Lovaza's Labeling is Incomplete--Side Effects Not Accurate

Lovaza, a prescription medicine made with omega 3 fatty acids  has recently been associated with a higher risk of  bleeding complications including subdural hematomas.

The omega-3 fatty acids found in Lovaza are the same type found in fish oil. Research for dozens of years has pointed to a link between the intake of omega-3 fatty acids and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease that can cause premature death.

Research has also shown that omega-3 fatty acids have a number of other positive effects, such as decreasing triglyceride levels, slowing the growth of atherosclerotic plague, and slightly lowering blood pressure.

However, recent studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids also inhibit the function of platelets. Platelets are part of the process that causes proper and healthy blood clotting.

When the platelets are inhibited, bleeding time can be prolonged and therefore more dangerous. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements, including Lovaza, inhibit the function of platelets in blood clotting, which puts patients at risk of extended Lovaza bleeding complications such as subdural hematomas.

For those suffering from a subdural hematoma, excess blood collects between the layers of tissue surrounding the brain. The outermost layer of this tissue around the brain is called the dura, and the layer beneath it is called the arachnoid.

Subdural hematoma causes bleeding between the dura and the arachnoid. While subdural hematoma bleeding is not inside the brain itself, it can still negatively affect the brain.

Bleeding accumulates and pressure builds, which puts an increasing amount of pressure on the brain from outside. This pressure, if allowed to reach a very high level, can cause unconsciousness and in some cases, death.

Treatment of subdural hematomas can range from simply monitoring the condition and waiting to brain surgery. In cases where there is too much pressure on the brain, surgeons may have to perform serious operations to relieve the dangerous pressure.

Lovaza’s label, approved by the FDA, includes a warning about increased Lovaza bleeding complications with omega-3 fatty acids.

According to the American Heart Association, patients who wish to treat coronary artery disease or high triglycerides with omega-3 fatty acids may not be able to intake as much as they need in a regular diet. Therefore, the AHA recommends at least one gram of fish oil per day for coronary artery disease patients, and at least two grams per day for hypertriglyceridemia patients.

People who took Lovaza or a similar omega-3 fatty acid supplement or fish oil and have since suffered a subdural hematoma may be able to file a Lovaza lawsuit. Drug manufacturers such as GlaxoSmithKline have a legal responsibility to adequately warn consumers about the potential side effects of using their drugs.

So Cal Gas Settlement! Largest Personal Injury Jury Verdict In History!



A  jury last month returned a verdict of $19.8 million against Southern California Gas Co. (SoCal Gas). The verdict was in a personal injury action brought by a man who suffered severe burns and brain injuries after his rental home exploded as a result of SoCal Gas’ negligence. The jury found that SoCal Gas was negligent and that its negligence was a substantial factor in causing harm to the 24 year old Plaintiff. A SoCal Gas employee activated an illegally uncapped gas line running into the Plaintiff’s home. His room filled up with natural gas and exploded into flames when he tried to light a cigarette.

The Plaintiff continues to suffer from painful and life-altering injuries brought on by the “extremely traumatic event.” The jury verdict was said to be the largest personal injury jury verdict in history against SoCal Gas. It included about $17 million for past and future pain and suffering, $2 million for past and future medical expenses and $657,100 for past and future loss of earnings.

In 2011, a former SoCal Gas employee named Simon Youde opened a gas valve that activated a gas line running to the back house where Diao was sleeping. Youde left the property without ensuring it was leak-free, ultimately leading to the explosion, according to the Plaintiff’s counsel.
Diao received second- and third-degree burns on more than 20 percent of his body and was taken to a burn unit where he remained for about two weeks and had numerous surgeries. Diao was also diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury that left him with permanent cognitive deficits, according to court documents. SoCal Gas admitted fault in the incident but sought to impose some liability on the property owner. The company challenged the severity of the Plaintiff’s injuries and told the jury Diao should be awarded $1.4 million, but the jury disagreed.

The most common work injuries are neck and back injuries. Others are repetitive strain injuries, head injuries, lifting injuries, brain injuries, spinal damage, workers suffer from: fall related injuries, broken bones and fractures, burns as well as injuries caused by exposure to chemicals or toxic substances. Sometimes injuries are sudden other times they occur gradually over time as a result of their day to day work activities. These gradual traumas also called “Gillette” injuries can also be covered by Minnesota’s workers’ compensation laws.
Most employers in Minnesota are required to have Workers’ Compensation insurance in place to protect their employees. However, even if your employer doesn't have Workers’ Compensation insurance, benefits may still be available to you through the Minnesota Special Compensation Fund.  These benefits include wage loss benefits, permanent partial disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, retraining benefits, and death and dependency benefits. It is very important to have an experienced attorney on your side; someone who understands how all of these benefits work together—an attorney who will maximize what you get.