If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous drug, defective medical device, or toxic exposure, you may be entitled to compensation through a mass tort lawsuit. Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana represents individuals and families nationwide in complex product liability cases involving pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and environmental hazards. Below, you’ll find current lawsuits we are actively investigating, along with eligibility criteria for each claim.

 

Contact us today

 

ZANTAC AND CANCER LAWSUIT

Zantac (or Ranitidine), a well-known heartburn medication, has been recalled due to its links to causing cancer in humans. If you or a loved one has been a regular user of Zantac or other Ranitidine products, call Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana now. You may have a claim to pursue.

 

Zantac (or Ranitidine)

Zantac (or Ranitidine), when purchased over the counter, is used to treat heartburn related to acid indigestion and sour stomach. Prescription Ranitidine is used to treat and prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers and in the treatment of diseases such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux.

 

NDMA

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) called for the withdrawal of all Ranitidine (Zantac) products on the grounds that they contained high levels of NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine). NDMA is a probable human carcinogen, and is found in foods such as meats, dairy, vegetable, and water. Based on lifetime exposure, ingesting up to 96 nanograms of NDMA per day is considered reasonably safe, however levels of NDMA found in Zantac and other Ranitidine products were found to be at three million nanograms per tablet.

 

Risks from Sustained Use of Zantac

Sustained higher levels of exposure to NDMA can increase cancer risks in humans, including, lung, liver, stomach, small intestine, bladder, kidney, colorectal, esophageal, prostate, pancreatic, thyroid, uterine, leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Recent studies have shown that Zantac contains up to 26,000 times the amount of NDMA that the FDA considers reasonably safe. As a result, if you or a family member consumed Zantac or other products containing Ranitidine over long periods of time (three months or longer) and have now developed cancer, the attorneys at Caldwell Wenzel & Asthana want to speak with you.

 

Compensation for Victims of Cancer caused by Zantac

Dealing with Zantac related cancer not only takes a heavy toll on your body, but the costs associated with cancer treatments can be crushing. This financial devastation is made worse when you or the people caring for you can no longer work for weeks, months or years.

 

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Zantac-related cancer, they may be eligible for compensation, including pain and suffering, reimbursement of medical bills, current and future, reimbursement for lost wages, current and future, and more.

 

However, obtaining compensation for such expenses is no easy task. The manufacturers and distributors of Zantac and other products containing Ranitidine will be reluctant to pay any money to victims. Hiring a lawyer will maximize your chances of making a recovery.

 

 

BIOLOGIC MESH RECALL LAWSUIT

 

Integra Life Sciences Biologic Mesh Recall Lawsuit Criteria

The recall of these products, issued in May 2023, was due to manufacturing issues that failed to remove bacteria and their endotoxins from the collagen-based mesh. The company has received warning letters and FDA deficiencies regarding its Quality Management Systems.

 

Eligibility Criteria

To determine eligibility for a lawsuit related to Integra Life Sciences Biologic Mesh, consider the following criteria:

 

 

• Biologic Mesh Implant Date: The implantation of the biologic mesh must have occurred in 2016 or later.
• Specific Products: We are specifically looking for cases involving SurgiMend, ReVize, PriMatrix, and TissueMend. These products are not limited to hernia repair and may have been used for various indications.
• Serious Infections: Cases involving serious infections requiring hospitalization or resulting in death are of particular interest. Specific infections include sepsis, septic shock, meningitis, pulmonary infection, and implant rejection requiring removal.
• Medical Records: If medical records demonstrate a less severe injury caused by one of the qualifying mesh products and confirm proof of the mesh leading to the injury, the case will be evaluated.

 

TALCUM POWDER LAWSUIT

Talcum powder lawsuits allege that manufacturers neglected to disclose the heightened risks of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma associated with the long-term use of talc-based products for personal hygiene.

 

For over four decades, manufacturers of talcum powder have possessed knowledge of the potential link between their products and ovarian cancer and mesothelioma. Despite this awareness, they failed to adequately warn consumers of the risks associated with the regular use of talc-based powders.

 

Eligibility Criteria

• Duration of Use: Consistent use of talc-containing products such as Johnson’s Baby Powder or Shower to Shower for a minimum of eight years.
• Diagnosis Timeline: Diagnosis of fallopian tube cancer, ovarian cancer, or mesothelioma in 2022 or later.
• Age Requirement: Individuals aged 70 or younger at the time of diagnosis.

 

HERNIA MESH LAWSUIT

If you or a loved one has experienced complications or device failures from a hernia mesh implant, you may be eligible for compensation.

 

Hernia mesh lawsuits allege that these medical devices are defectively designed, leading to serious adverse complications and the need for additional surgeries. The manufacturers have been accused of failing to adequately warn medical providers about these risks.

 

Eligibility Criteria

To determine eligibility for a hernia mesh lawsuit, consider the following criteria:

 

• Initial Implant Date: The initial mesh implantation surgery must have occurred in 2010 or later.
• Revision and/or Explant Case: Individuals who have undergone revision surgery or mesh explantation due to complications are eligible.
• Medical Records: If medical records demonstrate a less severe injury caused by a qualifying mesh product, and there is proof of the mesh leading to the injury, the case will be evaluated.
• Manufacturers: The lawsuits encompass mesh products manufactured by Bard (Davol, Becton Dickinson) and Covidien (Medtronic, Tyco & U.S. Surgical).

 

Complications Associated with Hernia Mesh

Many hernia mesh devices use materials that can shrink, contract, harden, migrate, or fail over time. These complications can lead to nerve damage, bowel damage, and the need for further surgical interventions.

 

KRATOM MASS TORT LAWSUIT

 

Kratom Mass Tort Lawsuit: What You Need to Know

Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is an herbal leaf sourced from tropical trees in Southeast Asia.

 

Widely used for self-treating various conditions, including pain, coughing, diarrhea, anxiety, depression, opioid use disorder, and withdrawal symptoms, Kratom has garnered significant attention from health authorities and the public alike.

 

Usage Statistics: According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older used Kratom in 2021.

 

Side Effects and Risks: While many users report positive effects, clinicians have observed severe adverse reactions in some cases. These include seizures, psychiatric issues, cardiovascular complications, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory issues, and even fatalities associated with Kratom use.

 

FDA Warnings and Regulations: Despite its widespread use, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Kratom for any medical purposes. The agency has cautioned against its use until comprehensive scientific evaluations on safety and efficacy are conducted. Furthermore, the FDA has highlighted the potential risks of abuse and addiction linked to Kratom consumption.

 

In 2014, the FDA issued an import alert on dietary supplements and bulk dietary ingredients containing Kratom. It’s illegal to sell Kratom as a drug, dietary supplement, or food additive for regular consumption in the United States.

 

Legislative Measures: Several states have taken legislative actions regarding Kratom:

 

• Alabama (2016): Classified Kratom as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, akin to heroin and marijuana, effectively banning its sale and use.
• Georgia (2019): Implemented the Kratom Consumer Protection Order, setting quality and safety standards for manufacturers and making it illegal for individuals under 18 to possess or purchase Kratom.
• Texas (2023): Enacted the Kratom Consumer Health and Safety Protection Act, requiring Kratom manufacturers to register their products and provide certificates of analysis from independent laboratories to ensure compliance with the law.

 

Potential for Legal Action: If you’ve experienced adverse effects or harm from Kratom use, you may be eligible to participate in a mass tort lawsuit. Seeking legal guidance can help you understand your rights and options for seeking compensation.

 

HAIR STRAIGHTENERS LAWSUIT

Chemical Hair Straighteners Lawsuit

If you or a loved one has used chemical hair straighteners or relaxers and have been diagnosed with uterine or ovarian cancer, you may be eligible for compensation.

 

A recent study from researchers at the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) suggests a potential link between the use of these hair products and an increased risk of uterine cancer. 

 

The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute on October 17, 2022, raises concerns about the chemical exposure from these products, especially straighteners, which may be absorbed through the scalp, particularly in cases of burns or lesions caused by the products.

 

Eligibility Criteria

To determine eligibility for a lawsuit related to the use of chemical hair straighteners or relaxers, consider the following criteria:

 

• Minimum Usage Duration: Individuals must have consistently used chemical hair straighteners or relaxers for a minimum of 3 years.
• Chemical Ingredients: The hair straightener or relaxer product used must contain Formaldehyde or Phthalates chemicals.
• Diagnosis: Applicants must have been diagnosed with either uterine or ovarian cancer.

 

 

LAWSUIT AGAINST MANUFACTURERS OF OZEMPIC® AND MOUNJARO®

Ozempic Lawsuit – Wegovy Rybelsus Lawsuits – Stomach Injury Settlements

Have you or a loved one suffered from gastroparesis or stomach paralysis after using the weight loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus?

 

You may be entitled to compensation. These medications, intended for type 2 diabetes and obesity treatment, have been linked to serious gastrointestinal complications.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 75 or younger at the time of intake
• Brand Name Use: Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus only (no generics or other GLP-1 RA drugs)
• Diagnosis: Gastroparesis, Stomach Paralysis, or Gastric Obstruction while on the drug or within 30 days of stopping

 

Understanding the Lawsuits

Recent reports and studies have highlighted the risks associated with these GLP-1 receptor agonists. Doctors are reporting cases of gastroparesis/stomach paralysis linked to these weight loss drugs, yet the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, did not adequately warn patients and healthcare providers.

 

Understanding Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus

• These drugs are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) containing the active ingredient semaglutide.
• Ozempic is for type 2 diabetes treatment, while Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss.
• Rybelsus is an oral tablet for type 2 diabetes.

 

About Gastroparesis/Stomach Paralysis

This condition affects stomach emptying, leading to nausea, vomiting, and more. There is no cure, and treatments provide temporary relief.

 

Complications & Risks

 

• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Blood sugar control issues
• Decreased quality of life
• Life-threatening bezoars (solid masses in the stomach)

 

Compensation You Deserve

In a verdict or settlement, you may be eligible for various types of compensation, including:

 

• Medical treatment costs (past and future)
• Lost income (past and future)
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Possible punitive damages

 

SOCIAL MEDIA HARM MASS TORT LAWSUIT

Social Media Harm Mass Tort Lawsuit Criteria

If you or a loved one have suffered harm as a result of social media use, you may be eligible to join the Social Media Harm mass tort lawsuit.

 

Social media platforms facilitate cyberbullying and have been connected to depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicide attempts, and ultimately, suicide. If you meet these criteria and have experienced harm due to social media use, you may be entitled to compensation.

 

Eligibility Criteria

• Social Media Usage: Individuals must have used social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, or Snapchat for more than 3 hours per day.
• Commencement of Usage: Usage of the platforms must have started before the age of 18.
• Age Requirement: Applicants must be 25 years old or younger at the time of intake.
• Suffered Injuries or Conditions: Individuals must have suffered injuries or conditions investigated related to their use of social media platforms. These include:
  • Eating disorders
  • Body dysmorphia
  • Self-harm
  • Suicidal ideation, attempt, or completion
• Injury Onset Age: The injury or condition must have occurred before the age of 21.
• Treatment Received: Applicants must have received treatment or counseling for the injury or condition resulting from social media use.
• Claims on Behalf of a Child or Estate: Claims are brought on behalf of a child or estate. LPR is not accepting parental claims.

 

Disqualifications:

• Pre-existing Mental Illness or Behavior Requiring Treatment: Individuals with a history of mental illness or behavior requiring treatment before social media usage are disqualified.

 

TYLENOL MASS TORT

Acetaminophen and Autism & ADHD

Medicines containing acetaminophen, one of the most widely used painkillers, have been linked to increased risks of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Despite the prevalence of acetaminophen use, especially among pregnant women and infants, manufacturers failed to warn about the potential dangers associated with prenatal and postnatal exposure to the drug.

 

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD or autism and was exposed to acetaminophen before or shortly after birth, you may be entitled to compensation.

 

Understanding the Connection

• Acetaminophen Use Rise: The popularity of acetaminophen surged in the 1980s after the CDC recommended avoiding aspirin during pregnancy and pediatric use due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. This led to the widespread use of acetaminophen, which is found in over 600 products.
• Early Studies Linking Acetaminophen to Autism: One of the initial studies by Schultz et al. in 2008 linked acetaminophen to autism. They found that children treated with acetaminophen after the MMR vaccination had an increased risk of autism compared to those treated with ibuprofen.
• Prenatal Use and ADHD: A 2014 JAMA Pediatrics study found that children born to women who used acetaminophen during pregnancy had a higher likelihood of developing hyperkinetic disorder, being treated with ADHD medications, or showing ADHD-like behaviors by age 7.
• Postnatal Use and Autism: Research published in 2017 suggests that postnatal acetaminophen use could contribute to autism as it may impact the developing brain, especially in infants and young children.
• Cord Blood Studies: A study in 2019 analyzing cord blood samples found that children with higher levels of acetaminophen in their cord blood were nearly three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD and more than 3.5 times more likely to have autism.

 

Manufacturer Negligence

• Manufacturers ignored evidence of the increased risks of ASD and ADHD linked to acetaminophen.
• They continued marketing the drug to pregnant women without warning of potential risks to their children.
• Pharmacies sold acetaminophen-containing products without adequate warnings about the dangers associated with prenatal and postnatal exposure.

 

Potential Effects on Children

• Children exposed to acetaminophen may have a higher risk of developing ADHD or autism.
• Some studies suggest that children with ASD may not process acetaminophen as effectively, leading to potential brain injury.
• While autism and ADHD have distinct characteristics, they both affect brain development and the central nervous system, impacting behavior, social skills, and learning abilities.

 

 

PFAS FIREFIGHTING FOAM LAWSUIT

 

PFAS Firefighting Foam Mass Tort

Firefighting foam, crucial for fire suppression, contains PFAS (Per and Polyfluorinated Substances), chemicals known for their resistance to heat, stains, and water.

 

AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) containing PFAS has been relied upon by airports, military bases, and fire departments across the US to combat liquid fuel fires, leading to widespread PFAS contamination.

 

Eligibility Criteria

• Exposure: Direct exposure or residence in areas where PFAS-containing firefighting foam has been used.
• Health Implications: Diagnosis or symptoms of health issues associated with PFAS exposure, such as cancer, thyroid disease, or developmental problems.
• Environmental Impact: Residing in communities affected by PFAS contamination in water supplies, leading to concerns about health and safety.

 

 

PREMATURE INFANTS AND NEC COMPLICATIONS

Premature Infants and NEC Complications

Have you or a loved one’s premature infant been affected by necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after using Similac or Enfamil infant formulas?

 

These well-known baby formula brands, such as Similac Special Care and Enfamil NeuroPro Enfacare, have been linked to an increased risk of NEC in premature infants, a life-threatening gastrointestinal disorder.

 

Understanding the Lawsuits

The defendants in these NEC lawsuits are the manufacturers, not medical providers or hospitals. These legal actions target:

 

• Abbott Laboratories (Similac)
• Mead Johnson (Enfamil)

 

Eligibility Criteria

If your premature infant:

• Used Similac or Enfamil baby formula
• Was born premature (less than 37 weeks)
• Was born in 2006 or later
• Received a diagnosis of NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis)
• Underwent surgery or diagnosed with serious injuries such as long-term hospitalization, bowel resection, gastrointestinal distress, cerebral palsy, etc.
• Experienced death

 

Understanding NEC and the Risks

NEC is a gastrointestinal disorder that can lead to intestinal necrosis, organ failure, and even death in premature infants. The use of Similac and Enfamil formulas, specifically designed for premature infants, may contribute to the increased risk of developing NEC.

 

Complications & Consequences

• Intestinal necrosis
• Organ failure
• Long-term hospitalization
• Bowel resection
• Gastrointestinal distress
• Cerebral palsy
• Death

 

 

PARAQUAT MASS TORT

Paraquat Mass Tort Lawsuit Criteria

If you have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and have had direct exposure to Paraquat, you may be eligible for compensation through the Paraquat mass tort lawsuit.

 

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicator or Direct Exposure Only: Individuals must have either applied, mixed, or handled Paraquat as an applicator or had direct physical contact (chemical on skin contact) with Paraquat while working on the property where it was being used.
• Minimum Exposure Days: Applicants must have personally applied, mixed, or handled Paraquat and/or had physical (skin) contact with Paraquat for at least 8 lifetime days.
• Exposure Period: Exposure to Paraquat must have occurred post-1964 and before the development of Parkinson’s Disease.
• Minimum Timeframe Between Exposure and Diagnosis: There must be a minimum of 1 year between the first exposure to Paraquat and the onset of Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis or symptoms.
• Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease: Applicants must have a confirmed diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. However, individuals are disqualified if a doctor has linked their Parkinson’s diagnosis to any prescription drug, recreational drugs, traumatic brain injury, or head injury.
• Paraquat Source: Paraquat is not sold at commonly known stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot, Walmart, Target, or similar outlets. Applicants are disqualified if Paraquat was provided at a place where it was purchased.
• License Requirement: A license is required for the direct purchase of Paraquat after 1978. Clients must have had a license if they purchased Paraquat after 1978. If the client did not purchase Paraquat after 1978, they must have worked under someone with a license.

 

Additional Information:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have recognized that occupational exposure to Paraquat, including during the mixing, loading, and application of the herbicide, represents the primary route of exposure to the chemical compound.

 

 

CAMP LEJEUNE WATER CONTAMINATION

Camp Lejeune: Toxic Water Contamination Lawsuit

If you or a loved one lived or worked at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, between 1953 and 1987, and have been diagnosed with cancers or other illnesses linked to toxic water exposure, you may be entitled to compensation.

 

Our law firm specializes in cases where individuals were exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOC) in Camp Lejeune’s water supply, resulting in serious health issues, including cancer.

 

Understanding Camp Lejeune Contamination

Between 1953 and 1985, Camp Lejeune’s water supply systems serving two housing areas were contaminated with industrial chemicals. Nearly 9,000,000 service members were potentially exposed to this harmful water during this period, making it one of the worst cases of water contamination in U.S. history.

 

Affected Camp Lejeune Base Housing Areas:

• Berkeley Manor
• Hadnot Point
• Hospital Point
• Midway Park
• Paradise Point
• Tarawa Terrace
• Watkins Village
• Knox Trailer Park (Frenchman’s Point)

 

Criteria for Potential Lawsuits Related to Camp Lejeune

To qualify for legal action related to Camp Lejeune water contamination, you must meet the following criteria:

 

• Residence or Work History: Worked or resided at Camp Lejeune for 30 days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987.
• Diagnosed Conditions: Diagnosed with one of the following cancers or serious diseases:
• Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
• Bladder cancer
• Brain cancer
• Breast cancer
• Central Nervous System cancer (CNS)
• Cervical cancer
• Colon / Colorectal cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Hodgkins Lymphoma
• Kidney cancer
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Lung cancer
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma
• Ovarian cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• ALS
• Aplastic anemia
• Cardiac birth defect
• Epilepsy
• Female infertility
• Immune disorders
• Kidney damage
• Miscarriage
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Myelodysplastic syndromes
• Parkinson’s disease
• Renal toxicity/disease
• Scleroderma
• Exception for Death Cases: Death cases may be considered if the cause of death is due to specific conditions, including Kidney cancer, Liver cancer, Bladder cancer, Leukemia, Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, or Parkinson’s Disease.

 

VA Disability Claims for Camp Lejeune Veterans

Veterans exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 may qualify for VA disability benefits if diagnosed with certain diseases and conditions. These include birth defects, various cancers, neurobehavioral effects, renal toxicity, and more.

 

 

CPAP RECALL LAWSUIT

Philips Respironics CPAP Recall Lawsuit

If you or a loved one used a Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (Bi-PAP), Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), or mechanical ventilator device manufactured by Philips Respironics and experienced adverse health effects, you may be eligible for compensation.

 

Philips issued a voluntary recall on June 14, 2021, due to potential health risks associated with the polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) sound abatement foam component in their devices.

 

Recalled Devices

The recall affects devices in the first-generation DreamStation product family. Users of these devices may be at risk of inhaling and/or ingesting toxic and possibly carcinogenic substances due to the disintegration or outgassing of the PE-PUR foam component.

 

Eligibility Criteria

To determine eligibility for a lawsuit related to the Philips Respironics CPAP recall, consider the following criteria:

 

• Nonsmoker Status: Individuals must have been nonsmokers during device use. No individuals with 20 or more pack years of smoking history will be considered eligible.
• First Use Date: The device’s first use must have occurred before April 25, 2021.
• Age Limit: Applicants must have been less than 76 years of age at the time of cancer diagnosis.
• Duration of Device Use:
  • Must have used the device for 4 or more years before being diagnosed with one of the following cancers: Oral cavity, Oropharynx, Nasal cavity/sinus, Nasal Nasopharynx, Larynx, Hypopharynx, Salivary, or Lung Cancer.
  • Must have used the device for 1 or more years before being diagnosed with Asthma.
  • Must have used the device for 3 or more years before being diagnosed with COPD, Interstitial Lung Disease, Pneumonitis, Pulmonary Fibrosis, or Sarcoidosis.
• Worsening Cases: If diagnosed with COPD or Pulmonary Fibrosis before the first use of the device, medical records must demonstrate a significant decrease in lung function over multiple years following the device’s first use.

 

Free Case Evaluation

Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your options for compensation.