Illinois Injury and Mass Tort Lawyer Blog

Published on: October 29, 2024

Philadelphia jury awards $78 million in Roundup lawsuit

grass-7697505_640-e1730068694488 Recently, a jury awarded $78 million to a plaintiff who had sued Monsanto arguing that the company’s weed killer, Roundup, was a reason he suffered blood cancer. This was one of a series of verdicts in Roundup litigation. The plaintiff who’d been diagnosed was a 51-year old man who’d used Roundup for around 30 years starting in 1992. In 2020, he’d been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and his lawsuit claimed was due to chemical exposures, and he and his wife sued both Monsanto and parent company Bayer. In the course of the trial, his attorney argued that the company had concealed the potential dangers of Roundup and manipulated evidence for 50 years. The defense attorney argued that treatment for the plaintiff was brief and his cancer was in remission. If you developed cancer and believe it’s due to exposure to Roundup, you should call the seasoned Chicago-based product liability lawyers of Moll Law Group. We represent plaintiffs around the country.

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There are thousands of lawsuits unfolding across the country that are brought by plaintiffs who argue Monsanto’s negligence in failing to provide adequate warnings about Roundup caused their cancer. However juries have reached different verdicts depending on the facts of specific cases. In the past, two juries awarded $175 million and $3.5 million to plaintiffs in this litigation.

Both compensatory and punitive damages have been sought in multiple cases. The latter are damages awarded to punish a defendant and deter future misconduct. Generally, it’s expected to be proportionate to the defendant’s ability to pay, and the plaintiff’s attorney in the recent case that went to verdict requested that jurors return a verdict in “Monsanto dollars.” While $3 million were awarded in compensatory damages, the jury recognized that the punitive and deterrent effects of punitive damages would not be accomplished unless the damages award were matched to Monsanto’s size and awarded $75 million in punitives.

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Published on: October 22, 2024

Brain Tumors Linked to Depo-Provera

By Moll Law Group

injection-4544448_640 The drug company Pfizer manufactures the popular form of contraception Depo-Provera. It’s a contraceptive administered via an injection every three months; it suppresses ovulation and thickens cervical mucus to block sperm’s ability to get to the egg. However, studies have shown that there is a link between increased risk of brain tumors and Depo Provera, and this has resulted in an increased uptick in danger drug lawsuits filed. If you were harmed by Depo-Provera, you should call the seasoned Chicago-based product liability lawyers of Moll Law Group. Billions have been recovered in cases with which we’ve been involved.

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Many patients use hormonal birth control. One of these methods is Depo-Provera, an intramuscular injection of medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic form of progesterone, into a buttock or arm. It impacts reproduction. The chances of getting pregnant are reduced through the alteration of the uterine lining and stop of ovulation. It’s more than 99% effective if it’s routinely given on schedule.

Depo-Provera has been connected to a patient’s increased risk of meningioma, which is a kind of brain tumor. In fact, studies have revealed that long-term use of Depo-Provera markedly ups the chances of developing these kinds of tumors. Specifically, the British Medical Journal has indicated a 5.6-fold increase in risk of intracranial tumors due to Depo-Provera—which can cause brain pressure that requires invasive surgery that carries severe health problems and complications. You may be especially vulnerable if you’ve used Depo-Provera for a lengthy time. The symptoms of meningioma you should look out for include hearing loss, seizures, vision problems, persistent headaches, and weakness. It’s noteworthy that other progestogens like levonorgestrel intrauterine systems and dydrogesterone don’t seem associated with an increased risk.

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Published on: October 15, 2024

BrucePac Recalls Nearly 10 Million Pounds of Meat

By Moll Law Group

meat-6054509_1280-e1729015651480 The United States Department of Agriculture has announced a recall of almost 10 million pounds of meat and poultry produced by BrucePac, which makes pre-cooked meat, due to concerns that it is contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. A routine test found evidence of the listeria on BrucePac’s product and, importantly, when consumed, contaminated meat can result in a listeriosis. This recall impacts many grocery stores around the country, including Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Amazon, Target, Public, and Walmart. If you developed listeria after eating meat, you may have a claim and should call the trustworthy Chicago-based food safety lawyers of Moll Law Group. We represent clients nationwide and billions have been recovered in cases with which we’ve been involved.

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At first, the USDA and BrucePac warned that about 9,986,245 pounds of meat and poultry that were being recalled. These products had gone to distributors, stores, and restaurants around the country. The USDA has since released a 326-page list of the affected food items, brands, and particular retailers. According to the list, the meats are sold not only individually but are also included in various pre-packaged food items, like frozen food and like salads, sandwiches, and wraps, which are the primary preparations that have been impacted. With affected products, you’ll see establishment numbers “51205” or “P-51205” inside or under a USDA mark of inspection.

Some of the stores affected by the recall are Albertson’s, Kroger, Walmart, Publix, Target, Amazon Fresh, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, 7-Eleven, Meijer, H-E-B, Giant Eagle, Save Mart, and Wegmans. Products affected include Rao’s, Fresh Express, Michael Angelo’s, Dole, Atkins, Jenny Craig, Amazon Kitchen, Taylor Farms, Giant Eagle brand, El Monterey, Don Pancho’s, Ready Meals, Kroger brand, H-E-B brand, RaceTrac brand, Raley’s, Home Chef, Meijer brand, Trader Joe’s brand, Wegman’s brand Udi’s, Red’s, Great Value, Gordon Choice, Good & Gather, Michelina’s, Little Salad Bar, Signature Select, Amazon Fresh, Marketside, Whitson’s Culinary Group, and Contessa Premium Foods. If you’ve bought these products but not consumed them yet, the USDA advises not to eat them and either throw them out or return them to where you bought them. Retailers are advised similarly. It’s important to look closely at the labels as the meat may have been processed elsewhere.

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Published on: October 8, 2024

Research Shows that Black Plastic Contains Harmful Flame Retardant

By Moll Law Group

man-5963976_640-e1728404425414 During recycling, according to a recent study, toxic flame retardants used to prevent fires in electronics are getting into the black-colored plastic that’s commonly used in takeout containers, children’s toys, kitchen utensils and grocery meat and produce trays. The most dangerous flame retardants were the ones used in the electronic cases of electronic devices like televisions. These items may be contaminated with worrisome amounts of toxic flame retardants, which have serious adverse health effects. If you or your child was harmed by black-colored plastic, you should call the seasoned Chicago-based product liability attorneys of Moll Law Group about whether you have a viable claim. Billions have been recovered in cases with which we’ve been involved. We represent consumers nationwide.

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The research study, conducted by Toxic-Free and the Amsterdam Institute for Life and Environment at Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, was recently published in the journal Chemosphere. It examined black plastics, but the researchers didn’t specify the brand names of what was tested. However there have been studies in other countries that similarly demonstrated that black plastic was contaminated with flame retardants.

It’s common for people to own electronic devices like gaming systems, TVs, smartphones, computers and tablets that include flame retardants in order to prevent fires. Flame retardants are also used in chairs, car upholstery, yoga mats, and padded baby items, and they can spread into the air and attach to food and water, which might then be consumed, or dust. When these items are put into recycling, they can contaminate other things

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Published on: October 1, 2024

Johnson & Johnson Recalls Sunscreen Due to Presence of Benzene

By Moll Law Group

sunscreen-1461332_1280-e1727805726529 Even at low levels, benzene is a carcinogen and can increase the risk for blood tissue cancers like lymphoma, myeloma, and leukemia. Benzene can’t exist at any safe level in sunscreen, according to experts. Recently, Johnson & Johnson recalled certain Neutrogena and Aveeno products, because it was found that they contained benzene. This is not the first question about benzene in Johnson & Johnson sunscreens; in 2021, the FDA wrote an internal report, a Health Hazard Evaluation, that said that there was danger even when sunscreen contained only low levels of benzene. At that time, Johnson & Johnson sunscreens were among those that contained the carcinogen, and tests had detected levels of benzene that were 5 to 12 times above the recommended limits that two independent organizations had set. If you have been diagnosed with cancer and you used the sunscreens listed below, you may have grounds to bring a product liability lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson. Call the attorneys of Moll Law Group to discuss whether your claim is viable.

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Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. is voluntarily recalling all lots of five of its products after internal testing found low levels of benzene in product samples. The latest Johnson & Johnson sunscreens to be implicated in benzene sunscreen lawsuits are aerosol Aveeno and Neutrogena products. These include Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen, Neutrogena Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen, Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen, Neutrogena Invisible Daily defense aerosol sunscreen, and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer^® aerosol sunscreen. Consumers have been told to stop using these products.

Benzene is a known human carcinogen, a material that can potentially trigger cancer based on how much it’s been used and the consumer’s exposure levels. The substance is everywhere in the environment and can be absorbed via a person’s skin, as well as orally. Benzene isn’t an ingredient in the Johnson & Johnson sunscreens but has been detected in the products, nonetheless. Johnson & Johnson has stated that daily exposure in the specified aerosol sunscreen products in the low levels found in their testing wouldn’t be expected to result in cancer; for their purposes, the lots have been recalled in order to be cautious.

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Published on: September 24, 2024

EWG Tests of Hummus Found High Levels of Glyphosate Weedkiller

By Moll Law Group

hummus-1058000_640-e1725046712859 Alarmingly, the carcinogen glyphosate weedkiller has been found to exist in 60% of beans and lentils samples tested by labs working for the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Hummus and the chickpeas that are used to make it may be contaminated by high degrees of this chemical that makes up the weedkiller. Dry lentils and garbanzo flour were also affected, according to the tests. Monsanto, now Bayer, has sold glyphosate as a weedkiller for decades under the brand name Roundup, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer or IARC as a likely human carcinogen. If you believe you were harmed by hummus (or any of the beans and lentils that were tested), give the seasoned Chicago-based product liability lawyers of Moll Law Group a call. Billions have been recovered in lawsuits with which we’ve been involved.

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EWB commissioned several lab tests and found that 37 conventional, nonorganic chickpea-based samples tested, based a serving of four tablespoons of hummus, came out to be higher than the health-based benchmark that EWG uses for daily consumption. In fact, one sample came out to having almost 15 times as much glyphosate as the benchmark. One of two tests from a sample of conventional dry chickpeas exceeded even the Environmental Protection Agency’s lenient legal standard.

Ten hummus samples went over the benchmark: Sabra Classic Hummus; Sabra Roasted Pine Nut Hummus; two of the Whole Foods Market Original Hummus; Whole Foods Market organic label Original hummus; Cava traditional hummus; and two samples of Harris Teeter Fresh Foods Market Traditional Artisan Hummus.

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Published on: September 17, 2024

CPSC Warns Not to Use Loungers Made by Ningbo Tree Nest Childrens Products

By Moll Law Group

baby-303068_640-e1725046388388 Recently, the Consumer Products and Safety Commission (CPSC) warned consumers, parents, and guardians not to use certain loungers made by Ningbo Tree Nest Children Products because they pose risks of suffocation, fall, and entrapment. The warning pertained to Mamibaby, Yoocaa, DHZJM, Cosy Nation & Hyhuudth loungers. There have been five infant deaths reported. If your baby was injured or killed because of getting entrapped or suffocated or suffering a fall from the lounger, you should discuss the viability from bringing a lawsuit with the experienced Chicago-based product liability lawyers of Moll Law Group. Billions have been recovered in cases with which we’ve been involved.

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It’s important to immediately stop using the loungers Mamibaby, Yoocaa, DHZJM, Cosy Nation & Hyhuudth that were made by Ningbo Tree Nest Children Products. Do not dispose of the product if your baby was injured or killed, as the product itself could be valuable evidence, but put it someplace safe and be sure not to use it. The CPSC has warned that even though these loungers have been advertised as sleep products, they create a dangerous sleep environment, presenting suffocation, entrapment, and falls for infants.

The Mamibaby baby lounger was sold at Walmart.com. There is a Mamibaby tag sewn on the cover for the baby lounger, which should help you identify it. “Sleeping set” tags have also been sewn the lounge covers for this lounger. Meanwhile, Yoocaa baby loungers have been sold on Amazon.com. You can identify these based on the manufacturer label on Yoocaa baby lounger packaging, as well as by the “Sleeping Set” tag that’s sewn on the lounger cover. Similarly, the DHZJM baby lounger, sold on Amazon.com, can be identified by a tag identifying the manufacturer on the lounger and cover. “Sleeping set” will also be sewn on the cover. Both the Hyhuudth and Cosy Nation Baby loungers, also found on Amazon.com, can also be identified according to tags on the lounger and cover.

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Published on: September 10, 2024

Sig Sauer Guns Hanging on Soldiers’ Hips Fire Without Trigger Pull

By Moll Law Group

ammunition-2004236_1280-e1725046127872 There have been a surge of shootings that may be the result of a defect in Sig Sauer P320. These incidents have happened unexpectedly and caused pain and devastation. For instance, a military sergeant was talking to his supervisor, when another soldier tried to get past him. The sergeant and soldier’s gun holsters clanked against each other, and the gun went off—the sergeant’s own gun, a Sig Sauer’s P320, had fired without him pulling a trigger, and a bullet hit him in the ankle, causing serious injuries that required him to undergo six months of rehabilitation and surgery. A number of lawsuits have been filed against Sig Sauer for what plaintiffs believe is a design or manufacturing flaw in which people can be shot without anyone pulling the trigger. If you were injured by a Sig Sauer gun, please call the seasoned Chicago-based product liability lawyers of Moll Law Group. Billions have been recovered in lawsuits with which we’ve been involved, around the country.

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The Sig Sauer P320 is one of the country’s most popular pistols. More than 2.5 million guns have been sold and the manufacturer promises a commitment to safety without compromise. However, it has also been the subject of numerous lawsuits concerning alleged design and manufacturing defects that make it more susceptible to accidentally going off and injuring people, often the owners themselves.

There have 9 separate incidents at United States military bases between September 2020-June 2023. Records that have been obtained indicate that guns alleged fired unintentionally at various United States military bases across the world. Even so, the manufacturer claims this gun isn’t capable of firing without a trigger pull. Likewise the Army denies that the guns had defects, claiming that they were comprehensively tested and worked fine. In fact, the Army adopted this gun as a standard issue sidearm for soldiers, in 2017. Almost 500,000 continue to be in service without restrictions and worn on the hips of military servicemembers.

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Published on: September 3, 2024

Appalling Conditions Associated with the Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak

By Moll Law Group

charcuterie-338498_640 The listeria outbreak arising from Boar’s Head deli meat this past spring has resulted in the deaths of six more people and injuries to more than a dozen more people. Reports are from across 18 states, and it’s suspected that there may be more Boar’s Head injuries and fatalities to come to come. In total, so far, nine people have died, while 57 have needed to be hospitalized as a result of the outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called this the largest listeria outbreak since one that affected cantaloupe in 2011, which caused 30 deaths. As we let you know previously this summer, Boar’s Head recalled Strassburger Brand Liverwurst based on listeria concerns. Later the recall was expanded to 3,600 tons of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products that were sold under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brands. If you suffered injuries due to Boar’s Head deli meats, or a loved one died , you should call the seasoned Chicago-based product liability lawyers of Moll Law Group. Billions have been recovered in lawsuits across the country with which we’ve been involved.

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Listeria bacteria survives refrigeration. It can spread around food, hands, surfaces, and equipment used to handle them. Federal officials have urged consumers to check their refrigerators for products, which may have sell-by dates that run into October of this year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has disclosed appalling conditions at the factory where the affected meat was produced. Insects, mold, mildew, and standing water, all of which make a hospitable environment for listeria, were found throughout the production facility. The method that Boar’s Head used to control for listeria is considered by some knowledgeable officials as the least reliable.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised consumers not to eat any recalled Boar’s Head products and to look into their refrigerators to make sure they don’t have affected products. Consumers are advised to look for “EST.12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels. Some of the products have sell-by dates that last until October 2024. A listeria infection may cause symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, muscle aches, chills, and fever. When an infection spreads to the nervous system, the result may be headache, convulsions, loss of balance, and a stiff neck.

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Published on: August 27, 2024

Study Finds Cadmium and Lead Contamination of Dark Chocolate

By Moll Law Group

dark-2562840_640 A new study has found that dark chocolate and other similar cocoa items are contaminated with cadmium and lead. These metals are neurotoxins and they’ve been linked to developmental issues in children, chronic diseases, and cancer. In a sense, because they are in the soil where crops are grown, these heavy metals are present in many different agricultural products, but some crops are more contaminated because there is excessive use of metal-containing fertilizers or proximity to pollution. Chocolate is grown on land that is less contaminated and where fewer pesticides are used. Yet, the journal Frontiers in Nutrition has found that organic dark chocolate—so often recommended by health magazines for certain beneficial properties—contains some of the highest levels of cadmium and lead. If you believe you or your child was harmed by contaminated dark chocolate, contact the seasoned Chicago-based lawyers of Moll Law Group. Our firm represents consumers around the country.

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The new study evaluated test results for 72 consumer cocoa products, tested by Consumer Labs at various laboratories, over an eight-year-period in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020 to determine their levels of cadmium, lead and arsenic. The new study analyzed six dozen consumer cocoa products for levels of lead, cadmium and arsenic. Levels of arsenic were insignificant.

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