Injury Help

Published on: February 10, 2022

Paraquat Poisoning

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Paraquat, a toxic chemical herbicide used to exterminate unruly weeds and grass, has been highly popularized in its use and was first produced for commercial use in 1962. There are many brands of paraquat products, and some of these include, Gramoxone, Goldquat, Almoxone, and many more. Paraquat is extremely popular and is one of the most commonly used herbicides around the globe. However, due to its extremely high toxicity, many precautions have been taken to purchase and use this herbicide in the United States.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided to put mitigation measures on the use of Paraquat to protect human health and the environment. Here’s a quote from the United States EPA website “In July 2021, after receiving and considering public comments on the Paraquat proposed interim decision, EPA released the interim decision for registration review. As part of this action, EPA requires mitigation measures to reduce risks associated with Paraquat in order to protect human health and the environment.”

Paraquat is so toxic that it can lead to death if accidentally ingested, and there is no antidote for it. Because it’s so toxic, in the U.S., precautions are taken, such as adding a dye to the substance and a sharp odor to deter an individual from accidentally ingesting it. Not only that, but only those with a commercial license can even purchase the product, let alone use it. In addition, An individual can not use this product even if they are under the supervision of a certified applicator.

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Published on: February 10, 2022

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) and Baby Formula

By Carabin Shaw

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Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a horrible disease that can affect premature infants. The condition is gastrointestinal and causes inflammation and infections in the intestines that can lead to the intestinal cells dying. If the inflammation gets severe, it can create holes in the intestine, potentially leading to intestinal bacteria getting into the affected infant’s abdominal area or blood. If this happens, getting a severe illness or a deadly blood infection is, unfortunately, a possible outcome.

When a baby is born underweight or prematurely, they often need extra protein to strengthen their tiny bodies while they grow. The little one’s growth can be very challenging all on its own, which is why if the baby doesn’t breastfeed, the doctor or nurse may recommend using baby formula products. While this may seem like an entirely sound choice to make, unfortunately, this is not always the case. Studies have recently shown a link between premature infants developing NEC and baby formula.

Trusting companies who develop baby formulas can be so easy. After all, the reason they are developed is to help your infant get the proper nourishment they need for their healthy growth. But unfortunately, some companies fail to warn parents of the risks their product could have on their infants. Popular baby formula brands like Similac and Enfamil did not properly warn parents that using their products could increase their infants’ risk of getting NEC. When manufacturers fail to warn consumers about their products’ potential dangers, it becomes a serious issue.

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Published on: February 4, 2022

How to Know if you have a Personal Injury Claim

By Carabin Shaw

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How do you know if you have a personal injury claim? You can suffer personal injuries when injured physically, psychologically, or emotionally usually due to negligence, carelessness, or wrongful conduct of another individual. It’s typically the case that when an individual files a personal injury claim, they or someone they love sustained injuries due to another’s negligent actions.

Because personal injury law covers a vast amount of different situations, it’s extremely important for you to consult with an experienced lawyer if you believe you have a personal injury claim. For instance, you are potentially at risk of suffering personal injuries in situations such as automobile accidents, trucking accidents, dog bites, motorcycle accidents, and many others.

Given this information, you need to seek professional legal advice from an experienced lawyer to know if you have a personal injury claim. A personal injury attorney will aim to determine who is responsible for the injury or death. They then evaluate the legal issues applicable in a particular situation and determine which course of action is best for their clients. If required, they will file a personal injury lawsuit on behalf of those injured. They take these steps in order to protect the injured party’s rights and ensure proper compensation is received.

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Published on: February 4, 2022

Paraquat and Parkinson’s Disease

By Carabin Shaw

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What is Paraquat? Paraquat, also known as Gramoxone, is an herbicide primarily used for weed and grass management. However, According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), It is a toxic chemical. The CDC also states that the highly poisonous herbicide marketed to the United States has safeguards such as a blue dye, a sharp odor, and an added agent that induces vomiting if ingested. These safeguards are in place to warn potential users of its toxicity. Because this herbicide is so toxic and can lead to fatal poisoning, only licensed professionals can use it.

Why is Paraquat Used? The herbicide kills weeds and unwanted grasses because of its incredible effectiveness, which is why, in the United States, commercial farmers and agricultural workers have used this product to control their land’s unruly weeds and grass since 1964. Before harvest, it also is used as a defoliant on crops, such as cotton. There are many uses for this herbicide, but unfortunately, the consequences can be fatal.

How can you get poisoned by Paraquat? Acute poisoning can occur because of accidental ingestion, inhalation, or skin exposure by an individual. It can cause damage to the lungs, intestines, stomach, and mouth when ingested in small amounts, while in large quantities, it can damage multiple organs and lead to death within hours. The most common way of getting poisoning from this herbicide is by accidentally ingesting it. Unfortunately, there is no antidote after getting poisoned by this toxic chemical.

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Published on: January 5, 2022

Similac and Enfamil Face Lawsuits over Defective Baby Formula

By Carabin Shaw

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In premature infants, both Enfamil, a baby formula manufactured by Mead Johnson, and Similac, a baby formula manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, can cause necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This gastrointestinal condition, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), is severe and causes intestinal tissue death. It may even be fatal in as many as 50% of cases. In addition, the intestinal inflammation caused by this horrible condition may cause holes in the intestine. It is even possible for bacteria from the intestinal tract to leak into the abdomen or blood, causing severe illnesses or deadly blood infections. The condition can also cause severe health issues like sepsis, intestinal strictures, developmental problems, and cerebral palsy.

A study in Lancet, 1990, found that this horrendous condition NEC was up to 10 times more likely in premature infants given formula. In recent years, several studies have linked cow’s milk-based formula to an increased risk of NEC in premature infants, based on cases filed against baby formula products.

Similac and Enfamil manufacturers are facing lawsuits from parents because they were aware or should have been aware that their baby formula products could cause necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants. In addition, these companies did not warn parents or medical providers about the risk. According to the parents who sued, Enfamil and Similac failed to indicate that NEC is a possible side effect of their baby formulas or provide proper instructions or guidelines on using the product. As an added concern, these companies marketed their baby formula products as safe and beneficial for premature infants despite potential risks.

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Published on: February 13, 2020

ACCIDENT INJURY REPORT: CHESAPEAKE ENERGY HAS SECOND EXPLOSION INCIDENT

By Carabin Shaw

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Bryan, Texas, February 8, 2020: A second explosion happened at one of Chesapeake Energy’s oil wells in the Eagle Ford Shale just two weeks after a Jan. 29 deadly explosion at a Chesapeake Energy oil well site in nearby Burleson County. Three men were killed and one man was left hospitalized in the Burleson incident. Bryan Maldonado, 25, and Windell Beddingfield died in what is the deadliest oilfield accident since January 2018.

Authorities are investigating the accident which occurred about 1 a.m. Saturday at a storage tank on the company’s Luther lease off Sandy Point and Old San Antonio Roads in a rural area of Brazos County about eight miles northwest of Bryan.

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Published on: January 27, 2020

ACCIDENT INJURY REPORT: Two People Killed in Houston Gas Explosion

By Carabin Shaw

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(HOUSTON, January 27, 2020) Two people were killed in a gas explosion in northwest Houston at a manufacturing warehouse on Friday the 25 at around 4:30 a.m. After the explosion the Houston Fire Department reported that 48 people had to be sheltered and 18 people were sent to local emergency rooms for injuries.

Officials have identified Gerardo Castorena Sr. and Frank Flores as the two victims who were killed in this fatal explosion.

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Published on: January 2, 2020

Accident Injury Report – One Man Dead in Three Vehicle Crash in Amarillo

By Carabin Shaw

amarillo-streetview-12_30_19 Amarillo, Texas (Jan 2, 2020) – One person was killed in a major crash involving three vehicles on the afternoon of December 24th. At approximately 1:00PM Tuesday, a Hereford resident was driving an 18-wheeler westbound on East Amarillo Boulevard. As the truck driver attempted to turn south onto Ridgemere Boulevard, he pulled in front of a Lincoln driven by Amarillo resident Freddy Buckingham, aged 53. Buckingham clipped the rear of the trailer, causing him to spin out into the westbound lane, where he collided with another vehicle. Mr. Buckingham was rushed to an area hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Investigation is ongoing, but authorities believe that speeding and lack of seatbelt usage were factors in the fatality.

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Seatbelts Save Lives Your seatbelt is the most effective safety device in your vehicle. Designed to keep the driver/passenger in place in the event of a crash to prevent them from being forcefully thrown into the dashboard or windshield – or worse yet, through the windshield and into the road. Air bags can only do so much, and oftentimes only become more dangerous with the lack of proper seat belt usage.

“In 2018 more than 2,623 people who failed to wear their seat belts were killed or seriously injured,” says TxDOT Traffic Safety Director Terry Pence. “Simply remembering to to put on your seat belt increases your chances of surviving a crash by 45-60 percent.”

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Published on: December 31, 2019

Accident Injury Report – Industrial Accident Fatality of Hutto Man

By Carabin Shaw

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December 31, 2019 Hutto, Texas – A local man was killed in an industrial accident Monday morning at Starfire Manufacturing located in the Tradesman Park Loop in Hutto. The Williamson County Sheriff’s department reported that a man in his 60’s was at the location to borrow a forklift. A large metal booth already situated on the forklift tipped off and landed on the man killing him. The victim was confirmed as not an employee of the company, Starfire Manufacturing. OSHA and Workers Defense Project have been contacted but is is not known if any violations had been committed.

Industrial Accidents

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2018, there were 58 industrial fatalities in Texas from contact with objects and equipment. Of these deaths, 57 were within the private sector of manufacturing of goods, construction, or transportation.

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Published on: December 23, 2019

Accident Injury Report – Drunk Driver Crashes into Elderly Woman’s House El Paso

By Carabin Shaw

El Paso, Texas (December 23, 2019) – An elderly woman was hospitalized with serious injuries after another woman crashed into her home early Monday morning. At about 1AM on December 23, Margaret Cantu (41) was speeding south on Junction Avenue at Kenworthy Street in northeast El Paso when she lost control of her SUV, hit a rock wall, and then crashed into the bedroom of Rurkio Denison (87) while she was sleeping. Denison sustained critical injuries and was taken to University Medical Center in serious condition. There were also 2 other unnamed parties injured in the incident. Cantu has been charged with Intoxication Assault and is currently being held on bail at the El Paso County jail.

Drunk Driving in Texas

In 2018 there was a total of 773 drunk driving related accidents in the city of El Paso with 33 of those resulting in serious injuries. El Paso ranks 5th in the state with these types of alcohol related crashes, coming in behind Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Austin. Statewide, driving under the influence is one of the top ten reasons for accidents in Texas(TX Dept of Transportation). Drunk Driving accidents ruin the lives of thousands of people each year by injury or death across the U.S. For more information about the specific statistics for your city, visit the Texas Department of Transportation.

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