FDA Partners with Online Patient Network to Gather Post-Market Drug Safety Data

The FDA announced an agreement with PatientsLikeMe, an online database where patients share healthcare information and experiences, to analyze data and provide new insights into drug safety. This agreement was created with the intent to provide better post-market surveillance of drugs and medical devices and increase patient safety outcomes. The FDA plans to analyze self-reported, real-world data stored in the database of more than 350,000 members with more than 2,500 conditions according to PatientsLikeMe.

Increasing patient drug safety through information gathering

What You Need to Know About Imported Food and the Food Safety Modernization Act

by: Jonathan Knoll, Attorney
In previous blog articles, you have had the opportunity to learn how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) works to protect consumers from dangerous medical device and pharmaceutical products. But, did you know that the FDA’s focus is not only on protecting consumers from dangerous medical devices and drugs? In this article, I’ll discuss another area where the FDA works to protect consumers, that being in the area of food safety.

Weight-loss Drugs and FDA Recalls

We hear too many stories about pharmaceuticals and medical devices that end up doing more harm than good to patients who are seeking treatment for a disease or illness. Serious injuries and deaths happen when companies place profits ahead of patients. Just last year the FDA approved two new drugs to fight obesity: Belviq and Qsymia. While we hope these drugs are able to produce good results for the patients who need them, we am skeptical about the performance of weight-loss drugs based on the number of FDA recalls in the past.

The Importance of Being Versatile in the Legal Profession

by: Jonathan Knoll, Attorney
One of the most important qualities for a young associate, as well as any person starting out in their profession, is being versatile. Whether it is volunteering for an assignment or pitching in at the last minute to help finish a project, being flexible is not only an essential element of your day to day practice but it is also a valuable tool to help you gain experience in other areas of the law.

The Statute of Limitations: How Inaction Can Kill Your Personal Injury Lawsuit

by: Edward B. Mulligan V , Attorney
As a lawyer who represents personal injury victims, I can tell you that each case–even the very best–must face and overcome numerous legal hurdles between the filing of the complaint and trial or settlement. While some of these “hurdles” are easily overcome, others can pose serious problems for even the best cases.
The legal hurdle that can have the most all-or-nothing consequences for personal injury cases is known as the “statute of limitations.” A statute of limitations is exactly what it sounds like: a law or rule enacted by your state’s legislature that limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit. The statutes do vary from state to state with some offering longer deadlines than others.

Mass Torts v. Class Actions

People generally assume that because someone is a lawyer, they must know about every area of law. While lawyers might have a basic understanding of multiple areas of law, asking a tax lawyer about class actions and mass torts, is the equivalent of asking a pediatrician about brain surgery. While the paths of class actions and mass torts may cross paths, they are separate and distinct legal proceedings. People often, understandably, confuse the two.

Tort Reform – It Has Nothing to Do with Dessert.

by: Edward B. Mulligan V, Attorney
Do you know what Tort Reform is? Not quite sure? Well, you’re not alone; most Americans don’t. However, before you decide who to vote for in the November elections, it is critical that you be well-informed on this important issue. Don’t worry, I’m here to help.
What is a Tort?
The best place to start is by defining the word “tort.” And no, it’s not a dessert–that’s a torte with an “e.” A tort is a civil wrong arising from an act or failure to act for which an action for personal injury or property damages may be brought in civil court.

IIGA and Damages In Medical Negligence Actions (Part 2)

by:David B. Allen, Attorney
In this second part of a two-part article, I will discuss issues surrounding the application of the Guaranty statute in medical malpractice cases.
Conflict Between Guaranty Statute and Medical Malpractice Act
IIGA’s refusal to pay medical specials is not the only problem for Plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases when the healthcare defendant’s insurer becomes insolvent. In fact there are a couple problematic areas of the Guaranty statute where the interests of patient Plaintiffs and defendant healthcare providers are actually aligned.

IIGA and Damages In Medical Negligence Actions (Part 1)

by:David B. Allen, Attorney
In this first of a two-part article regarding litigation issues involving the Indiana Insurance Guaranty Association (IIGA) and damages in medical negligence actions, I will provide background regarding the Guaranty Statute and issues with the IIGA’s interpretation of the statute. A future article will address this matter further and provide some solutions to remedy the conflicts.
For Plaintiffs with pending medical negligence actions, it is a long, hard road to success and to recovery of damages for their losses. In recent years, that road has become even more difficult as a result of several medical negligence liability carriers becoming insolvent.