New Jersey Personal Injury Blog

Children Mistakenly Given Breast Cancer Pills at Chatham CVS

According to NJ.com, over the course of two months, approximately 50 children were given breast cancer treatment medication instead of the fluoride pills they were prescribed. The error occurred at the CVS in Chatham, New Jersey from December 20, 2011 through February 20, 2012. The pharmacy mixed up 20 mg Tamoxifen tablets with 0.5 mg fluoride tablets.

Although both are round, white, and small, they are uniquely stamped. The fluoride pills have “SCI” and “1007” on them, whereas the Tamoxifen pills have “M” and “247.” The exact reason for the mix-up is still under investigation. CVS has contacted each family whose child was given a fluoride prescription within the last 60 days from the Chatham, New Jersey location.

There have not yet been any reported injuries or adverse effects associated with this medication/prescription error. However, Tamoxifen, an estrogen blocker, does pose some dangerous side-effects, including cataracts, strokes, and blood clots. It has been deemed unlikely that any children would experience these serious side-effects, as they don’t usually occur after such short-term use, according to the Director of Drug Information Service at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.

Prescription medications can cause severe illness or injury if contraindicated or taken by people other than to whom they are prescribed. It is a pharmacy’s duty to ensure that the prescription medications are dispensed properly. If negligence on the part of a pharmacy results in injury or illness, it may be held liable.

At Blume Goldfaden, our experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyers are committed to representing people who have sustained significant injuries. If you have suffered a personal injury as the result of another’s negligence, contact us for a no-cost consultation at (973) 635-5400.

DuPont Agrees to Test for Chemicals in Contaminated Pompton Lakes Area

An explosives factory ran by the DuPont Chemical company, which operated for many decades in the Pompton Lakes area of New Jersey, left contaminated groundwater under 400 homes in the 1980’s. According to an article on NorthJersey.com, the cleanup has yet to be completed; however, progress has been made and the company has agreed to test for 61 chemicals in both the indoor air and sub-slabs of residents’ homes. Previously, DuPont had only agreed to test for 10 chemicals in sub-slabs.

An environmental group started by a Pompton Lakes resident, Citizens for a Clean Pompton Lakes (CCPL), began a letter writing campaign to state officials asking for help with regard to the New Jersey toxic exposure tests. On December 1, 2010 good news came to the group from DuPont stating that it would test for all 61 chemicals in both indoor air and sub-slabs underneath houses. However, in a statement from DuPont’s Public Affairs Manager, while the company will test for all 61 chemicals in the sub-slabs, they will only take responsibility for the removal of the original 10 chemicals.

Two years ago, test samples showed the presence of two chemicals in the air released from the contaminated groundwater, one being Tetrachloroethene (PCE), an ingredient found in dry-cleaning solutions, and, the other, Trichloroethene (TCE), a chemical found in scented candles.

Studies of the area have indicated a higher rate of cancer cases. There is no confirmation that the vapors are the direct cause of the types of cancer found in the area at increased rates, but these chemicals are known to cause cancer.

Toxic exposure can dramatically alter a person’s life, oftentimes irreparably. At Blume Goldfaden, our experienced New Jersey personal injury attorneys understand the difficulties that individuals who have suffered illness due to toxic exposure often face. In residential areas, it is possible for multiple family members to be affected. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to ground water, soil or air contamination in New Jersey, call our firm at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation about your possible cases.

Mobile Website Launched by Blume Goldfaden New Jersey Personal Injury Attorneys

The New Jersey personal injury law firm of Blume Goldfaden is proud to announce the debut of our new mobile website http://www.njatty.com/mobile/. We understand the importance of having helpful information available to you while you are on-the-go, which is why our new website can be accessed on Blackberries, iPhones, and other cellular devices with Internet access. Because many of us are not always near a computer when we need it most, it is our hope that those who need valuable resources relating to New Jersey auto accidents, medical malpractice, defective products and other areas of personal injury law right away can easily and quickly obtain the information and assistance they need by going to our new mobile website.

The new mobile Blume Goldfaden website has been designed and formatted to fit the screen of most mobile devices. Visitors also have the option of viewing the full site if they choose to do so. The mobile site provides information about Blume Goldfaden attorneys, successful case verdicts and settlements, personal injury practice areas, and how to contact the firm. For those who need immediate assistance, a simple touch and scroll on the phone’s screen can help you call the firm as soon as possible.

When the unexpected happens, Blume Goldfaden is available to help with your potential injury or accident claim. With a staff of 12 attorneys who are Certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as Civil Trial Attorneys, an in-house physician and 3 registered nurses, we have invaluable resources and understand that time is of the essence when conducting an investigation and gathering evidence. We welcome you to visit our new mobile website and give us a call at 973-635-5400 if you have any questions.

New Jersey Worker Hurt in Industrial Accident

A 51 year old worker from Rockaway, New Jersey suffered a head injury while driving a forklift at his job. According to a news report, the worker was driving a forklift on the back of a trailer. Apparently, the trailer moved, and, the forklift and its driver fell off of the back of the trailer, approximately four feet down to the ground. The man suffered a head injury and required medical attention.

Workplace injuries are often significant, especially when the accident occurs at an industrial or construction site. Head injuries, such as the one suffered in the accident described above, are common and can result in traumatic brain damage with lifelong consequences, including loss of memory, chronic headaches and personality changes. Similarly, severe fractures, other orthopedic injuries and injuries to internal organs can also result in disability, preventing an individual from being able to return to work or their usual occupation.

Following a workplace accident resulting in serious injury, workers and their families can consult with an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer to find out more information about preserving their rights. If you have or a loved one has been injured at work, call the lawyers at Blume Goldfaden at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation and a comprehensive review of your potential claim.

New Jersey Worker Seriously Injured at Loading Dock

A Plainfield, New Jersey resident was recently involved in a workplace tractor trailer accident on Metuchen Road. NJ.com reports that some cargo began to fall off a truck as it pulled away. The 44-year-old New Jersey worker tried to stop the cargo from falling when the truck rolled backwards and pinned him between the truck and the loading dock. He was seriously injured and had to be airlifted to a hospital.

While workplace accidents in New Jersey can happen at any time and at any type of job, the most dangerous places to work tend to be manual labor jobs that involve heavy machinery and those involving high-risk locations including construction sites, loading docks, industrial plants and factories.

If a worker is injured on-the-job, he or she is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, in some cases, workers or their families can also file a third-party claim against those whose negligence and carelessness caused or contributed to the happening of an accident. Regardless of the location or who an injured party might think is responsible, careful review of an accident and its circumstances by an attorney with experience in handling these types of claims will help determine which parties are actually culpable.

The New Jersey workplace accident lawyers of Blume Goldfaden have helped protect the legal rights of workers in hundreds of cases. Call us at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your potential claim.

Small Plane Crash near Essex County Airport Kills Doctor, Two Relatives

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of a small plane crash that killed three people near the Essex County Airport on Monday, July 5. A news report in The Star-Ledger, reported that the pilot was a well known rheumatologist in New York who was attempting to land the plane when she pulled up and crashed into a grassy field near the airport. The two passengers were relatives of the doctor. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) say that it could be months before the cause of the crash is determined, as the plane was not equipped with a flight recorder, also known as a “black box” (now commonly found in cars and trucks as well).

The Cirrus SR22 single-engine plane took off from Plattsburgh, New York, a small city on the edge of Lake Champlain near Canada’s border. Investigators stated that the extent of injuries and damage could have been much worse had it not been for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, resulting in fewer workers to be in the vicinity of the crash.

Air travel has long been considered one of the safest modes of travel in the United States. However, negligent and careless operation of a plane (contrary to safety laws and regulations), poor plane design and maintenance, and/or mechanical failures can all lead to aviation accidents; resulting in catastrophic injury or death. These aviation regulations apply, in varying degrees, to small charter planes, helicopters and other aircraft, as well as to commercial jet liners.

If a plane crash occurs due to negligence, surviving victims or family members of deceased victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, damages and losses.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation accident, contact an experienced New Jersey aviation accident attorney at Blume Goldfaden to help you understand your rights. We have the resources and experience required to comprehensively evaluate your potential claim in this complex field of litigation. Call us at (973) 635-5400 for a no-cost consultation.

CPSC Warns of Fireworks Injuries During Fourth of July

A new study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reveals that fireworks-related incidents were responsible for two deaths in 2009 and approximately 9,000 emergency room visits for injuries. According to the CPSC, in the combined 30 days prior and subsequent to July 4, 2009, approximately 6,000 people were injured by fireworks, with half of the injuries specifically related to firecrackers, bottle rockets, and sparklers.

Consumers under the age of 20 are the most likely to be injured by fireworks; however, the risk of serious injury or death exists for anyone within close proximity to fireworks or other pyrotechnics.
Fireworks related injuries and hazards are known to include:

• Burns
• Lacerations
• Loss of limb, sight and hearing
• Residential fires
• Wrongful death

Parental supervision is integral to the proper use of legal fireworks (in states where such use is permitted by law). One should never allow young children to set-off or “play” with fireworks. Fireworks should never be pointed at or thrown toward another individual, and viewing public must be kept a safe distance away from pyrotechnic displays put on both privately and by municipalities.

For more information and safety tips with regard to how you can help prevent serious injuries related to fireworks, please refer to the CPSC’s website.

The New Jersey personal injury attorneys at Blume Goldfaden cannot overstress the importance of consumer safety during the Independence Day holiday season and throughout the summer. Remember: New Jersey State law (N.J.S.A. 21:3-1 et seq.) prohibits the use of all fireworks and explosives without a permit. For more information, click here.

New Jersey Train Accident Seriously Injures Woman

A New Jersey Transit train hit a Mercedes Benz sedan and left the driver seriously injured, according to an Associated Press news report in April of 2010. The train was heading toward Hoboken, New Jersey. The driver was trying to cross the tracks when her car was hit. The female driver was the only person in her vehicle and was hospitalized with serious injuries. Investigators are still trying to determine the cause of the crash. According to the news report, the particular railroad crossing where this accident occurred does have crossing gates.

Federal Highway Association statistics note that in 2007, there were 299 deaths and 817 injuries at public highway-rail crossings in America Typically, governmental, municipal entities and transportation companies are responsible for providing safe railroad crossings, with properly functioning gates, lights, and warning systems. Shortcomings in these safety systems create the potential for an accident.

While it is not presently clear what may have caused this particular New Jersey train accident, it is almost always true that injuries sustained in these types of incidents are quite severe. The New Jersey injury lawyers at Blume Goldfaden can help you secure proper compensation for your physical injuries and related losses as a result of a New Jersey train accident. Call us today at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation and a comprehensive evaluation of your potential claim.

Drug Company Found Liable In Breast Cancer Trial

An Alabama woman was awarded $9.45 million in damages after a jury decided that Wyeth’s (now Pfizer’s) hormone replacement drug, Prempro, caused her breast cancer. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the woman was awarded $6 million in punitive damages and $3.25 million in compensatory damages. The plaintiff was taking Prempro when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the most recent numbers available show that in 2005 alone, 186,467 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 41,116 women died of the disease.

In 2002, a study linked Prempro to breast cancer. Now, Pfizer is facing more than 8,000 Prempro lawsuits nationwide.

In this case, the jury agreed that Prempro caused the woman’s breast cancer. The drug maker may appeal the jury’s decision. However, the case sheds light on the potential risks and dangerous side effects associated with the drug Prempro and other hormone replacement therapies.

Prempro is a combination of Premarin (estrogen) and Provera (progestin). Six million women took the medication to treat symptoms and conditions associated with menopause.

Getting ill because of a medication which is supposed to make you healthier can be confusing. The consequences of taking poorly tested or improperly prescribed medications can be quite significant, or, deadly.

If you or a loved one has taken Prempro or some other hormone replacement therapy or medication, and, have suffered dangerous side effects, the New Jersey injury attorneys at Blume Goldfaden may be able to help. We can provide a no-cost consultation to determine if you have a viable personal injury, medical malpractice, or, pharmaceutical product claim. Call us at 973-635-5400.

New Jersey SUV Rollover Accident Causes Serious Injuries

A New Jersey driver sustained serious injuries in an SUV rollover accident after he lost control of his 2006 Jeep Wrangler. Mycentraljersey.com reports that the SUV skidded off the road after it hit a patch of ice, and, rolled over. The driver was airlifted to an area hospital where he underwent surgery. Officials are investigating the cause of the accident which took place along Route 9 South in Old Bridge, New Jersey.

Driving in icy conditions can be extremely dangerous and requires skill and experience; it is important to make sure you stay well within, if not under the speed limit, and, to maintain a safe distance between you and other vehicles. In this particular case, it is not clear what caused the rollover accident. However, after any rollover accident, it is important to examine whether a vehicle defect, or, mechanical malfunction in the vehicle may have caused, or, contributed to the loss of control of the vehicle.

Several studies have found that SUVs in general have the propensity to roll over because of their higher center of gravity, and, narrower track width. In addition, product defects such as a weak roof may contribute to injuries sustained in rollover accidents (roof crush). Roof crush in SUV rollover accidents can cause severe injuries, such as traumatic brain trauma/injury, and, spinal cord injuries. When an SUV overturns during a crash, a weak roof can collapse under the stress/weight, increasing the risk of major injury to the vehicle’s occupants. In addition, seatback and seatbelt defects can contribute to one sustaining more severe injuries in SUV rollover accidents.

If you or, someone you love has been seriously hurt in an SUV rollover accident caused by a defective automotive product, or, a vehicle defect, contact Blume Goldfaden to discuss your case with a skilled New Jersey auto defect lawyer. Call us at 973-635-5400 for a no-cost consultation of your potential auto products liability claim.