| Breast Implant Litigation |
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| Silicone breast implants were developed in the 1960s. They have been used for breast reconstruction (about 15 percent of implant procedures, as estimated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) and breast enhancement (about 85 percent of implant procedures, as estimated by the FDA). More... |
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| Litigation Involving Drug-Related Birth Defects |
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| The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began monitoring adverse drug reactions in 1961 after it was discovered that thalidomide (a drug used for nausea in pregnancy) caused severe birth defects. An adverse drug event (ADE) is an undesirable side effect experienced by a patient after taking a drug or using a medical device. Serious adverse events must be reported to the FDA, including birth defects, miscarriage, and stillbirths.
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| Consumer Product Safety Act |
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| The Consumer Product Safety Act of 1972 (Act) created the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (Commission). Under the Act, the Commission has authority to adopt consumer product safety rules. The Act requires manufacturers to place warning labels and information labels on consumer products. The Act also requires manufacturers to report defects that have or may cause serious injury or death. Manufacturers must also report a product that fails to comply with a consumer product safety standard. The Act creates a federal tort cause of action for a knowing violation of safety standards or the Commission's rules. Injured persons who win a lawsuit under the Act can receive attorney fees and recover expert witness fees.More... |
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| Product Liability and Microbial Foodborne Illness |
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| According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 76 million people suffer foodborne illnesses each year in the U.S., accounting for 325,000 hospitalizations and more than 5,000 deaths. As a result, those afflicted with food-borne illnesses have sought redress in the legal system against food manufacturers, retailers, suppliers, and restaurants. More... |
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| Quality Control |
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| Products liability law deals with personal injuries and damage caused by defective products. Defective products include products that have an inherent flaw in the product design and products that are defectively or improperly manufactured. If there is a design or manufacturing defect, the manufacturer could be held liable for injuries that result from a consumer's use of the product. Consequently, it is essential for the manufacturer to ensure the quality of its products. This article discusses the various components of quality control and the procedures that can be used to reduce the manufacturer's potential liability for its products. More... |
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