#1 Aftermath of a Horrific Amusement Park AccidentLouisville, KY It is not only a parent's worst nightmare but anyone's worst nightmare??"in this case an Amusement Park Accident at a popular theme park that resulted in a 13-year-old girl having both of her feet severed above the ankle. Kaitlyn Lasitter survived, and doctors were able to re-attach her right foot. But they could not save her left, and Kaitlyn now walks with a prosthesis.
#3 Lisinopril—Hidden DangersLas Vegas, NV Many prescription drugs are as common as aspirin; it's no wonder that many consumers don't read warning labels or consider that a medication could be associated with side effects. Take Lisinopril, for instance. It is one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the US, and it also has the potential to harm a lot of people.
#4 ERISA Lawsuit against the University of Miami Cites Excessive FeesMiami, FL On April 5, the four named plaintiffs in Santiago v. University of Miami asked the Southern District of Florida to certify a class of roughly 16,000 beneficiaries of and participants in the University of Miami Savings Plan. Their ERISA lawsuit alleges that the University breached its duties of loyalty and prudence by permitting the Plan to incur unreasonable and excessive administrative fees by failing to engage in an appropriate process designed to evaluate and monitor administrative expenses.
#5 Seroquel Side Effects for the ElderlyPearblossom, CA Seroquel is a neuroleptic indicated for the treatment of bipolar disorder—and like most drugs carries a host of Seroquel side effects, including diabetes, tardive dyskinesia and even birth defects. However, there is a little-known use for Seroquel off-label that concerned the daughter of one Alzheimer's patient for whom she was caring.
#6 Drivers’ PAGA Claims Survive Postmates’ Arbitration ChallengeSan Francisco, CA On July 20, the California Court of Appeals rejected Postmates Inc.’s argument that the plaintiff drivers must submit their Private Attorney Generals Act (PAGA) claims to arbitration. In Winns v. Postmates, Inc., the couriers alleged that Postmates withheld wages, took tips given intended for couriers and misclassified the them as independent contractors, all in violation of the California labor code. The drivers also brought representative claims under PAGA and sought civil penalties and statutory damages for unpaid wages under Labor Code section 558.
#7 Bayer Essure Settlement a Victory for Thousands of Essure Victims and E-SistersSanta Clara, CA On the ”Essure Problems” Facebook Page, which was started in 2011, Angie Firmalino advises about 44,000 women, called E-sisters, not to discuss their settlement as it comes with a confidentiality agreement that includes “restrictions about discussing your settlement online… discussing your settlement will jeopardize it.” Ms. Firmalino, who started the group, is referring to the $1.6 billion Bayer is paying to thousands of women who said they have suffered severe, long-term health problems from Bayer’s Essure birth control implant.
#8 Lisinopril Also Linked to Kidney Damage?Eau Claire, WI Although Joanne knows that Lisinopril has been linked to liver damage, she can't help but wonder if this ACE inhibitor, which is used to control high blood pressure, could also be associated with kidney problems.
#9 YUM! Brands Recruiter Files ERISA Lawsuit over MisclassificationLos Angeles, CA On July 9, Tim Alders, formerly an Executive Recruiter for YUM Brands Inc. and Taco Bell Corp. filed an ERISA lawsuit alleging that the fast-food conglomerates deprived him of pension and other benefits by deliberately misclassifying him as an independent contractor, rather than an employee. Tim Alders v. YUM, Inc. is neither a standard-issue misclassification lawsuit (many of which are brought by hourly-wage workers, cheated of California wage protections) or a variation of now-familiar ERISA fiduciary breach action. Rather, it is creative combination of the two. The lawsuit makes painfully clear how much long-term contractors (even the well-paid ones) lose when they are paid as casual workers.
#10 Fosamax: Are the Benefits Worth the Risks?Los Angeles, CA Depending on who you ask, the risks of Fosamax side effects are either greater than the benefits or vice versa. Despite research into the link between Fosamax and femur fractures, there is little consensus about whether or not patients should be especially concerned about Fosamax femur fractures or Fosamax osteonecrosis of the jaw.
