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Heater Cooler Lawsuits

Lawyers are currently investigating lawsuits that have been filed against the manufacturers of the Stockert 3T heater-cooler. They allege that the devices are defective and unreasonably safe. The Stockert 3T is a heater-cooler device that is used to cool a patient’s body temperature and blood during open-heart surgery.

The Stockert 3T device involves using a temperature-control tank. If the water is contaminated, then bacteria can spread. This bacteria can enter the person’s chest, which can cause an infection. Every year, 250,000 people undergo open-heart surgery. The Stockert 3T is used during 60 percent of these procedures.

STOCKERT 3T INFECTION CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT

STOCKERT 3T INFECTION CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT

It can be difficult to treat non-tuberculosis mycobacteria, or NTM, infections. That is why they have a 50 percent mortality rate. However, it can take up to four years for a person to develop an infection after being exposed to the bacteria.

Why Should I FIle a Lawsuit?

The FDA has stated that the Stockert 3T is linked to many of the infections that occur after open-heart surgery. It can be expensive to treat this condition. Air filters are designed to capture the bacteria. However, many air filters are not able to do this.

Real Life Stories

Karen Austin and Phillip Lamar West

Karen Austin and Phillip Lamar West live in South Carolina. They both underwent open-heart surgery in 2016. However, Phillip’s surgeon used the Stockert 3T. He developed a rash and swelling after surgery. He went to the doctor and found out that he had the NTM infection. He was in and out the hospital for months.

Rebecca and Vincent Karst

Rebecca sued LiveNova, which is one of the manufacturers of Stockert 3T, after her husband developed the NTM infection six months after having open-heart surgery. The infection is being treated with medication, but Vincent is experiencing side effects due to the medication.

Wendy Woods and David Inners

David Inners underwent open-heart surgery in December 2014. He started to feel sick in May 2015. He developed a fever and suffered from fatigue. The doctors performed tests, but they still could not figure out what was causing the infection. He died in June 2015. The doctors later found out that his death was caused by the NTM infection.

9/11 WTC Cancer Sufferers Exposed to Environmental Toxins

9/11 WTC Cancer Sufferers: You Are Entitled To Treatment

liberty-statue-198887_960_720If you have cancer and have had any connection to Ground Zero, toxins may have entered your system. That connection along with other guidelines could mean that any diagnosed cancer is the result of 9/11. As long as these circumstances exist, you may not need a medical opinion or medical records from a physician who is treating you to verify your claim.

The Zadroga Act of 2010 understands that people living with cancer have had issues with connecting their diagnoses with the events of 9/11 at the World Trade Center (WTC). Our records show that more than 3,700 responders and survivors of the WTC assault had the unfortunate, life-altering circumstance of receiving some form of cancer:

  • Bladder cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Colon cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Leukemia
  • Lung cancer
  • Lymphoma
  • Myeloma
  • Oropharynx cancer
  • Non-melanoma skin cancers
  • Prostate cancer
  • Rectal cancer
  • Skin melanoma
  • Thyroid cancer

We regret to inform you that at least one survivor of 9/11, diagnosed with mesothelioma, has passed away. Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related condition that can lie dormant 10 to 50 years. Since asbestos is commonly known to have a direct link to lung cancer and mesothelioma, we can use information like this to consider the health conditions of 9/11 survivors and responders.

Health officials and scientists came together at Ground Zero, losing no time in testing the air that surrounded the area. They feared what dangers lurked for those breathing in this air. Testing revealed that the dust settling in after the ordeal contained:

  • Asbestos
  • Calcium carbonate
  • Cement
  • Glass fibers
  • Gypsum
  • Lead
  • Other metal particles

Other life-threatening risks may still exist for many of those involved at Ground Zero. The continuation of serious conditions, such as cancer, will keep developing. Please, if you are a survivor or a responder of 9/11 and you have concerns regarding your health, medical treatment, and possible compensation, do not hesitate to speak with an attorney who specializes in the impact of 9/11; that attorney will make sure you receive the care and compensation you so deserve.

All who are WTC 9/11 victims, find out if you are entitled to compensation from the 9/11 victims compensation fund.

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Hawkes in Landmark Clean Water Lawsuit

supreme-court-building-1209701_960_720A recent Supreme Court decision has made it possible for businesses to challenge the federal government’s Clean Water Act. The recent decision stated that the courts may now review the Army Corps of Engineers determinations about wetlands. In addition, this new ruling hints at the way the courts may lean on upcoming lawsuits about the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule. Currently, there are dozens of environmental nonprofit groups, states and industry groups challenging the Obama administration’s rule.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers V. Hawkes Co., Inc.In the recent case, eight Supreme Court justices decided unanimously that determinations will be open to the court to review. Four of the opinions on the case outlined different reasons why they reached that decision. Justice Anthony Kennedy pointed out that the Clean Water Act might be unconstitutionally vague and would “continue to raise troubling questions” about the government’s power over private property.

In the case, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers versus Hawkes Co., Inc., the eight justices unanimously decided that the determinations should be open to court review, but four offered concurring opinions outlining separate lines of reasoning for reaching that conclusion. This indicates that the WOTUS rule could be heavily scrutinized if any of the current lawsuits reach the Supreme Court. Continue reading

Luxury Condos & Eight Figure Lawsuits over Water Issues

Imagine it: a leak in a multi-million dollar luxury condominium leading to an eight figure civil suit.
firefighters-808901_960_720Once upon a time, residents moved into their condos at 3303 Water Street – spending up to $6 million for the privilege – in Georgetown. Sleek, sophisticated and supposedly flush with modern tech, the building had stunning views of the Potomac and Key Bridge. Amenities included rooftop pool, garage parking, fitness and 24 hour concierge.It went south with the leaks. You do not spend millions and accept the idea there is water where it’s not supposed to be. An investigation of the leaks uncovered improperly installed bathtubs. Looking into that revealed inadequate fireproofing throughout the building.

The condo board attempted to negotiate repairs with the original developer and contractors. The meetings went nowhere so the board filed a lawsuit asking for over $30 million in actual and punitive damages. It would be the beginning of a three year tussle. Millions would be spent, including money lost as the suit scared off intimidated buyers. Continue reading

A Water Company Is Getting Blamed for Rick Snyder’s Actions in Flint Water Lawsuit

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette filed a lawsuit in civil court against an engineering company and a private water business. According to the civil suit, these companies carry the responsibility for the Flint water crisis. Critics of the crisis have pointed out that this lawsuit could be another way that Governor Rick Snyder can avoid taking the blame for the lead-tainted water in Flint.

The Lawsuit Against Veolia

faucet-1581573_960_720Veolia is a private water corporation that was hired by the city of Flint in February of 2015 to test the city’s drinking water quality. At the time, this was a year after the city switched to the Flint River and failed to add corrosion control chemicals to prevent lead pipes from producing lead in the water. The report created by Veolia said that the city’s water was in compliance with federal and state regulations. Furthermore, the report never mentioned the topic of using corrosion control chemicals.

In the lawsuit, the attorneys allege that Veolia encouraged the public health crisis because the lack of recommendations caused lead to leech even worse. The company allegedly committed fraud by making misleading statements to the public about the safety of the water. In addition, the lawsuit alleges that professional negligence was a cause because the company should have known that the water needed to be treated in order to prevent corrosion. Continue reading