Injury Lawsuit Stemming from Vaccine Controversy to Reach Supreme Court

The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 was instituted to protect vaccine manufacturers from the threat of lawsuits that could make it financially unfeasible for the companies to continue manufacturing the treatments. However, critics of the law argue that it goes too far in shielding the manufacturers and offers little in the way of protections to children who have been adversely impacted by vaccines.

A case debating the merits of the law is currently on its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. It is based on a challenge brought by the parents of a young girl who developed a rare seizure disorder after receiving a standard diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine at six months of age. The girl, who is now an adolescent, requires round-the-clock care and has been rendered unable to care for herself due to profound developmental delays.


The case, which will likely be heard by the Supreme Court later this year, could have significant implications for the ongoing debate over the safety of childhood vaccines.


Have you or a loved one developed problems after receiving medical treatment? If so, we can help you understand your legal options. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Popular Acne Drug at Center of Injury Lawsuit

Accutane is one of the most widely used prescription drugs for skin problems such as acne. However, in recent years, lawsuits have linked the popular drug with a number of serious side effects, including depression, digestive problems, bowel damage, and birth defects.

In one recent case, plaintiff Andrew McCarrell of Birmingham, Alabama was awarded more than $25 million in damages by a New Jersey jury. McCarrell claimed that his long-term use of Accutane resulted in the development of inflammatory bowel disease, a painful digestive condition that had significantly diminished his quality of life. McCarrell underwent five different bouts of surgery to try to improve his condition, and eventually had his entire colon removed.

Roche, the parent company that manufactures Accutane, is facing close to 1,000 lawsuits related to the potentially harmful side effects of the drug.

Have you or a loved one been injured by an unsafe product or device? If so, we can help. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

More Personal Injury Suits Filed Against Makers of Birth Control Pill Yaz

Pharmaceutical giant Bayer is under attack for problems associated with the oral contraceptive known as Yaz or Yasmine.

First, the company received censure from the FDC over unsubstantiated claims and unstated risks in advertising spots for Yaz. Now, the oral contraceptive is at the center of a tidal wave of personal injury lawsuits. One of the most recent of these was filed in Illinois by Kerry Sims, a young woman who claims that the drug caused her to develop a type of lung blood clot known as a pulmonary embolism. Other suits that have been filed have linked Yaz to health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, gallbladder disease, and even death. Many of these suits claims that the informational literature provided by Bayer does not fully explain the risks associated with the product. To date, more than 50 deaths have been attributed to the drug in FDA reports.

Have you or a family member fallen prey to an unsafe drug or medical device? If so, we can help. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Patients Can Now Sue Drug Makers

On March 5, 2009, the U.S. Supreme Court, in a landmark decision, ruled that people who suffered injury as a result of prescription or over the counter medications, approved by the FDA, may now sue the drug manufacturer.

Have you or a family member sustained a injury as a result of an FDA approved medication? Let an experienced personal injury attorney walk you through your legal options. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.