Friday, May 29, 2020

Talcum Powder Ovarian Cancer Lawsuits

Talcum powder is a product made from talc, a mineral comprised of magnesium, silicone, and oxygen. More commonly known as baby powder, it has been sold worldwide for decades. But while talcum powder has been popular for its drying properties and ability to prevent rashes, it has also been linked to ovarian cancer.

Nearly 20,000 lawsuits have been filed against Johnson & Johnson (J&J), alleging that its talcum powder products caused cancer in women. Talc is obtained from mines, some of which also contain asbestos, a known carcinogen.

Although J&J strongly denies the allegations that its baby powder is unsafe, it pulled its talc-based powders from the North American market in May, citing a decreased demand.

Were you diagnosed with ovarian cancer after years of using talcum powder? If so, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact the talcum powder lawyers at Stewart Law Offices today for a free consultation. Our dedicated legal team has successfully represented injured people throughout South Carolina and North Carolina for 30 years.

What is a Talcum Powder Lawsuit?

The talcum powder lawsuits currently pending against J&J allege that the company knew that its talc products had an increased risk of causing cancer in the reproductive system, but didn’t inform the public of the hazard.

Talc particles are microscopic. When applied to the genital area, it’s believed that the particles enter through the vagina and migrate through the fallopian tubes and uterus to the ovaries. Once there, the particles get lodged in the ovarian tissue. Over time, the talc irritates the tissues and causes DNA mutations, causing cancer.

The first talcum powder lawsuit was won in 2013. Since that time, J&J has been ordered to pay billions of dollars to women who claimed the talcum powder caused their cancer.

Proving Fault in a Talcum Powder Lawsuit

Cases involving talcum powder are complex. An experienced defective products attorney can help determine whether you have a case.

To win a talcum powder lawsuit, you will need to provide convincing evidence that the product caused your cancer. Factors that must be considered include:

  • Was your baby powder made from talc? J&J also sells a cornstarch-based form of baby powder.
  • How long did you use talcum powder? Cancer develops slowly. If you only used talcum powder sporadically, it will be much harder to prove that it caused your cancer compared to a woman who used it daily for 30 years.
  • Do you have ovarian cancer? Medical records can establish a diagnosis of the disease.
  • Did you use talcum powder made by other manufacturers? J&J is not the only maker of talcum powder products. If you used drugstore-brand baby powder or other talc-based powders along with J&J’s, it could be challenging to definitively show that one particular manufacturer is to blame for your cancer.
  • Did talcum powder cause your ovarian cancer? This will be the biggest hurdle to overcome. Many studies have pointed to a connection between talc and cancer. Other research has discounted these findings. The International Agency of Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified genital use of talcum powder as a “possible carcinogen to humans.” To win your case, your talcum powder lawyer will need to show that your baby powder use more likely than not caused your ovarian cancer.

States have different statutes of limitations, or deadlines, for when a talcum powder lawsuit must be filed. Our lawyers can help determine the statute of limitations in your case and whether you have a valid claim for compensation.

Not Sure If You Have a Talcum Powder Lawsuit? Contact Us Today

For more information about talcum powder lawsuits in North Carolina and South Carolina, call Stewart Law Offices today for a free consultation. With five offices throughout the Carolinas, our compassionate personal injury attorneys can meet with you wherever is most convenient for you.

Contact us now to get started.

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Thursday, May 14, 2020

Tips for Driving in Bad Weather

South Carolina is no stranger to bad weather. Thunderstorms and lightning strikes are common in the Palmetto State, and both Carolinas unfortunately fall prey to hurricanes, tropical storms, hail and tornadoes. It’s an uncontrollable recipe for road disaster.

Bad weather makes for dangerous driving. According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly 5,000 people are killed and more than 418,000 people are injured in weather-related traffic collisions every year.

Although weather is a contributing factor in many vehicle accidents, the drivers involved in them may still be found negligent depending on the facts of the case. If you were injured in a bad-weather crash, it’s a good idea to talk with an experienced South Carolina car accident attorney to learn about what types of compensation may be available to help with your medical expenses and other losses. Call or contact Stewart Law Offices right away for a free consultation.

Safety Tips for Driving in Bad Weather

It’s important to learn how to drive defensively in inclement weather. Around 11 percent of accidents in South Carolina occur when the weather is poor, according to the S.C. Department for Public Safety.

Here are some safety tips for driving in bad weather:

  • Slow down on wet roads.
  • Increase your following distance, as it may take longer to stop on slick or slippery surfaces.
  • Use your headlights in rainy weather and at night.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Stormy conditions can make visibility scarce, so you need to scan the road to note if drivers have stopped, skidded, or crashed.
  • Avoid large puddles if you can.
  • Keep your windshield wipers well maintained, and use them. Also check that you have enough wiper fluid to clear any mud or debris that might disrupt your view during a storm.
  • Check your tires. Balding tires will not have as much traction in bad weather, which can lead to vehicle accidents caused by hydroplaning.
  • If you ever feel unsafe, pull off the road to a safe location and wait until the weather passes.

What to Do if You are Injured in a Weather-Related Car Accident

Taking certain steps after a weather-related crash can help protect any future legal claim that you might make. These include:

  • Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Call 911 if the injuries are urgent. If not, you should still get checked by a doctor promptly to rule out any undetected injuries.
  • Report the accident to the police. Law enforcement officers usually show up at weather-related crash scenes. If not, make sure to file an accident report.
  • Exchange contact and insurance information. Make sure to obtain information from every driver involved in the wreck, as well as the names and contact information for any witnesses.
  • Document the scene. Take photos of all accident-related evidence including damage to the vehicles involved, your injuries, and especially the environmental conditions. Video can help document damaging winds that may have contributed to the wreck.
  • Contact Stewart Law Offices. Our tough attorneys can take over all communications with the insurance company and negotiate for a full and fair car accident settlement on your behalf.

How Can Stewart Law Offices Help Me?

Injured in a weather-related car accident in South Carolina? At Stewart Law Offices, our legal team can investigate the crash, identify all liable parties, and fight for the compensation you are owed.

Your first step is to arrange a free consultation with one of our diligent car accident lawyers. With five offices throughout South Carolina and North Carolina, an attorney from Stewart Law Offices can meet with you wherever you feel most comfortable.

Call or contact us today to get started.

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Wednesday, May 13, 2020

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the nerve that travels from the palm side of the wrist is compressed, or pinched. This nerve — also known as the median nerve — travels through an area called the carpal tunnel.

Carpal tunnel syndrome typically causes numbness, burning pain, and tingling in the hand and wrist. It may also cause numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle finger. People with CTS sometimes report weakness in the affected hand and swollen fingers.

In a workers’ compensation claim, carpal tunnel syndrome would fall under the category of a repetitive motion injury. These types of injuries occur through continual use of the arms and wrists while performing the duties of your job. In South Carolina, you can obtain workers’ compensation benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome as long as you can prove the condition is work-related. However, it’s not always easy to convince an employer’s insurance company to pay workers’ comp for carpal tunnel syndrome.

If you’re struggling to obtain workers’ compensation for carpal tunnel syndrome, contact Stewart Law Offices today. Our team of highly qualified South Carolina workers’ comp attorneys can help prepare your claim and fight for the benefits you deserve.

Call or contact us today for a free consultation.

Common Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

According to the Mayo Clinic, any activity that puts pressure on the median nerve can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. That is what makes it a tricky workers’ compensation claim. You must show that the injury is directly related to work, not to other medical conditions or daily life activities.

Common causes of CTS include:

  • A wrist injury
  • Pre-existing diagnosis of arthritis or diabetes
  • Fluid retention caused by pregnancy or menopause
  • Hypothyroidism
  • A cyst or tumor in the carpal tunnel
  • Repetitive use of the wrist

Sometimes, a person can have several risk factors that, in combination, result in carpal tunnel syndrome. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney at Stewart Law Offices can help collect the necessary evidence to show why your claim should be paid fully and fairly.

What Is a Repetitive Motion Claim in Workers’ Compensation?

Many occupations involve repetitive hand and wrist motions that could lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. These include:

  • Assembly line workers
  • Machinists
  • Construction workers
  • Farmers
  • Landscapers
  • Office workers
  • Data entry specialists

Workers’ compensation benefits for carpal tunnel syndrome can include payment for medical treatment and a portion of your lost wages. You may also be eligible for permanent disability benefits depending on the severity of your repetitive stress injury.

Making a Workers’ Comp Claim for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

South Carolina workers only have 90 days from the time CTS first requires medical care or begins to interfere with the worker’s ability to perform his/her job to make a carpal tunnel claim. Before getting started, it’s recommended to speak with an attorney about the requirements and procedures for handling these complex claims.

Successfully linking your work activities to your diagnosis will be essential in order to be awarded workers’ compensation benefits. To do that, you will need substantial medical evidence.

A doctor will conduct an exam to confirm the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. He or she will then take a detailed history of your specific job activities to show how they contributed to your injury. The physician will also determine whether your condition is permanent or not.

This testimony, combined with other information collected by your attorney, can help build a strong case for workers’ compensation in South Carolina.

How Stewart Law Offices Can Help You

The attorneys at Stewart Law Offices can guide you through the entire process of filing a workers’ compensation claim. We understand that your livelihood may be at stake and will leave no stone unturned as we put together a claim that shows why you deserve compensation.

Call or contact us now to arrange your free, no-obligation consultation.

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