. CooperSurgical’s products had been distributed all over the U.S. before being recalled. (4) (5)
CooperSurgical, Inc., a Connecticut-based company, has issued a voluntary recall of its IVF embryonic solution due to complaints this substance was defective and destroyed many frozen embryos. Multiple IVF lawsuits have been filed across the country.
CooperSurgical Inc.’s parent company, Cooper Companies headquartered in San Ramon, California has also been named in several cases in state and federal courts in California. It has moved to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming it is only the parent company and is not involved in the IVF product. Also, CooperSurgical claims California courts do not have jurisdiction over the company.
People have spent a fortune on IVF procedures. For many, in vitro fertilization is their only and last chance to have a child. Then, they found out their precious embryos were destroyed.
Although the company says it issued its recall to look into concerns regarding its product, the damage for many has already been done.
If you or a loved one were impacted by the CooperSurgical IVF defective embryonic solution, our team of experienced lawyers is here to help.
Get Your Free Case Evaluation TodaySometimes people struggling with infertility opt to try IVF. IVF involves a complex series of procedures.
The goal is to implant a fertilized embryo into a woman’s womb and hope for a successful pregnancy. None of this process is easy. The process is emotionally and physically taxing.
To attempt a successful implantation:
Sperm collection is pretty easy compared to the surgical extraction of human eggs. The process is physically draining, involves painful injections, ultrasound monitoring, and other treatments. The procedures are:
Plus, unlike sperm, human eggs are limited. They decrease in number and quality over time. For women over 35, the risk of miscarriages and chromosomal abnormalities rises.
The company disclosed multiple laboratories reported that the embryos either developed slowly or stopped developing before reaching the blastocyst stage.
“This is devastating news for a prospective parent,” says Ellen Relkin, Weitz & Luxenberg partner and chair of our firm’s Drug and Medical Device Litigation team. “For some, this procedure was their last chance at being able to have biological children.”
Ms. Relkin adds. “I can’t imagine what they’re going through right now. They trusted this company with their dream for a family, and CooperSurgical’s negligence has left them feeling betrayed and traumatized.”
CooperSurgical was responsible for providing the medium to help embryos develop and grow. Instead, the medium for embryonic development was potentially improperly manufactured, stored, and transported — or some combination of these. It also was inadequately — or not at all — tested and inspected for quality control and possible contamination.
Sadly, the destroyed embryos cannot be restored.
Our team of qualified attorneys is here to help you and your family find the justice you deserve. Learn more about the CooperSurgical lawsuit today.
(833) 977-3437On December 13, 2023, CooperSurgical, Inc., “notified customers via Urgent Media Recall Field Safety Notice letters. Customers were instructed to quarantine affected product and respond to the recall notice.” (6)
CooperSurgical says they were arranging for customers to return the affected product. Customers were receiving credit for these items. The lots recalled are:
CooperSurgical’s recall of its embryonic medium used during IVF procedures is a class 2 recall. According to the FDA, “Recalls are actions taken by a firm to remove a product from the market. Recalls may be conducted on a firm’s own initiative, by FDA request, or by FDA order under statutory authority.” (7) (8)
A Class 2 recall is “a situation in which use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote.” (9)
Some facilities advised patients the defective embryo media was in use only for certain weeks in November and December of 2023. “We have heard from other potential clients that their multiple embryos failed to grow at time periods before and after that window of time. It is entirely possible the recall was for too limited a time period and the defect existed for a longer time,” states Ms. Relkin.
Even if you have not received a recall notice, if your embryos failed to grow, it is possible that they were also impacted by the product failure. This is only something our attorneys can learn the truth about as the litigation proceeds. We can learn more during the discovery phase of the lawsuit. This is when an exchange of information takes place between the people suing and the company being sued.
Nearly 1,000 bottles of CooperSurgical Global Media were included in the company’s urgent recall. These bottles were distributed across the United States.
The list of states receiving the defective solution includes:
Ms. Relkin, and her team of defective drugs and devices attorneys have dedicated themselves to helping people harmed by defective products. In the case of CooperSurgical IVF, we are representing clients who have suffered great loss due to the failures of CooperSurgical, Inc.
Weitz & Luxenberg is encouraging anyone who has been harmed by CooperSurgical’s defective embryonic solution to reach out to us for more information. You may be eligible to file a CooperSurgical lawsuit.
W&L is a national firm with experience winning legal cases across the country. Our firm has won more than $19 billion in verdicts and settlements. Our history with representing clients facing infertility due to the wrongdoing of big pharma goes back 40 years.
We achieved settlements of tens of millions of dollars on behalf of many women when they discovered they were infertile due to a birth defect called a T-shaped uterus. This birth defect was caused by the medication diethylstilbestrol (DES), taken by their mothers during pregnancy. Ms. Relkin explains, “We are sensitive to the impacts of infertility and are proud of our pioneering work in the DES litigation. It not only paved a way for compensation for that loss, but also developed law recognizing the injury.”
For some women and their partners, the process of freezing fertilized embryos was their last hope of having children. And CooperSurgical has crushed that dream.
We invite you to speak with one of our attorneys about your CooperSurgical IVF lawsuit. We are prepared to help you explore your legal options. You may be entitled to seek compensation for the harm you have suffered.
Reach out to us by phone at (833) 977-3437 or using our online form. We want to help you get the justice you deserve.
Although Covidien hernia mesh products have been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for use in hernia repair procedures, the FDA has noted hernia surgical mesh devices may be linked with the development of complications. (1)
Covidien hernia mesh complications can be similar to the complications for other FDA-approved hernia mesh devices. According to the FDA, some common complications that can occur with the use of hernia mesh include:
Other potential problems that can occur with the use of hernia mesh are:
When manufacturers of medical devices learn their products may have led or contributed to an adverse event, or may have malfunctioned, they are required by law to report these adverse events to the FDA. (3)
The FDA also encourages patients, physicians, and others who encounter or experience an adverse event occurring with the use of a particular medical device to report that adverse event to the FDA’s MedWatch. (4) (5)
For a free consultation and more information about your legal options, please contact us today.
Get a Free Case ReviewSometimes, as the number of adverse events linked to a particular medical device mounts, manufacturers or the FDA may recall that product. (6)
Currently, the FDA MAUDE database includes reports of adverse events for some Covidien Parietex mesh products, such as:
Some of the reports discuss patients who suffered pain, needed additional surgeries, or were hospitalized due to the hernia mesh used in their surgical hernia repair.
According to one patient’s adverse event report, their Covidien Parietex surgical mesh failed altogether. That patient reported needing additional surgeries to locate the mesh, which had migrated. A CT scan finally found it at the bottom of the patient’s stomach. (7)
In another report made in May 2017, a patient needed to have a “panniculectomy because fat necrosis had grown onto the mesh and was hurting.” Not only was the patient hospitalized, it was reported this patient so far had undergone two hernia repair procedures. The adverse event type was “serious injury and the event outcome [was] hospitalization.” (8)
In a separate case, a patient reported they “had hernia repair surgery and [were] implanted with [Parietex] composite mesh.” After the mesh was implanted the patient reported they were “[h]ospitalized once for infection and then had to have the mesh surgically removed after another infection.” (9)
In one instance, an adverse event report discussed a patient who underwent a left inguinal hernia surgical procedure and received a Covidien Parietex ProGrip mesh. Afterward, “the patient experienced increased pain…” In an attempt to alleviate the pain, “the patient had cryo-ablation to [deaden] the nerves…The patient needed to continue to have injections…to help with the pain.” (10)
In another adverse event report, a patient stated they underwent surgery to repair an inguinal hernia. The surgeon used a Covidien Parietex ProGrip mesh. Just weeks after having the surgery, the patient reported they “developed extreme debilitating pain at the surgery site and into the groin area. After many attempts to relieve the pain through pain management, with little to no relief,” the patient “had a second surgery to remove the mesh.” (11)
At this time, neither the FDA nor Covidien have issued any Covidien hernia mesh recalls for these models. According to the FDA, a recall is an action a manufacturer or firm takes “to remove a product from the market.” A recall can be handled in one of three ways: (12)
A Class I recall reflects the highest degree of concern for people’s safety. When the FDA designates a recall a Class I recall, “there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to” a particular “product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.” (14)
A Class II recall is one in which the FDA determines the “use of or exposure to” a particular “product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences” or the likelihood of “serious adverse health consequences is remote.” (15)
The FDA classifies a recall a Class III recall when a particular product is “not likely to cause adverse health consequences.” (16)
Although some degree of pain and discomfort following a hernia repair surgery is not unusual, severe pain and other disabling complications could be indications of defective surgical mesh.
Did you undergo a revision surgery to correct complications following your initial hernia repair procedure?
Or have you had a conversation with your physician in which they recommended a revision or corrective surgical procedure due to extreme complications following your hernia repair surgery?
In either of these instances, if you received a Covidien hernia mesh implant, you may be entitled to pursue compensation from Covidien.
If you are facing this difficult situation, we encourage you to contact an experienced Covidien hernia mesh attorney. A knowledgeable Weitz & Luxenberg attorney would be able to help you determine if you are eligible to pursue legal action.
For more information, we encourage you to contact us. One of our Covidien hernia mesh attorneys would be happy to arrange a free consultation.
With three decades of experience handling large-scale litigation involving defective medical devices and drugs, and serving as court appointed lead counsel in multiple medical device litigations, Ellen Relkin is the type of attorney you want working for you.
“Even though there is no official recall for a defective product, it continues to hurt some patients and cause suffering. Certain types of hernia mesh is one such product. If you’ve been harmed, you may have the right to take action against the companies that caused you to suffer that harm,” Ms. Relkin says.
She adds, “You need an attorney with significant experience with claims against the manufacturers of defective medical products due to the complexities involved in such cases.”
For decades, Ms. Relkin has been leading Weitz & Luxenberg’s Drug and Medical Device Litigation group of attorneys because she knows how to win the tough cases — cases affecting thousands of people harmed by defective drugs and medical devices. She has served as court appointed lead counsel in multiple orthopedic device litigations where she negotiated settlements exceeding five billion dollars.
She is noted for her roles in helping secure victories against the manufacturers of defective medications and devices.
“That’s where my heart is,” Ms. Relkin says, “helping our clients get their lives and dignity back. You have a right to be treated with respect and care. And when manufacturers don’t do that, they deserve to be held accountable. Doing my best to help each and every one of our clients is what lets me sleep at night.”
Weitz & Luxenberg’s Drug and Medical Device Litigation team has begun the steps needed to take legal action against Covidien and other surgical mesh manufacturers. These hernia repair mesh products are linked to extreme medical complications in some cases.
Have you suffered any of the following complications that necessitated a corrective or revision surgery — or has your doctor recommended you undergo a revision surgery because your hernia repair mesh has resulted in any of these complications?
If you experienced complications resulting from your Covidien mesh implant, you may be able to seek compensation for not only your current but also future medical expenses related to the injuries you have suffered. This compensation could also potentially include lost earnings if you were not able to work, as well as other expenses you incurred due to your injuries.
Our attorneys have prepared and filed lawsuits against a number of manufacturers of hernia mesh products, and anticipate filing Covidien hernia mesh lawsuits. We are representing clients who suffered significant complications, including corrective or revision surgical procedures, linked to certain Covidien hernia mesh implants.
In some instances, physicians have advised their patients to undergo revision surgeries and patients have not yet been able to get the recommended surgical procedure done.
For a free consultation, we invite you to contact us. For your convenience, you may reach us by phone at (833) 977-3437 or complete the form on this page. One of our representatives will contact you shortly.
“An excavation is any man-made cut, cavity, or trench formed by earth removal,” explains the Laborers’ Health & Safety Fund of North America (LHSFNA). (3)
More specifically, “A trench is defined as a narrow underground excavation, that is deeper than it is wide, and is no wider than 15 feet or 4.5 meters,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (4)
LHAFNA goes on to explain how trenches are confined spaces, areas “large enough to enter and work” with “limited exit routes” and are “not intended for continuous occupancy.” (5) Collapses happen when these spaces lack adequate protection systems. (6)
Protection systems are required when digging trenches and tunneling. (7)
“Designing a protective system requires consideration of many factors, including soil classification, depth of cut, water content of soil, weather and climate, and other operations in the vicinity,” states an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety publication. (8)
Protection systems include:
Fatalities involving confined spaces totaled 1,030 workers during an eight-year period. Of those deaths, 203 were specifically attributed to ditches, channels, trenches, and excavations. Out of this whole group, 135 of the workers were employed in private construction. (14)
Construction workers performing tasks in confined spaces cannot move out of the way quickly, so even small amounts of dirt can prove dangerous. “One cubic yard of dirt can weigh more than 3,000 pounds,” according to the CDC. Trapped workers are often crushed or suffocated when there are accidents. (15)
NYC “saw increases in incidents, injuries and fatalities on building construction sites,” according to a NYC Construction Safety report. The total number of construction site injuries that year reached 554, with 11 fatalities. (16)
Were you or a loved one a victim of a trench or tunnel construction accident, due to construction negligence? Our team is ready to help you. Call us or fill out the form for a free consultation.
Contact Us TodayTrenching and tunnel construction accident fatalities are preventable. It is helpful to understand why they happen. (17)
There are a number of different causes for trench or tunnel collapse. Here are a few: (18)
Alarmingly, cave-ins or collapses often occur without warning. (19) When collapses occur, there is the potential for serious harm.
In one example reported, laborers died in a trench collapse from asphyxiation while replacing residential sewer lines. The trench had been dug in unstable soil without any protection system in place. Inadequate shoring equipment was used, and the employer had a record of safety violations. (20)
In another, two New York City (NYC) construction workers lost their lives in a trench when they became “trapped under construction rubble” at John F. Kennedy International Airport. (21)
Trench or tunnel collapse injuries range from debilitating to fatal. Here are some of the most common:
We are here for you in this difficult time. Call or fill out the form to get the support you need.
(833) 977-3437Employers are required to provide safe working conditions for their employees. The requirement is particularly true in construction work, and especially when excavation is being done. This means using protective systems, proper gear, and appropriate equipment — and supplying competent people to manage the work on site.
A company’s failure to meet safety standards makes it liable for any harm resulting from trench or tunneling accidents. Such cases fall under personal injury law and involve construction negligence.
Negligence is a failure to act with the same level of care as an ordinary person might, given similar situations. (28) Proof of negligence is complex and requires not only knowledge of the law but also an understanding of construction industry safety requirements.
Did you or a loved one fall victim to a construction trench or tunnel collapse accident, due to negligence? If so, your employer was supposed to protect you. If your employer had taken the necessary precautions to begin with, you and your loved ones would not be suffering as you are now.
You have the right to hold the negligent employer responsible. You have the right to receive compensation for your losses and support for your future.
That’s where we come in. Weitz & Luxenberg’s team of attorneys investigates your accident, files your case, negotiates a settlement or fights for you in court. We even see you through an appeals process, if necessary, because we understand liability law.
W&L has attorneys who have gone beyond their legal education to obtain training in construction site safety to help our clients. The W&L team has nearly 40 years of experience representing tradesmen in construction accident cases.
Here are some examples of our successful personal injury cases including construction ones:
