The Washington Post (12/27, Hilzenrath) reported that medical "sales representatives have become fixtures in operating rooms across America," ensuring that "scrub techs know precisely which instruments and components the surgeon will reach for next." Although the sales reps "may know more about their products than the doctors who use them," their presence in the operating room also serves "as simple reminders that medicine is business, with all the potential that entails to promote efficiency, boost sales, and extract profit." In fact, some physicians contend that sales reps "can put the interests of manufacturers before those of patients." At Begam & Marks, we dig to the bottom of the facts to find out what happened. We have a handled medical malpractice cases in the past in which we discovered that a manufacturer's representative was involved in the treatment decisions without the knowledge of the patient. If you believe that you or a loved one was injured as a result of medical

The Los Angeles Times (12/23, Bensinger, Vartabedian) reported, "A peerless reputation for quality and safety has helped Toyota become the world's largest automaker. But even as its sales have soared, the company has delayed recalls, kept a tight lid on disclosure of potential problems and attempted to blame human error in cases where owners claimed vehicle defects." The story details several crashes illustrating that point, commenting that "[t]he automaker's handling of safety issues has come under scrutiny in recent months because of incidents of sudden acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles, which The Times has reported were involved in accidents causing 19 fatalities since 2001, more deaths from that problem than all other automakers combined." If you or a loved one was seriously injured or a loved one killed as a result of a recalled or otherwise defective product, call Begam & Marks for a free consultation. We have what it takes to hold those at fault responsible.

A lawsuit has been filed by the family of a Troy, Mich., man against a Rite Aid pharmacy that allegedly filled an incorrectly written prescription that resulted in his death. According to the lawsuit, John Sheridan was prescribed 10 times the recommended dosage of Temodar in September 2007, and the pharmacist should have recognized the error before giving Sheridan the medication. The Detroit Free Press reports that the family privately settled with Sheridan´s oncologist. They are seeking unspecified damages from the pharmacy. With reduced staffing and increasing work loads, errors are growing in the distribution of medicine. At Begam & Marks, we work to hold companies and professional responsible when a lack of safety and proper staffing cause others harm. If a family member of your was killed or you or a family member injured as a result of an improperly filled prescription, please contact Begam & Marks.

A Virginia jury on Wednesday awarded $8 million in damages to woman who suffered severe injuries when she was struck by a transit bus two years ago. After deliberating for about an hour, jurors found that the GRTC Transit System was liable for the full amount sought by the plaintiff, Meikiu Lo, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Lo now suffers from chronic pain resulting from spinal and shoulder damage and multiple hip and pelvis fractures sustained in the accident. Bill McKelway, Richmond Times-Dispatch 11/19/2009 Arizona, like many other states, has waived governmental immunity, meaning that the State, cities, schools, and other governmental agencies are subject to suits for the negligence of government employees. Begam & Marks has represented many clients, and is currently representing a number of clients, in claims against governmental entities to recover for severe injuries they have suffered. Be aware though that there is a 180 day notice of claim requirement, so act quickly to seek experienced representation.

The Detroit News (11/20, Tierney) reports, "After a highly publicized crash in August that killed four people when the driver lost control of a Lexus sedan, Toyota has come under intense pressure to reduce the risk of unintended acceleration. The Japanese automaker and U.S. safety regulators are discussing changes to the gas pedal, as well as adjustments that would make it easier to stop a car that's accelerating, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says 15 fatalities, including the four in August, are linked to hundreds of reports of unintended acceleration of Toyotas it has received since 2002." George Peterson, president of AutoPacific Inc. in Tustin, CA, said that "the issue could be costly...if the company is found to be at fault -- and if juries are convinced Toyota knew about the problem." Begam & Marks represents the victims of defective products in seeking compensation for injur

The families of two men killed in the 2006 crash of a private two-seat plane have filed a lawsuit against the companies that manufactured, sold or promoted the plane, according to the Modesto Bee. The lawsuit argues that the Zodiac CH-601XL and its parts were dangerous and defective. Since the crash, the National Transportation Safety Board has recommended that the plane be grounded because of design flaws in the wings of the plane. Merrill Balassone, Modesto Bee 10/21/2009 At Begam & Lewis, we have successfully handled numerous air crash cases and are currently processing several at this time. If you believe you have a possible claim for you or a loved one resulting from the crash of a plane, helicopter, or hot air balloon, please contact us for a free consultation.

The "California Consumer" blog of the Los Angeles Times(10/20, Olivarez-Giles) reported, "Plum Organics is recalling a batch of its apple and carrot 'portable pouch' baby food due to possible contamination with" clostridium botulinum, a bacteria "that can cause botulism." Plum Organics founder Gigi Lee Chang said in a statement, "Due to a mixing error during production, one batch of this product was improperly blended." The FDA said that "because of the health risk, consumers should not feed their children the baby food." At Begam & Marks, we provide this information as a public service. If you have been injured or a loved one injured or killed by tainted food, whether because of E. coli or bacterial contamination, please contact us for a free consultation. Attorneys at Begam & Marks have successfully handled numerous cases involving contaminated food.

A judge in California has approved a $5.75 million settlement between the University of California-Davis Medical Center and the family of a boy who suffered severe neurological injuries during birth at the hospital. According to the lawsuit, hospital staff ignored signs that the baby was in distress and likely lacked oxygen. The boy now suffers from cerebral palsy and other disabilities. Andy Furillo, The Sacramento Bee 10/10/2009 At Begam & Marks, we have handled scores of birth trauma cases over the years and are currently handling several such cases. Remember that in the State of Arizona, claims on behalf of children are normally tolled until the childreaches 18 years of age, which means that a claim can be brought many years after birth in some cases. If you believe that your child was permanently injured as a result of medical negligence at the time of birth, please contact our office for a free consultation.

In continuing coverage, the Los Angeles Times(10/13, Zarembo) reports, "Scores of radiation overdoses at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have been traced to a single cause: a mistake the hospital made resetting a CT scanner." According to hospital officials, "the error occurred in February 2008, when the hospital began using a new protocol for a specialized type of scan used to diagnose strokes." The machine was reset "to override the pre-programmed instructions that came with the scanner when it was installed," because they "believed it would provide them more useful data to analyze disruptions in the flow of blood to brain tissue." As a result, "206 patients received eight times the normal dose of radiation -- an error that went undetected for 18 months," the AP (10/13) reports. A spokesman stated that "about 40 percent of the patients lost patches of hair." At Begam & Marks, we have the experience and drive to uncover the cause of injuries and deaths in medical settings. In fact, we are currently processing a case similar to the one described above, in which our client was severely burned by medically administered radiation. If you or a loved one has been injured by medical negligence, please call for a free consultation.

CBS News (8/4) on its website reported that the Yamaha Rhino off-road vehicle "is at the center of a legal firestorm. At least 59 riders have been killed in Rhino accidents, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. More than 440 wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits are pending, and Yamaha has settled others." Plaintiffs "say the Rhino is dangerously unstable due to its unusually narrow stance, high ground clearance and lack of a rear differential to help in turning. They also claim the Rhino's seat belts tend to unspool during rollovers, resulting in belted occupants being partially ejected." CPSC chief Inez Tenenbaum "said the safety commission is continuing to investigate" despite a Yamaha "free repair program" which appears to be "a recall in everything but name." If you or a loved one has been injured in a roll over involving a Yamaha Rhino or other ATV, contact Begam & Marks for a free consultation and review of the facts surrounding the accident.