Illinois Injury and Mass Tort Lawyer Blog

Published on: November 19, 2024

Two Valisure Studies Find Cancer Risk in Acne Creams and Facewash

hand-washing-4818792_640 Recently, a second study of dozens of acne creams and cleansers, including Clearasil and Proactiv, made with benzoyl peroxide, found that they contain high levels of the carcinogen benzene. An earlier study with the same finding had been criticized for its methodology; however the second study confirming those findings sounds an alarm that federal agencies should pay attention to. Senator Richard Blumenthal has called on the FDA to investigate the carcinogen levels in acne treatments. If you were harmed or believe that you developed cancer due to an acne cream, facewash, or cleanser you should call the seasoned Chicago-based dangerous drug attorneys of Moll Law Group. We represent clients nationwide, and billions have been recovered in lawsuits with which we’ve been involved.

Consult Moll Law Group About Your Acne Cream or Cleanser Lawsuit

A first study of the acne creams and facewashes by Valisure found that high levels of benzene could form in benzoyl peroxide products, but the study had been criticized for testing products that were maintained at the high temperature of 122 degrees Fahrenheit. In March, Valisure had petitioned the FDA to recall those acne creams and cleansers that had large quantities of benzene. The FDA had said it wanted to verify the lab’s claims, and in the summer, a spokesperson stated that the agency was still researching the issue.

In the second study, more than 100 benzoyl peroxide acne creams, face washes and other products were tested. The tested products were those that are available at major stores in six states: California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Texas. Unlike with the earlier study, these products were kept at room temperature. Around one-third of these products contained large quantities of benzene, which is linked to developing cancer. For instance, researchers found that Proactiv included 18 times the amount of benzene that’s allowed in U.S. drugs. And researchers found that a face wash made by CVS had 13 times the levels of the carcinogen that the FDA believes is safe.

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Published on: November 12, 2024

E. Coli Outbreak Causes McDonald’s to Take Quarter Pounder Off Menu

By Moll Law Group

hamburger-2201748_640-e1731427742435 Due to an E.coli outbreak that’s made 50 people in 10 states ill and killed one person, McDonald’s has taken its quarter pounder hamburger off the menu at around 1/5^th of its restaurants in the country. Federal health officials are investigating the outbreak. Within the relevant time frame the fast food restaurant had sold around 1 million quarter pounders. The restaurant believes that more people would have gotten sick had the problem been the patties; it suggested that the onions included in the hamburger might be what’s contaminated. If you were made sick by a McDonald’s quarter pounder, you should call the seasoned Chicago-based product liability lawyers of Moll Law Group. We represent clients nationwide and billions of dollars have been recovered in cases with which we’ve been involved.

Consult Moll Law Group About Your Quarter Pounder Lawsuit

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked the McDonald’s quarter pounder hamburgers to an E. coli outbreak. According to the fast food chain’s North American chief supply officer, the company’s initial look into the problem has yielded the discovery that the onions used in the burger, rather than the meat, may be what’s contaminated with E. coli. The chain restaurant pointed out that its burgers are cooked at 175 degrees. E. coli is killed when food is cooked at 160 degrees, but the slivered onions, which came from one supplier, were not cooked.

To address the finding, McDonald’s has removed slivered onions and quarter pound beef patties from its restaurants in various Western states. The onion supplier, Taylor Farms, told the media that it tests both raw and finished products and didn’t find E. coli. Even so, they removed yellow onions from what was produced at their Colorado facility.

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Published on: November 5, 2024

Harley-Davidson and NHTSA Recall More Than 41,000 Motorcycles

By Moll Law Group

motorcycle-4334549_640-e1730780039330 Harley-Davidson Motor Company and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently recalled specific 2024 FLHX, FLHXSE, FLTRX, FLTRXSE, and FLTRXSTSE motorcycles that it manufactures. The reason for the recall is the discovery that the voltage regulator output wire may rub against the front of the crankcase, which houses the motorcycle engine, revealing the wire. As time passes, this condition can produce an electrical short circuit. When this happens while a motorcycle is moving, it increases the risk of a crash. If you were injured on a Harley-Davidson and suspect that it was because of an electrical short circuit, you should call the experienced Chicago-based product liability lawyers of Moll Law Group. Billions have been recovered in cases around the country with which we’ve been involved.

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You may not be sure that your Harley-Davidson motorcycle is affected. You should check the model number to determine whether it is, and you shouldn’t drive the motorcycle if it is any of these: HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLTRXSTSE 2024, HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLTRX 2024, HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHX 2024, HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLHXSE 2024, and HARLEY-DAVIDSON FLTRXSE 2024. The potential number of Harley-Davidsons affected by this recall is 41,637. If your motorcycle has an electrical short, the result may be loss of electrical and drive power while you’re in motion, and you may find yourself in an accident.

The remedy that’s been offered if your car is affected is to have dealers inspect and repair the voltage regulator output wire harness, as well as install a secondary retention strap. There’s no charge for this fix. Notifications were mailed to owners on September 23, 2024, but you can also called the company’s customer service at 1-800-258-2464 and reference recall number 0186, and you can also notify the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline online or at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).

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Published on: October 29, 2024

Philadelphia jury awards $78 million in Roundup lawsuit

By Moll Law Group

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.

Call Moll Law Group for a Consultation About a Lounger Claim

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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