Author Archives: Weitz and Luxenberg P.C.

W&L Hopes Faster FDA Publication of Potential Risk Signals for SGLT2 Inhibitors: Newest – Stroke, Thromboembolic Events, Acute Kidney Injury

consumer protection law

NEW YORK, N.Y., April 1, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C., said today it hopes potentially fatal side effects associated with SGLT2 inhibitor drugs will be reported to consumers faster, since people taking these next-generation diabetes medications deserve to be notified of the health dangers shortly after they have been reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Unfortunately, the most recent report of serious potential side effect risks were not announced by the FDA this year until after a significant delay, the nationally known law firm said.

In lists of these medications and their side effects published this year, the FDA stated it has now identified potential new signals of serious risk for people taking SGLT2 inhibitors, including strokes, thromboembolic events and acute kidney injury, Weitz & Luxenberg pointed out.

The potential risk of strokes and thromboembolic events was detected during the second quarter of 2015 and should have been published on the FDA's website by the end of the third quarter of last year. Weitz & Luxenberg has learned, however, that this potential safety signal was not posted on the FDA's website until February of this year, four months overdue.

The potential risk for acute kidney injury had been determined by the FDA based on data received from consumers and healthcare providers between October and December of last year, said Weitz & Luxenberg.

Concerns with SGLT2 Inhibitors Identified:

There are currently seven SGLT2 inhibitor drugs. All of them were listed under the potential signals of serious risk for stroke, thromboembolic events and acute kidney injury. The FDA became aware of these potential serious risks through its Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), according to Weitz & Luxenberg.

The law firm said the seven SGLT2 inhibitor drug brands listed in the two FDA lists of potential signals of serious risks are:
* Invokana (canagliflozin)
* Invokamet (canagliflozin/metformin HCl)
* Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
* Glyxambi (empagliflozin/linagliptin)
* Jardiance (empagliflozin)
* Synjardy (empagliflozin/metformin HCl)
* Xigduo XR (dapagliflozin/metformin HCl).

SGLT2 (sodium-glucose cotransporter-2) inhibitors are prescription medicines approved by the FDA to treat adult type 2 diabetes mellitus when combined with diet and exercise, said Weitz & Luxenberg.

SGLT2 inhibitors are prescribed in an attempt to lower blood sugar levels.

A growing body of scientific literature and adverse event reports made to regulatory bodies around the world, including the FDA, have linked SGLT2 inhibitors to a spectrum of serious adverse health consequences, the law firm said.

Lawsuits Commenced:

In 2015, Weitz & Luxenberg launched an investigation of those adverse health consequences. The firm said its findings convinced it to begin accepting cases from consumers injured by SGLT2 inhibitors.

The firm has filed five cases on behalf of individuals who suffered from diabetic ketoacidosis, who then went on to suffer one of the following devastating events: coma, kidney injuries, and infection leading to necrotizing fasciitis. Those cases are pending in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County.

Individuals Who Suffered Harm from SGLT2 Inhibitors Deserve Help:

Weitz & Luxenberg said delays in government reporting of newly-identified potential SGLT2 inhibitor health risks have not slowed the effort to bring the drugs' manufacturers to justice.

Still, attorneys within the firm said it would be beneficial to the public were FAERS reports made available sooner.

"By the time consumers find out there is a new pattern of problems being reported to the FDA with SGLT2 inhibitors, it may be too late, as many of them will by then have already suffered a devastating medical event," said attorney Ellen Relkin, who is leading the Weitz & Luxenberg SGLT2 inhibitors investigation.

"The FDA should consider ways to improve the processes by which it acquires and analyzes adverse event data, and also the processes by which it produces and readies FAERS reports," Relkin added.

Relkin said her firm is interested in hearing from adult patients who took an SGLT2 inhibitor and then experienced diabetic ketoacidosis requiring hospitalization, renal failure or acute kidney injury requiring hospitalization, stroke or other thromboembolic events, such as blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis or "DVT") or lungs (pulmonary embolism or "PE").

She said Weitz & Luxenberg also is interested in talking to individuals who took SGLT2 inhibitors and were hospitalized after suffering urinary tract infections resulting in blood infections (urosepsis) or kidney infections (pyelonephritis).

Relkin said individuals harmed in any of these ways may be entitled to reimbursement for the cost of hospitalization and any related medical care, in addition to other expenses, plus lost wages and more.

About Weitz & Luxenberg

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at info@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/wl-hopes-faster-fda-publication-potential-risk-signals-sglt2-inhibitors-newest-stroke-thromboembolic-events-acute-kidney-injury-2016-0401-02.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2016 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Weitz & Luxenberg Attorneys Chosen as 2016 ‘Rising Stars’ by Super Lawyers Magazine

consumer protection law firm

NEW YORK, N.Y., March 11, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Super Lawyers revealed that eight Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C. attorneys have been named by the magazine as 2016 "Rising Stars" of the profession, Weitz & Luxenberg today announced.

The eight "Rising Star" Weitz & Luxenberg attorneys are James J. Bilsborrow, Adam S. Dreksler, Michael Fanelli, Mary Grabish Gaffney, Danielle M. Gold, Danny R. Kraft, Jr., Gennaro Savastano and Jonathan M. Sedgh, the nationally known personal injury and mass tort law firm reported.

The "Rising Stars" join an impressive roster of Weitz & Luxenberg attorneys who were named last September to the magazine's prestigious list of "Super Lawyers," the law firm noted.

"Rising Star" attorneys are law practitioners found by Super Lawyers magazine to be supremely talented and accomplished in their respective fields, according to Weitz & Luxenberg.

To be named to the annual list, a "Rising Star" candidate must first undergo a rigorous evaluation process, Weitz & Luxenberg said.

This process involves a thorough review of the candidate's performance as a lawyer in and out of the courtroom. It also entails listening to what peers have to say about the attorney, the firm explained.

Weitz & Luxenberg pointed out that Super Lawyers magazine bestows "Rising Star" honors upon only a very small percentage of attorneys in any given geographic region.

Star Attorneys Selected by Area of Practice and Location:

Super Lawyers magazine selects "Rising Star" attorneys by locality and area of practice, the firm said.

Mr. Bilsborrow, Ms. Gold, Mr. Sedgh, Mr. Fanelli, Mr. Kraft and Mr. Savastano were all named to the roster in New York City, the firm said.

Mr. Bilsborrow focuses on environmental and consumer protection law while Ms. Gold and Mr. Sedgh concentrate on cases involving defective medicines and medical devices, Weitz & Luxenberg noted.

Mr. Dreksler, Mr. Fanelli and Mr. Kraft specialize in mesothelioma and other asbestos disease cases and are three of Weitz & Luxenberg's premier trial lawyers, said the firm.

Mr. Savastano is one of the appellate legal gurus at the firm working on appeals involving mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases, as well as medical malpractice appeals, the firm conveyed.

Ms. Gaffney works at Weitz & Luxenberg's office in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. She, too, handles mesothelioma and asbestos lawsuits, according to the firm.

"We are enormously and justifiably proud of our 'Rising Stars,'" Weitz & Luxenberg said. "They embody all that is great about our entire team of nearly 100 personal injury lawyers who work with plaintiffs from coast to coast."

Weitz & Luxenberg Attorneys Honored Each Year:

Among Weitz & Luxenberg's "Rising Stars," all have been on the list before. Ms. Gaffney has appeared the most often, named to the list a total of six times previously, Weitz & Luxenberg said.

Following close behind is Mr. Fanelli. The firm said he has been a "Rising Star" honoree annually since 2012.

Mr. Bilsborrow and Mr. Savastano were first picked as "Rising Stars" in 2014 and have remained on the list since then, while Ms. Gold and Mr. Sedgh joined this elite roster for the first time in 2015.

Mr. Dreksler and Mr. Kraft were handed "Rising Star" laurels in 2014, Weitz & Luxenberg indicated.

Super Lawyers magazine also honors long-established attorneys of note by naming them as "Super Lawyers." The periodical's most recent roster of "Super Lawyers" from Weitz & Luxenberg includes co-founders Perry Weitz and Arthur Luxenberg, member Robert J. Gordon, New Jersey office managing attorney Jerry M. Kristal, litigation unit managing attorney Paul J. Pennock, of counsel attorney Ellen Relkin and attorneys Adam R. Cooper, Lawrence Goldhirsch, Michael P. Roberts and Nicholas Wise.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/weitz-luxenberg-attorneys-chosen-as-2016-rising-stars-by-super-lawyers-magazine-2016-0311-01.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2016 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Erin Brockovich and Weitz & Luxenberg Responding to Air Quality Issues in Portland, Oregon

environmental activist

NEW YORK, N.Y., Feb. 26, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Long-time environmental activist Erin Brockovich is joining with Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C., attorney Robin Greenwald to investigate claims from Portland, Oregon area residents who may have been harmed by chemical emissions released into the air by art-glass companies in the region.

Public Health Emergency Due to Chemical Emissions:

In early February, Oregon officials notified the public that scientists had detected exceptionally high levels of the toxic metals arsenic and cadmium in specific areas, or hotspots, of Portland.

According to news sources, the level of arsenic was 159 times greater than acceptable levels for that toxin and 49 times greater than for cadmium.

Both of Oregon's U.S. senators have declared the toxic air a public health emergency.

Chronic exposure to these toxic chemicals can lead to:
* Cancers, including lung, bladder, skin, kidney and liver
* Cardiovascular illnesses
* Lung damage
* Renal dysfunction
* Gastrointestinal damage
* Reproductive dysfunction.

According to news reports, two environmental groups have presented lawmakers with a petition signed by thousands of citizens requesting that the Department of Environmental Quality take appropriate action to see that the quality of the air is improved.

"I can't believe that in this day and age companies would knowingly allow their dangerous chemicals to pollute the air. It's outrageous. We have known for decades the harm these toxic chemicals are capable of causing," stated Erin Brockovich.

The federal Clean Air Act requires metropolitan areas to monitor high levels of certain air pollutants. But this monitoring has not included monitoring for certain dangerous airborne chemical emissions, including arsenic and cadmium.

Long-Term Effects of Glass Company Actions:

"We already know these toxic chemical emissions have contaminated the air and soil. Residents have even been warned not to eat vegetables they've grown in their own gardens," stated Greenwald, who heads Weitz & Luxenberg's Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection Unit.

"It is tragic that for months, maybe even decades, these chemicals were causing injury to residents and no one notified the public until now. People in the vicinity of the facility have reported injures directly associated with exposure to these chemicals, and no one knows how many more people might develop illnesses from exposure in years to come," she added.

Weitz & Luxenberg is a long-time advocate for residents, businesses and other property owners who have suffered personal as well as economic injuries resulting from dangerous chemical emissions. Over the years, the law firm has represented many individuals who suffered both personal and economic losses following environmental catastrophes. In addition to affecting health, this type of toxin affects quality of life, as well as the property value of homes and businesses.

One of Weitz & Luxenberg's most recognized cases involved joining other law firms in holding BP accountable for the incalculable health and economic losses following the oil giant's offshore drilling explosion, which spewed millions of gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico, Greenwald said.

Weitz & Luxenberg, along with other law firms, persuaded BP to enter a financial settlement compensating hundreds of thousands of individuals whose lives and livelihoods were harmed, including residents and oil spill clean-up workers who became sick from exposure to the oil, added Greenwald, who played a key role in the settlement negotiations.

Money May Be Owed to Victims for Health and Property Damage:

Although several of the art-glass companies that may have been responsible for leaching hazardous chemical emissions into the environment have suspended their use of these chemicals, the damage has already been done.

Portland residents who have been affected by the chemical emissions are invited to contact Weitz & Luxenberg for a no-cost, no-obligation evaluation of their legal rights against the parties involved with the toxic chemical emissions.

To obtain the free consultation, chemical emissions victims can reach the law firm toll-free at (800) 476-6070 or online at weitzlux.com.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at info@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/erin-brockovich-and-weitz-luxenberg-responding-to-air-quality-issues-in-portland-oregon-2016-0226-01.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2016 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Weitz & Luxenberg Secures $5.2 Million Verdict Finding Malice in Asbestos Lawsuit Against Fluor and Subsidiaries

mesothelioma verdict

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 19, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Nationally known law firm Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. secured a verdict of $5.2 million in damages on behalf of an 82-year-old Orange County, California, man and his wife who sued a Fortune 500 company they charged with contributing to his increased risk of developing mesothelioma, Weitz & Luxenberg announced today.

Fluor Corporation and two of its subsidiaries were found to be 40 percent at fault by the jury. Mesothelioma is an invariably fatal cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos.

The verdict was rendered on February 11, 2016, however it was not announced until later because the jury found by clear and convincing evidence two Fluor subsidiaries acted with malice and a conscious disregard for the health and safety of others. This necessitated a phase two of the trial regarding the amount of punitive damages to be assessed. The case was resolved prior to the jury rendering a verdict on the amount of punitive damages.

The defendants were the Fluor Corporation and two subsidiaries, Fluor Enterprises, Inc., and Middle East Fluor, according to Weitz & Luxenberg.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs presented insurmountable evidence against Fluor Corporation and two of the Irving, Texas-based multinational engineering and construction firm's subsidiary companies during the trial held in a Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Non-Economic Damages Alone Totaled $4.95 Million:

The verdict declared a finding of malice for the two subsidiaries, but not for the parent company, the law firm clarified. The non-economic damages award alone totaled more than $4.95 million, and the economic damages award slightly exceeded a quarter of a million dollars, Weitz & Luxenberg indicated.

The plaintiff - a longtime Orange County resident - alleged the defendants exposed him to asbestos while he was working in various departments at the Abadan Oil Refinery in Iran, beginning in the early 1950s and continuing until 1979, the law firm said.

The Fluor defendants were alleged to have built two major refinery units, a Catalytic Reformer (aka Unifiner-Platformer) in the early 1960s and a Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) in the late 1970s, the law firm indicated. The Fluor defendants were alleged to have used asbestos-containing products, including insulation, without taking any precautions to protect the refinery workers, Weitz & Luxenberg reported.

Additionally, it was illegal in the United States to install asbestos insulation at the time Fluor was alleged to have installed insulation on the CDU project in Iran, the law firm noted. It was also alleged that Fluor had leftover asbestos insulation from a prior project the company sold into the CDU project to maximize profit without regard for the health and safety of the refinery workers, Weitz & Luxenberg said.

"This verdict represents an enormous victory for our client," said Benno Ashrafi, managing attorney of Weitz & Luxenberg's Los Angeles office and one of the plaintiffs' co-counsels at trial.

Lead trial counsel, Mark Bratt, said "the fact that the jury saw through the smoke and mirrors defense is a huge testament to our jury system. These were 12 jurors who attentively listened to 14 days of testimony and rendered a verdict consistent with the evidence."

Asbestos Exposure Causes Mesothelioma:

Mesothelioma is a rare but very aggressive cancer that strikes the tissues lining the cavity of the chest or abdomen. It is caused by inhaling tiny fibers of the mineral asbestos, Ashrafi noted.

Once inside the body, the fibers remain trapped there. Mesothelioma does not erupt immediately afterward, however. "It can take one, two or even five decades before onset occurs," Ashrafi said.

Then, the disease takes its toll quickly. "Without treatment, a mesothelioma victim can live only a matter of months," he said. "With treatment, it is possible to extend survival for months or maybe a couple of years. But it can be - as was the case with our client - a life of pain and suffering, coupled with extremely high costs of medical care."

All of these factors weighed into the final verdict against the defendants, and damages were awarded accordingly, Ashrafi offered.

"The jury also found that there was clear and convincing evidence that two of the three Fluor defendants (i.e., Fluor Enterprises, Inc., and Middle East Fluor) acted with malice toward the plaintiff. That is, they acted with a conscious disregard for the health and safety of others," Bratt noted.

"One of the most compelling pieces of evidence was a Fluor memorandum lobbying for relaxed asbestos policies at the refineries in Iran, after it was illegal to use and install asbestos insulation in the United States. This verdict, and especially the finding of malice, was a statement by the jury that Fluor and similar companies cannot put profits ahead of safety," Bratt explained.

The case was heard in the Santa Monica courthouse of Los Angeles County Superior Court, with the Hon. Chester Horn presiding, Ashrafi said.

During the three-week trial, Bratt called 20 witnesses to the stand. Ashrafi recounted, "Mark was able to walk jurors through a very complicated, document-intensive case. Attorney Venus Burns proved to be instrumental in helping try the case, and we received excellent support from the rest of our team both here and in the New York office," Ashrafi pointed out.

"A number of our witnesses were among the foremost experts in the fields of mesothelioma and asbestos diseases," he noted. "Their testimony was extremely persuasive."

So was Bratt's closing argument, which Ashrafi described as "powerful," "compelling" and "deeply emotionally moving."

"The defense disputed everything except for the fact that the plaintiff was dying from mesothelioma," Bratt said. "And the defense called zero witnesses."

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at info@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/ .

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/weitz-luxenberg-secures-5-2-million-verdict-finding-malice-in-asbestos-lawsuit-against-fluor-and-subsidiaries-2016-0219-03.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2016 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Erin Brockovich and Weitz & Luxenberg to Visit Hoosick Falls, N.Y., Groundwater Contamination Victims on Jan. 30

Groundwater Contamination

NEW YORK, N.Y., Jan. 28, 2016 (SEND2PRESSS NEWSWIRE) -- Environmental activist Erin Brockovich, together with a team of Weitz & Luxenberg attorneys, look forward to meeting with victims of the Hoosick Falls, New York PFOA groundwater contamination on Saturday, January 30, 2016, said the nationally known personal injury and mass tort law firm.

This community meeting will be held between noon and 2 p.m. in the Greenwall Auditorium at Bennington College, Bennington, Vermont, 15 minutes away from Hoosick Falls. Here are directions to the Auditorium: http://www.benningtondance.org/greenwall.html.

Ms. Brockovich also plans to visit the stricken upstate New York town for a tour, followed by a discussion at the Auditorium with residents about the local water contamination. She will be accompanied by Weitz & Luxenberg's Robin L. Greenwald, who heads the firm's Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection litigation unit, and other attorneys from the firm.

Ms. Brockovich, a long time environmental advocate, will share her experiences dealing with water contamination. Weitz & Luxenberg will discuss the legal options and remedies available to Hoosick Falls clients and other residents who seek assistance, the firm announced.

PFOA Contamination Making Residents Sick:

Ms. Brockovich and Weitz & Luxenberg have been investigating suspected causes and consequences of the PFOA water contamination problem affecting Hoosick Falls since early January, said Ms. Greenwald. "This investigation was conducted to allow us to seek justice for the affected residents from those responsible for the contamination," she stated.

PFOA is a synthetic substance used in the manufacture of no-stick cookware, dental floss, electrical insulation and other familiar products.

The municipal water supply in Hoosick Falls has been found to contain potentially dangerous levels of PFOA. Some residents of the town have reported falling ill after using this water for drinking and cooking.

Chronic PFOA exposure has been linked to testicular cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Studies suggest other possible health consequences including a possible connection to pancreatic cancer.

EPA Also Looking Into PFOA Problem:

Ms. Brockovich's visit comes after a January 14 public meeting that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted. Officials with the New York State Department of Health and Department of Environmental Conservation also attended that meeting, stated Weitz & Luxenberg.

According to the Albany, New York, Times Union newspaper, angry and frustrated residents filled the auditorium looking for answers and solutions.

EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck led the meeting and apologized to residents for the misery they are enduring.

"I'm very, very sorry that you have been going through this," the Times Union quoted Ms. Enck as saying. "I'm sorry that we don't know how long you have been drinking contaminated water.... Action should be taken to protect your health."

State officials at the meeting announced that they had requested that the EPA place the suspected major source of Hoosick Falls PFOA contamination on the EPA's Superfund cleanup site list. EPA officials announced that the earliest that Hoosick Falls could be considered for Superfund status would be in the fall of 2016, said the firm.

For more information, visit the Weitz & Luxenberg Hoosick Falls web page at http://hoosickfallslawsuit.com/.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at info@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/erin-brockovich-and-weitz-luxenberg-to-visit-hoosick-falls-ny-groundwater-contamination-victims-on-jan-30-2016-0128-02.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2016 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Weitz & Luxenberg’s Greenwald Is Co-Lead Counsel in Excellus Data Breach Case

personal injury law

NEW YORK, N.Y., Jan. 26, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Robin L. Greenwald, head of the Weitz & Luxenberg Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection litigation unit, will serve as interim co-lead counsel in the developing Excellus BlueCross BlueShield data breach class action lawsuit, according to the firm.

Ms. Greenwald was appointed to that important leadership position by the judge presiding over the case, Hon. Elizabeth A. Wolford of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York. She will serve with Hadley L. Matarazzo of Faraci Lange in Rochester.

In addition to Ms. Greenwald's appointment, Judge Wolford also named Weitz & Luxenberg to serve as co-lead law firm, explained Weitz & Luxenberg.

Greenwald Chosen Due to Extensive Experience and Expertise:

Judge Wolford explained in her January 25 appointment order that Ms. Greenwald is highly qualified and will zealously and effectively represent the potential class of plaintiffs.

As interim co-lead counsel, Ms. Greenwald will be responsible for utilizing her expertise to best represent the interests of the plaintiffs, Judge Wolford wrote.

Judge Wolford also said that Weitz & Luxenberg was selected for the co-lead law firm position because of the firm's "considerable work in identifying and investigating potential claims in this action, demonstrated experience in handling complex class actions,...knowledge of the applicable law, and established...willingness to commit significant resources to representing the class."

James Bilsborrow, another Weitz & Luxenberg attorney on this case, also looks forward to working on behalf of class members impacted by the breach: "Weitz & Luxenberg owns a strong reputation for experience in data breach actions," he said. "Weitz & Luxenberg also has devoted significant time to working with - and understanding the needs of - the affected community in western New York."

In particular, Judge Wolford indicated that she was impressed by the comprehensive plan Weitz & Luxenberg had partnered in formulating for prosecuting the case against Excellus and co-defendant Lifetime Healthcare Inc. Lifetime is the parent company of Excellus.

Excellus Data Breach was Massive:

The class action lawsuit is still in its initial stages. At this point, according to the court order, it includes at least 14 consolidated matters, the first of which was filed in mid-September, said Weitz & Luxenberg.

The plaintiffs are among the 10.5 million Excellus and Lifetime customers whose personal information was exposed in a data breach that came to light in August. It is believed the data breach had been ongoing since late 2013, according to the firm.

Among the confidential records illicitly accessed by the hackers who masterminded the data breach were customer names and account numbers, home addresses, phone contact numbers, birth dates, Social Security numbers and personal financial data. All of these data are useful to identity thieves and other criminals, pointed out Bilsborrow.

Part of the reason why Ms. Greenwald makes an excellent choice for interim co-lead counsel is her background in the enforcement of laws. Prior to joining Weitz & Luxenberg in 2005 she served as General Counsel for the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Interior, explained the firm.

Previous to that, Ms. Greenwald was an assistant chief of the Environmental Crimes Section of the Department of Justice, in charge of Legislation, Policy and Special Litigation. At the onset of her career she was an assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said Weitz & Luxenberg.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at info@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/weitz-luxenberg-s-greenwald-is-co-lead-counsel-in-excellus-data-breach-case-2016-0126-06.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2016 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Robin L. Greenwald of Weitz & Luxenberg Named to Leadership Role in Volkswagen Multidistrict Litigation

Toxic Tort

NEW YORK, N.Y., Jan. 22, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Robin L. Greenwald, a former senior attorney within the U.S. Department of Justice and now head of the Weitz & Luxenberg Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection litigation unit, has been appointed to an important leadership role in the multidistrict federal court litigation currently advancing against Volkswagen, Weitz & Luxenberg today announced.

Greenwald was named to the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee on Jan. 21 by the Hon. Charles R. Breyer of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, Weitz & Luxenberg said.

Consumers in this multidistrict litigation are alleging that Volkswagen sold them diesel vehicles programmed to pass smog tests by cheating, a capability that not only causes significant pollution but also substantially lessens the value of these expensive cars, the law firm said.

The matter is known as In Re: Volkswagen "Clean Diesel" Marketing, Sales Practices, And Products Liability Litigation (MDL No. 2672 CRB JSC), according to Weitz & Luxenberg.

'Defeat Device' Said Installed in VW Diesels:

The litigation against Volkswagen traces back to mid-September when it was revealed that the company had outfitted nearly half a million diesel vehicles in the U.S. with a device to enable them to appear compliant with air pollution emissions standards when in fact they were not, law firm indicated.

Weitz & Luxenberg said it then initiated a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen on behalf of defrauded consumers across the country.

The complaint brought by Weitz & Luxenberg alleged in part that purchasers of the affected Volkswagen cars paid a premium to own these diesel vehicles, a premium attributable to their alleged environmental benefits and performance, the law firm said.

The Volkswagen lawsuit is not the first multidistrict litigation in which Greenwald has held a leadership position, Weitz & Luxenberg said.

Earlier, she served as plaintiffs' liaison counsel in In Re: Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether ("MBTE") Products Liability Litigation (MDL 1358) and for the past five years she has been a member of the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee for the BP Oil Spill litigation (MDL 2179), the law firm said.

A History of Championing Consumers:

Greenwald began her career in law as an assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. She later became assistant chief of the Environmental Crimes Section of the Department of Justice, in charge of Legislation, Policy and Special Litigation, Weitz & Luxenberg said.

Greenwald then was appointed as General Counsel for the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Interior, the law firm said.

From there, she served as executive director of an international not-for-profit water protection organization and as a clinical professor of law at Rutgers Law School before joining Weitz & Luxenberg in 2005, according to the law firm.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at info@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/robin-l-greenwald-of-weitz-luxenberg-named-to-leadership-role-in-volkswagen-multidistrict-litigation-2016-0122-02.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2016 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Weitz & Luxenberg Helping Hoosick, N.Y., Victims of PFOA Contaminated Groundwater

personal injury law

NEW YORK, N.Y., Jan. 12, 2016 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Weitz & Luxenberg is investigating bringing a lawsuit against one or more companies believed responsible for certain cancers and other illnesses affecting residents of Hoosick, New York, where the residents have unwittingly been drinking water contaminated with PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), the nationally known personal injury and mass tort law firm today announced.

Weitz & Luxenberg has not yet named the companies, but indicated that a potential lawsuit against them would seek compensation for the harmed residents of Hoosick, a town of 6,500 in central upstate New York.

Weitz & Luxenberg has been working with famed environmental activist Erin Brockovich to identify affected residents and to develop a case against the parties responsible for the contamination of the town's groundwater, said Robin L. Greenwald, who heads the firm's Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection litigation unit.

At this stage, Weitz & Luxenberg is focused on talking to Hoosick residents who used the PFOA-tainted water for drinking, cooking or bathing, and then afterward suffered health problems, as well as residents who cannot now drink their water because of the contamination, Greenwald said.

Most adversely affected have been residents of the Hoosick Falls section of town, where more than half of the population lives, Greenwald indicated. She added that the firm has already spoken to nearly two-dozen residents from Hoosick Falls and elsewhere in the vicinity.

EPA Plans Townhall Meeting on PFOA:

PFOA has been linked to testicular cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid disease, bone density reduction, osteoporosis, high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis and pregnancy-induced hypertension, Greenwald said.

"Health problems can result from exposure to as little as one-half of one part-per-billion of PFOA in drinking water," she explained. "One full part per billion is equivalent to a single drop of water in an Olympic-size swimming pool. Testing last year near Hoosick's water treatment plant found PFOA levels of 18 parts per billion.

"Due to its composition, PFOA remains indefinitely in the environment. It also accumulates and remains inside the human body. It is a very problematic chemical for these reasons," added Greenwald.

The New York State Public Health Department recently recommended residents use bottled water instead of tap, she said.

That echoed a mid-December recommendation from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that advised Hoosick residents to avoid municipal public water for drinking or cooking and cautioned that showering or bathing in it could pose a health risk, Greenwald said.

The EPA plans to conduct a public meeting in Hoosick on Thursday, Jan. 14, to discuss PFOA health concerns due to contaminated groundwater and possible plans for cleaning up the town's water supply, said Greenwald.

"It will be an open forum discussion that begins at 6 p.m. in the auditorium of Hoosick Falls Central School, located at 21187 NY-22," she said. "The featured speaker will be EPA regional administrator Judith Enck. She will be joined by several EPA science and health experts. Information about PFOA will be distributed. Weitz & Luxenberg will have representatives at this meeting, which is being organized in cooperation with Healthy Hoosick Water, a not-for-profit corporation helping lead the effort to restore the town's water supply to a safe condition."

PFOA Water Contamination Lawsuit:

The firm continues to investigate all parties responsible for the contamination, Greenwald said.

Such a lawsuit will likely include demands for ongoing medical monitoring of Hoosick residents in addition to compensation for nuisance, diminution in the value of their real property and -- for those sickened - the costs of medical treatment, lost wages and pain and suffering, Greenwald said.

Last year, an Ohio federal jury awarded one plaintiff $1.6 million in compensation on her negligence and emotional distress claims against DuPont. The plaintiff alleged that she developed kidney cancer from drinking water contaminated with PFOA and that DuPont was responsible for the groundwater contamination, Greenwald noted. More than 3,500 personal injury cases arising from PFOA exposure are pending in federal district court in Ohio.

Residents of Hoosick and other communities impacted by PFOA groundwater contamination are encouraged to contact Weitz & Luxenberg for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with an attorney to discuss legal rights to compensation, Greenwald said.

The consultation can be set up by contacting Weitz & Luxenberg at 800-476-6070 or by visiting the firm's website at www.weitzlux.com and completing a request form, she said.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at info@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/weitz-luxenberg-helping-hoosick-ny-victims-of-pfoa-contaminated-groundwater-2016-0112-03.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2016 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Porter Ranch Gas Leak Victims Ask Weitz and Luxenberg and Erin Brockovich for Help

environmental law

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Dec. 11, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- A standing-room-only crowd of more than 2,200 affected residents gathered Wednesday night in Porter Ranch, California. They were there to listen to environmental activist Erin Brockovich, scientists and attorneys from Weitz & Luxenberg discuss their legal options against Southern California Gas Co. due to a leak from the natural gas storage well in the hills above their homes, the law firm of Weitz & Luxenberg today reported.

The people who attended the meeting voiced concerns about their health, the health of their children, and the numerous economic losses due to the harmful leak. In addition to the rotten-egg smell, residents are suffering ongoing and debilitating health issues and loss of quality of life.

There were more than 2,000 attendees who signed forms requesting individual consultations with the nationally known law firm's attorneys, Weitz & Luxenberg said.

Hundreds more indicated they planned to sign forms available online after the supply of paper forms available at the townhall meeting ran out, the law firm added.

The law firm explained that the consultations will help Porter Ranch residents more fully understand the full extent of their legal individual rights to compensation from Southern California Gas Co., owner of the leaking natural gas storage well.

The consultations will also help those who decide to sue the utility prepare for the next steps in their quest for justice, the firm added.

Porter Ranch Residents Described Health Problems:

Weitz & Luxenberg's attorneys were joined at the townhall by famed environmental activist Erin Brockovich, the firm said.

Brockovich and the attorneys shared with attendees the latest news about the gas leak. The leak is coming from an 8,500-foot-deep storage well that can hold 86 billion cubic yards of the methane-rich fuel, Weitz & Luxenberg noted.

Southern California Gas Co. has indicated that it could be three to four months yet before the leak is stopped, according to various news reports. It has been leaking since at least late October.

Porter Ranch residents have complained of health problems affecting them, but especially their children, said Robin. L. Greenwald, who heads Weitz & Luxenberg's Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection litigation unit. They have begged for a new location for their children's school, so that their children can stay with their teachers and friends, without jeopardizing their health on a daily basis.

Health complaints have included episodes of nosebleeds, headaches, dizziness, stomach pain, skin rash, fatigue, eye irritation and respiratory problems, Greenwald said.

"In particular there have been reports of constant nosebleeds, with children affected most of all," she said. "Taken together, these problems are causing children to miss school - and causing parents to miss work by having to stay home to take care of their sick children."

Porter Ranch Gas Leak Lawsuits Planned:

A sizable number of Porter Ranch families have abandoned their homes to avoid further health consequences and because of the intolerable odor of the gas, Greenwald indicated. Many more want replacement housing, but the gas company either offers them housing that is inadequate for their needs, such as a one-room hotel for a family of 5, forcing them to leave their pets behind, or denies their request because their housing needs are too expensive. Add to this insult that it is holiday time, when children and families typically gather at their homes with family and neighbors and now can't.

By the time the townhall meeting convened, approximately 1,150 families had relocated. More than 2,500 other families were still awaiting relocation, according to news reports.

Townhall attendees heard from Brockovich and from Weitz & Luxenberg attorneys about using the legal system to seek monetary damages for their injuries and hardships, the firm said. The residents also deserve a medical monitoring regime, paid for by the gas company, to measure their health over the coming years and a monthly stipend from the company to help with the additional costs they are incurring from the gas leak.

Brockovich and the attorneys also discussed the possibility of obtaining a court order that would alleviate some of the immediate issues residents currently face, the law firm said, such as a safe location for the schools and adequate alternative housing until the leak is stopped.

There have been some positive signs on at least one front since the meeting. The school board has developed a survey for all parents to take, asking whether they want the district to relocate the schools until the leak is capped.

Parents have until 5 p.m. on December 11, 2015 to respond to the survey. Based on the participants at the Wednesday night meeting, the parents will overwhelmingly vote "yes" to relocating the schools for their children's safety and well being.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at info@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/porter-ranch-gas-leak-victims-ask-weitz-and-luxenberg-and-erin-brockovich-for-help-2015-1211-01.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Weitz and Luxenberg Adds Serious Urinary Tract Infections to SGLT2 Inhibitor Injuries Probe

consumer protection law

NEW YORK, N.Y., Dec. 7, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C., today announced that the firm has expanded the scope of its investigation into SGLT2 inhibitor drug injuries. SGLT2 inhibitor drugs include Invokana and others listed below. This move will allow the nationally known mass tort law and personal injury firm to focus on cases where people taking SGLT2 inhibitors were hospitalized after developing urosepsis (serious infection of the blood) or pyelonephritis (infection of the kidneys) from SGLT2 inhibitor-associated urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Weitz & Luxenberg's decision to add serious urinary tract infections resulting in urosepsis or pyelonephritis to its probe came after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced manufacturers of SGLT2 inhibitors would be required to include a warning about the risks of serious UTIs associated with this class of medication, the law firm said.

The FDA conveyed this new requirement in an updated Safety Communication issued on Dec. 4, 2015, said attorney Ellen Relkin, who is leading the Weitz & Luxenberg defective drug and medical devices's SGLT2 inhibitor investigation.

In the same Safety Communication, the FDA said SGLT2 inhibitor labels must also contain warnings about the risks of another serious complication that can occur - diabetic ketoacidosis.

Ketoacidosis is a serious condition in which blood acids called ketones are produced in high concentrations. The condition can be fatal if it goes untreated.

The FDA explained that the new requirement for SGLT2 inhibitor labels was prompted by reports appearing in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). These reports linked SGLT2 inhibitors with many cases of patients developing ketoacidosis and SGLT2 inhibitor-associated UTIs to cases of patients developing serious urosepsis or pyelonephritis, resulting in hospitalizations.

Urosepsis is a potentially life-threatening blood infection, while pyelonephritis is a serious infection of the kidneys, attorney Relkin said.

Indeed, the FDA notes that all of the reported cases in FAERS of urosepsis and pyelonephritis associated with SGLT2 inhibitors required hospitalizations, and "a few required admission to an intensive care unit or dialysis in order to treat kidney failure."

FDA Also Gives Recommendations to Patients Taking SGLT2 Inhibitors:

"UTIs have been listed in the labels of SGLT2 inhibitors under the section dealing with adverse reactions," attorney Relkin noted. "Moreover, the 'clinical studies experience' section of the label for two of the SGLT2 inhibitors, Invokana (canagliflozin) and Invokamet (canagliflozin and metformin), states that UTIs occurring with the use of these drugs included urosepsis," she added.

However, the FDA is now of the view that listing UTIs as an adverse reaction or under the clinical studies experience sections of SGLT2 inhibitor labels do not provide adequate warning of the potential dangers of SGLT2 inhibitor-associated UTIs.

After reviewing reports pertaining to SGLT2 inhibitors, the FDA determined that warnings needed to be added to the labels to warn about the risks of too much acid in the blood (ketoacidosis) and of serious urinary tract infections potentially leading to life-threatening urosepsis or pyelonephritis, if left untreated.

The FDA recommended patients discontinue use of the SGLT2 inhibitor and immediately seek medical attention if symptoms of ketoacidosis occur, the law firm said. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, unusual tiredness and trouble breathing.

The FDA also advises patients to contact their health professional "right away" if they develop any signs or symptoms of a UTI, including a burning sensation during urination, feeling the need to urinate frequently, feeling an immediate need to urinate, pain in the pelvic area, blood in the urine, fever, back pain, nausea or vomiting.

In addition to describing these SGLT2-inhibitor safety issues, the FDA's Dec. 4 Safety Communication also provided prescribing and monitoring recommendations.

As well, the FDA indicated that manufacturers of SGLT2 inhibitors would be required to conduct a study to analyze spontaneous postmarketing reports of ketoacidosis in patients using SGLT2 inhibitors, including the collection of additional specialized follow-up data for 5 years.

Weitz & Luxenberg Is Reaching Out to Those Injured While Taking SGLT2 Inhibitors:

SGLT2 inhibitors are FDA-approved prescription medicines for use with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, according to the FDA.

Besides Invokana (canagliflozin), FDA approval has been granted to these brands of SGLT2 inhibitors:
* Invokamet (canagliflozin and metformin).
* Farxiga (dapagliflozin).
* Xigduo XR (dapagliflozin and metformin extended-release).
* Jardiance (empagliflozin).
* Glyxambi (empagliflozin and linagliptin).
* Synjardy (empagliflozin and metformin).

Weitz & Luxenberg said its investigation of injury cases arising from the taking of SGLT2 inhibitor drugs began last June.

The injury of greatest concern prior to the release of this updated Safety Communication has been SGLT2 inhibitor-caused diabetic ketoacidosis that has resulted in death or has required hospitalization, the firm explained. Now, cases of urosepsis and pyelonephritis that begin as UTIs occurring while taking an SGLT2 inhibitor are equally concerning.

Weitz & Luxenberg said attorneys are available to discuss the legal rights of those taking SGLT2 inhibitors who were injured (or to their surviving spouses or relatives).

To arrange for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation, call Weitz & Luxenberg toll-free at 800-476-6070, or visit the firm's website at http://www.weitzlux.com/ and fill out the request form.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at info@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/weitz-luxenberg-adds-serious-urinary-tract-infections-to-sglt2-inhibitor-injuries-probe-2015-1207-05.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Porter Ranch Gas Leak Victims to Meet Erin Brockovich, Weitz and Luxenberg, Dec. 9 in Porter Ranch, CA

tort law

NEW YORK, N.Y., Dec. 4, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Environmental activist Erin Brockovich - whom actress Julia Roberts famously portrayed in an Oscar-winning role - will join environmental and consumer protection attorneys from Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C., at a Southern California townhall meeting Wednesday evening, Dec. 9, for victims of the Porter Ranch gas leak, Weitz & Luxenberg today announced.

The exact time and location of the meeting will be announced shortly, Weitz & Luxenberg said. However, it will be in or near Porter Ranch, a community in the northwestern part of Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley, the law firm said.

Victims will be invited to talk about health problems, financial hardships, children's school-related issues, and the emotional turmoil suffered since the Porter Ranch gas leak, said to have begun on Oct. 23, the firm said.

Residents will also hear from Brockovich and from Weitz & Luxenberg attorneys about using the legal system to force the public utility responsible for the leak to stop it and prevent it from ever happening again and to restore the injured families' lives to the fullest extent possible, the firm said.

Additionally, attendees will hear from scientists and others about what can be done now to protect health, homes, education, and family finances in the face of the ongoing gas leak, the firm said.

Porter Ranch Gas Leak Causing Health Problems:

The gas leak occurred in an 8,500-foot well owned by Southern California Gas Co. The Los Angeles Times reported that the well is used to store natural gas treated with mercaptans, an agent that gives the odorless gas a smell like rotten eggs.

Attempts have been made to stop the leak but to date have failed. The Los Angeles Times reported that it could be as many as four months yet before the well is plugged.

The Los Angeles Times reported that the emissions from the Porter Ranch gas leak have also exposed the residents to methane.

The quantity of methane exposure has been significant. Authorities quoted by The Times estimate the Porter Ranch residents were exposed to the same amount of methane in just two months that is produced by 160,000 cars in an entire year. It is believed that residents are being exposed to other chemicals as well.

"The exposed residents have suffered headaches, dizziness, nosebleeds, stomach pain and respiratory problems," said Robin. L. Greenwald, who heads Weitz & Luxenberg's Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection litigation unit. "There is no excuse for keeping those residents in the dark about the health consequences, about the health of their children, about the value of their greatest economic asset - their homes. They need and deserve help and information, but are not receiving any."

Brockovich, Weitz & Luxenberg Fighting for the Children:

Brockovich - best known for helping obtain a $333 million settlement from Pacific Gas & Electric on behalf of 600 residents of the town of Hinkley, California, over groundwater contaminated by a carcinogenic compound - has teamed up with Weitz & Luxenberg many times before, the firm said.

With the Porter Ranch gas leak, it is the children who are at greatest risk, Brockovich said.

"I've heard from many Porter Ranch parents who tell me their children have nose bleeds - even 1-year-olds with nose bleeds, it's tragic," she said.

"Children are being kept out of school because of the health consequences they're suffering," she continued. "Many of the families are being relocated, but to inadequate accommodations, sometimes a single room in a hotel, a family of four or more. It's the holiday time, when families should be in the comfort of their homes and celebrating with their friends and neighbors. This is a dreadful situation."

Brockovich said she and Weitz & Luxenberg intend to make sure at the Dec. 9 townhall meeting that the families' voices are heard.

Greenwald said she and Brockovich particularly want to hear from the parents about what's happening to them and their children from day to day.

"We want to hear about the problems they're having keeping their children in school, the problems that having their children home sick during the workweek is causing to the parents," Greenwald said.

"We want to hear about the acute physical reactions the children and their parents are having - the emotional toll this is taking on the families," she added.

Greenwald explained that lawsuits are the logical next step. "We plan to file on behalf of the individuals who are suffering from the gas leak," she said.

A lawsuit against the gas company would seek monetary damages for the families as well as an injunction to remedy some of the immediate issues residents are experiencing, Greenwald said.

The lawsuit would, among other remedies, also seek to provide ongoing health monitoring of all the residents of the area, Greenwald said.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at clientrelations@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/porter-ranch-gas-leak-victims-to-meet-erin-brockovich-weitz-and-luxenberg-dec-9-in-porter-ranch-ca-2015-1204-02.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Weitz and Luxenberg to Target Volkswagen Over ‘Defeat Device’ Emissions Recall

Environmental Law

NEW YORK, N.Y., Sept. 21, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Owners of recalled Volkswagen diesel passenger cars sold with emissions controls designed to cheat during smog tests may be entitled to compensation from the automaker, the nationally known personal injury law firm Weitz & Luxenberg said today.

The firm announced plans to bring a class action lawsuit against Volkswagen on behalf of defrauded consumers across the country, including in California and New York, where Weitz & Luxenberg has offices.

Weitz & Luxenberg said it believes that consumers who purchased one of the 482,000 Volkswagen vehicles the federal government last week ordered recalled may be entitled to damages from Volkswagen.

According to Robin L. Greenwald, who heads Weitz & Luxenberg's Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection litigation unit, owners could recover an amount of money equal to the lost value of their car. The diesel engine on these cars increased their purchase price by several thousands of dollars, she explained.

"When owners of the recalled Volkswagen cars bought them they were promised a lawfully compliant emission system, but that promise turned out to be a deliberate falsehood because Volkswagen built into the emission system a 'defeat device,'" Greenwald said.

"That device tricked the consumer and the government when the vehicle was brought in for emission tests - allowing the vehicle to pass the test - even though when on the road the vehicle far exceeded allowable emissions," she said.

"As a result of the intentional misrepresentation, these recalled Volkswagen cars will be worth substantially less than paid for," Greenwald indicated.

'Defeat Device' Allowed Volkswagen Cars to Pass:

According to NBC News, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency discovered that Volkswagen rigged its onboard emission control software with special programming - the 'defeat device.'

This programming allowed each car undergoing an official smog test to appear to be compliant with California's strictest-in-the-nation emissions standard as well as those set by other states and the EPA, NBC News said.

Volkswagen's software was capable of detecting when the car was undergoing an official smog test and would automatically adjust the engine performance to reduce exhaust pollution levels, NBC News reported.

Then, when the smog test ended, the software would readjust engine performance back to normal, a setting at which the car would spew toxic fumes far in excess of legal limits, NBC News said.

"As an indication of how bad this fraud is, Volkswagen actually touts these vehicles as 'clean diesel,'" said Greenwald.

The recall covers the model years 2009-2015 Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen Beetle, Volkswagen Golf, and Audi A3, as well as the 2014-2015 Volkswagen Passat, according to news sources cited by Weitz & Luxenberg.

Weitz & Luxenberg Meeting Volkswagen Owners:

Weitz & Luxenberg said that at this stage of the pending litigation its consumer protection attorneys plan to focus on meeting with Volkswagen car owners to explore their legal rights to compensation from Volkswagen.

The firm said interested Volkswagen owners will receive a no-cost, no-obligation evaluation. To schedule such a meeting, consumers may contact Weitz & Luxenberg at (212) 558-5925 or by filling out a request form online at http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Said Greenwald: "Emission standards exist to protect the health and welfare of our citizens. For Volkswagen to have purposefully designed an emission system intended to deceive consumers and the public with regard to the performance of their vehicles and also to deceive the government during emission tests is indefensible.

"Consumers were lured into purchasing these vehicles on the belief that they were high-performing vehicles with excellent emission controls. Instead, they now find out that they paid a premium for a vehicle that secretly installed software designed to hide nitrogen oxide emissions that contribute to ozone, smog and the increase in human health concerns."

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at clientrelations@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/weitz-and-luxenberg-to-target-volkswagen-over-defeat-device-emissions-recall-2015-0921-03.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

AMMCO-Hennessy Handed First Asbestos Defeat by Weitz and Luxenberg

consumer protection law

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Aug. 14, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- A Los Angeles County Superior Court jury this month handed Hennessy Industries, Inc. as successor to AMMCO Tools, Inc., its first-ever loss in an asbestos-exposure lawsuit despite the defendant company's self-assurances that the grieving family of an Army veteran and automotive parts store owner who died of mesothelioma had no chance of winning, victorious plaintiffs' law firm Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C., today announced.

"The verdict against AMMCO and Hennessy represents the first time the companies have been held liable for an asbestos-exposure injury or death," said first-chair trial attorney Mark D. Bratt, who, with second-chair attorney Peter Beirne, led the Weitz & Luxenberg trial team.

The Aug. 3 jury decision in the Chatsworth-area courtroom of the Hon. Randy Rhodes capped a three-week trial in which the family blamed AMMCO and Hennessy for the store owner's death in 2012, Weitz & Luxenberg said.

The husband and father was stricken with mesothelioma after years of inhaling asbestos dust spewed into the air while he machined asbestos-containing brake shoes in a corner of his shop, the firm said.

AMMCO is the Hennessy-owned manufacturer of the brake grinders he used in performing that work, according to the firm.

No Escape From Asbestos Liability:

Bratt and Beirne said they presented compelling evidence that AMMCO knew its brake grinder posed a grave health hazard yet advertised it as safe.

"AMMCO started manufacturing brake grinders in 1950," said Bratt. "These grinders employed a rudimentary, reusable porous cloth dust bag which had to be manually emptied by workers. In its advertisements from that era, AMMCO claimed this bag prevented 'bothersome and dangerous flying dusts.'"

However, in 1973, AMMCO tests showed workers were being exposed to millions of asbestos fibers despite the dust bag system, and so the company designed a new dust-collector system, Bratt explained.

In patent applications obtained by Weitz & Luxenberg, AMMCO described and acknowledged design defects in the original containment system, admitting it created "a definite health hazard", Bratt said.

"AMMCO never even tested its original dust bag system with regard to asbestos exposure and safety, so the company had no factual basis for its advertising claim," Bratt added. "Nonetheless, AMMCO was aware prior to 1950 when it introduced the product that asbestos was dangerous. And despite all that, AMMCO continued to sell the original porous cloth bag as a replacement product until at least 1983."

Worse, said Bratt, "AMMCO never contacted grinder owners to warn them of the dangers of using the old dust-collector system, never issued a recall of the grinders, never offered to retrofit them with the new dust-collection system, never put a warning on the replacement dust bags it continued to sell, nothing."

Mesothelioma Death a Bitter Loss to Family:

Bratt said the wife and two surviving sons of the auto parts store owner were devastated by his death from mesothelioma, an extraordinarily aggressive form of cancer.

"He was a loving husband who every morning would pick a fresh grapefruit from their yard for his wife's breakfast," Bratt said. "They were high-school sweethearts back in their native South Dakota. They got married not long after he completed his service in the Army more than 50 years ago, and then moved to the Los Angeles area. They were best friends, loved to travel, and enjoyed a simple life together."

The man's exposure to asbestos dust began in the early 1960s while he was working with AMMCO brake grinders in various Southern California automotive supply houses where he learned the trade, Bratt said.

In 1971, the man opened his own auto parts store and outfitted it with an AMMCO brake grinder. He operated it often, said Bratt.

The jury found the defendants liable for, among other things, negligence and strict products liability, Weitz & Luxenberg reported.

"Importantly, this verdict proves that a company cannot design a product which necessarily creates a hazard when used with another product and escape responsibility," Bratt offered.

"This verdict also reaffirms that there are basic steps a responsible company must take before putting a product onto the market," he continued, "such as performing research, conducting tests, designing and engineering products appropriately, and avoid making baseless claims about safety. In short, companies cannot put profits ahead of people."

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at clientrelations@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/ammco-hennessy-handed-first-asbestos-defeat-by-weitz-and-luxenberg-2015-0814-01.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Weitz and Luxenberg Probes Data Breach at Medical Informatics Engineering and NoMoreClipboard

Weitz Luxenberg New York

NEW YORK, N.Y., Aug. 3, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Weitz & Luxenberg today initiated an investigation into the harm suffered by patients whose private health and financial records were hacked during a recent data breach in Indiana, the law firm announced.

Records of approximately 4 million patients found their way into criminal hands through the data breach, which occurred at a Fort Wayne electronic medical records company. Weitz & Luxenberg said its investigation seeks to determine the extent to which the hacking of information from Medical Informatics Engineering and a subsidiary - NoMoreClipboard - resulted in economic harm.

Weitz & Luxenberg said one such consequence is likely to be a wave of unauthorized credit transactions made by the hackers masquerading as the patients whose confidential personal information was stolen.

Data Breach Victims Have Legal Rights:

Weitz & Luxenberg said patients economically harmed by disclosure of their private records may have a legal right to compensation from Medical Informatics Engineering and NoMoreClipboard.

"A court could order the companies to try to restore the injured patients to the position they were in before the data breach by paying each of them an award of money," explained attorney James Bilsborrow of Weitz & Luxenberg's Environmental and Consumer Protection unit.

"The amount of money awarded to each victimized patient would be tied to the dollar value of his or her loss arising out of the data breach, as well as associated statutory penalties," he said.

Patients who have reason to believe their private information was hacked and then used for a criminal purpose following the Medical Informatics Engineering and NoMoreClipboard data breach may contact Weitz & Luxenberg for a free, no-obligation assessment of their legal rights.

The firm said patients may arrange for this evaluation by calling (212) 558-5786 or by submitting an online form at www.weitzlux.com.

Delay in Notifying Victims of Data Breach:

The data breach was detected May 26, about three weeks after it occurred, Bilsborrow said.

Medical Informatics Engineering stated that it revealed this fact to its clients - 11 healthcare providers and 44 radiology imaging centers - on June 2. However, patients knew nothing of the data breach until July 17 - more than six weeks later, according to Robin L. Greenwald, who heads Weitz & Luxenberg's Environmental and Consumer Protection unit.

"There are many unanswered questions related to this data breach, but among the most vexing is why the company did not notify the victims sooner," said Greenwald.

"Had the data breach been disclosed sooner, those affected could have taken steps to protect themselves from identity theft and other economic harms," she continued.

Although the data breach itself happened sometime around May 7, Medical Informatics Engineering indicated the compromised records date back to at least 1997.

"As a result, no one yet knows for sure how many patients actually were impacted by this data breach," said Greenwald.

Medical Informatics Engineering estimated that no fewer than 3.9 million patients across the U.S. may have been victimized by the data breach. The company said 1.5 million of those patients live in Indiana.

Data Breach Exposed Patients' Private Info:

According to Medical Informatics Engineering, the data breach exposed the patients' names, addresses, phone numbers, birthdates, Social Security numbers and medical records, along with account IDs, passwords and answers to security questions.

The company said the data breach also gave the hackers details about patients' spouses and children.

"The confidential information taken in this data breach can provide identity thieves with more than sufficient information to conduct fraudulent credit transactions in the victims' names," Bilsborrow said.

"The law protects data-breach victims when they are accused of engaging in unlawful credit transactions of which they are innocent," he said. "A data-breach victim should never have to pay the price for the negligence of a company to which they entrusted confidential information."

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at clientrelations@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/weitz-and-luxenberg-probes-data-breach-at-medical-informatics-engineering-and-nomoreclipboard-2015-0803-03.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Injuries to North Shore L.I. Patients from Data Breach Investigated by Weitz and Luxenberg

New York Lawfirm

NEW YORK, N.Y., June 22, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Personal records and insurance information on 18,000 North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System patients were compromised by a data breach that occurred last year in Texas but went undisclosed for many months, and now Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is considering filing negligence, economic injury and failure-to-warn claims against Dallas-based Global Care Delivery, the law firm today announced.

The patients affected by this data breach may have legal rights to compensation from Global Care Delivery, Weitz & Luxenberg said.

For example, if leaked confidential records end up in the hands of identity thieves, Global Care Delivery could be liable for unauthorized credit purchases billed to the patients, Weitz & Luxenberg said.

Global Care Delivery would likely be ordered by a court to pay the victimized patients an amount equal to that of the unauthorized purchases, the firm explained.

There would be grounds as well for other damages and additional compensation, Weitz & Luxenberg said.

Weitz & Luxenberg said it is currently meeting with victimized North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System patients to explore their rights to recovery from Global Care Delivery.

Patients whose confidential information was compromised in this data breach may contact Weitz & Luxenberg for a no-cost, no-obligation evaluation of their legal rights. The firm said patients may arrange for this evaluation by calling (212) 558-5786 or by submitting an online form at www.weitzlux.com.

Five Stolen Laptops Held North Shore's Data:

The data breach was discovered to have taken place sometime around Sept. 2, 2014, but victimized patients were unaware of it until after North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System was notified in May 2015, according to Long Island Newsday.

The confidential patient information was compromised when five laptop computers were stolen from the offices of Global Care Delivery, Newsday reported.

Global Care Delivery had possession of the patient data because the company was under contract to North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System for the processing and collection of insurance payments, Newsday said.

According to Newsday, the data contained in the stolen lap tops included patient names, addresses and Social Security numbers, but no credit card account information or other financial secrets.

"Even though credit card information was allegedly absent from the compromised records, the other information contained within the stolen laptops would have provided identity thieves with enough confidential and private details to perpetrate fraudulent credit transactions in the victims' names," said Robin L. Greenwald, who heads the Weitz & Luxenberg Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection litigation unit.

To access the data contained on the stolen laptops, identity thieves would first have to crack the system passwords designed to thwart prying by unauthorized eyes, Newsday reported.

However, "unless the passwords were very strong, experienced hackers would likely have little difficulty breaking them," said Weitz & Luxenberg associate attorney James Bilsborrow, also of the Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection litigation unit.

Were the passwords cracked and the laptops' contents laid bare, the hackers would find the data awaiting them to be unencrypted, meaning they would encounter no obstacle to harvesting and exploiting the information, Newsday said.

Identity Thieves May Have North Shore Patient Data:

Newsday notes that Global Care Delivery did not delay calling police to report the theft of the laptops - which remain missing - but waited until May 11, 2015, to notify North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, which in turn informed patients by mail.

Bilsborrow said that, considering the number of patients affected by the data breach, it is possible that individual victims could suffer financial harm running into the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars each.

Added Greenwald, "One source of loss would be money spent on the credit-protection services victims might choose to sign up for in order to protect themselves against criminal misuse of the stolen records."

"It is very fortunate that these data-breach victims can turn to the law for help," she said. "Just because a company was careless with confidential data is no reason that the patients and their families should have to suffer."

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at clientrelations@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/injuries-to-north-shore-li-patients-from-data-breach-investigated-by-weitz-and-luxenberg-2015-0622-03.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Weitz and Luxenberg Exploring Southern California Oil Spill Victims’ Claims

environmental law

LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 21, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Weitz & Luxenberg P.C., today announced it is investigating claims from members of the fishing industry, property owners and others harmed by an oil spill that began Tuesday and blighted the shoreline just north of Santa Barbara, California.

California Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in response to the oil spill.

NBC News reported the spill dumped about 105,000 gallons from a break in a 2-foot-diameter pipeline that runs through the northern part of Santa Barbara County.

Oil from the pipeline rupture flowed to the beach where it then entered the water and created 9-miles of oil slick in the ocean, affecting 4 miles of beach, CNN said.

Santa Barbara Oil Spill Causing Harm:

According to news reports, popular beaches and campgrounds in the affected area were ordered evacuated, and officials said that some beaches would be closed for Memorial Day weekend.

"California's coastal region is home to a rich and diverse habitat and is a vital part of the state's economy because of the variety of businesses supported by those Pacific waters - chief among them fishing and tourism," explained Robin Greenwald, who heads Weitz & Luxenberg's Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection Unit.

"Memorial Day weekend is typically a three-day period when local businesses expect some of their biggest economic gains of the year," she indicated. "Because of the oil spill, those gains may not materialize this year."

"The full extent of the spill is yet to be determined, but fishermen and coastal property owners will likely suffer economic harm, too, by this spill," Greenwald added.

Greenwald said Weitz & Luxenberg is no stranger to aiding businesses and property owners who suffer economic harms from oil spills.

Beginning in 2010, the law firm represented fishermen, businesses and individuals who suffered losses after the oil giant BP's offshore drilling rig exploded, spewing millions of gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico, she said.

Weitz & Luxenberg, joined by other law firms, convinced BP to enter a massive financial settlement. The settlement compensated hundreds of thousands of fishermen, businesses and individuals whose livelihoods and/or property were damaged in the course of the spill, said Greenwald, a key player in the settlement negotiations.

Money May Be Owed to Santa Barbara Oil Spill Victims:

The flow of oil from the burst pipeline eventually was stopped, the Coast Guard said.

However, the news media raised the possibility that the pipeline owner - Houston-based Plains All American Pipeline - may have allowed the leak to continue for hours before shutting off the flow.

Weitz & Luxenberg said that under California law, the pipeline owner had a duty to exercise reasonable care in preventing this kind of disaster from occurring.

"The company created an unacceptable risk of economic harm to innocent people and businesses," said Greenwald.

Santa Barbara oil-spill victims who contact Weitz & Luxenberg are eligible for a no-cost, no-obligation evaluation of their legal rights against the oil company

To obtain the free consultation, oil-spill victims can reach the law firm toll-free at (800) 476-6070 or online at www.weitzlux.com, Greenwald said.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at clientrelations@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

TWITTER: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/weitz-luxenberg-exploring-southern-california-oil-spill-victims-claims-2015-0521-02.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Zofran Birth Defect Cases Being Accepted by Weitz and Luxenberg

consumer protection law

NEW YORK, N.Y., April 7, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C., announced it is accepting cases of congenital heart defects and cleft facial abnormalities in children whose mothers took the prescription drug Zofran during pregnancy to relieve symptoms of morning sickness.

Zofran - generic name ondansetron - has never been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of morning sickness symptoms and medical studies have linked Zofran use during the first trimester of pregnancy to birth defects, the law firm said.

Weitz & Luxenberg added that approximately 1 million women take Zofran or ondansetron each year to relieve the symptoms of morning sickness, specifically nausea and vomiting.

Zofran is FDA-approved for use by cancer patients to prevent the nausea and/or vomiting that can accompany chemotherapy and that can occur after an operation, the firm explained.

However, Zofran has not been approved by the FDA to prevent or treat morning sickness in pregnant women.

Zofran Maker Accused by U.S. Justice Dept.:

In 2012, the manufacturer of Zofran - pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline - paid a fine of $1 billion as part of a settlement of claims brought by the U.S. Department of Justice, Weitz & Luxenberg said.

The Justice Department claimed, among other things, that GlaxoSmithKline illegally promoted certain forms of Zofran for the treatment of morning sickness in pregnant women, and paid doctors to promote and prescribe Zofran, the firm indicated.

Despite that settlement, GlaxoSmithKline still faces civil liability. Weitz & Luxenberg said it is moving forward with efforts to hold GlaxoSmithKline accountable by accepting cases where women who took Zofran in the first trimester of pregnancy gave birth to children with congenital heart defects and/or cleft lip, cleft palate or both.

Free Consultation For Zofran Birth Defect Victims:

The law firm said Zofran victims can contact Weitz & Luxenberg for a no-cost, no-obligation discussion of their legal rights to compensation from Zofran's maker.

The free consultation can be arranged by contacting Weitz & Luxenberg toll-free at 844-400-HELP or online at www.weitzlux.com, the firm said.

In addition to wanting to hear from mothers who took Zofran, Weitz & Luxenberg also expressed interest in exploring the legal rights of men and women born with a potentially Zofran-related birth defect who this year are between the ages of 18 and 24.

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, products liability, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of consumer fraud are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at clientrelations@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/zofran-birth-defect-cases-being-accepted-by-weitz-and-luxenberg-2015-0407-07.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Weitz & Luxenberg Files Lawsuit Against Lenovo for Superfish Security Risk

class action

NEW YORK, N.Y., March 4, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. has announced the filing of a class action lawsuit against Lenovo and Superfish for a recent case of laptop security failings. The suit was filed in response to the growing concern over computer manufacturer Lenovo's inclusion of Superfish malware on laptops purchased after Sept. 1, 2014.

In January 2015, a security expert discovered that Superfish's VisualDiscovery software had been installed on Lenovo laptops before they were shipped out to customers. This software has security defects that endanger all communications made on the affected laptops.

According to published reports, more than just a few models are affected. Laptops purchased after Sept. 1, 2014 and during Feb. 2015 may all contain this damaging software. The models containing Superfish include the Lenovo G, U, Y, Z, S, Flex, MIIX, YOGA, and E series.

As Robin L. Greenwald, head of Weitz & Luxenberg's Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection Unit explained, "Lenovo sold you a laptop that you thought you could trust to protect confidential internet communications. But Lenovo didn't care about your security; instead, it cared about exploiting you and helping advertisers promote their products. By doing so, Lenovo and Superfish exposed you to a serious security risk."

How Superfish Causes a Security Risk:

It has been announced in news reports that hackers can use Wi-Fi networks, which are found across the U.S. in many public places -- including coffeeshops, restaurants and bars -- to hack into your computer. The Superfish software is what allows them in, according to Weitz & Luxenberg.

Once these thieves access your computer, they can capture any data you have stored on it. This gives them possible access to your passwords, bank account numbers, tax records and any other private information, according to industry reports.

The hackers then can use the information themselves to open credit card or cell phone accounts in your name, file false tax returns in your name, or sell your information on the black market to others who will do so.

Christopher Dalbey, an attorney with Weitz & Luxenberg, explained, "Lenovo's actions are also reprehensible because it installed software that allows hackers to easily mimic the look and feel of other companies' secure websites."

Dalbey emphasized, "You think that you're visiting a website for your bank, but instead the software tricks you into giving up personal and private information. And that software is installed on your own computer by a manufacturer you trusted."

Lenovo explained the inclusion of this malware as an attempt to improve the advertising experience for its customers. The company claimed not to have realized that the software gives Superfish access to all of a customer's online communications and enables hackers to easily spy on customers, according to news outlets.

Join Our Class Action Against Lenovo:

The attorneys at Weitz & Luxenberg believe that you have certain privacy rights that are safeguarded by federal and state laws. These include the federal wiretapping statute and state laws about deceptive trade practices, breach of implied warranty and fraudulent concealment. And at least one state has an anti-spyware law.

The firm believes that the evidence indicates that Lenovo knowingly violated those rights. Therefore, both Lenovo and Superfish should be held accountable and people who have been damaged should receive compensation.

W&L invites anyone who has purchased a Lenovo laptop during this time period to reach out to us to discuss joining our class action lawsuit.

"Lenovo put your security and privacy at risk, and you deserve to be compensated for that," affirms Ms. Greenwald. "Big corporations must learn that they cannot take advantage of people. And if they do so, they will be held accountable for it."

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury and consumer protection law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of corporate wrongdoing are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at clientrelations@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/ .

Twitter: @WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/weitz-luxenberg-files-lawsuit-against-lenovo-for-superfish-security-risk-2015-0304-003.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.

Weitz & Luxenberg’s Anthem Data Breach Lawsuit Helps Kids, Too

Consumer Protection lawfirm

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Feb. 25, 2015 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Anthem Inc. data breach class action lawsuit brought this month by Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C. seeks to protect tens of millions of children - and not just adults - affected by the health insurance giant's massive loss of sensitive confidential records, the New York-based law firm today announced.

Children - whose parents are among the estimated 80 million Anthem customers victimized by the data breach - stand to lose potentially far more than the adults as a result of the mid-December 2014 computer break-in, the firm said.

"The children of Anthem policy holders may be the most vulnerable victims," said Robin L. Greenwald, who heads Weitz & Luxenberg's Environmental, Toxic Tort & Consumer Protection Unit.

Time to Act Against Anthem Is Now:

Many parents erroneously assume their children are not in harm's way because of an absence of indications that the youngsters have been targets of identity theft, the law firm said.

However, Weitz & Luxenberg warned it may be years or decades before it becomes evident that an Anthem policy holder's child has been financially damaged, possibly severely.

By then it may be too late to exercise legal rights against Anthem through the mechanism of Weitz & Luxenberg's class action lawsuit, the firm indicated.

Consequently, "the time for parents to join the class action lawsuit against Anthem to hold that corporation responsible for allowing the data breach to occur and for what may happen in the future as a result is now," said Greenwald. It is critical to understand the full extent of the breach of all family members' personal information.

The firm clarified that it is unnecessary for an Anthem policy holder or beneficiary to have yet suffered financial harm from the data breach in order to participate in the class action lawsuit.

As long as someone was or is an Anthem customer, that person may be entitled to join the lawsuit as a plaintiff and exercise legal rights, the firm indicated. Past and current policy holders who are concerned about this violation of their rights are also invited to contact Weitz & Luxenberg.

Anthem Data Breach Hurts Kids Most:

According to information security experts, the Anthem data breach hackers struck gold when they burrowed into the health insurer's computer systems and extracted the confidential records of the sons and daughters of policy holders.

"That fact is, parents suffer over and above their own identity theft when their children's private information is stolen; such information is often said to be more coveted by identify thieves than the information of adults," Greenwald explained.

The reason has to do with credit histories. "A child likely has no credit history, which makes it very easy for identity thieves to create a false persona to apply for credit cards and loans," she said.

She said the task of inventing a false identity becomes easier still if the thieves have the child victim's Social Security number and medical records, all of which the Anthem data breach exposed.

But the real damage accrues when thieves simply pretend to be the victim, she said.

"Criminals can use the child's stolen information to obtain expensive medical services not covered by insurance, or to gain prescriptions for medications that they then sell on the black market, while the victim's parents could be stuck with the bill," Greenwald explained.

"It can take years for any such activity to be discovered by the victim," she said. "But seeking to hold Anthem accountable for the harm is something all victims can do right now."

About Weitz & Luxenberg:

Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C. is among the nation's leading and most readily recognized personal injury law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, consumer protection, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of accidents are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of experience handling such cases. You can contact the firm's Client Relations department at 800-476-6070 or at clientrelations@weitzlux.com.

More information: http://www.weitzlux.com/.

@WeitzLuxenberg

To view the original version on Send2Press Newswire, visit: https://www.send2press.com/newswire/weitz-luxenberg-anthem-data-breach-lawsuit-helps-kids-too-2015-0225-002.shtml.

NEWS SOURCE Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. :: This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (who is solely responsible for its accuracy) by and Copr. © 2015 Send2Press® Newswire, a service of Neotrope®.