“Manufacturers of pharmaceutical drugs and infusions are required to disclose serious side effects of their products, so patients and their physicians can fully evaluate the benefits versus potential risks of using a new drug on the market. This especially true in a situation, like here, where TED patients who are at risk for potential permanent loss of vision are placed in potential risk of permanent hearing loss,” explains attorney Teresa Curtin.
“Given that visually impaired patients rely on their sense of hearing to function independently in the world and communicate with others, any hearing loss needs to be vigilantly guarded against. The failure of Horizon Therapeutics to properly test and monitor hearing loss prior to Tepezza entering the market needs full investigation.”
She emphasizes, “We are grateful that Tepezza’s label has been updated to more fully report the dangers of hearing loss from use of this drug, but sadly this label update is too late for those patients dealing with serious hearing loss induced by Tepezza, on top of the vision loss caused by TED.”
On July 20, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported an updated warning label guide of Tepezza injections that included severe and possibly irreversible hearing impairment. The FDA approved a revised version of the Tepezza prescribing information guide that warns of potential severe and even permanent hearing loss. The revamped guide suggests medical practitioners monitor patients’ hearing before, during, and following Tepezza infusions. (1)
Tepezza “is used to treat thyroid eye disease (TED)… a disorder in which the immune system causes inflammation and swelling behind the eye.” (2)
Tepezza “is an insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor inhibitor indicated for the treatment of Thyroid Eye Disease.” (3) The treatment is administered once every three weeks, for a total of eight infusions.
Unfortunately, new scientific research suggests that Tepezza has caused some patients to suffer permanent hearing damage or ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
TED is a vision-threatening and progressive autoimmune disease often associated with hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland overproduces hormones.
TED symptoms can prevent your eyelids from closing and cause bulging eyes, double vision, pain, and loss of vision due to damage to the optical nerve. Tepezza infusions are intended to help lessen these symptoms.
Tepezza may cause the following hearing related side effects:
Other common adverse reactions to Tepezza include: (4)
Tepezza may also cause reactions to the infusion itself. Signs and symptoms include temporary increases in blood pressure, as well as feeling hot, having a fast heart rate, labored breathing, and muscular pain. Other possible complications of Tepezza include worsening of preexisting inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and an unwanted immune response. (5)
In two clinical trials conducted prior to the January 2020 FDA approval, the manufacturer reported hearing related side effects in 10% of patients taking Tepezza and that these symptoms “were reversible upon stopping the drug.” (6) In 2021, a study found the rate of hearing symptoms could be as high as 65% with some patients not regaining their hearing at one and six months after treatment. (7)
Researchers of one case series stress the importance of objective testing of patients both before and after taking teprotumumab. They indicate “subjective hearing changes may not accurately reflect objective hearing function.” Their report suggests Tepezza may play a significant role in increasing a patient’s risk of developing “sensorineural hearing loss.” (8)
Studies show use of teprotumumab can lead to chronic sensorineural hearing loss. In some cases, patients reported experiencing the onset of symptoms of hearing impairment after just three infusions. Even several months after discontinuing treatment, some patients experienced no improvement in their hearing. (9)
Researchers advise, “It is imperative to counsel patients on the risk of potentially irreversible sensorineural hearing loss prior to the initiation of teprotumumab.” Because of the potential for serious complications, researchers suggest you work with a team of doctors, including ophthalmologists, otolaryngologists, audiologists, and endocrinologists. Researchers also recommend examining patient hearing before treatment, as well as following treatment, with Tepezza. (10)
Medical professionals should be “vigilant monitoring for the development of hearing loss.” Infusions may have a cumulative effect. “Otolaryngologists and endocrinologists should collaborate so that patients receive pretreatment hearing tests, monitoring, and education … on otologic symptoms.” (11)
Other research results “demonstrate a much higher percentage of teprotumumab-treated TED patients with new otologic symptoms than previously reported (81.5% vs 10%). Symptoms ranged from mild (the sensation of ear popping once per week) to significant declines in word recognition resulting in a change from serviceable to nonserviceable hearing.” (12)
Researchers recommend providers consider a patient’s “history of hearing loss symptoms prior to initiating therapy. We recommend offering baseline audiometric and PET testing to all patients … with repeat testing should symptoms develop, and posttreatment testing if symptoms persist. Speech testing and speech in noise testing may be of particular importance … because of possible synaptopathy induced by teprotumumab.” (13)
Doctors should consider discontinuing treatment if patients meet “ASHA ototoxicity criteria.” Doctors should also look out “for any hearing loss that is worrisome.” (14)
In one study, most “TED patients treated with teprotumumab experienced otologic symptoms. Importantly, less than half of patients with subjective hearing loss experienced symptom resolution at mean follow-up of 39.2 weeks.” Doctors should “identify risk factors, and create guidelines for screening, monitoring, and management of auditory side effects in teprotumumab-treated patients.” (15)
In fact, “Teprotumumab may cause a spectrum of potentially irreversible hearing loss ranging from mild to severe.” Researchers recommend medical professionals “adopt a surveillance protocol to include an audiogram and tympanometry before, during and after infusion, and when prompted by new symptoms of hearing dysfunction.” (16)
Teprotumumab “may cause a range of hearing changes.” Researchers recommend “a screening protocol to include an audiogram and tympanometry testing before, during, and after the infusion cycle, as well as routine symptom elicitation during the course of the infusion, to identify early hearing changes and prompt important therapeutic discussions with patients.” (17)
Lawsuits filed against Horizon Therapeutics as the manufacturer of Tepezza allege that the label on the drug did not sufficiently warn patients or doctors about the potential risk for hearing loss, nor did the Horizon Therapeutics warn how hearing issues could be permanent for those taking the eye drug. The use of Tepezza is linked to hearing loss and tinnitus, a ringing in the ears. Multiple lawsuits claim that patients were not warned Tepezza could cause significant, permanent, hearing damage, including deafness and tinnitus. (18)
Weitz & Luxenberg is pursuing lawsuits against the manufacturer. Our lawsuits, on your behalf, can become part of the multidistrict litigation (MDL). These lawsuits claim Horizon Therapeutics, Inc. failed to adequately test the product to ensure its safety and warn patients about the risks of ear injury and permanent hearing damage.
In addition, lawsuits claim the company misled both patients and doctors about the potential risk of hearing loss and other adverse hearing related events. Horizon Therapeutics said possible damage could be reversed.
Lawsuits say the manufacturer downplayed the risk that taking Tepezza could result in irreversible hearing loss. And now people — like you — are living with permanent hearing damage.
Were you or a loved one prescribed Tepezza for treatment of your thyroid eye disease (TED)? Have you received at least two infusions by a medical facility intravenously?
You can file a Tepezza lawsuit if you received a teprotumumab or Tepezza infusion and suffered irreversible hearing loss or tinnitus as a result.
If so, Weitz & Luxenberg attorneys can let you know what legal options are available.
Already, multiple lawsuits have been filed against Horizon Therapeutics. Many of these lawsuits are on behalf of people who are in a similar situation to yours. You took a medicine to help with your vision problems. Now, that medicine has caused you to have hearing problems, as well.
Sadly, many people have experienced irreversible hearing loss or tinnitus that has not gone away. The damage seems to be permanent. The tragedy is that prompt medical treatment or discontinuance of Tepezza might have counteracted the hearing damage if proper medical monitoring had been included.
Now you are facing a loss in two of your senses — sight and hearing — instead of just one. We invite anyone who has experienced tinnitus or significant hearing loss after taking Tepezza to contact us. You may be able to join our litigation.
W&L attorneys are known for our efforts in representing thousands of clients across the country and securing just and appropriate compensation on their behalf. We help people who have sustained serious injuries due to the negligence of others.
The lawyers at Weitz & Luxenberg are prepared to help you. We are recognized nationally as a highly regarded law firm, having success in defective drug and device cases.
Our knowledgeable lawyers help evaluate your case. Then we can take the legal actions necessary to secure the best possible outcome for you. We have a solid, long-running track record for winning cases.
Researchers discovered that water systems supplying Marine Corps Base Camp were contaminated with toxic chemicals. Some of them are known to cause cancer and other illnesses. These dangerous chemicals include trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. (1)
TCE is a “colorless, volatile liquid” that is used as an industrial solvent. (2) Studies have strongly indicated a causal link to scleroderma through exposure to TCE. (3)
Research has also associated vinyl chloride with scleroderma-like skin changes. (4) Vinyl chloride is “a volatile compound used almost exclusively by the plastics industry to produce polyvinyl chloride (PVC)” according to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). (5)
At Camp Lejeune, exposure to these chemicals came primarily through drinking, cooking with, or bathing in contaminated water supplied to the base. It was supplied by two water systems — Hadnot Point and Tarawa Terrace — and was present in two more. (6) In many cases, this exposure was repeated over long periods of time.
“Scleroderma is an autoimmune connective tissue and rheumatic disease that causes inflammation in the skin and other areas of the body,” according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). (7) NIAM goes on to explain, with scleroderma, “Too much collagen in your skin and other tissues causes patches of tight, hard skin.” (8)
There are two main types of scleroderma:
Scleroderma “is more common in women and most often develops around age 30 to 50. Systemic scleroderma can affect almost any organ in the body, and there is a large variability of symptoms among affected individuals,” according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). (11)
Scientific evidence indicates exposure to toxins can lead to scleroderma. An assessment found evidence of autoimmune-related effects of trichloroethylene exposure. It focused on the synthesis of data among multiple studies. The researchers concluded, “The consistency among the studies and the concordance between the studies in mice and humans support an etiologic role of TCE in autoimmune disease.” (12)
Yet another study agreed, stating their results “provide evidence that occupational solvent exposure may be associated with an increased risk of SSc.” (13)
Finally, a Review of Veterans Administration Clinical Guidance for Health Conditions Related to Camp Lejeune Legislation acknowledged, “a variety of occupational and environmental exposures have been associated with its [scleroderma] development, including exposure to silica, vinyl chloride… Scleroderma has also been reported with exposure to organic solvents and epoxy resins.” (14) (15)
Your first step should be to seek medical attention in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis. A written medical diagnosis is vital in supporting your legal claims.
Next, you want to contact an attorney to seek justice and compensation. Your attorney evaluates your claim to see if you may qualify to file a successful lawsuit.
A new law, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, makes it possible for victims of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to file lawsuits against the U.S. federal government. These claims seek monetary compensation for serious health issues related to exposure to the toxic chemicals in the water.
To be eligible, you must meet the criteria: (16) (17)
You may also qualify to make a claim if you suffer adverse health effects because your mother lived or worked at Camp Lejeune while she was pregnant with you.
Once your attorney determines your eligibility to file a lawsuit, your attorney helps you explore your legal options.
The key to your lawsuit often depends on your choice of an attorney, making this decision extremely important. You want to be sure your attorney is up to the task.
Here are some things to look for:
W&L has been representing a wide range of clients — including veterans and their families — for almost 40 years. We are a nationally recognized leader in environmental personal injury litigation.
Our attorneys are compassionate and knowledgeable. They work tenaciously on behalf of our clients to obtain justice and the best possible outcomes to their cases.
We have a long track record of winning cases. We see our clients through their legal fight, from start to finish. And, we feel honored to represent those who have suffered so much — through carelessness, negligence, or indifference.
We have held government agencies and large corporations responsible for the harm they have done to ordinary people who could not defend themselves.
Our attorneys have many successful large water contamination case results. We have fought many legal battles on behalf of people who were made sick from toxic chemicals in their water.
Here is a sampling of our successes on behalf of clients:
Contaminants have been found in water systems that supplied Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina decades ago. These toxic chemicals have caused numerous adverse health effects, including cervical cancer. (1)
During their daily lives, individuals on this base used contaminated water repeatedly, usually over long periods of time. People unknowingly drank the toxic water. They washed their fruits and vegetables in it and then cooked with it. People also washed clothes and bathed in it. All the time not knowing the water could make them sick. (2)
Cancers, including cervical cancer, can result from exposure to substances that directly damage DNA. (3) With cervical cancer, women may not even be aware they are sick because some may not experience any symptoms. (4)
Cancer is often explained simply as the result of cells growing out of control. (5) This cell growth is due to damage that has been done at a much deeper level. In some cases, “changes to certain genes…alter the way our cells function,” says the National Cancer Institute (NCI). (6) In cervical cancer, the DNA of genes in the cells of the cervix are where these changes occur.
The chemicals found in the water at Camp Lejeune included trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. (7)
TCE and PCE are industrial solvents used to degrease machinery. (8) (9)
Repeated or long-term exposure to high doses of TCE, PCE, or both — as in the case for many people at Camp Lejeune — can lead to cervical cancer. (13)
Even more disturbing is that exposure to TCE or PCE can have a very damaging effect on pregnant women and babies. Studies show adverse health effects from early exposure to these chemicals on unborn babies. These effects can continue to impact those babies later in life.
One study of civilian employees exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune concluded there was an increased risk of death from certain cancers. Another health study on pregnant women exposed to toxic water at the base indicated serious adverse health effects on fetuses and infants. (14) (15)
An unrelated study looked at prenatal and early life exposures to toxic drinking water from a different water contamination incident. The study found, “individuals with early-life PCE exposure had an elevated risk of cancer, particularly cervical cancer,” reports Boston University’s School of Public Health. (16)
Many women who lived or worked on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune were exposed to toxic chemicals present on base, causing them to develop cervical cancer.
Additionally, women who were exposed during their mother’s pregnancy are also eligible to file cases. In some instances, the families of women who died from this illness are forced to file the lawsuits themselves.
Cervical cancer is just one of the harmful health conditions caused by the toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune. Although compensation for this exposure is the focus of many lawsuits filed on behalf of women across the U.S., there are other cancers recognized as being caused by the contaminated water.
These cases are being reviewed and litigated now. As of June 2023, no awards or judgements have been made in connection with the Camp Lejeune water contamination.
Don’t wait to discuss your claim with an attorney. There is a narrow window of opportunity for filing a claim, and that window is closing soon. Exercising your right to file a claim is vital to seeking any compensation you deserve.
If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer, after suffering exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, you can file a lawsuit.
This is due to a new law, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, as part of the Honoring our PACT Act. It allows victims of water contamination at Camp Lejeune to file claims against the U.S. government in order to seek compensation for medical expenses, as well as your pain and suffering. (17)
People eligible to file claims must meet these criteria. You or your loved one must have: (18)
The same rules apply if you suffer from cervical cancer because your mother was exposed on base while she was pregnant with you.
If you were exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune and are suffering from serious side effects — like cervical cancer — you should obtain legal services as soon as possible.
You should work with attorneys who are knowledgeable, experienced, and compassionate, and who have handled complex litigations against large organizations and government agencies. They should also be able to demonstrate a favorable track-record in outcomes for their clients.
W&L has exactly this type of legal profile. We are experienced in toxic tort personal injury litigations. As a firm, we’ve spent nearly 40 years representing veterans, their families, and countless other clients. Today, our firm is a recognized leader in environmental litigation.
W&L attorneys are dedicated to the fight for justice on behalf of our clients. Our attorneys are there to see your case through, from start to finish, with the right measure of compassion and tenacity.
We have a long history of successful outcomes for our clients. Here are a few examples of our results on their behalf:
Water supplied by and to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune was found to be contaminated with several hazardous chemicals: trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride. (1)
Exposure to these chemicals is linked to a variety of serious adverse health effects, including MM. In particular, evidence for exposure to TCE and benzene is considered to have a “causal relationship” with the disease. (2)
One study looking at the relationship between MM and occupational exposure to six chlorinated solvents found, “Increasing duration and cumulative exposure to TCE were associated with significantly increasing risk of MM…Increasing cumulative exposure to PCE was also associated with increasing MM risk.” (3)
The U.S. federal government passed new legislation, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 (part of the Honoring our PACT Act), to help people exposed to the water on the base seek compensation for their injuries. (4)
This legislation helps people who served in the military or worked on base, and their families — between August 1953 and December 1987 — and suffered from illness due to their toxic water exposure. The PACT Act makes it possible for you to file suit against the U.S. federal government in order to gain compensation for your pain and suffering. (5)
The government has identified multiple myeloma as one of the injuries where sufficient evidence exists to support a causal connection to the chemicals present at Camp Lejeune.
These chemicals are chlorine solvents. They are used in industry to clean the metal parts of machines, as degreasers. The chemicals are also found in paint thinners, lacquers, and pesticides. (6)
These toxic chemicals were introduced into the water supplying the military base from a local dry cleaning business, fuel storage tanks, chemical waste sites, and military and industrial production areas. (7)
Victims of the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune were exposed to the toxic chemicals repeatedly, and over a significant period of time. They cooked with the contaminated water, drank it, bathed in it, and washed clothes in it. Years later, many developed serious adverse health effects, like MM.
“Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells,” according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). (8)
Plasma cells are found in your bone marrow (the soft tissue inside your bones). . Plasma is made up of several types of cells, including white blood cells, that make up part of your immune system to fight diseases and infections. (9)
One of the primary kinds of white blood cells found in plasma are B cells. “When B cells respond to an infection, they mature and change into plasma cells. Plasma cells make the antibodies (also called immunoglobulins) that help the body attack and kill germs,” explains the ACS. The organization continues, “when plasma cells become cancerous and grow out of control, this is called multiple myeloma.” (10)
How can you tell if you have this disease? MM sufferers may or may not experience symptoms. However, here are some of the signs and symptoms associated with multiple myeloma: (11)
The first thing you should do if you have MM is to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. It is important to do this, so you can get any medical treatment that might be necessary. Your health needs to be addressed before you proceed with considering any legal action.
This medical information also can help support any legal claims you make regarding your exposure to toxic chemicals in the water at Camp Lejeune.
Your next step should be to contact an attorney to evaluate your case. Your attorney advises you of your legal options.
Filing a lawsuit is one way to seek justice and compensation for the harm you and your family have suffered.
The new PACT Act allows people affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune — who have suffered from severe illnesses — to pursue legal claims against the U.S. government for medical expenses and compensation.
If you want the best chances of winning your lawsuit, you need an attorney who is experienced in handling your type of legal case. This includes attorneys who are experienced in large scale litigation and have won water contamination cases for people who were made sick by toxic chemicals.
Many law firms don’t have attorneys with this experience — and the necessary legal and financial resources — to sue the U.S. government. W&L attorneys do. And their experience can help you have a successful case.
W&L has a long history of representing the interests of veterans and their families, as well as communities affected by environmental pollution. We proudly fight for those who cannot defend themselves against unconscionable misconduct and negligence.
W&L is a nationally recognized leader in this area of law. Our teams of attorneys are experienced in handling complex environmental and personal injury cases.
W&L’s winning record demonstrates our commitment to our clients. We are determined to get you the justice you deserve.
These are just some of our notable cases:
Not all chemical additives in our food supply are disclosed to either government regulators or consumers. (2) A loophole in U.S. law regulating food additives allows some chemicals to be exempted from the regulatory process. For example, “common food ingredients like vinegar and vegetable oil that are ‘generally recognized as safe’ (GRAS)” do not have to be disclosed. (3)
A report critical of this practice notes, “that exemption has been stretched into a loophole that has swallowed the law. The exemption allows manufacturers to make safety determinations that the uses of their newest chemicals in food are safe without notifying the FDA.” (4)
A food additive is “any substance added to food,” according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA “maintains a list of over 3000 ingredients in its data base.” However, the actual numbers of food additives may be much higher — upwards of 10,000. (5)
The legal definition of a food additive “includes any substance used in the production, processing, treatment, packaging, transportation or storage of food,” the FDA goes on to explain. (6)
Such a broad definition is meant to encompass the enormous scope of the problem.
The complexities presented by food additives leads to the question: Why do chemicals need to be added to food in the first place?
More than 2,500 chemicals are added to food to “modify” color, cost, flavor, stability, or texture. (7) One study notes, “an estimated 12,000 substances are used in such a way that they may unintentionally enter the food supply.” (8)
Food additives vary and are used for many reasons: (9) (10)
Known additives are not the only problem. Indirect or unintentional additives can also pose serious health consequences.
Indirect food additives usually move from food packaging to the food itself. One research study on migrating substances says, “food contact materials (including adhesives, dyes, coatings, paper, paperboard, plastic, and other polymers)” (16) may be indirect additives to foods.
Another study notes, “food contact materials and articles are a relevant exposure pathway for known hazardous substances… both intentionally and non-intentionally added.” (17)
Yet another study points out, “Effects of chemical contaminants in food are associated with acute episodes with a single exposure…or chronic due to repeated long-term exposure.” (18)
The same study warns, “the health effects caused by chemicals in foods such as aflatoxin, causing liver cancer, or lead, causing kidney cancer, may not be observable until years after exposure.” (19)
Have you suffered injury from undisclosed chemicals in your food? Seek justice for your health. Contact us now!
Get a Free Case ReviewChemical additives in foods should always be disclosed, so you can make informed choices to protect your health. No one can protect themselves from exposure to harmful substances if you do not even know those substances are present.
Also, while many chemical additives may be safe for most consumers, this does not hold true for everyone. For example, if you have an allergy, you may experience a life-threatening reaction if exposed to a chemical in a food product.
Contaminants and food additives enter our food supply from the environment, through food processing, and by migration. (20)
Environmental contaminants may be introduced by humans or occur naturally. These contaminants often exist in air, water, or soil. (21)
Environmental contaminants may consist of heavy metals such as: (22) (23)
Additionally, naturally occurring environmental contaminants may be: (24)
Food processing contamination can occur during heating, baking, roasting, canning, fermentation, or hydrolysis. Migration results when harmful substances transfer from packaging materials to food products. (25)
Chemicals may also enter the food supply through animal feed and injections given to livestock or poultry. Or even from pesticides sprayed on crops. (26)
No matter the type or source, chemicals in our food supply can have serious health consequences for humans. Among these are:
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) “are a group of manufactured chemicals.” (31). This group includes perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
PFOS and PFOA are among the more common chemicals found in all kinds of products on the market, especially food and its packaging. These chemicals are so widely used that most people have them in their blood already. (32)
PFAS have caused birth defects, delayed development, and newborn deaths in lab animals. In humans, PFOS and PFOA have been linked to: (33)
Have you or a loved one been affected by undisclosed chemicals in food? Contact us to learn your legal rights.
Get a Free Case ReviewSome chemicals are especially harmful to children. (34) The American Academy of Pediatrics warns, “Children are smaller, so their ‘dose’ of any given chemical ends up being higher. They put their hands in their mouths more than adults do, so they are likely to ingest more. Their bodies are still developing, so they can be more at risk of harm — and they are young, so the chemicals have more time to do more damage.” (35)
Among the health effects affecting children associated with exposure to specific chemicals in food are: (36)
Adverse health effects due to exposure to chemicals through your food should not be taken lightly. This is especially true if those chemicals were undisclosed.
You should discuss your case with an attorney. Your best legal option is probably to file a lawsuit. You want to hire a law firm with knowledge and experience in the complexities of consumer protection.
W&L is a national firm with a full legal team of Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection attorneys. We know the law and hold companies responsible for products and practices causing you harm.
We have gone up against some of the giants of industry. We believe manufacturers have a duty to inform you about what substances are in their products — and to ensure those products are safe.
Our legal record demonstrates our dedication and commitment; we consistently obtain just outcomes for our clients.
Here are a couple of our successful cases:
A recreational vehicle (RV) is not a clearly defined category. It includes vehicles used for camping such as motor homes, camper vans, fifth wheels, and toy haulers. (1)
RVs have been growing in popularity. As of 2023, “8.9 million people own an RV in the United States, with 30 million being considered RV enthusiasts.” (2)
Using an RV is not just for retirees. Senior citizens only make up 10% of RV users. The popularity of RVs among those aged 21 to 35 has increased over the last few years. In 2023, “38% of RV drivers are millennials.” (3)
RV accidents can happen often, so pay attention to some common causes of these accidents.
Various RV accidents occur for a variety of reasons, including driver error, equipment failure, and road conditions.
Driver error. This is a fundamental concern in any serious RV accident. Just as with other vehicle accidents, when drivers forget to signal, speed — or get distracted or fatigued — serious accidents can result.
Equipment failure. This also can play a significant role in RV accidents. For example, in campers with slide-out systems to expand rooms using electrical switches. These rooms have been known to spontaneously retract, resulting in asphyxiation by crushing occupants.
Road conditions. If a road is not properly marked or maintained, it can cause an RV accident. Weather, too, is an important factor. For example, storms and wind can create hazardous conditions for the RV. This type of vehicle is often not best suited to these conditions. “A lightweight, tall, flat-sided vehicle can really take a hit from side winds in particular.” (4)
Remember, while “RVs have about 1/3 the fatality rate of all other vehicles, suggesting that they are safer,” this does not mean fatalities cannot and do not occur, or injuries are any less serious. (5)
The lower fatality rate may be explained by the fact RVs are driven more slowly than other vehicles, and they are higher off of the ground. (6)
If you or a loved one have been injured in a RV accident, contact us today for a free case review.
Get a Free Case ReviewHere are some specifics of the common causes of accident involving RVs: (7)
No matter the cause, RV accidents can result in serious injuries and fatalities. Common RV accident injuries include: (8)
Information about the frequency and severity of these types of RV accidents can help you understand the importance of seeking legal assistance.
Here are some sobering RV accident statistics: (9)
These statistics make it clear why filing a lawsuit may be the best way to obtain justice and compensation after a serious RV accident injury.
Turn your RV accident setback into a comeback. Contact us today to understand your legal rights.
Get a Free Case ReviewA key consideration in filing an RV accident lawsuit is selecting the right attorney to represent you. Here, hiring someone with experience in personal injury lawsuits is advisable.
After nearly 40 years of practicing personal injury law, Weitz & Luxenberg has an entire personal injury team focused on the needs of our clients. Our team is dedicated to your best interests.
W&L has experienced attorneys who know the law and understand the New York legal process. We guide you through every step of the process, with both compassion and an appreciation for your unique situation.
First, a W&L attorney evaluates your claim to determine if you should file a lawsuit. Once W&L has determined your options, W&L team members investigate and gather evidence regarding your claim.
We then file the legal paperwork for your lawsuit. Additionally, W&L prepares to represent you in court or negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
Anyone who has been seriously injured in an RV accident, and did nothing to have caused the accident, can have us file a lawsuit on their behalf. Depending upon the circumstances of the accident, the RV driver, a passenger, or a victim can file a lawsuit. This includes victims of the accident who were in other vehicles involved — or even pedestrians.
The goal of your RV accident lawsuit often means you want to get awarded monetary compensation and damages.
If successful in an RV accident case, you may receive monetary damages for:
The amount of money you recover depends, in part, on how badly injured you were by the RV and the circumstances causing your injury.
W&L has a winning track record in personal injury cases. Here are some of our wins:
In one year, “an estimated 12,900 people suffered fireworks-related injuries,” according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) acting chair. That year was 2017. (2)
The statistics were still not encouraging five years later. In 2021, firework accidents killed 9 people and injured 11,500, according to the CPSC. (3)
Life-threatening injuries can result from a number of different types of firework accidents. Among the most damaging types are fires and burns.
“Fireworks started an estimated 12,264 fires in 2021, including 2,082 structure fires, 316 vehicle fires, and 9,866 outside and other fires. These fires caused 29 civilian injuries and $59 million in direct property damage,” according to the National Fire Protection Association. (4)
Yet fires are not the only type of firework accident. “In 2021, the parts of the body most often injured by fireworks were hands and fingers (an estimated 31 percent of injuries) along with head, face, and ears (an estimated 21 percent),” indicates the CPSC. (5)
“About 32 percent of the emergency department-treated fireworks-related injuries in 2021 were for burns,” says the CPSC. (6)
Not surprisingly, the majority of injuries — 74% — occur around the July 4th holiday. (8) And 36% of those injured are children (9)
The causes of these firework accidents vary. Among the most prominent causes of firework accidents are: (10) (11)
The CPSC notes non-compliant fireworks violations “consisted of fuse violations, presence of prohibited chemicals, and pyrotechnic materials overload.” The CPSC explains how roughly 32% of tested fireworks are found to be non-compliant. (12)
Mechanism malfunction can cause injury or death. In 2021, one person’s death was “associated with a mortar launch malfunction,” according to the CPSC. (13)
However, the most prominent cause of firework accidents is misuse. For example, in one accident report, a woman was “sitting on a lawn chair at a park when she noticed a group standing nearby. She heard a member of the group shout “Oh man I kicked it over” … and a firework landed on her lap and exploded… [her] dress and underwear caught on fire, severely burning her inner thighs and part of her genital area.” She needed skin grafting surgery and also experiences numbness in the area. (14)
If you or a loved one have been injured by fireworks, contact us today for a free case review.
Get a Free Case ReviewResponsibility for a firework accident is a complex question. Determining who is at fault could be key to the outcome of a lawsuit.
In some cases, responsibility may rest with the manufacturer or seller of the fireworks. For example, a defective product or a lack of warning labels on the packaging might mean they are liable.
Generally, the cause of your accident may be some clear violation of the law.
Most consumer fireworks are prohibited in New York. However, “New York State Law allows for the sale and use of a specific category of consumer fireworks known as Sparkling Devices,” states the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES). (15)
The DHSES goes on to say, “Sparkling Devices are ground based or handheld devices that produce a shower of colored sparks and or a colored flame, audible crackling or whistling noise and smoke. The law limits the type, size and construction of Sparkling Devices and requires that these devices must be handheld or mounted on a base or spike and be limited in sizes that range from 1 to 500 grams of pyrotechnic composition.” (16)
Still, alarming statistics apply to all types of fireworks, including handheld sparkling devices. For example, 2021 estimates included 1,500 firecracker injuries and 1,100 sparklers injuries treated in emergency departments nationwide. (17)
Firework accidents lawsuits are often negligence cases resulting in personal injury. Bringing a successful lawsuit usually involves proving the negligence.
A successful outcome in such cases requires the plaintiff (you) to show the court the defendant (party you are suing) owed you a duty of care, and the defendant breached this duty. (18)
Negligence is defined as the obligation to act “with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances.” (19)
For example, a city may be negligent if its staff members are shooting off fireworks in a crowd, but do not put up any warning notices or barriers to prevent people from getting too close to where the fireworks are being launched. Or if at a company’s event, the organizer shoots fireworks up in the air but they go directly towards you.
In these cases, both groups are not exercising a basic standard of care.
Additionally, you must also show the court you suffered injury and the defendant’s breach caused your injuries. (20) In the first case, the city may be liable if the fireworks seriously burn you. In the second, it may be the manufacturer of the fireworks is liable if the device goes in the wrong direction and you get blinded from sparks from the device flying into your eye.
Injured by fireworks? Contact us today to understand your legal rights.
Get a Free Case ReviewIf you are near anyone using fireworks, it is critical to determine whether or not using those fireworks is legal. This is perhaps the most important safety tip since it can prevent many injuries. It is also important for the person using the fireworks to read all warnings and follow all instructions on the packaging. (21)
If you have suffered serious injuries in a fireworks accident, you want to speak with an attorney as soon as possible and consider filing a lawsuit.
Your attorney evaluates your case and helps you file your lawsuit. Attorneys can investigate your claims, gather evidence, and either represent you in court or negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
Even if you signed a liability waiver in connection with a fireworks accident, you may still be able to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries.
A liability waiver is a legal document you sign acknowledging your awareness of the risks involved in a given activity you expect to participate in. Its purpose is to remove legal liability from the party sponsoring or organizing an event. In New York, such waivers may not apply to fireworks cases.
New York General Obligations Law (Section 5-326) voids agreements exempting some recreational establishments from liability. Establishments such as gyms, pools, and public amusement parks can still be held liable. (24)
Enforceability is a key factor in liability agreements. If a liability waiver was signed by a minor, contained unclear language, or was signed when you paid to participate in a recreational activity, it may not be enforceable.
Money you may receive for injuries in a negligence case are known as compensatory damages. These damages include:
To obtain the best outcome for your case, you want to carefully select your attorney.
You need an attorney who is compassionate and skilled. Your attorney should have experience with a range of personal injury and negligence cases. Likewise, you can be more confident if your attorney has a track record of success.
W&L has this type of negligence and personal injury team. For nearly 40 years, our attorneys have been helping clients achieve favorable settlements and verdicts. Some of our successes include:
Those present at Camp Lejeune may have been exposed to water contaminated with toxic chemicals repeatedly for months, or even years, at a time. At Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, one “source of the contamination was the waste disposal practices at ABC One-Hour Cleaners, an off-base dry cleaning firm,” according to a government agency. (1) Other areas of contamination included waste disposal facilities, fuel storage and processing, and several industrial sites.
Testing of the water at Camp Lejeune found it to be contaminated with several toxic chemicals. These included trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene (PCE), vinyl chloride, and benzene. (2)
Scientific evidence exists to suggest TCE and benzene have a causative relationship with leukemia in people exposed. Of these chemicals, benzene had the stronger causative link. (3)
A TCE toxicology report noted water at Camp Lejeune was found to be “heavily contaminated with trichloroethylene and other chlorinated solvents.” (4)
The TCE maximum average monthly contamination level at one of the base’s water treatment sites was estimated to be 783 parts per billion (ppb), with a high estimated at 1,400 ppb. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has noted an increased risk of cancer at levels above 5 ppb. Benzene was also detected, but at lower levels. (5) (6)
Leukemias are blood cancers. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) notes there are different types, “Leukemia is a broad term for cancers of the blood cells.” NCI continues, “The type of leukemia depends on the type of blood cell that becomes cancer and whether it grows quickly or slowly.” (7)
WebMD explains, “Leukemia typically starts in your blood and bone marrow. You make so many white blood cells that you can’t fight infections. Your marrow can’t make enough of other vital blood cells: red blood cells and platelets.” (8)
One form of acute (fast growing) leukemia is especially concerning.
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a form of fast-growing leukemia affecting myeloid cells. These cells develop into red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In AML, these myeloid cells become abnormal. (9)
DNA in your genes controls how your cells function. “Cancers (including AML) can be caused by mutations (changes) that turn on oncogenes or turn off tumor suppressor genes,” according to the American Cancer Society. Oncogenes are “Genes that help cells grow, divide, or stay alive.” (10)
The American Cancer Society lists exposure to chemicals — benzene in particular— as a risk factor for AML. (11) Additionally, a study of toxic chemicals and health risk reported benzene exposure was “significantly associated’ with AML. (12)
Even more alarming is the impact of exposure on children. Many children and babies developed leukemia after their parents were exposed to chemicals from the water at Camp Lejeune.
Testing of Camp Lejeune mothers detected TCE in breast milk. The concentration of TCE in breast milk samples reached a maximum level of 6 ppb. This correlates with TCE detected in Camp Lejeune water used for bathing and laundry. (13)
Because children drink, eat, and breathe in proportionately larger quantities than adults, they are more susceptible to a greater level of exposure. (14)
Scientific evidence supports that childhood leukemias could result from exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Several studies have examined the connection between childhood leukemias and exposure to hazardous waste.
A study of children in Massachusetts — where there were “uncontrolled hazardous waste sites”— found a significant concentration of cases in one census tract. Researchers said, “Six of the persons with leukemia were located close to each other in one census tract, 7.5 times the expected number.” (15)
But the hazard risks do not just affect children, they can also affect unborn babies. In utero exposure to several toxins can cause childhood leukemia. According to one commentary on the Massachusetts study, “This fact suggests that prenatal exposures to other carcinogens can cause leukemia.” (16)
Another study noted that higher duration and cumulative exposure to chlorinated solvents, including TCE and PCE, posed greater risk for serious illnesses. (17)
The first thing you should do, if you developed leukemia because of exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, is to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis. You need an accurate diagnosis in order to receive proper medical treatment. Additionally, a written medical diagnosis is essential support for any legal claims you may make.
The next step is to contact an attorney to discuss your claim. A lawsuit could help you obtain compensation for your medical bills, as well as pain and suffering.
Your attorney then reviews your case to ensure you are eligible to file your lawsuit against the U.S. government.
The criteria for eligibility to file a Camp Lejeune leukemia lawsuit is straightforward. Under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022, signed into law by President Biden, you can file a claim for relief if: (18) (19)
You can file a lawsuit if you are a veteran, or family member of a veteran, or someone from the surrounding area who lived or worked on the base.
Regardless of military status or connections, anyone suffering severe side effects from the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune can file a claim. To support your claim, you want to provide as much documentation as possible. This may include:
Your most effective option to seek compensation and justice for your injuries is to file a lawsuit. The successful outcome of your lawsuit could depend on the attorney you hire, so you want to ensure you choose wisely.
Your attorney should be compassionate, knowledgeable, and experienced in both environmental and personal injury litigations. Ideally, your attorney has handled multiple complex legal cases.
Weitz & Luxenberg has nearly 40 years of experience representing veterans and their families, along with a wide range of other clients, in personal injury cases. W&L is a nationally recognized leader in complex litigation against large organizations.
We have a caring team of attorneys dedicated to the fight for justice on behalf of our clients.
Weitz & Luxenberg proudly stands on our record of successful large scale environmental litigations. In these lawsuits, innocent and unsuspecting people, like you, have suffered from toxic chemical exposure.
Veterans and civilian victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination drank the toxic water, cooked with it, bathed in it, and washed clothes in it — and did this repeatedly — for months at a time. Years later they have gotten sick, many with Parkinson’s disease.
“Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. Symptoms start slowly,” according to the Mayo Clinic. (1) There is no cure for this disease.
There is a clear link between Parkinson’s Disease and exposure to the contaminants in the water at Camp Lejeune. (2)
Even the Veterans Administration (VA) has recognized the significant health hazard posed by Camp Lejeune water. The VA said, “there is strong evidence of a causal relationship and evidence that the condition may be caused by exposure to the contaminants.” (3)
Mortality studies of U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune reported elevated risks of Parkinson’s disease among Camp Lejeune civilian workers. It also reported higher death rates from Parkinson’s. (4) (5)
One of the primary contaminants in the Camp Lejeune water was trichloroethylene (TCE). Another was perchloroethylene (PCE). PCE breaks down into TCE. (6) (7)
Contaminant levels in Camp Lejeune water were extremely high. The levels of TCE and PCE in the water at Camp Lejeune far exceeded the amounts considered safe. (8)
Levels of TCE at one base water distribution site reached 1,400 ppb. At another site, PCE levels reached 215 ppb. These water distribution sites served numerous base barracks, as well as family housing. (9)
According to one research study, the connection with toxic chemical exposure in the strongest of terms. Researchers found any exposure to TCE, no matter how slight, could put you at increased risk for Parkinson’s disease. They report, “Ever exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE) was associated with significantly increased risk of PD.” (10)
If you have Parkinson’s disease due to exposure to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune, a lawsuit could help you achieve justice. A Parkinson’s lawsuit can provide you with compensation for your healthcare costs, as well as your pain and suffering.
Camp Lejeune Parkinson’s lawsuits are now being filed. As of April 2023, none of these lawsuits has been resolved. They are ongoing.
New legislation, recently signed into law by President Biden, is known as the PACT Act. This law has made it possible for victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination to sue the U.S. government if you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
You can sue even if you already were turned down for government benefits. Vets and their family members, harmed by exposure to Camp Lejeune toxic water, can now file suit. The deadline is short, so you need to file your lawsuit quickly.
You only need to meet a few criteria to be eligible to file a legal claim. The criteria you need to file a lawsuit includes: (11)
If you are a victim of Camp Lejeune water contamination, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, you want to consider all of your legal options.
One of the most effective legal options for victims of Camp Lejeune water contamination is to file a lawsuit. For this, it is advisable to have an attorney and to plan on providing support or evidence for your claims.
To help support your claims you should provide your attorney with these items:
You should also provide verification of your eligibility to file a Parkinson’s disease lawsuit, such as:
If you are a family member of a veteran, you may need to also provide your:
The success of your lawsuit could hinge upon choosing the right attorney for the job. The right attorney for your case understands the complexities of environmental and personal injury law.
Your attorney should be knowledgeable, experienced, and compassionate. And able to handle large-scale litigations against government agencies.
Weitz & Luxenberg attorneys have exactly this kind of experience. We are a recognized leader in environmental litigations, as well as toxic tort personal injury cases. Our law firm has almost 40 years of experience representing veterans and their families, along with countless other victims.
W&L attorneys consider it a privilege to fight for justice on behalf of our clients. Let us do it for you, if you have suffered toxic chemical exposure resulting in Parkinson’s disease.
W&L takes on government agencies and multimillion dollar corporations on behalf of our clients. Our strong record of success includes these large-scale, environmental litigations:
