Jones Brown Law Blog

Every minute of every day people are injured on the job. In some cases the injuries go unreported due to fear of loss of job. There may be literature in the break room, or signs hanging on the walls of your workplace instructing you on what to do in case of an injury. But the true feeling among employees is it may be better to say nothing and not “rock the boat” so to say. People are living paycheck to paycheck and good jobs are hard to come by, so it is easy to see how a person may come to the decision to keep an injury to themselves. The fact is that you have rights as a... Read More →

Why Hire an Accident Attorney? Many people choose to hire an accident lawyer after they’ve been involved in a car crash that results in personal injury and monetary losses. Point of fact, anyone can file a personal injury claim against an insurance company all by yourself. There are  people that choose to take this course of action when they have suffered only a mild or less-severe injuries and they have the time to research the legal claims process themselves. Also, by representing themselves and choose not to hire an attorney they will save you some money in legal fees. However,... Read More →

Former Oklahoma Jail Administrator Sentenced for Denying Inmate of Healthcare A former McClain County, Oklahoma, Jail Administrator, Wayne Barnes was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Stephen P. Friot to 51 months in prison and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine for his conviction on a charge that he violated an inmate’s civil rights by depriving him of medical care, resulting in the inmate’s death. Barnes pleaded guilty to the charge on February 9, 2017. Acting Assistant Attorney General John Gore of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Mark A. Yancey... Read More →

With 2.3 million employees around the world and total revenue of close to $486 billion in the latest fiscal year, you would think that the largest private employer in the United States would appreciate and care for it’s employees right? Wrong! In a recent report from abetterbalance.org  the retail giant is accused of routinely refusing to accept doctors’ notes, penalizing workers who need to take care of a sick family member and otherwise punishes employees for lawful absences. The report surveyed over  1000 employees and flat out accuses Walmart of violating the Americans with... Read More →

America is drowning in debt. Millions are living paycheck to paycheck and worse. For a lot of Americans at the end of the day, payday has come and gone and still the ends do not meet. The average middle class household, those households with a net worth of $10,000 to $50,000 a year, is carrying on the average over $16,000 dollars in credit card debt. Research has shown that these credit cards are taken out out of necessity not extravagance. Families need food, “basic need” bills paid (electricity, gas, water etc.) not to mention Doctor’s visits and the medications. Most... Read More →

Accutane (isotretinoin) lawsuits link the acne medication to birth defects, suicide, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Accutane (isotretinoin, a popular acne medication manufactured by the Hoffmann-La Roche company, hit the market in 1982. Since it’s release the drug has been the target of hundreds of lawsuits in federal and state courts. Plaintiffs in these cases are claiming that their use of Accutane led to severe birth defects, suicidal thoughts and actions, plus inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Hoffmann-La Roche did pull Accutane from the U.S. market in 2009, although the... Read More →

All you have to do is hit YouTube and search “Trampoline Fail” and you will get 1,700,000 results, obviously these videos are of people getting hurt on trampolines. You would think that parents would steer away from such a dangerous creation, but no, trampolines continue to “spring-up” in backyards across the U.S. Finally after millions of broken bones scrapes, and bruises, a group of orthopedic surgeons have issued a child trampoline injury warning and are taking steps to raise awareness about the dangers associated with the use of trampolines among children. On... Read More →

Between the General and Shaq cruising around, and that weirdo Flo with Progressive seemingly always on television or the internet, the world of insurance has become a confusing topic. Are there state minimums on car insurance? What all does my homeowners coverage cover? Do I have a medical plan that will take care of me and my family? Don’t feel bad if you do not know, trust me there are millions of Americans in the same boat. You listen to your insurance agent or your companies HR department and your fees are taken out of your check or bank account every month. I was living the... Read More →

What To Do When Your Hurt On a Job-site In Oklahoma   One of the biggest fears shared among society is the fear of becoming injured and unable to work. Unable to provide for our family and loved ones. Unable to put food on the table. This may sound a little dramatic, but in this day and age of people living literally “paycheck to paycheck,” the fear is real, and the danger is real. One misstep, one slip and fall or twisted knee could put you out of commission for days or weeks. For those of us that jockey a desk eight to ten hours a day, it would take a huge injury to... Read More →

NFL Concussion Cases Latest Findings By now you have heard the discussion in main stream media about the relationship between NFL football players, actually football players of all levels and ages, and the news has not been good. In fact there has been a billion dollar settlement awarded to NFL players both alive and deceased due to the evidence of the degenerative disease C.T.E. and the repeated blows to the head that NFL player endure. In a recent study performed by  Dr. Anne McKee, chief of neuropathology at the VA Boston Healthcare System and director of the CTE Center at Boston... Read More →

Tips on Hiring a Great Attorney There is a myriad of reasons that you may be looking for legal counsel, representation or maybe simply legal advice. Don’t be fooled into thinking that a quick Google or a look through the Yellow pages will get you a great Attorney. Google will sell the top listings and returns to anyone with money, so your Google search may get a law firm with a huge advertising and marketing budget, but that will not help you in court. In the United Stares you will find no shortage of lawyers. The U.S has 5% of the total world’s population and at the same time... Read More →

According to the  Social Security Administration, when a child receiving   Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits turns 18 they must be reevaluated by Social Security. This process is sometimes called a “age 18 redetermination.” You should know that the process in which an adult is assessed and how children are assessed are different. This redetermination may result in a loss of benefits, but  be assured that the Social Security Administration does make special considerations for this situation to ensure fairness to the insured. There are several different... Read More →

Water Street Brewery Class Action: Water Street Brewery – a local restaurant  and microbrewery in the Milwaukee area- has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit for $825,000 filed by it’s servers. The Class alleges that the brewery has violated the state and federal wage-and-hour laws at not one, but all four of the company’s four locations, according to a press release from a Ohio based law office, Hawks Quindel. In late 2016, Angela Brandt, a former employee (server) of the Water Street Brewery, sued the company alleging that its servers had not been paid minimum wage... Read More →

Drowsy Driving and Car Accidents: It has happened to all of us, a night spent tossing and turning, up and down, a hot cup of coffee and out the door for work with very little rest or sleep. Just another day in your life right? Wrong. Getting behind the wheel while yawning and drowsy can be just as dangerous as being behind the wheel and being drunk. In fact, even missing just an hour or two of your regular sleep habit could lead to catastrophic results. In twenty percent of all fatality crashes, drowsy driving is te cause. “Drivers who skimp on the seven hours of sleep experts... Read More →

Signs of Nursing Home Neglect Unfortunately and sadly, in the state of Oklahoma there are too many reports of elder abuse occurring in state and private ran facilities to list in this blog. Signs of nursing home neglect are horrific, and the physical and emotional damage that is being done by the various agencies, care givers and specialized homes that are well paid, and more importantly entrusted by family members, to properly care for their family and friends is appalling.  This is not an easy issue to touch on due to the sensitivity of the notion that there may be a possibility of... Read More →

Do I Really Need to Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?   At the Law Offices of Jones Brown, we pride ourselves in representing those who have suffered injuries related to auto accidents. In each and every case our staff of professional auto injury specialists and lawyers strive to provide our clients with the pinnacle of legal representation so that our clients may receive the maximum level of financial compensation for their injuries. Our lawyers will provide you with years of experience in the field of auto accidents, motorcycle accidents, truck crashes, pedestrian and bicycle collisions.... Read More →

If you are suffering from a serious disability, you know that the Social Security Disability Insurance application process is along complex, physically and emotionally draining process. For many Americans, their Social Security Disability Insurance benefit will be their only source of support that is needed to manage their everyday lives, so the stress of not knowing the status of their application, or when and if they will be approved for SSDI can prove to be frustrating and overwhelming. Will I loose my house? How will I provide food for my family? What about my children? These are just... Read More →

Ever wonder just how many written prescriptions for prescription drugs are written each year in the U.S.? This may be hard to believe but in the year 2016 there was more than 4 Billion prescriptions written and filled by citizens of the United States alone. With that may prescriptions being written, it could be said that mistakes happen. Unfortunately, mistakes by patients, nurses, pharmacies and even doctors are all too common. In fact, according to a recent national report prepared by the Institute of Medicine, between 44,000 and 98,000 deaths occur in the United States each year as a... Read More →

How Social Media Posts May Harm Your Car Accident Claim   When a car wreck or accident enters the court system there are many factors that come in to play. Testimony from witnesses, police reports and even traffic cameras can and are used in court by either side. The constantly expanding role of the Internet in everyday life, social interactions, and  new technologies are starting to be used in court. One element which is becoming increasingly intertwined with personal injury claims is the existence of social media. After you have been in a car accident and you post pictures or write... Read More →

The blistering hot days of summer are on the way and that will have everyone searching for water. Lakes will be packed with those looking to beat the heat. Swimmers, fishermen and women, jet skis, and most importantly boats. Fishing boats, house boats, speed boats, and ski boats. With all of this traffic on the water, safety is a must and accidents are inevitable. In 2016, the Coast Guard counted 4,463 accidents that involved 701 deaths, 2,903 injuries and approximately $49 million dollars of damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. In order to stay safe on the... Read More →

Safety Tips for 4th of July Weekend The 4th of July in Oklahoma means dazzling fireworks displays, backyard BBQ’s, family and friends, and ice cold beer. However, fireworks are a display and celebration of the Independence we hold so dear here in the United States, they also account for thousands of injuries each year. With the 4th quickly approaching, the professionals here at Jones Brown Law have put together a list of safety tips for you and the kids to ensure a great Independence Day weekend.     If I asked you- What are the most dangerous fireworks? You would probably... Read More →

Semi-Truck Tire Blowout Safety Drivers of all types of vehicles exceed speed limits both on and off the highway, posing a huge safety hazard for themselves and other drivers. Semi-truck drivers are no exception. In fact, speeding truck drivers are much more dangerous. Not all semi-truck tires are made for highway speeds–especially in Texas and several states west of the Mississippi. Goodyear makes truck tires that are designed for speeds of 65 mph or less, when most highway speed limits are 65 mph or above. When speed limits in places like Texas are as high as 85 mph, the risk of... Read More →

Were You a Victim of Wrongful Termination? Have you recently been laid off or fired from your job? Here is another question- Do you know if your termination was legal? Were You a Victim of Wrongful Termination? A vast majority of employment contracts are “at-will” (meaning the employee or employer can end the relationship at any time, and under any circumstances), there are some very important factors that you need to be aware when trying to decide if you have been a victim of wrongful termination. Wrongful Termination: When an employee claims wrongful termination against... Read More →

Mirapex Compulsive Behavior Lawsuits Victims of Mirapex (pramipexole dihydrochloride), an FDA approved drug which is used to treat Parkinson’s Disease and restless leg syndrome, has been associated with compulsive behavior, including gambling addiction. Since its approval, scores of Mirapex users have claimed that they developed compulsive behaviors. This compulsive behavior is not limited to gambling addictions only, but people treated with Mirapex have suffered from other impulse control disorders such as sexual addictions, compulsive shopping and eating disorders. This compulsive... Read More →

Attorney Logan Jones of Jones Brown PLLC. continues his series “Jones Brown Law: Client Bill of Rights.” In this installment Logan will take you through the topic of Attorneys Fees.   Read More →

How Law Enforcement and Prosecutors Use Social Media While watching an episode of “The First 48” on A&E, I noticed that the police detectives would go straight to Facebook and look up people that had been incriminated for crimes. That brought me to the question- “How do law enforcement and prosecutors use social media?” After doing some research online, I have learned just how law enforcement agencies are actively using social media. How can you best protect yourself from law enforcement online? You are probably asking yourself – “can my Facebook, Twitter, or... Read More →

Agent Orange Lawsuits: Although the Vietnam war is over, the lasting affects of chemicals used during the war continue. If you or a loved one is a Vietnam Veteran who was exposed to Agent Orange during duty, you may be eligible for financial compensation even if your claim has been denied by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA). There is a long list of illness’ connected with Agent Orange, a herbicide used during the Vietnam War. Southeast Asia was not the only place this chemical was used. Below you will find a complete list of locations that Agent Orange was used and... Read More →

Like most people when you are ill or injured you visit the doctor or hospital. You expect to receive top-notch health care and nothing less, but the truth is that many people end up in a worse condition than they were before they arrived. Medical errors kill approximately 200,000 people every year. What’s even more alarming is that a great number of these deaths could have been prevented. Here is a short list of the most reported medical malpractice complaints. Medical Mistakes Commonly Made  Medication errors: Mistakes made when prescribing and administrating affect 1.5 million people... Read More →

Summer is finally here and it’s time to get the backyard BBQ’s going and the pool parties rocking. In this day and age you have to take precautions and protect yourself. Safety is the key for yourself and your guests so before you send out the invites and throw the steaks on the grill take all the pool safety  precautions- or you could get sued. Tips on How to Lawsuit-Proof Your Pool Party: Make Sure All repairs are Made: Swimming pool electrocutions are not just for the movies or good crime novels. Pool electrocutions happen more often than you may think. If you have... Read More →

Teva Pharmaceuticals faces a product liability lawsuit in Florida. On May 26th, a complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida by Michelle Smith. Smith indicates that she developed masses on her liver after using the birth control pills, Seasonique and Seasonale for several years. Smith began taking Seasonale in 2003, and then switched to the Seasonique in 2009. In 2103, masses were found. According to the lawsuit, Teva Pharmaceuticals knew or should have known that there was a five-fold increased risk of hepactic ademomas after five years of use,... Read More →

Pedestrian Fatalties and Injuries: The Facts According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) more than 5,300 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2015. Killed, not injured. To put that number into perspective, a pedestrian dies due to a traffic accident every 1.6 hours in the United States. In addition to the more than 5,300 fatalities, nearly 129,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for non-fatal crash-related injuries in 2015. Those are staggering numbers. Believe it or not, pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than someone who is riding... Read More →

Attorney Logan Jones introduces a new edition of Jones Brown Health Pulse. In this episode Logan gives you information surrounding the Medtronic INFUSE medical device.  Despite this limited FDA approval, Medtronic INFUSE is alleged to have frequently been used off-label in other spine procedures. These off-label uses put patients at risk for serious, and even life-threatening, injuries and adverse events. Our nationwide network  experienced attorneys and medical staff here at Jones Brown Law are ready to help those who have been implanted with an Infuse device and experienced... Read More →

We at Jones Brown PLLC. understand the hardship and loss that families languish with after a motorcycle accident involving serious injury or death.  Victims and families of motorcycle accidents all over the United States trust and depend on the experienced professionals at Jones Brown PLLC to help them navigate the aftermath of these terrible accidents. MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS For those of you who have never, there’s nothing that compares to riding on a motorcycle. The feeling of freedom, the wind in your hair, the vibrations of your iron horse under you. While invigorating and exciting,... Read More →

It is a sad fact that non-custodial parents fail to pay their court-ordered child support,  which in turn places a huge financial burden on children and their custodial parents. A lot of people get frustrated with the system and give up rather than fight. Federal and state legislatures have enacted strict policies aimed directly at enforcing child support. These policies along with a nationwide crackdown on “deadbeat” parents, has made it more difficult for people to hide from their financial obligations to their kids.  Establishing Child Support The amount of support that may... Read More →

  Memorial Day weekend is typically considered the start of summer, where people all over the U.S. will be celebrating with BBQs, parties, and plenty of alcohol. It has been called “The 100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers. That would be the stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day and it can be extremely dangerous for drivers of all ages. With gas prices dropping and the economy not in total shambles, more people are expected to be traveling during Memorial Day this year than in the past. According to AAA, a predicted 38 million people will be leaving their homes to enjoy the long... Read More →

Filing bankruptcy is not something that a person exactly prepares for or expects to do in their life. As we all know situations arise, life happens and before you know it bankruptcy may be you best option. We have gathered some information you need to know so you can make an informed and educated decision. Personal Bankruptcy Types: Chapter 7 – Wipes away all debt. This  would be a good option for those with a large amount of debt, or for those who don’t have enough income to qualify for a payment plan. If they do not own their own home and have mounting medical bills this may be... Read More →

The bleeding from your wounds has just stopped and you are already getting requests from law enforcement officers, doctors, and insurance companies requesting paperwork. Obviously you are feeling pressured and overwhelmed by all the questions about your accident. No one seems to be able to provide you with the information that is most important to you. If you have been hurt in a accident, hiring a personal injury attorney with experience can help you with what to do next. Here Are Ten Reasons To Hire An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney. No Fees if You Don’t Recover: Most... Read More →

Uninsured Driver Coverage It has to be everyone’s worst nightmare, the uninsured motorist. Someone just slammed into the side of your car or truck and when it comes time to get their information you find out that they have no information to give. What is the next step when you are hit by an uninsured motorist and the accident is their fault? You would use your uninsured motorist coverage in this situation.  If you use your uninsured driver coverage, you would generally not try to sue the uninsured driver. Remember, drivers who have no car insurance generally don’t have any money... Read More →

No one ever plans on a car accident right? We go about our lives doing everyday things like delivering the kids to various practices and grabbing groceries or running errands when out of nowhere, “Bam.” Everything stops and all of a sudden you have to switch gears and deal with a huge inconvenience. We at Jones Brown PLLC. want to make sure that you are protected and know what to do in case of a car wreck. There were over 6 million reported accidents in the US last year, and that number continues to climb every year. The number of drivers and passengers injured in those 6... Read More →

Trucking Accident Facts: There are more than a half a million accidents involving large commercial vehicles such as 18-wheelers  and semi trucks every year.  Their size and weight give these large vehicles the potential to do tremendous damage when they are operated or maintained improperly.  Thousands of Americans are killed every year due to truck accidents, the negligence of trucking companies, and their drivers.  Trucking remains to be one of the largest industries in the world. With a half a million trucking companies out there,  it is estimated that there are more than 15 million... Read More →

A concussion is a injury to the head that can occur in a number of ways. Recently the NFL and it’s players have been the focus of media reports regarding the long-term effects of concussions. However, there are far more common causes of concussions that happen. A concussion commonly is the result of an car wreak. In 2015 there were over 6 million police reported crashes in the US. If you, or a loved one were one of these 6 million, then are some facts behind concussions you should know. Understanding a Concussion There is a good chance that you have a general understanding of what... Read More →

Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Lawsuits If you were to ask how many women have used Johnson & Johnson’s talcum powder (baby powder)  it would be in the millions. The company’s “Shower to Shower”  brand has for a long time been recommended by the company to be a part of women’s daily hygiene routine. Due to recent studies and court documents, Johnson & Johnson has been in possession of scientific studies and indicating women who regularly use these products for hygienic use have a greater rate of ovarian cancer. Therefore this has lead to a massive number of... Read More →

Gambling Addiction and Impulse Control on Abilify The Attorneys here at Jones Brown law are reviewing potential claims for individuals all over the United States who have suffered severe financial loss, family problems or legal consequences as a result of compulsive gambling while taking the prescription drug Abilify. Recent research has suggested that side effects of Abilify may impact a persons self-impulse control, potentially leading to severe gambling addictions or other obsessive compulsive behaviors that can have a devastating impact on an individuals family, employment, financial... Read More →

 One of the most common situations where Americans reach for their civil rights is during a traffic stop. Do you know what exactly  your civil rights during a traffic stop are? Here is a short list of 5 things you should remember during a traffic stop: You DO Have the Right to Film/Record a Traffic Stop. You can count on he police officer will be recording the traffic stop with their dash cam. Turn about is fair play,  you have the First Amendment right to film an officer during a traffic stop. In short this means you have the right to film, this does noy mean you can interfere with an... Read More →

Viagra and Melanoma Viagra (sildenafil citrate) first introduced by Pfizer in 1998,  since then it has become the most recognized brand-name medications on the market in the United States. Millions of men use it to treat impotence and sexual dysfunction, including the inability to develop or maintain an erection. This erectile dysfunction drug has been prescribed to millions men, and advertisements of all types encourage men to ask their doctors for a prescription if they have trouble obtaining or maintaining an erection.  Viagra is generally believed to be safe by the general public and... Read More →

The news has buzzing with automobile recalls in recent weeks from brands including Kia, Ford and Hyundai. These vehicle recalls are hitting close to home right here in Green Country and nationwide, so be sure to check the status of your vehicle’s recall list at www.nhtsa.gov. Ford announced a dangerous recall due to door latch failure. Door latches are not working properly, posing a risk of doors not closing correctly or opening while the vehicle is in motion. Last year door latch recalls cost Ford more than $640 million to correct. The recent recall affects 2014 Fiesta, 2013-2014 Fusion,... Read More →

Slip and fall accidents happen every day and as a result people are severely injured. Slip and fall accidents and you? What do you need to know? First of all you need to know that ANY business that invites the public into their place of business or on their premises is legally charged with keeping those people reasonably safe. At virtually any place of retail business like Walmart or Costco there is an inherent obligation to keep customers safe while in the store and safe around the products that are on display and for sale. What if you have a slip and fall accident in one of these... Read More →

Memorial Day is quickly approaching and that means travel and lots of it. With travel also comes the chance of you being involved in a car accident. The Memorial Day Weekend consists of a 72 hour period that begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 26th and ends on Monday, May 29th at Midnight 2017. Hence during this 72 hour period here is what you can expect. According to the National Safety Council, estimated that 439 people would be killed and more than 50,000 others would sustain injuries in car crashes over the 2016 holiday weekend. With over 50,000 or more car accidents expected this... Read More →

What is Levaquin? Also known by it’s generic name, Levofloxacin, Levaquin was developed by Daiichi Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd in 1987, and released in Japan in 1993. Approved by the Federal Drug Association (FDA) in 1998, Levaquin is now manufactured the United States by Ortho-McNeal–a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. Levaquin’s FDA approved uses include the treatment of bacterial infections of the skin, sinuses, kidney, bladder, or prostate. The drug is also commonly prescribed  to kill a bacterium that leads to bronchitis and pneumonia. Common side effects include:... Read More →

Aripiprazole, more commonly known by its generic name Abilify, was first developed in the early 2000’s by Otsuka America, produced by Bristol-Meyer, and was then first approved by the FDA in 2013. Abilify belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics, which are used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children, bipolar disorder, and sometimes irritability associated with autism in pediatric patients. Abilify can cause many serious side effects including weight gain, memory loss, and dizziness. In April of 2005 the FDA issued a black box warning, which stated that patients... Read More →

Risperdal, a powerful antipsychotic manufactured by Johnson and Johnson, was approved by the FDA in 1993 for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults.  In 2007 the drug was approved to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder in adults and youth between the ages of 13 and 17.  According to statements released by the U.S. Department of Justice, the drug was also promoted for off label uses, including the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In 2005 a black box warning was issued for Risperdal due to an increased risk of death in patients with dementia over the age... Read More →

Fluoroquinolones, a family of synthetic antibiotics, are commonly prescribed to treat bacterial infections of the skin, sinuses, kidneys, bladder or prostate.  These drugs are also prescribed to kill a bacterium that leads to bronchitis and pneumonia.   The most common fluoroquinolones include Levaquin, Cipro, and Avelox.  Common side effects of taking fluoroquinolones include chest pain, stomach irritation, headache, and skin reaction. According to Drugwatch.com, approximately 26 million people are annually prescribed fluoroquinolones in the United States to treat inflammator... Read More →

Zofran, a drug produced and marketed by GlaxoSmithKline, acts as an anti-nausea and anti-vomiting medication for post-surgery patients. The drug was approved in the United States in 1991 exclusively for use with chemotherapy patients and post surgery patients. Zofran is also often prescribed off-label to pregnant women with morning sickness.  The FDA issued an updated warning for Zofran in 2012 after studies concluded that the drug may cause an increased risk of heart complications in some patients. In 2013, Danish studies showed that Zofran can be linked to an increase in potential birth... Read More →

Actos, a product of Takeda Pharmaceuticals, was approved by the FDA in 1999 to help control blood sugar levels in type II diabetes patients.  Actos is considered one of the most popularly prescribed medications in the world, which is startling because it has been linked to several serious adverse effects.  In 2007 the FDA issued Actos a black box warning, the most extreme warning it can give to a product, linking the drug to heart failure.  In 2008 and 2009 reputable studies were released showing a doubled increased risk of bone fracture in post-menopausal women who took Actos, and a... Read More →

Anticoagulants, usually prescribed to patients suffering from irregular heart beat (atrial fibrillation) or patients recovering from invasive surgery, thin the users’ blood to prevent clotting.  The most popularly prescribed anticoagulants are Pradaxa and Xarelto. Pradaxa, an anticoagulant manufactured by Boehringer Ingleheim Pharmaceuticals, was approved by the FDA in 2010 to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with blood clotting issues.  Xarelto, manufactured by Johnson and Johnson subsidiary Jannsen Pharmaceuticals, was approved in 2011 for similar purposes relating to prevention of... Read More →

Medtronic, founded in Minneapolis, Indiana in 1949, is the world’s largest standalone medical technology company, credited with the invention and distribution of several cardiovascular products, diabetes supplies, and spinal materials.  Medtronic’s controversial INFUSE bone graft is a protein bio-engineered to be implanted in the spine or vertebrae to encourage healthy bone growth.  INFUSE procedures are common in patients who wish to reduce back pain by fusing spinal vertebrae. The procedure was approved by the FDA in 2002, and “life threatening issues” were publicly acknowledged by the... Read More →

Adults suffering from Type II diabetes may have been prescribed one of several medications, including Byetta and Januvia.  Byetta, patented by Amylin Pharmaceuticals, was approved by the Federal Drug Administration for use with insulin in 2005, and Januvia, using a patent of Merck and Co., was approved shortly after in 2006. These treatments, each bringing in several billion dollars annually, are intended to lower blood sugar (glucose) levels in patients, and are recommended to be taken with regular exercise, diet, and insulin, as prescribed by a doctor.  Commonly reported side effects... Read More →

You’ve filed for Social Security Disability benefits and you’ve been denied your initial application. So you work your way through the necessary appeals process and, unfortunately, your request for reconsideration is also denied. At this point, you have the opportunity to request a hearing before an administrative law judge.   The Key Players Administrative Law Judge At the hearing, there will be an administrative law judge, who works for the Social Security Administration (SSA), rendering decisions on disability claims at the hearing level. The judge may appear before you... Read More →

One of the more common questions we receive at the law offices of Jones Brown regarding Social Security Disability claims is “Are there temporary or partial disabilities?”. The answer to the first half of this question is yes, temporary disabilities do exist and they are called closed period of disability. To determine the validity of a disability claim, the Social Security Act anticipates (for a valid claim) that a person is unable to work due to a severe impairment or several severe impairments and that inability to work has lasted for or is anticipated to last at least one year. The... Read More →

Tattoos are freedom of expressions, right? As long as you are of age you have a legal right to decorate your skin. While this right is derived from privacy and freedom of speech, does this right to expression translate to a business environment? Could you even be fired for showing your tattoos? Benjamin Amos, a Starbucks employee in Dallas had tattoos at the time he was hired. For seven years Amos performed well enough to receive multiple promotions, during which time the tattoos were of no concern as he complied with store policy and covered them while he was working. In 2008 he was told... Read More →