Our firm has expertise in other key litigation areas as well. Included on this page is a brief overview of our other practice areas. For more information, please contact us.

Pharmaceutical/Biological Litigation

For individuals:
Drug manufacturers, pharmacists, and doctors have a responsibility to ensure that the drugs they prescribe or provide for patients do not cause harm. Some drugs have dangerous side effects or have the potential to cause long-term damage. These drugs are often the subjects of later recalls. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays a regulatory role in determining drug safety, the manufacturer is ultimately liable. In some cases, a drug that is normally safe may be an inappropriate choice -- perhaps because of a patient allergy, condition, or due to a possible reaction with another drug the patient is taking. When a doctor or pharmacist gives an incorrect prescription or prescribes an inappropriate drug, serious harm may befall the patient. In such cases, the doctor or pharmacist may be legally liable for the patient's injuries. Our familiarly with the types of arguments defendants usually make will help us prepare a stronger case for you. Please contact us for more information.

For corporations:
Pharmaceutical companies and physicians are often the targets of blame and frivolous lawsuits. When patients hear about potential problems with a drug, they may try to sue the manufacturer even if they have not been injured. In addition, potential side effects must be weighed against the potential benefits a drug can offer patients. If your company has been hit with a pharmaceutical litigation lawsuit and you need a firm with knowledge and experience in pharmaceutical litigation defense, you have come to the right place. Our familiarly with the types of arguments plaintiffs usually make will help us prepare a stronger defense case for you. Please contact us for more information.

Here are some of the pharmaceutical and biological areas in which we have worked:

• Albuterol -- inhaler
• Dental impression material
• Fen-Phen
• Fiberglass casting material
• Infusion pump
• L-Tryptophan
• Transfusion associated AIDS
  

Thimerosal
Thimerosal is a mercury-containing preservative that was used from the 1930s until recently to prevent vaccines from being contaminated. It has primarily been used to prevent contamination of the remaining vaccine in multi-dose containers. Recently, the decision was made to stop using thimerosal due to concerns over possible health effects associated with it.

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that can be harmful to humans when consumed or inhaled in large quantities. Mercury is found in several forms -- metallic, inorganic, and organic. An organic form of mercury known as methylmercury is most dangerous to humans. Thimerosal contains an organic form of mercury known as ethylmercury that converts to an inorganic form once inside the body. The safety of thimerosal is debated. The similarity of symptoms between mercury poisoning and autism has caused some people to wonder if mercury may be a cause of autism. Some parents of autistic children say that there has been a noticeable correlation between the time their children received thimerosal containing vaccines and the time of their autism diagnosis. Although there is no agreement over the safety of thimerosal, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, and the U.S. Public Health Service felt sufficient concern to remove thimerosal from future vaccines.

Toxic Exposure
Exposure to toxic chemicals can have both short and long-term effects. Those most at risk from toxic chemical exposure are those live or work near a facility that manufactures or works with dangerous chemicals. Frequent long-term exposure to benzene, vinyl chloride, and other chemicals has been known to cause cancer and other health ailments. If you or a loved one has been injured because of exposure to toxic chemicals, please contact our firm today.