Mesothelioma trial attorney Ron C. Eddins received a Super Lawyers rating for Southern California, an honor bestowed upon no more than 5 percent of all the lawyers in the state. Super Lawyers is a rating service that provides information and ratings on lawyers in over 70 practice areas. The multi-phased selection process is accepted by lawyers and bar associations around the country.

?I?m honored and flattered to receive such special recognition from my peers in the Southern California legal community,? said Ron Eddins, founder of Eddins Law Firm.

Super Lawyers, a publication of Thomson Reuters, issues a regular publication that features the list of approved Super Lawyers as well as profiles of selected attorneys. This publication is distributed to attorneys in their specific states or region as well as ABA-accredited law school libraries. To be considered a Super Lawyer, lawyers are first nominated and then must be reviewed through independent research and peer evaluations. The objective is to create a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource for attorneys and consumers searching for legal counsel.

The Super Lawyers selection process involves three basic steps ? creation of the candidate pool via nomination, evaluation of candidates by the research department and peer evaluation by practice area. Eddins received his Super Lawyer rating in the practice areas of Personal Injury Plaintiff: Products, which includes cases of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, and Class Action/Mass Torts.

Receiving the Super Lawyer honor is the most recent accolade that Eddins has received from the organization. In the past, he has received the distinguished Texas Rising Star award for the years 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. Rising Stars are given to up-and-coming attorneys in a particular state who are 40 years old or younger, or who have been practicing for 10 years or less.

Eddins and the other mesothelioma attorneys at Eddins Law firm believe in providing quality legal counsel and trial services to their clients nationwide. The firm handles all aspects of a lawsuit from initial intake to research to litigation and through to appeal, if necessary.

About Eddins Law Firm

Eddins Law Firm, P.C. is one of the country?s most prominent trial law firms experienced in representing victims of mesothelioma from asbestos exposure and other complex legal disputes. We are experienced trial lawyers with extensive resources, seasoned at battling the largest of corporations (Fortune 100) in difficult legal disputes. No matter how large the corporation may be, or the size of its defense legal team, the Eddins Law Firm, P.C. has the resources to try lengthy multiple week trials to verdict. Because of the firm?s successful track record in obtaining large verdicts and settlements, the Eddins Law Firm, P.C. is capable of leveraging significant settlements often early in the litigation process.

To learn more about Eddins Law Firm, P.C., please review our website, http://www.eddinsfirm.com, or contact us at 866-632-7574. We serve clients nationwide from offices located both in Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex at Southlake Town Square, 112 State Street, #200, Southlake Texas and in California, 273 W. 7th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731.

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Between two, and three thousand US citizens will be people will be diagnosed with mesothelioma this year. Of this group of US citizens, of who will be diagnosed with mesothelioma, one third are US Navy Veterans. The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, “Most US citizens have only heard about mesothelioma in the context of a cable TV advertisement, but they really do not know what it is. Mesothelioma is an extremely rare form of cancer, that is caused by exposure to asbestos.” Unlike other forms of cancer, mesothelioma may take thirty, forty, or even fifty years to develop. The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, “If you or loved one is dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis, call us first, we will tell you everything we know, including the names of the best mesothelioma cancer treatment options in your area, the names of the best cancer specialists in your area, and the names of the best mesothelioma attorneys in the nation, along with their specific contacts.” They say, “With one call to us-you really do get nothing but the best, our service is free, and our services are without equal, including our unequalled Mesothelioma Victims Bill of Rights.” For more information a just diagnosed victim of mesothelioma, or their loved ones can call the Mesothelioma Victims Center anytime at 866-714-6466, or they can contact the group via their web site at http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.com.

The Mesothelioma Victim Center’s Bill of Rights includes:

The names and specific contacts for the most successful, and reputable mesothelioma attorneys, or mesothelioma trial lawyers in the United States.
A customized mesothelioma cancer treatment options report, that is designed to identify the best mesothelioma cancer treatment options, in the specific area, region, and nation for the victim of mesothelioma.
The Mesothelioma Victims Center will always be on call to any family dealing with mesothelioma. This includes assisting a family with how to live with mesothelioma, assistance with hospice, or any other need they may have.

The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, “Our unparalleled free services are not strictly limited to US Navy Veterans, who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Our mesothelioma victims service is available to all US citizens.” Aside from US Navy Veterans, other high risk groups for mesothelioma include shipyard, power plant or oil refinery workers, plumbers, electricians, county, or city municipal water district workers, miners, demolition contractors, railroad workers, or auto brake technicians. In all cases exposure to asbestos was the common denominator.” The group says, “Typically the average US mesothelioma victim is between 67, and 80 years old. More often than not mesothelioma is diagnosed three, four, or even five decades after the exposure to asbestos. As an example it is not uncommon for us to talk to Navy Veterans of the Korean War era, or individuals who worked for a defense contractor in the 1950′s, or 1960′s.” Individuals, or families dealing with a mesothelioma diagnosis are encouraged to contact the Mesothelioma Victims Center anytime at 866-714-6466, or they can contact the group via its web site at http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.com.

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The Trial Lawyer Magazine designates the top 100 civil plaintiff and criminal defense attorneys in the United States to the ?America?s Most Influential Trial Lawyers? list. The lawyers being honored ?represent the greatest trial lawyers in the history of our distinguished profession, based on their consistent demonstration of success and professional excellence,? according to the National Trial Lawyers organization. The Trial Lawyer Magazine?s mission is to bring together the top attorneys nationally with attorneys practicing throughout the United States, and ?to foster an open dialogue between the finest trial lawyers in America and its members within the legal profession.?

Placitella, former President of the New Jersey Trial Lawyers Association, has been an active participant in numerous landmark cases, has received numerous awards for his efforts on behalf of victims of environmental and toxic pollution, and is recognized as one of the country?s leading authorities on mesothelioma, asbestos related diseases, and toxic torts.

?By virtue of what trial lawyers do, all trial lawyers are influential in seeking justice and due process.. That being said, I am excited and honored to have been recognized with this honor, ?said Chris Placitella. ?I would like to extend my congratulations to each of the selected attorneys, and to thank the editors and staff at Trial Lawyer Magazine.?

Cohen, Placitella & Roth, P.C. is one of the premier trial law firms in the country, with offices located in Red Bank, New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The firm also maintains affiliate relationships with co-counsel in Bala Cynwyd, PA, Lemoyne, PA, Harrisburg, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, and Washington D.C. The firm has been annually recognized in the 2010 and the 2011/12 U.S. News ? Best Lawyers ?Best Law Firms? survey. Christopher Placitella, Esq. was also named Best Lawyers ?Lawyer of the Year? and has achieved the top 100 list of New Jersey attorneys by Super Lawyers in both Mass Torts and Class Action based on those who received the highest point totals in the New Jersey attorney nomination, research and blue ribbon review process.

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New York parks officials must ensure that residents and workers are not exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers during the demolition of nine buildings on the former Kings Park (N.Y.) Psychiatric Center grounds, New York mesothelioma lawyer Joseph W. Belluck said today.

According to a recent article in the Long Island Times Beacon Record, the state?s parks department has secured $ 15 million in funding for the building demolition and will receive bids from contractors over the next two months. The project could begin in May.

The newspaper reported that seven of the buildings set for demolition have been condemned because they contain asbestos or are unsafe to enter. A state parks official said tanker trucks will be used to wet down the demolished structures in order to prevent the asbestos dust from becoming airborne.

?When asbestos is improperly handled, it can put others at risk of contracting deadly, asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma,? said Belluck, whose New York personal injury law firm represents asbestos exposure victims and their families in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.

?Any contractors hired to carry out this project must have the skill and experience needed to make sure that no workers or nearby residents are exposed to this highly toxic mineral.?

According to Belluck, asbestos contamination is always a concern when older buildings are renovated or demolished. Although asbestos is recognized today as a carcinogen by most authorities, including the Environmental Protection Agency, it was widely used in construction and building materials in the U.S. through the 1970s.

Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, a disease that kills between 2,500 and 3,000 people in the U.S. each year. The most common form of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, arises when asbestos fibers become lodged in the thin tissue that lines the lungs.

Symptoms of the disease, such as shortness of breath and chest pains, may take as many as 10 to 50 years to develop. Once diagnosed, mesothelioma progresses rapidly.

Belluck says it is important for mesothelioma victims to seek legal assistance in addition to medical treatment to learn about their legal options.

?While the top priority for someone diagnosed with mesothelioma should be to receive quality medical care, it is also crucial for victims of asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma to know that they have legal rights,? Belluck said. ?They can pursue an asbestos-exposure lawsuit against the company or agency that exposed them to this toxic substance.?

About Belluck & Fox, LLP

Belluck & Fox, LLP, is a nationally recognized law firm that represents individuals with asbestos and mesothelioma claims, as well as victims of crime, motorcycle crashes, lead paint and other serious injuries. The firm provides personalized and professional representation and has won over $ 400 million in compensation for clients and their families.

Partner Joseph W. Belluck is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine?s ?Best Lawyers in the New York Area? and in Super Lawyers. Mr. Belluck has won numerous cases involving injuries from asbestos, defective medical products, tobacco and lead paint, including a recent asbestos case that settled for more than $ 12 million.

Partner Jordan Fox is a well-known asbestos and mesothelioma attorney who has been named to the Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine?s ?Best Lawyers in the New York Area? and to Super Lawyers. On two separate occasions his verdicts were featured as the National Law Journal?s Largest Verdict of the Year. He recently secured verdicts of $ 32 million and more than $ 19 million on behalf of individuals who had contracted mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.

In September, Belluck & Fox, LLP, won a coveted spot on a list of America’s best law firms, which was published jointly by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers magazine. The listing showcased 8,782 different law firms ranked in one or more of 81 major practice areas.

For more information, contact the firm at (877) 637-6843 or through the online contact form.

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Vomiting and diarrhea, allergies, ear infections; pet parents may think that such commonplace conditions occur fairly frequently for our furry friends. And according to data from No. 1-rated Petplan pet insurance, they?d be right. Those conditions, and others, were among the top 10 health conditions for dogs and cats last year.

According to Petplan claims data, the following conditions topped the charts for 2011:

1. Vomiting and Diarrhea

2. Cancer

3. Lameness

4. Skin infections

5. Allergies

6. Ear infections

7. Cruciate (knee ligament) injuries

8. Foreign body ingestion

9. Urinary tract infections

10. Periodontal disease

But commonplace conditions can still be costly. In fact, the cost of care for gastrointestinal issues ? vomiting and diarrhea, the top condition of 2011 – averaged over $ 400, with costs reaching as high as $ 6,700 for one unlucky pet with a seriously upset belly.

Cruciate ligament injuries (analogous to ACL injuries in humans) by contrast, saw the greatest average per-treatment cost in the year?s top 10 list, with average payment coming in close to $ 2,000 per treatment, and reaching as high as $ 6,000.

Nine of the 10 conditions are making a repeat appearance on Petplan?s second annual top-10 list. However, making its debut this year is periodontal disease, which moved up six places from 16 to 10 to make its way onto this year?s list.

And while cancer ? which includes types ranging from osteosarcoma to lymphoma to mast cell tumors ? comes in second on Petplan?s list for a second year in a row, a closer look at the data shows that within the category, incidences of cancer are on the rise.

?Clearly, cancer is the very definition of an unexpected disease, and one that appears to be representing an increasing proportion of Petplan?s claims,? says Dr. Jules Benson, VP of Veterinary Services at Petplan. ?In 2011, the various forms of cancer as a proportion of all Petplan claims increased by almost 14% over our 2010 claims. In particular, we saw relative increases in the reporting of some of the more aggressive forms of cancer like lymphoma (33% increase) and osteosarcoma (38% increase). It?s my belief that this increase in reporting of cancer is due in part to the assiduous work of U.S. veterinarians in recognizing cancer earlier and with greater accuracy than ever before.?

For more information on these and other conditions that Petplan covers, including hereditary and chronic conditions, visit http://www.GoPetplan.com.

ABOUT PETPLAN

Top-rated pet insurance provider, Petplan, is the only pet insurance company to have been included on Inc. Magazine?s list of 500 fastest-growing, privately held companies in America. Petplan?s fully customizable policies provide coverage for all hereditary and congenital conditions for the life of the pet as standard, and meet the coverage requirements and budget for pets of all/any age. Petplan policies are underwritten by AGCS Marine Insurance Company, a member of the Allianz Group, rated A+ by A.M. Best (2010). For information, about Petplan pet insurance, visit http://www.GoPetplan.com or call 1-866-467-3875.

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According to a report published in the New York Times (1.) , Dr. Dipak Das, a researcher from the University of Connecticut, has been accused of faking data results on resveratrol research. A special review board, headed by Dr. Kent Morest of the University of Connecticut (2.) , has forwarded a 60,000 page report to the Office of Research Integrity, into Dr. Das? conduct over the past few years.

It is alleged that Dr. Dipak Das, while a researcher at the University of Connecticut, engineered: “145 instances of fabrication and falsification of data. Many involved cutting and pasting of photographic images from a type of research tool known as a western blot,” according to the reports sixty page summary.

A spokesperson for Biotiva, a leading resveratrol manufacturer said: ?The press has had a field day this week highlighting falsified resveratrol studies conducted by this one lone researcher. Unfortunately, most of the press, with the exception of the more senior science reporters, are implying that the misbehavior of one researcher, a minor player at best, undermines the health and chemo-protective claims made for resveratrol. Although this makes for a dramatic headline, nothing is further from the truth. It is a shame that the press have failed to make the important distinction between resveratrol, as an important compound with proven health properties, and one relatively insignificant researcher who appears to have falsified data in a few studies on the compound.?

Over two years ago, a scientist at Biotivia expressed concern over one study done by Dr. Das in a widely distributed published criticism of the researcher?s data: ?Biotivia, unlike some other manufacturers, has avoided any association with the scientist, instead preferring to collaborate with more reputable research organisations such as Harvard University, Northumbria University, Ottawa University, Torino University Medical School and the National Institutes of Health.?

Resveratrol?s ability to prevent and even reverse the effects of human diseases including many cancers, cardiovascular conditions, inflammation, and type 2 diabetes, has been well established in over 6,000 peer-reviewed studies(3.) and trials since 1989. This is the reason It has been hailed in the press over the last five years as the next natural ?miracle molecule?. Nothing Dr. Das has done undermines the thousands of legitimate results of other more reputable scientists into resveratrol.

A landmark study by Dr. Sinclair of Harvard (4.) University found that resveratrol activated an anti-aging gene array that helped to extend the lifespan of organisms from yeast, to fish, to mammals. The results of this study prompted GSK to buy Sirtis, Dr. Sinclair?s company, for $ 720 million, and the race to harness resveratrol?s power began. Since then resveratrol?s extraordinary health promoting properties have been affirmed by many of the world?s most prestigious medical schools and research organisations.

Thousands of resveratrol studies have elucidated in detail resveratrol?s ability to inhibit the so-called disease of aging, and, as a consequence, improve the human health span. This is the number of years an individual lives free of the debilitating and costly conditions that can but do not necessarily accompany aging. Whether it extends human lifespan is questionable. It will take many more years of research to answer this question.

Amongst the many studies undertaken over the past 15 years, resveratrol has shown positive results results with respect to cognitive function, glucose intolerance, fitness, cancer prevention, and inhibition of inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. In one acclaimed study (5.) by the Albert Einstein School of Medicine, it was found that resveratrol substantially improved glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, giving hope for a future treatment for diabetes. In another study resveratrol was as effective as the most commonly used pharmaceutical agent in reducing blood sugar levels, without any of the side effects of the drug.

Another study, undertaken by the University of Northumberland (6.) into cognitive decline, found that resveratrol more than doubled brain blood flow of 24 university students in a double blind, peer-reviewed clinical trial. These results are leading to further research on treatments for Parkinson?s Disease as well as Alzheimers, dementia and various other cognitive disorders.

James Betz, PhD, founder of resveratrol specialist firm Biotivia, commented: ?It?s a shame to see the actions of one thoroughly disreputable researcher tarnishing the image of a molecule with such enormous health potential. We continue to support human clinical trials with many prestigious medical institutions. Over the past 5 years of such collaborations the results have been extremely impressive, and have withstood rigorous peer review by the scientific community. We are happy to put any of our claims under scrutiny and have had our products independently tested by organisations such as Consumer Lab, who have verified the purity and integrity of our resveratrol products. It is absurd that one researcher who was involved in less than one half of one percent of the studies on this molecule is being cited by the press to undermine the work of so many honest and capable scientists.?

To read more about resveratrol and Biotivia?s credentials, visit http://www.biotivia.com/company/credentials.html


References

(1.)University Suspects Fraud by a Researcher Who Studied Red Wine

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/12/science/fraud-charges-for-dipak-k-das-a-university-of-connecticut-researcher.html

(2.) Scientific Journals Notified Following Research Misconduct Investigation

http://today.uconn.edu/blog/2012/01/scientific-journals-notified-following-research-misconduct-investigation/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+uconn-today+%28UConn+Today%29

(3.)Cancer Chemopreventive Activity of Resveratrol, a Natural Product Derived from Grapes

http://www.sciencemag.org/content/275/5297/218.short

Science 10 January 1997:

Vol. 275 no. 5297 pp. 218-220

DOI: 10.1126/science.275.5297.21

(4.)Resveratrol improves health and survival of mice on a high-calorie diet

http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v444/n7117/full/nature05354.html

Nature 444, 337-342 (16 November 2006) | doi:10.1038/nature05354;

(5.)RESVERATROL LINKED TO POSITIVE IMPACT ON PREDIABETES

http://www.einstein.yu.edu/home/news.asp?id=545

(6.)Effects of resveratrol on cerebral blood flow variables and cognitive performance in humans

http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/4032/

American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 91 (6). pp. 1590-1597. ISSN 0002-9165

About Biotivia LLC

Biotivia was established in 1992 in Vienna, Austria as a supplier of natural raw materials and biologically active botanics to the supplement and functional food industries and to researchers and scientific institutions worldwide. The company evolved into one of the world’s leading developers and suppliers of unique science-based nutritional supplements and award winning skin care therapies, with most of their products centered around the use of concentrated resveratrol and complementary botanical extracts.

Biotivia presently has US offices in New York, Los Angeles, Kansas City and international offices in the UK, Spain, Austria, Denmark, Italy, Germany, Singapore, Xi’an, China and Mumbai, India.

Beyond its strong consumer base, the company currently supplies researchers, physicians and scientists at Harvard, Stanford, Yale, Georgetown, The Albert Einstein Medical Center, University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Health Canada, and the University of California. Transmax and Bioforte in particular are being investigated by several major university medical schools as a possible treatment for a variety of conditions that seriously impair the health and well being of millions of people around the world. Biotivia most recently signed an agreement to supply Transmax to the University of Ferrara for use in three human clinical trials in Italy and Egypt on its possible use by Thalassemia sufferers as an alternative to the whole blood transfusions which such patients now require monthly. The Albert Einstein Medical College published a study which elucidated the beneficial effects of Biotivia?s proprietary resveratrol on glucose tolerance and mitochondria function in pre-diabetic subjects. Bioforte was also shown to more than double brain blood flow in a study done at the University of Northumbria in the UK.

Biotivia’s resveratrol products, Transmax and Bioforte, have been independently assessed by a leading American quality watchdog, and were deemed both ‘most potent’ and ‘best value’. Transmax has been certified as an investigational drug by the NIH, an endorsement of its safety and purity.

Most of Biotivia’s supplements have been certified Vegan by the American Vegetarian Association.

Important Caveat: Neither Bio Shape nor any Biotivia product has been definitively shown to diagnose, prevent or cure any age related diseases. Bio Shape is not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any disease. Studies done in vitro and on animals do not always translate into the same biological effect when taken by human subjects. The statements herein have not been reviewed or approved by the US FDA. All Biotivia supplements are manufactured in state of the art government inspected pharmaceutical facilities in accordance with CGMP and USP standards.

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The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, “When it comes to a rare form of cancer called mesothelioma, we offer unequaled services, and these services are vital. As an example, for each mesothelioma victim or family member who calls us, we do research and produce a customized report that details the best mesothelioma cancer treatment options, including the names of specific physicians, and their contacts, in your local area, your state, your region, and the nation. No other group or organization in the nation offers anything close to this.” In 2012 approximately 2500 US citizens will be diagnosed with mesothelioma. Of this group about one thoird will be US Navy Veterans, typically because they worked an asbestos rich environment, such as a ships engine room. The group also says, “Because of the enormity of the negligence typically involved with exposure to asbestos, we also offer the names, and specific contacts of the best mesothelioma lawyers in the United States. If you are dealing with mesothelioma, and you are concerned about getting a mesothelioma attorney, in reality there are probably a dozen or less most successful mesothelioma attorneys in the US, of which we think about four or five are the absolute best, especially when it comes to compensation, and verdicts. We will tell you who they are, and again, no other group offers anything close to this.” For more information about the Mesothelioma Victims Center unparalleled free service mesothelioma victims or their family members can call the group anytime at 866-714-6466, or they can contact the group via their web site at http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, “It is vital victims of mesothelioma, or their families understand that in order to get the best compensation, or verdict for a mesothelioma lawsuit, you cannot find anything like our service on the Internet, nor can you just open up a phone book, and look for the best mesothelioma attorneys in the nation, in states like Florida, New York, California, Iowa, Michigan, Montana, Georgia, Idaho, Maine, West Virginia, Arizona, Minnesota, Alabama, Texas, or any other state, or city. Simply call us at 866-714-6466, and we will tell you who the best mesothelioma attorneys, or mesothelioma trial lawyers are, and we will give you their specific contacts.” http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

Aside from US Navy Veterans, other high risk groups for mesothelioma cancer include shipyard, power plant, or oil refinery workers, plumbers, electricians, county, or city municipal water district workers, miners, demolition construction contractors, railroad workers, or auto brake technicians. The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, “We are becoming increasingly worried about retired electricians, plumbers and especially city or county water works employees, and mesothelioma. If these individuals were working in the 1950′s, 1960′s, or 1970′s, they were probably exposed to enormous levels of asbestos on their job sites. City or county water works employees could have been exposed to asbestos pipes up until the early 1990′s.” http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

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Responding to new U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) findings that thousands of patients are hospitalized each year due to problems arising from just four common medications, the mass tort and personal injury litigation law firm Weitz & Luxenberg PC today announced it stands ready to help patients obtain justice following serious harm from taking any unsafe pharmaceutical.

?Defective drugs cause physical injury, but also financial injury if the patient is uninsured, becomes debilitated and loses his or her job or, worse, dies,? said Weitz & Luxenberg co-founder Perry Weitz, Esq. ?No one should have to suffer such consequences from being an unsuspecting victim of unsafe medicines.?

The CDC findings, published in the Nov. 24 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine and spotlighted by a Nov. 28 USA Today article, determined that two diabetes drugs and two blood-thinning agents are responsible for roughly two-thirds of all drug-related emergency hospitalizations.

The four drugs ? warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), insulin, aspirin and clopidogrel (Plavix) ? were found by CDC researchers to have been a factor in thousands of drug-related adverse events among the elderly from 2007 to 2009, according to the publications.

The CDC investigators calculated that adults 80 and older accounted for almost 50 percent of those hospitalizations, according to the publications.

Weitz said that patients seriously harmed by these or any other pharmaceuticals should immediately contact Weitz & Luxenberg to discuss available options for pursuing a legal case against the makers.

?A patient badly injured by a harmful medication is entitled to make a claim in court,? said Weitz. ?The surviving family members of a patient who dies from taking a harmful medication is likewise entitled to make a claim in court.?

Weitz added that, in lawsuits against the makers of harmful drugs, ?there are potentially millions of dollars available in compensation to successful plaintiffs. These sums can be used to pay for hospitalizations and treatments not covered by insurance, to make up for wages lost, to compensate even for pain and suffering in certain circumstances.?

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Founded in 1986 by attorneys Perry Weitz and Arthur Luxenberg, Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C., today ranks among the nation?s leading law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg?s numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of accidents are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg?s more than 20 years of handling such cases ? begin by contacting the firm?s Client Relations department at 1-800-476-6070 or at clientrelations@weitzlux.com and ask for a free legal consultation. More information: http://www.weitzlux.com

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When asbestos is improperly handled and removed in violation of federal regulations ? as alleged in the recent prosecution of a Monroe County contractor ? it can put others at risk of contracting deadly, asbestos-related illnesses, New York mesothelioma attorney Joseph W. Belluck said today.

As reported in the Penfield Post, the Rochester-area contractor pled guilty earlier this month in a New York federal district court to a violation of the Clean Air Act and the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants. The case is U.S.A. v. Horan. (W.D.N.Y., 11-CR-6171 L).

According to the contractor?s plea agreement, he was charged with knowingly failing to take legally required safety measures when working on a project that involved the removal of boiler pipe that had been wrapped in a material containing friable asbestos.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen that has been linked to several respiratory diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs that claims the lives of approximately 3,000 Americans each year.

In particular, the contractor?s plea agreement states that he failed to wet the material when cutting and disjoining the pipe, to carefully lower it to the ground and leave it undisturbed and to ensure that a person trained in asbestos removal procedures was present at the work site.

?Asbestos is extremely hazardous to workers who handle it and to others who happen to be in the area when it gets into the air and is inhaled into the lungs,? said Belluck, whose New York City personal injury law firm, Belluck & Fox, LLP, represents mesothelioma victims throughout New York and the country in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.

?Because of this hazard, regulations specifically require that a person with special training be present whenever this toxic material is removed, and that special techniques are used,? he said. ?When individuals or companies fail to live up to those standards, they must be held accountable ? whether it?s through our criminal justice system, the civil lawsuit process ? or both.?

Belluck?s law firm provides a website, http://www.mesotheliomahelp.net, for those who want to learn more about asbestos, mesothelioma and related legal issues. The site features a state-by-state listing of asbestos removal companies.

?Whether you are dealing with the removal of asbestos, or you believe that you or a loved one is suffering an illness related to asbestos exposure, this site can be helpful,? Belluck said. ?It?s also highly important to follow up on information the site provides and to contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer who has skill and experience in handling the unique issues that arise in these cases.?

About Belluck & Fox

Belluck & Fox, LLP, is a nationally recognized law firm that represents individuals with asbestos and mesothelioma claims, as well as victims of crime, motorcycle crashes, lead paint and other serious injuries. The firm provides personalized and professional representation and has won over $ 400 million in compensation for clients and their families.

Partner Joseph W. Belluck is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine?s ?Best Lawyers in the New York Area? and in Super Lawyers. Mr. Belluck has won numerous cases involving injuries from asbestos, defective medical products, tobacco and lead paint, including a recent asbestos case that settled for more than $ 12 million.

Partner Jordan Fox is a well-known asbestos and mesothelioma attorney who has been named to the Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine?s ?Best Lawyers in the New York Area? and to Super Lawyers. On two separate occasions his verdicts were featured as the National Law Journal?s Largest Verdict of the Year. He recently secured verdicts of $ 32 million and more than $ 19 million on behalf of individuals who had contracted mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.

In September, Belluck & Fox, LLP, won a coveted spot on a list of America’s best law firms, which was published jointly by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers magazine. The listing showcased 8,782 different law firms ranked in one or more of 81 major practice areas.

For more information, contact the firm at (877) 637-6843 or through the online contact form.

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Recent action from the Obama administration and the FDA to address increasing drug shortages could mean relief for some mesothelioma patients who rely on medications for treatment of their disease, New York mesothelioma attorney Joseph W. Belluck said today.

?People suffering from deadly asbestos-related cancers such as mesothelioma must have access to the medications they need to fight this terrible disease,? said Belluck, one of the country?s leading legal advocates for mesothelioma victims.

?I am encouraged that the government is focused on working with pharmaceutical companies to make sure mesothelioma patients can get the best available treatments,? Belluck said, responding to a recent ?letter to industry? drafted by the commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Noting that annual drug shortages have tripled between 2005 and 2010, the FDA urged drug manufacturers to voluntarily provide quicker notice of impending shortages and to generally improve communication with the government agency in order to address supply issues early. The FDA announced plans to double the number of staffers working on the issue of drug shortages.

Belluck, a partner in the New York City mesothelioma law firm of Belluck & Fox, said critical drugs used to treat asbestos-related mesothelioma have been in short supply, including cisplatin, paclitaxel and doxorubicin.

?It is my hope that the government and manufacturers can work together to prevent a potentially lethal shortage of mesothelioma drugs,? Belluck said.

?During my years of working closely with mesothelioma victims, I have witnessed the unfathomable stress and pain that they must confront as they struggle with this terrible illness ? the pain, the fear, the concern for their families and loved ones. The last thing mesothelioma patients should have to worry about is the availability of cancer-fighting medications.?

Belluck emphasized that mesothelioma victims also need skilled, aggressive and experienced legal representation to ensure that they receive the compensation they deserve from the companies that exposed them to cancer-causing asbestos in the first place. Competent legal counsel can provide mesothelioma patients with the means to access the medical care necessary for the treatment of their disease, he said.

Because mesothelioma is an aggressive disease, Belluck said it is important for people who are experiencing symptoms to seek medical advice as soon as possible. They should also obtain legal counsel to ensure that they can recover all of the benefits they are entitled to in an asbestos exposure lawsuit.

About Belluck & Fox

Belluck & Fox, LLP, is a nationally recognized law firm that represents individuals with asbestos and mesothelioma claims, as well as victims of crime, motorcycle crashes, lead paint and other serious injuries. The firm provides personalized and professional representation and has won over $ 400 million in compensation for clients and their families.

Partner Joseph W. Belluck is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and is listed in Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine?s ?Best Lawyers in the New York Area? and in Super Lawyers. Mr. Belluck has won numerous cases involving injuries from asbestos, defective medical products, tobacco and lead paint, including a recent asbestos case that settled for more than $ 12 million.

Partner Jordan Fox is a well-known asbestos and mesothelioma attorney who has been named to the Best Lawyers in America, New York Magazine?s ?Best Lawyers in the New York Area? and to Super Lawyers. On two separate occasions his verdicts were featured as the National Law Journal?s Largest Verdict of the Year. He recently secured verdicts of $ 32 million and more than $ 19 million on behalf of individuals who had contracted mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.

In September, Belluck & Fox, LLP, won a coveted spot on a list of America’s best law firms, which was published jointly by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers magazine. The listing showcased 8,782 different law firms ranked in one or more of 81 major practice areas.

For more information, contact the firm at (877) 637-6843 or through the online contact form.

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