More Frequently Asked Questions on the Baxter Heparin Catastrophe:
8. What if there was a death or a serious injury consequence from HIT?
HIT is short for heparin induced thrombocytopenia. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heparin-induced_thrombocytopenia HIT is a condition where the body reacts to heparin causing the blood to clot. This clotting can result in death, serious injury such as gangrene and may leave survivors with severe consequences, such as amputations. The evidence is beginning to mount that OSCS may cause or exaggerate a HIT response or reaction. Thus, all cases of HIT after 2007. and up to this date, should be investigated.
We also are concerned that OSCS may cause a cumulative sensitization phenomenon, similar to what often happens with a bee sting. Most people experience little more than local pain and brief swelling with repeated stings by bees. Some people, however, become increasingly more sensitive until the person reaches the point of a severe allergic reaction or even death. In the case of OSCS, a second or later exposure may cause the catastrophic consequence. Thus, we are not ruling out a case where heparin was given during the presumptive contamination period – September 13, 2007 through April 30, 2008 – and then a catastrophic reaction to heparin occurred, even if the second dosage of heparin was not contaminated.
Attorney Gordon Johnson
Chair Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, American Association of Justice
g@gordonjohnson.com :: 800-992-9447 :: Attorney Gordon S. Johnson, Jr.
http://subtlebraininjury.com :: http://brainanatomyguide.com :: http://car-accident-rain.com :: http://tbilaw.com
http://waiting.com :: http://vestibulardisorder.com :: http://youtube.com/profile?user=braininjuryattorney
More Heparin Frequently Asked Questions:
Continuing with our Frequently Asked Questions series on Heparin:
7. What if severe reaction occurred days or weeks after the getting Heparin?
As more is learned about the deadliness of the contaminant in heparin – OSCS – it is becoming clear that this poison could do more than cause immediate adverse reactions.
The first published research was taken from adverse reaction reports that were specifically limited to adverse reactions within 30 minutes of administration. This was done as an artificial research distinction despite the anecdotal reports of deaths from secondary adverse reactions. Thus, from the beginning we have not ruled out potential wrongful death cases where the reaction occurred later than this 30 minute cutoff. If death or serious consequences occurred after being given heparin or after the cessation of heparin therapy, call us to investigate. We believe that there are perhaps thousands of more cases. A doctor finding a seemingly natural cause of death when that doctor did not consider Heparin poisoning as a part of the differential diagnosis, does not rule out Baxter culpability.
When a manufacturer contaminates the drug supply all consequences must be reevaluated with that potential cause in mind.
Attorney Gordon Johnson
Chair Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, American Association of Justice
g@gordonjohnson.com :: 800-992-9447 :: Attorney Gordon S. Johnson, Jr.
http://subtlebraininjury.com :: http://brainanatomyguide.com :: http://car-accident-rain.com :: http://tbilaw.com
http://waiting.com :: http://vestibulardisorder.com :: http://youtube.com/profile?user=braininjuryattorney
7. What if severe reaction occurred days or weeks after the getting Heparin?
As more is learned about the deadliness of the contaminant in heparin – OSCS – it is becoming clear that this poison could do more than cause immediate adverse reactions.
The first published research was taken from adverse reaction reports that were specifically limited to adverse reactions within 30 minutes of administration. This was done as an artificial research distinction despite the anecdotal reports of deaths from secondary adverse reactions. Thus, from the beginning we have not ruled out potential wrongful death cases where the reaction occurred later than this 30 minute cutoff. If death or serious consequences occurred after being given heparin or after the cessation of heparin therapy, call us to investigate. We believe that there are perhaps thousands of more cases. A doctor finding a seemingly natural cause of death when that doctor did not consider Heparin poisoning as a part of the differential diagnosis, does not rule out Baxter culpability.
When a manufacturer contaminates the drug supply all consequences must be reevaluated with that potential cause in mind.
Attorney Gordon Johnson
Chair Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, American Association of Justice
g@gordonjohnson.com :: 800-992-9447 :: Attorney Gordon S. Johnson, Jr.
http://subtlebraininjury.com :: http://brainanatomyguide.com :: http://car-accident-rain.com :: http://tbilaw.com
http://waiting.com :: http://vestibulardisorder.com :: http://youtube.com/profile?user=braininjuryattorney
Heparin Frequently Asked Questions Part V
Our recent blogs have been addressing Frequently Asked Questions. We have addressed:
1. When did the Baxter Heparin contamination begin?
2. When did Heparin return to being Safe?
3. How severe of a reaction should we have before calling?
4. What is the process should when I call the Johnson Law Office?
5. Will this Involve a Class Action?
Today, we continue with:
6. Are these Federal or State Court Actions?
Each plaintiff has a choice as to whether to file a non-class action case in Federal or State Court. The class action cases (non-severe consequences) are being handled in Federal Court. The Johnson Law Office, as well as our affiliated firm, The Nolan Law Group, are licensed in Illinois, the state where Baxter has its home office. Baxter has agreed to allow our claimants to bring these cases in Cook County, Illinois. Our litigation affiliate, The Nolan Law Group of Chicago, has a long track record of excellent results in Cook County, Illinois, including the Air Philippines case which was settled in 2007 for $165 million.
Attorney Gordon Johnson
Chair Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, American Association of Justice
g@gordonjohnson.com :: 800-992-9447 :: Attorney Gordon S. Johnson, Jr.
http://subtlebraininjury.com :: http://brainanatomyguide.com :: http://car-accident-rain.com :: http://tbilaw.com
http://waiting.com :: http://vestibulardisorder.com :: http://youtube.com/profile?user=braininjuryattorney
1. When did the Baxter Heparin contamination begin?
2. When did Heparin return to being Safe?
3. How severe of a reaction should we have before calling?
4. What is the process should when I call the Johnson Law Office?
5. Will this Involve a Class Action?
Today, we continue with:
6. Are these Federal or State Court Actions?
Each plaintiff has a choice as to whether to file a non-class action case in Federal or State Court. The class action cases (non-severe consequences) are being handled in Federal Court. The Johnson Law Office, as well as our affiliated firm, The Nolan Law Group, are licensed in Illinois, the state where Baxter has its home office. Baxter has agreed to allow our claimants to bring these cases in Cook County, Illinois. Our litigation affiliate, The Nolan Law Group of Chicago, has a long track record of excellent results in Cook County, Illinois, including the Air Philippines case which was settled in 2007 for $165 million.
Attorney Gordon Johnson
Chair Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, American Association of Justice
g@gordonjohnson.com :: 800-992-9447 :: Attorney Gordon S. Johnson, Jr.
http://subtlebraininjury.com :: http://brainanatomyguide.com :: http://car-accident-rain.com :: http://tbilaw.com
http://waiting.com :: http://vestibulardisorder.com :: http://youtube.com/profile?user=braininjuryattorney
Heparin Frequently Asked Questions Part IV
Our recent blogs have been addressing Frequently Asked Questions. We have addressed:
5. Will this Involve a Class Action?
There are two types of cases involving heparin: those where people had death or severe reactions and those where people had minor or imperceptible reactions. The first type of case should be handled as separate, individual cases. Clients hire a lawyer, who specifically investigates and handles the details of what happened. If serious injury or damage can be proved, then this particular claimant should receive specific economic damages for all losses that occurred, including wrongful death, survivorship claims, loss of society and companionship, medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. The Johnson Law Office is only handling cases involving serious injury and death.
A class action suit would be more appropriate for individuals who were administered contaminated Heparin where neither death or serious injury occurred.
The Johnson Law Office is not representing individuals in the class action. Other lawyers are handling cases where no tangible damage can be shown.
Attorney Gordon Johnson
Chair Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, American Association of Justice
g@gordonjohnson.com :: 800-992-9447 :: Attorney Gordon S. Johnson, Jr.
http://subtlebraininjury.com :: http://brainanatomyguide.com :: http://car-accident-rain.com :: http://tbilaw.com
http://waiting.com :: http://vestibulardisorder.com :: http://youtube.com/profile?user=braininjuryattorney
- 1. When did the Baxter Heparin contamination begin?
- 2. When did Heparin return to being Safe?
- 3. How severe of a reaction should we have before calling?
- 4. What is the process should when I call the Johnson Law Office?
5. Will this Involve a Class Action?
There are two types of cases involving heparin: those where people had death or severe reactions and those where people had minor or imperceptible reactions. The first type of case should be handled as separate, individual cases. Clients hire a lawyer, who specifically investigates and handles the details of what happened. If serious injury or damage can be proved, then this particular claimant should receive specific economic damages for all losses that occurred, including wrongful death, survivorship claims, loss of society and companionship, medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. The Johnson Law Office is only handling cases involving serious injury and death.
A class action suit would be more appropriate for individuals who were administered contaminated Heparin where neither death or serious injury occurred.
The Johnson Law Office is not representing individuals in the class action. Other lawyers are handling cases where no tangible damage can be shown.
Attorney Gordon Johnson
Chair Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, American Association of Justice
g@gordonjohnson.com :: 800-992-9447 :: Attorney Gordon S. Johnson, Jr.
http://subtlebraininjury.com :: http://brainanatomyguide.com :: http://car-accident-rain.com :: http://tbilaw.com
http://waiting.com :: http://vestibulardisorder.com :: http://youtube.com/profile?user=braininjuryattorney
Heparin Frequently Asked Questions Part III
For the last few days, we have been discussing Frequently Asked Questions. On previous days we have addressed:
4. What Happens when I Call?
All Heparin calls are answered by my paralegal, Jayne Zabrowski, jayne@tbilaw.com If Jayne misses your call she will call you back if you leave a message. Jayne carefully listens to the details of how the death or serious injury occurred and will ask appropriate follow-up questions. Jayne cares and will sincerely listen to those who can benefit by our representation. If you have the type of case that we handle, you will then hear from the nurse paralegal who will assist in obtaining medical records and additional information.
Jayne has talked to every potential Heparin client, since our first client told us about a Heparin death in February of 2008. Melissa Scott had a severe reaction and died shortly after being administered Heparin during home dialysis. Jayne’s hours of talking to victims makes her uniquely qualified to understand the pain that this poison has caused and is experienced at prioritizing the cases for investigation.
Jayne is one of the country’s best paralegals and comes to the Heparin claims after a decade of work with the debilitating complexities of representing brain injured people in the bulk of the Johnson Law Office’s case load. She annually attends the national trial lawyers convention (AAJ) each year and is very knowledgeable and experienced in forensic medical issues.
Attorney Gordon Johnson
Chair Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, American Association of Justice
g@gordonjohnson.com :: 800-992-9447 :: Attorney Gordon S. Johnson, Jr.
http://subtlebraininjury.com :: http://brainanatomyguide.com :: http://car-accident-rain.com :: http://tbilaw.com
http://waiting.com :: http://vestibulardisorder.com :: http://youtube.com/profile?user=braininjuryattorney
- 1. When did the Baxter Heparin contamination begin?
- 2. When did Heparin return to being Safe?
- 3. How severe of a reaction should we have before calling?
4. What Happens when I Call?
All Heparin calls are answered by my paralegal, Jayne Zabrowski, jayne@tbilaw.com If Jayne misses your call she will call you back if you leave a message. Jayne carefully listens to the details of how the death or serious injury occurred and will ask appropriate follow-up questions. Jayne cares and will sincerely listen to those who can benefit by our representation. If you have the type of case that we handle, you will then hear from the nurse paralegal who will assist in obtaining medical records and additional information.
Jayne has talked to every potential Heparin client, since our first client told us about a Heparin death in February of 2008. Melissa Scott had a severe reaction and died shortly after being administered Heparin during home dialysis. Jayne’s hours of talking to victims makes her uniquely qualified to understand the pain that this poison has caused and is experienced at prioritizing the cases for investigation.
Jayne is one of the country’s best paralegals and comes to the Heparin claims after a decade of work with the debilitating complexities of representing brain injured people in the bulk of the Johnson Law Office’s case load. She annually attends the national trial lawyers convention (AAJ) each year and is very knowledgeable and experienced in forensic medical issues.
Attorney Gordon Johnson
Chair Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, American Association of Justice
g@gordonjohnson.com :: 800-992-9447 :: Attorney Gordon S. Johnson, Jr.
http://subtlebraininjury.com :: http://brainanatomyguide.com :: http://car-accident-rain.com :: http://tbilaw.com
http://waiting.com :: http://vestibulardisorder.com :: http://youtube.com/profile?user=braininjuryattorney
Heparin – Frequently Asked Questions Part I
Heparin FAQ’s
The Heparin Catastrophe has left thousands of people with questions. We have heard most of them we over and over, and have done our best to answer those we could. Many answers are still unknown. In those thousands of heparin conversations, we have been asked tens of thousands of questions. Below and the series of blogs to follow are our answers to the most frequently asked questions.
1. When did the Heparin contamination begin?
Baxter claims it started shipping contaminated Heparin on September 13, 2007, but we believe there is at least circumstances that make us believe that it may have started sooner. This September 13, 2007 start date means that any death or severe consequences occurred in the administration of heparin after that date, requires an investigation. Baxter claims to have tested all heparin shipped from China, even going back years and has alleged that the OSCS contaminant began on that date. But the conditions that allowed for this contaminant and didn’t properly test for it, leaves doubts as the purity of Heparin even before that date.
While at one time we felt fairly comfortable turning down cases that occurred before that time, we are no longer doing so just based on that September date. As additional disclosures have trickled in, we are seeing more and more evidence that clearly suggests some contaminated heparin was in the supply chain earlier in 2007, especially in hospital settings, such as in cardiac surgery. If you know of a death or severe consequence following heparin administration at any time in 2007, call us and we will investigate.
Attorney Gordon Johnson
Chair Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, American Association of Justice
g@gordonjohnson.com :: 800-992-9447 :: Attorney Gordon S. Johnson, Jr.
http://subtlebraininjury.com :: http://brainanatomyguide.com :: http://car-accident-rain.com :: http://tbilaw.com
http://waiting.com :: http://vestibulardisorder.com :: http://youtube.com/profile?user=braininjuryattorney
The Heparin Catastrophe has left thousands of people with questions. We have heard most of them we over and over, and have done our best to answer those we could. Many answers are still unknown. In those thousands of heparin conversations, we have been asked tens of thousands of questions. Below and the series of blogs to follow are our answers to the most frequently asked questions.
1. When did the Heparin contamination begin?
Baxter claims it started shipping contaminated Heparin on September 13, 2007, but we believe there is at least circumstances that make us believe that it may have started sooner. This September 13, 2007 start date means that any death or severe consequences occurred in the administration of heparin after that date, requires an investigation. Baxter claims to have tested all heparin shipped from China, even going back years and has alleged that the OSCS contaminant began on that date. But the conditions that allowed for this contaminant and didn’t properly test for it, leaves doubts as the purity of Heparin even before that date.
While at one time we felt fairly comfortable turning down cases that occurred before that time, we are no longer doing so just based on that September date. As additional disclosures have trickled in, we are seeing more and more evidence that clearly suggests some contaminated heparin was in the supply chain earlier in 2007, especially in hospital settings, such as in cardiac surgery. If you know of a death or severe consequence following heparin administration at any time in 2007, call us and we will investigate.
Attorney Gordon Johnson
Chair Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation Group, American Association of Justice
g@gordonjohnson.com :: 800-992-9447 :: Attorney Gordon S. Johnson, Jr.
http://subtlebraininjury.com :: http://brainanatomyguide.com :: http://car-accident-rain.com :: http://tbilaw.com
http://waiting.com :: http://vestibulardisorder.com :: http://youtube.com/profile?user=braininjuryattorney