MASS TORT UPDATE

Mass Tort litigation refers to issues in which a company or
individual does harm to a large number of people or their
property as a result of an action or product. Cases in this
practice area range from defective products, such as
pharmaceutical drugs and building products, to large “manmade”
disasters such as plane crashes and chemical plant
explosions. While M & W does not commonly practice in the
area of mass tort litigation, the firm does assist many with
locating experienced legal representation in this area. Many
law firms are advertising for Mass Tort cases but many of
these law firms are not actually handling the claims or
litigation. It’s important for the victim to hire an experienced
law firm related to a particular claim or case. Recently, our
office has assisted victims with questions regarding the
following products:

Chinese Sheetrock/Drywall - Homes and buildings
constructed between 2005 - 2007 and having recurring A/C
problems and/or electrical problems, may have been built
with Chinese sheetrock or drywall. It is suspected that
chemicals in the defective drywall are causing the
problems. If Chinese drywall was used in the construction
of your home or building, it will be necessary to remove all
sheetrock and replace all metal wiring. A certified Chinese
drywall remediation contractor should be used, and the
drywall should be properly disposed in a hazardous
substance facility.

Yaz (drosperinone & ethinyl estradiol) - The New York
Times recently published a major news story on the
growing safety concerns with Yaz. Numerous lawsuits have
been filed against Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceutical for the
birth control drug Yaz. Lawsuits and claims have also been
filed related to Yasmin and Ocella. Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella
birth control pills all contain drospirenone, a synthetic form
of progestin which works in combination with ethinyl
estradiol (estrogen) to prevent pregnancy. Drospirenone is
not contained in other forms of birth control and is believed
to be the major cause of side effects from Ocella, Yasmin
and Yaz. Two recent case-control studies published in the
British Medical Journal show that patients on the birth
control pills containing drospirenone have a 200% higher
risk of serious injury than those patients using first or
second generation oral contraceptives.

Bexta (valbecoxib) - used as treatment for mild to severe
arthritis (osteoarthritis & rheumatoid arthritis) and other
chronic pain. Bextra has been linked to heart attacks,
strokes, gastrointestinal problems, and Steven Johnson
syndrome, a potentially fatal skin condition. This drug was
recalled in 2005.

Avandia (rosiglitazone) - was prescribed to control blood
sugar in adults with Type 2 Diabetes. The FDA has
monitored several heart related adverse events associated
with Avandia, such as fluid retention, edema and congestive
heart failure. The most recent labeling change included a
new warning about a potential increase in heart attacks and
heart related chest pain in some individuals.

Reglan - Reglan is a drug used to treat gastrointestinal
problems caused by gasteroesophageal reflux (GER) and
gasteroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in adults and
children. Reglan has a number of serious potential side
effects including Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, Tardive
Dyskinesia and Tardive Dystonia. Reglan side effects
appear to increase with prolonged use.

Asbestos - continues to bring serious illnesses from
exposure in the 1940s and 1950s. The most common
types of illnesses directly associated with asbestos are:
mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, throat cancer,
colon cancer, and stomach cancer. Asbestos exposure
could have occurred in any number of occupations,
including shipyard workers, brake mechanics, factory
workers, construction workers, power plant workers and
refinery workers. Veterans, particularly those who served
in the U.S. Navy, may now bill ill because of asbestos.

If you, or a friend or family member, may have a mass tort
claim, please contact Knox Boteler at M&W to discuss
your case and for assistance in finding the right law firm
for your particular claim or case. There is no charge for
consultations at M&W. 433-7766, also toll free 1 866 975-
7766 or visit our web site and blog for regular Mass Tort
updates: www.moore-wolfe.com.