Product Liability

Talcum Powder

Talcum powder, such as that found in Johnson & Johnson baby powder, has been a standard household item for over 100 years. On May 2, 2016, a jury in St. Louis, Missouri ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $55 million to a woman from South Dakota, finding that the woman’s ovarian cancer was caused by years of using talcum baby powder. This follows a February 2016 jury verdict, of $72 million to the family of an Alabama woman who also died of ovarian cancer believed to be caused by use of Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder and other talcum products. The lawsuits and a discussion of the associated cancer risks from talcum powder were recently covered by The New York Times’ “Well” blog.

Evidence showed that Johnson & Johnson knew about the risks of using a product that contains talc, but failed to warn consumers.

Talc, a naturally occurring mineral, contains magnesium, silicon, oxygen and hydrogen and is used to absorb moisture. In powdered form, talc absorbs moisture and cuts down on friction, which is why it’s popular for preventing rashes and keeping skin dry.

The attorneys at the Law Offices of James S. Rogers are currently handling cases of individuals that have developed ovarian cancer as a result of talcum powder use.

Bair Hugger

Manufacturing giant 3M’s operating room warming blanket, the “Bair Hugger”, has been linked to serious deep-joint infections. Used in four out of five hospitals, the Bair Hugger’s ubiquity in operating rooms means millions of patients are at risk.

The Law Offices of James S. Rogers has current cases against 3M and Arizant seeking damages on behalf of patients that were permanently injured by the use of the Bair Hugger during orthopedic surgeries.

E-cigarettes

At least 14 individuals in Western Washington have been treated or hospitalized for burns caused by exploding batteries in e-cigarettes, according to The Seattle Times.

The devices are powered by lithium-ion batteries that turn nicotine-laced liquid into vapor that is inhaled. The batteries can overheat and catch fire or explode, causing burns from the flames and chemicals.

A report from the FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products has identified at least 92 reports of e-cigarettes overheating, igniting or exploding between 2009 and September 2015. The study also found that some of these events “resulted in life-threatening injury, permanent disfigurement or disability and major property damage….”

If you or someone you know has been injured by an e-cigarette battery igniting or exploding, please contact our office, and we will review your case and provide a free consultation.

Ride the Ducks

In September of 2015 a horrific accident involving a Ride the Ducks vehicle in Seattle left four people dead and dozens injured. Several of those harmed by the crash, including individuals represented by the Law Offices of James S. Rogers, have filed lawsuits against the tour company and the State, and many more may have a right to seek compensation.

Helmet Design

For those traveling on two wheels, a helmet is often the only barrier between life and death. Bicyclists and motorcyclists put utmost trust in this invaluable piece of equipment — with good reason. The materials and design used in helmets should be held to the strictest safety standards, and the attorneys at the Law Offices of James S. Rogers have experience investigating helmet design cases and enforcing liability standards through multiple cases of helmet wrongful injury and death cases.

Button Batteries

Children who swallow button batteries face a range of potentially devastating health problems and even death. Manufacturers of these products may be held liable for inadequate warning labels and unsafe packaging design.

Medical Devices & Instruments

We put our lives in the hands of those who provide medical care. If the tools they use are defective, the results can be disastrous and even deadly. The attorneys at the Law Offices of James S. Rogers have experience handling cases of harm caused by defective medical devices.

Zofran

Originally developed as an anti-nausea medication for those undergoing chemotherapy, Zofran has been widely prescribed to pregnant women to ease morning sickness. Studies have since linked the drug to birth defects and manufacturer GlaxoSmithKline may be liable for damages. The attorneys at the Law Offices of James S. Rogers have experience representing those whose lives have been affected by irresponsible marketing and selling of unsafe pharmaceuticals.

Hoverboards

The surge in popularity enjoyed by hoverboard manufacturers has accompanied many instances of device malfunction and injury. The attorneys at the Law Offices of James S. Rogers can help consumers pursue claims of property damage and personal injury caused by hoverboard malfunction.