New York City Personal Injury Lawyer

FDA Warns of Dangerous Drug Interactions for Clopidogrel (Plavix) Patients

Paul Napoli — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:56:50 GMT

November 17, 2009

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a public health advisory today warning the public of the dangerous drug interaction between clopidogrel (marketed as Plavix) and omeprazole (marketed as Prilosec and Prilosec OTC).

Clopidogrel is an anti-clotting medication prescribed for patients at risk for heart attacks or strokes. It may also cause bleeding in the stomach and medications like omeprazole may be used in combination with clopidogrel to reduce the production of stomach acid and prevent stomach bleeding. The FDA has new data showing that omeprazole, when used in conjunction with clopidogrel, reduces the anti-blood clotting effects by blocking the conversion of clopidogrel into its active form.

The FDA warns patients using clopidogrel to consult with their healthcare provider if they are currently taking or considering taking omeprazole, including Prilosec OTC. Both clopidogrel and omeprazole can provide significant benefits to patients, and patients should always consult with their healthcare professional before starting or stopping any medication. It is very important that patients talk with their healthcare professional about any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs they are taking before starting or while using clopidogrel.

The FDA advised in the agency’s Drug Safety Information for Healthcare Professionals, “The concomitant use of omeprazole and clopidogrel should be avoided because of the effect on clopidogrel's active metabolite levels and anti-clotting activity.”

Patients who use clopidogrel and need a medication to reduce stomach acid can use antacids such as Maalox or Mylanta and most acid reducers, such as Zantac (ranitidine), Pepcid (famotidine), or Axid (nizatidine), because the FDA does not believe that these medicines will interfere with the anti-clotting activity of clopidogrel.

The FDA warned that these other drugs should also be avoided in combination with clopidogrel because they may have a similar interaction include: esomeprazole (Nexium), cimetidine (which is available by prescription Tagamet and OTC as Tagamet HB), fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), voriconazole (VFEND), etravirine (Intelence), felbamate (Felbatol), fluoxetine (Prozac, Serafem, Symbyax), fluvoxamine (Luvox), and ticlopidine (Ticlid).

If you or a loved one has suffered a dangerous drug interaction or harmful side effects of over-the-counter or prescription medication, contact Napoli Bern Ripka, LLP at 888-529-4669 to discuss your options for filing a claim and recovering compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

One Dead, One Injured in Fiery Tractor-Trailer Accident on Route 287 Crash in NJ

Paul Napoli — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:06:24 GMT

November 16, 2009

A crash early Saturday morning between a tractor-trailer and an SUV on Route 287 in Morris County, NJ ended in flames and left one man dead and another injured.

New Jersey State Police say that about 5:40 a.m. Saturday, a 1996 Ford Explorer SUV driven by Kevin V. Moriarty, 56, of Pearl River, NY, was either stopped or moving at low speed with no lights on in the center lane of northbound Route 287.

A tractor-trailer driven by Nelson Griffin, 46, of Bear, DE, swerved to avoid Moriarty’s SUV, but clipped the rear end, sending the SUV into a spin toward the left shoulder. While spinning, the SUV hit the center concrete barrier and ejected Moriarty into the southbound lanes of Route 287.

Griffin’s tractor-trailer hit the center concrete barrier and overturned, landing on the barrier and SUV. The force of the accident propelled both vehicles northward along the barrier, eventually stopping where flames engulfed them.

The Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office pronounced Kevin Moriarty dead at the scene. Montville fire and ambulance transported Nelson Griffin to Morristown Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

Fire departments from Montville, Riverdale, Boonton and Kinnelon responded and helped put out the fire.

State Police closed northbound and southbound Route 287 and detoured traffic onto Routes 23 and 202 while they investigated and cleared the accident scene. They reopened one lane in each direction of Route 287 at 7 a.m. and reopened all lanes at 1:30 p.m.

The New Jersey State Police continue to investigate, and ask witnesses to contact the Netcong barracks at 973-347-1001.

Commercial trucking accidents can occur due to a variety of causes. On roadways occupied mostly by passenger vehicles, commercial trucking accidents can cause very severe property damage, life-threatening injuries and even death. If you are injured or a loved one killed in a trucking accident, you need to contact a personal injury attorney who is experienced in trucking accidents as soon as possible. Visit www.NBRLawFirm.com or call 1-888-529-4669 to discuss your case and find out the best course of action to ensure that you get the medical care you need and the compensation you deserve.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Falling Debris Causes 10 Car Pile-Up on Long Island

Paul Napoli — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:49:47 GMT

November 15, 2009

At about 6 p.m. Saturday, a car on the Wantagh State Parkway struck a guardrail of an overpass, causing a concrete barrier to crumble and debris to rain onto the Southern State Parkway below at exit 27 in Wantagh.

Drivers of vehicles on the Southern State Parkway swerved to avoid the falling debris and collided. New York State Trooper Tammy Mickoliger said about ten cars were involved in the incident, in the pile-up or hit by falling debris.

Police say there are no major injuries and expressed relief that the accident could have been much worse as some of the concrete blocks that fell from the Wantagh State Parkway were estimated to weigh over 500 pounds.

Police closed southbound Wantagh State Parkway and westbound Southern State Parkway at exit 27 to traffic while the scene was cleared Saturday night. The westbound Southern State Parkway is expected to remain closed at least a few days until safe for traffic.

Car accidents can cause irreparable property damage and serious, even fatal, injuries. When you are involved in a car accident with another automobile driver, you may have difficulty in getting the situation resolved using your insurance or filing a claim with the other driver's insurance carrier. When insurance companies will not give you the compensation you deserve for your injuries or the damage to your property, it may become necessary to contact a personal injury lawyer who is experienced in handling car accident cases. Visit www.napolibern.com or call 1-888-529-4669 to discuss your case and find out the best course of action to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Staten Island Teen Struck by Car is in Critical Condition

Paul Napoli — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:47:23 GMT

November 14, 2009

Janine Brawer, 17, a senior at Tottenville High School in Staten Island, is in critical condition after a car struck her as she crossed the street Friday.

According to police, Brawer was crossing Luten Avenue outside of Tottenville High School, at about 11:30 a.m. after early release, when another Tottenville student driving a Nissan Maxima stopped on Luten Avenue to let her cross the street. A third Tottenville student driving a Saturn crashed into the rear of the Nissan and caused it to lurch forward, striking Brawer and pinning her under the car.

Paramedics transported Brawer to Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze, where she underwent surgery was reported to be in critical condition. The accident is under investigation and police filed no charges at this time.

Luten Avenue, a straight stretch of roadway with no stop signs, sometimes doubles as a drag strip according to neighbors and parents.

Tottenville principal John Tuminaro acknowledged that Luten Avenue is a safety concern. It has a posted speed limit of 30 miles per hour, only one crosswalk in front of the school and no stop signs or speed bumps. He said past requests for speed bumps were denied because of buses that use the road to pick up and drop off students.

School safety officers are positioned outside the school during the afternoon dismissal, but Tuminaro said school safety officers were changing command and not on the street at the time of early dismissal, which is considered a “light dismissal,” or a smaller release of upperclassman.

If you, a family member or someone you know, have been the victim of a pedestrian vs. motor vehicle accident, contact us today to discuss your case and find out the best course of action to take to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. The attorneys at Napoli Bern Ripka LLP are experienced in handling motor vehicle accident cases and can help you negotiate with the insurance carrier or help you to arrange specialized medical care. We can also help you prepare for the possibility of taking your case to court. Call 1-888-529-4669 or visit www.napolibern.com.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Cabot Pays $120,000 for Environmental Violations in PA

Paul Napoli — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:46:20 GMT

November 13, 2009

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Cabot Oil and Gas Corp. have executed a consent order and agreement regarding Susquehanna County water supplies polluted by migrating gas from Cabot’s natural gas drilling operations.

The Pennsylvania DEP began an investigation early this year when numerous residents of the Dimock Township area reported evidence of natural gas in their water supplies. An explosion that blew apart a concrete slab above a water well in a township resident's yard was also reported. DEP inspectors discovered that the well casings on some of Cabot’s natural gas wells were cemented improperly or insufficiently, allowing methane gas to migrate to groundwater.

Under the agreement, Cabot must develop a plan that specifically identifies how the company intends to prove the integrity of the casing and cementing on existing wells and fix defective casing and cementing by March 31. If Cabot fails to fix the defective casing and cementing by the March deadline, the company must plug defective wells or implement another alternative as approved by DEP.

Cabot paid a 120,000 civil penalty for violations of the Oil and Gas Act, the Solid Waste Management Act and the Clean Streams Law.

This past week, Cabot provided an interim solution for all of the homes with affected water supplies and must develop a plan by March 31 to restore or replace those affected water supplies permanently. Cabot must submit information on all parties who have contacted the company about water quantity or quality issues to the DEP.

Several other violations that have been corrected by Cabot were addressed in the consent order. In September 2008, drilling mud leached into a spring near the Black 2H well; in January, 100 gallons of diesel fuel spilled at the Gesford 3 well; in February, 25 to 50 barrels of drilling mud spilled into a ditch and field at the B Severcool 1 well and in March drilling mud leaked into Burdick Creek during a spill at the Gesford 1 well.

In September, the PA DEP also fined Cabot Oil and Gas Corp. $56,650 for three spills of a hazardous water/liquid gel mixture at its Heitsman natural gas well in Dimock Township, Susquehanna County.

These environmental violations happen at a time when New York has proposed new regulations for natural gas drilling. It is a hotly contested issue across New York State at public hearings of the NY Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) environmental review of natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale. At a public hearing in New York City on November 10, many residents and public officials called for a ban on natural gas drilling in New York City's upstate watershed, which supplies drinking water for 9 million people.

A layer of rock 365 million years old called the Marcellus Shale rock formation extends deep underground from Ohio and West Virginia northeast into Pennsylvania and southern New York and is believed to hold a giant natural gas reserve. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking is a drilling process, used by companies such as Cabot, to extract natural gas from the earth in which a mixture of water, sand and chemicals is pumped deep underground to break apart the rock formation and release the gas.

The NY Department of Environmental Conservation has recently extended the public comment period on the report and will hold more public hearings until the review period ends Dec. 31. Comments can also be submitted by mail or online at http://www.dec.ny.gov/energy/46288.html.

Environmental hazards can cause serious illnesses or even death among children and adults living in areas where there is pollution, toxic spillage, chemical seepage, improper waste disposal and other environmental issues. Because the companies that cause these hazards often have excellent attorneys and a lot of money available for fighting claims, it is important that you hire an attorney immediately if you feel that an environmental hazard caused your illness or the illness of a family member. Call Napoli Bern Ripka LLP today at 888-529-4669 to discuss your legal options.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Blue Bonnet Spread Recalled Due To An Undeclared Allergen

Chrissie Cole — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:41:00 GMT

ConAgra Foods, in conjunction with the FDA, announced a voluntary recall of certain 15 oz. tubs of Blue Bonnet Spread due to an undeclared allergen. The recalled product contains whey, which is not listed on the label.

People, who have an allergy or sensitivity to milk, run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if the recalled product is consumed. To this date, there have been no reports of allergic reaction associated with the recall.

The recall affects 1,120 cases of a single lot and has product UPC 27000-00930 on the tub.

The rim of the lid will list the batch code 2247923200 and a "Sell By" date of March 18, 2010.

The company issued an alert through the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) (www.foodallergy.org), in an effort to notify potentially affected consumers.

Consumers may return the recalled product to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call 866-518-4177 or visit www.bluebonnet.com

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Chrissie Cole

Cement Truck Crashes into Chinatown Retail Store, 8 Injured

Paul Napoli — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:02:50 GMT

November 12, 2009

Around 1 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, a cement truck crashed into a wireless retail store at 145 Canal Street in Chinatown, injuring eight people.

The accident occurred shortly after the cement truck exited the Manhattan Bridge onto Canal Street, on its way to the Bowery. It severely damaged six other vehicles parked along Canal Street before plowing into the building. Firefighters used a winch on the back of a FDNY rescue truck to pull the disabled cement truck from the retail storefront. The cause of the accident is undetermined.

Four people injured in the accident were in serious, but stable condition at local hospitals. The four other victims were treated at the scene by emergency personnel and released.

Residents of Chinatown have long contended that this intersection is a hazard because it is often the site of accidents. In 2008, a commercial dump truck, traveling from the Manhattan Bridge, rammed into a bus parked in front of 147 Canal Street, killing a 57-year-old woman and injuring four others, including two police officers.

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and State Senator Daniel Squadron and released a joint statement concerning the accident, “Our heart goes out to the victims of today’s tragic crash on Canal Street and to their families. This incident is another painful reminder of the deep need to improve pedestrian safety and traffic management in Chinatown.”

If you or loved one has been injured or loved one killed in an auto accident, Napoli Bern Ripka LLP has the experience and knowledge needed to handle your auto accident case successfully. Contact us immediately after an auto accident and we will discuss the circumstances of your case and institute a plan of action to help you get compensation for your injuries, property damage or a loved one’s wrongful death. Visit www.napolibern.com or call 1-888-529-4669 to discuss your case and find out the best course of action to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

Napoli Bern Ripka LLP Continues to Investigate The Suitability of Non-Listed REITS

Adam Gana — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:33:25 GMT

Real Estate Investment Trusts (‘REITs’) are corporations that invest primarily in real estate, receive special tax designations and distribute 90% of their income to its shareholders. Investors in non-exchange traded or private REITs, also referred to as Non-Listed REITs, have sustained substantial losses.

For the past several years, investment advisors recommended REITs as a safe investment vehicle for risk adverse investors. Many investment advisors failed to disclose the extreme risks associated with investing in these types of products.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) imposes a duty on brokers to only recommend investments that are suitable to each investor’s individual risk profile and investment objectives. It is well established that before making any recommendation, an advisor must first understand the risks inherent in their proposed recommendation through diligent research and advise the investor of known risks.

Many investors allege that brokers and investment advisors were promoting non-listed REITs to elderly and conservative investors as a source of stable income providing an average return of 5-7%. Investors were never warned of the highly illiquid nature of non-listed REITs despite numerous warnings given to brokers by FINRA emphasizing this risk. Investors were unaware of the exposure to interest rate fluctuations or market risks that they were assuming with such an investment.

In addition, many advisors failed to inform investors of the exorbitant commissions associated with the sale of non-listed REITs.

To learn more about the risks of investing in non-listed REITs and whether you are entitled to be compensation for your losses, please contact Napoli Bern Ripka LLP at 212-267-3700.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Adam Gana

Amputations of Children’s Fingers Prompts Recall of a Million Strollers

Paul Napoli — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:53:48 GMT

November 11, 2009

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Maclaren USA, Inc. have announced a voluntary recall of about one million children’s strollers due to reports of fingertip amputations.

The stroller’s hinge mechanism poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller. Maclaren has received 15 reports of children placing their finger in the stroller’s hinge mechanism, resulting in 12 reports of fingertip amputations in the United States.

A statement on the Maclaren website: Consistent with our unwavering commitment to child safety we are providing U.S. consumers notice of a voluntary recall of all Maclaren umbrella strollers sold in the U.S. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, we are providing free of charge to all affected consumers and retailers a kit to cover the stroller's hinge mechanism, which poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller.

ConsumerReports.org states that although all Maclaren strollers are certified by the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Associations to meet ASTM-International’s voluntary safety standard for strollers, they found a loophole in the standard. The standard addresses scissoring, shearing and pinching, but it only applies to situations where the stroller is in the manufacturer’s recommended use position—meaning unfolded with the hinges locked in place—to prevent injury to the occupant. According to Maclaren, at the time of the incidents, the children were outside the stroller and a parent or caregiver was either opening it or folding it up.

This recall involves all Maclaren single and double umbrella strollers sold at Babies“R”Us, Target and other juvenile product and mass merchandise retailers nationwide from 1999 through November 2009 for between $100 and $360. The word “Maclaren” is printed on the stroller. The affected models included Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, TechnoXLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller. A mass of parents and caregivers responded to the recall, tying up Maclaren’s customer service hotline and crashing the company’s website on Monday. As of Tuesday, the company’s website was up and running again.

Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled strollers and contact Maclaren USA toll-free at (877) 688-2326 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.maclaren.us/recall to receive a free repair kit.

The CPSC is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or by visiting www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx.

Products liability is the branch of law that deals with the liability of parties involved in the manufacturing of a product for any damages caused by the product. Defective products can cause a great deal of property damage or physical injury, even death. If your child has been injured as the result of a defective Maclaren Stroller or other product, you need the services of an experienced attorney who has successfully handled product liability cases. At Napoli Bern Ripka LLP, our attorneys will work with you to begin the process of filing a claim for payment of medical expenses incurred and compensation for the injury. Call 888-529-4669 today.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli

8 People Suffer Carbon Monoxide Poisoning at L.I. Restaurant

Paul Napoli — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:50:58 GMT

November 10, 2009

Nassau County police evacuated Ayhan’s Shish-Kebab Mediterranean Restaurant at 379 S. Oyster Bay Rd. in Plainview Monday night after reports of multiple customers falling unconscious.

Emergency workers transported eight people to area hospitals, Nassau University Medical Center and North Shore University Hospitals in Syosset and Plainview, suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. Three other people sustained carbon monoxide poisoning, but refused medical attention.
The source of the leak was undetermined, but police say the gas in the restaurant was shut off.

This is not the first time illness has been linked to Ayhan’s Shish-Kebab Mediterranean Restaurant. In 2001, the Nassau County Health Department linked a Shigellosis outbreak to five restaurants owned by Ayhan Hassan of Port Washington, including Ayhan’s Shish-Kebab Mediterranean Restaurant in Plainview. More than 600 people complained to the Health Department of symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain.

Shigellosis is an infectious disease caused by a group of bacteria called Shigella and often contracted by eating food contaminated when a food handler fails to wash his or her hands after using the bathroom. Most people infected with Shigella develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps starting a day or two after they are exposed to the bacteria. The diarrhea is often bloody. Shigellosis usually lasts 5 to 7 days, although it may be several months before a person’s bowel habits are entirely normal. A severe infection with high fever may be associated with seizures in children less than 2 years old. Children and elderly people are particularly vulnerable to shigellosis infection.

If you or a family member has suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Napoli Bern Ripka LLP at 888-529-4669, we have the experience and knowledge needed to help you file a personal injury claim and see it through to its resolution. Our experienced attorneys can answer your questions and ease your concerns so that you can concentrate on healing from your injury.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Paul Napoli