Current Cases
Talcum Powder
Talcum powder lawsuits are being filed against the manufacturers of products containing talcum powder, claiming that these products can cause ovarian cancer when used for feminine hygiene.
Zantac
Following an FDA warning about unacceptable levels of NDMA, a likely carcinogen, detected in formulations of Ranitidine, Zantac and several store-brand Ranitidine products have been voluntarily recalled and removed from store shelves. Levin Sedran & Berman LLP is investigating cases of cancer following long-term use of Zantac or store-brand Ranitidine.
Elmiron
Elmiron is a drug to treat bladder pain and discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis (IC). IC, sometimes called “painful bladder syndrome,” is a chronic bladder condition with no known cure. Recent studies have pointed to a link between Elmiron use and serious damage to vision.
Belviq
Belviq is a weight-loss medication that was withdrawn from the U.S. market in February 2020 after a major safety study found links between the drug and several types of cancer. In the study, participants given Belviq had about a 10% higher incidence of cancer than participants given a placebo.
Defective Medical Devices
Philips CPAP, BiPAP and Ventilator Devices
On June 14, 2021, Philips Respironics issued an urgent recall on many of their CPAP, BIPAP and ventilator devices, due to the possibility of degradation of the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) sound-insulating foam used inside the machines. Degradation of this foam can cause toxic particles and off-gassed toxic chemicals to enter the air pathway. Inhalation or ingestion of these toxins can cause serious or even life-threatening injuries.
Stryker LFit V40 Hip Replacements
On August 29, 2016, medical device manufacturer Stryker issued a recall involving the LFIT V40 femoral head implant. The recall was issued after Stryker received numerous reports of problems and hip failures associated with the LFIT V40 femoral heads.
Defective Products
Social Media
Social media companies should be held accountable for the dangerous design features that manipulate and harm children, teens and young adults.
JUUL
The manufacturers of JUUL vaping devices have come under fire for injuries and addiction caused by JUUL devices. JUUL lawsuits have been filed by individuals, law firms and government agencies, claiming serious injuries from JUUL products and deceptive advertising by the manufacturers.
Chinese Drywall
Drywall was imported from China from 2004 to 2008 because the domestic wallboard industry could not meet the demands of the housing market boom and substantial rebuilding efforts following the destructive hurricanes in 2004 and 2005. The imported Chinese drywall releases sulfuric gases that corrode metal appliances and components in homes. Residents of these homes also complain that the gases result in headaches, respiratory and skin ailments.
Weyerhaeuser Flak Jacket TJi Joists
In response to regulatory changes introduced in 2012, Weyerhaeuser introduced a low-cost add on to their TJI floor joists to meet the enhanced fire safety regulations: Trus Joist TJI Joists with Flak Jacket Protection. However, due to a product defect in these joists, formaldehyde is off-gassing from the I-Joists at high levels. Customers have complained about a strong formaldehyde odor in newly constructed homes, and many have experienced symptoms of formaldehyde exposure.
Other Litigation
UPMC Nurses Unfair Labor Practices Lawsuit
Levin Sedran & Berman LLP, representing a former University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) nurse, filed a class-action lawsuit against UPMC alleging it used anticompetitive tactics to acquire monopoly power over health care in Central and Western Pennsylvania and then used that power to suppress nurses’ wages and subject nurses to unfair and unlawful working conditions.
Bed Sheet Thread Count Antitrust Litigation
Thread count is the primary indicator of sheet quality in the linen industry. However, the industry’s reputation has come under question as several claims have been filled alleging that bedding sheets manufacturers and/or retailers fraudulently increased the thread counts of sheets to charge their consumers a higher price.