Personal Injury

FDA Vote Leads Bayer to Update Yaz Labeling

Published on: December 12, 2011 | by The Borchardt Law Firm, PLLC

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) continues to express concern about the potential side effects of Yaz birth control. Over the past few years health experts and the FDA have shown an increased apprehension over the once-a-day pill. Yaz, unlike older contraceptive pills, contains drospirenone, an ingredient that may be a leading factor in an increased risk in blood clots. Though all birth controls come with a risk of blood clots, studies have suggested that pills containing drospirenone slightly enhance that risk. Yaz, one of Bayers leading products, was approved in 2006. By 2008 it was the top selling birth control pill in the U.S. Due to its reputation of helping with acne and PMS symptoms millions of women became prescribed to the pill.

By 2009 Bayer’s sales for Yaz quickly began to fall. Several women filed complaints that Yaz was the leading factor in blood clots and that the Bayer did not properly inform their patients of this risk. Since then, sales of Yaz have decreased by almost 80 percent, creating a much higher threat of concern and a significant increase in lawsuits. Today, there is an estimated 4,000-6,000 patients suing Bayer for not being properly informed of the possibly severe side effects of Yaz. Blood clots can cause life threatening problems such as stroke and heart attack. There have also been reported cases of fatal blood clots. If it is a possibility that drospirenone increases the risk of what can be fatal blood clots, Bayer needs to immediately update all of Yaz’s labels to accurately inform their patients.

Though health experts still struggle to find clear evidence that drospirenone is the leading factor in an increase in blood clots the FDA panel of experts voted 21-5 that Bayer did not properly inform their patients of potential side effects. The labeling on each drug is not clearly stated and needs more detail when referring to impending severe side effects such as the increased risk of blood clots.

—–

Drivers Warned About Dangers of Drowsy Driving

Published on: November 14, 2011 | by The Borchardt Law Firm, PLLC

Drowsy driving could be the number one cause of car and truck accidents today. According to CBS News, a recent study done by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, found that 96% of drivers say drowsy driving is unacceptable, however, one-third of those drivers admit to driving while drowsy in the past month. Drivers have continuously been warned about the consequences of driving while intoxicated and driving while distracted, but now, the public needs to add to the warnings about driving while drowsy.

Trucking companies across the nation have updated driving regulations with the intention to prevent drowsy driving, but whether you are driving a semi-truck across the state or a minivan to school, all drivers need to be aware of the dangers of driving drowsy. Know the warning signs to watch for when you’re behind the wheel. (read the full article)

Warning signs for drowsy driving

Trucking and car accidents are far too common on the roads today. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2010 based on reportable crashes, one person was killed every 2 hours and 54 minutes, one person was injured every 2 minutes and 26 seconds, and one reportable crashed occurred every 81 seconds. These statistics are devastating. Don’t let drowsiness, intoxication or any kind of distraction be the cause of an accident. (read full statistics)

—–

Increased Need For Personal Injury Lawyers, What May Be More Dangerous Than Driving While Intoxicated

Published on: October 12, 2011 | by The Borchardt Law Firm, PLLC

The need for personal injury lawyers has significantly increased across Texas, especially due to accidents on the road. Whether it’s DWI accidents, distracted driving accidents or just simple accidents the number of car crashes isn’t decreasing. One interesting study we found shows that driving while drowsy can be just as if not more dangerous than driving while intoxicated, causing thousands of truck and car accidents each year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has compared it to driving with a blood alcohol level at .10, well over the legal limit of .08. Driving while drowsy has proven to be extremely dangerous. NHSTA has estimated that each year close to “100,000 police-reported crashes are the direct results of drivers’ fatigue, resulting in an estimated 1,500 deaths, 71,000 injuries, and $12.5 billion in monetary losses.” So how do you know if you are becoming too drowsy to drive?

Know the warning signs of driving drowsy according to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

• The inability to recall the last few miles traveled
• Having disconnected or wandering thoughts
• Having difficulty focusing or keeping your eyes open
• Feeling as though your head is very heavy
• Drifting out of your driving lane, perhaps driving on the rumble strips
• Yawning repeatedly
• Accidentally tailgating other vehicles
• Missing traffic signs
Enough truck and car accidents happen every year, how can you avoid drowsy driving to prevent more truck and car accidents?

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has conducted a list of what they believe to be the six most important guidelines a driver can follow in hopes to prevent drowsy driving.

• Get a good night’s sleep: The amount needed varies from individual to individual, but sleep experts recommend between 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
• Plan to drive long trips with a companion: Passengers can help look for early warning signs of fatigue, and switching drivers may be helpful. Passengers should stay awake and monitor the driver’s condition.
• Take regular breaks: Schedule regular stops – every 100 miles or 2 hours, even if you don’t feel tired, and more often if you feel like you need it.
• Avoid alcohol and medications: If medications warn that they cause or may cause drowsiness, avoid taking them before driving. If you must take certain prescription medications that cause drowsiness, don’t drive immediately after taking them.
• You should never consume alcohol before driving in the first place, but it is especially important to realize that alcohol interacts with fatigue, increasing sleepiness. If you are already tired, even a small quantity of alcohol may exacerbate your sleepiness and increase your risk of crashing, even if your BAC is well below the legal limit for a DWI conviction.
• Consult your physician or a local sleep disorders center: If you suffer frequent daytime sleepiness, experience difficulty sleeping at night, and/or snore loudly on a regular basis, consult your physician or local sleep disorders center for a diagnosis and treatment.

(Read full article)

—–

Texas Passes Two New Laws In Hopes to Prevent Car Accidents

Published on: October 3, 2011 | by The Borchardt Law Firm, PLLC

Distracted driving has proven to be one of the leading causes in car accidents across the United States, especially among teenagers. These accidents can tragically lead to the injury or death of a loved one. Make sure you and your family are aware about the dangers of distracted driving. Talk to your kids about the serious consequences that can result from these accidents.

On July 15, 2007 five high school cheerleaders in Western New York were killed in a car accident. Police pulled cell phone records which showed the driver had sent and received a text message just 38 seconds before 911 was called by a bystander to report the accident. Tragically, police can only assume that the distraction of texting was the main cause of the accident. Shortly after the accident more and more states began passing laws dealing with cell phone usage while driving. Stay up to date with the current Texas driving prohibitions. (read full story)

Texas Driving Prohibitions

• Ban on all cell phone (handheld and Hands-free) for bus drivers (Primary law)
• Ban on all cell phone (handheld and Hands-free) for novice drivers (Primary law)
• Ban on texting for novice drivers (Primary law)
• Ban on texting for bus drivers (Primary law)
• Texas has banned the use of hand-held phones and texting in school zones
• In Texas: bus driver laws pertain to bus drivers with passengers age 17 and under. Novice drivers are defined as all drivers at the intermediate stage, first 12 months.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “20 percent of injury crashes in 2009 involved reports of distracted driving. The age group with the greatest proportion of distracted drivers was the under-20 age group. And 16 percent of all drivers younger than 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported to have been distracted while driving” (NHTSA).

Texas, trying to prevent more distracted driving car accidents, has enforced two new distracted driving laws. One bans teen drivers from using cell phones and text messaging devices while driving; the other prohibits all drivers from using handheld cell phones in school zones. These laws are now in effect across the state. Though, several Texas cities are taking distracted driving issues into their own hands. Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Amarillo, Galveston, El Paso, Missouri City and Stephenville are among the cities that have passed local distracted driving laws.