When an individual has caused you bodily harm (whether intentionally or unintentionally ), you can file a lawsuit against that individual in the hopes of receiving compensation for your injuries. But what if it wasn’t an individual who caused you bodily harm, but you know or suspect that someone can be held responsible? This is where class action lawsuits come in, and it’s when a group of individuals affected by a company or another entity is grouped as one defendant and bring a lawsuit against the other entity. Here are some current class action lawsuits and what Chicago residents can do.
Supplement and Drug Recalls
Supplement and drug recalls are some of the most common class action lawsuits. They aren’t supposed to harm us, but some have done just that.
Baby Formula
Cow’s milk-based formulas from Enfamil and Similac can cause premature infants to develop a potentially fatal gastrointestinal disease known as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
Eye Drops
Delsam Pharma and EzriCare eye drop brands may have led to some of its users developing a serious eye infection that led to vision loss or complete blindness.
Zantac
Zantac (ranitidine) is an antacid used to treat heartburn and related symptoms, such as nausea associated with indigestion, GERD, and motion sickness. This version of Zantac contains a chemical known as N Nitrosodimethylamine NDMA, which can cause cancer. The new version called Zantac 360 (famotidine) isn’t known to cause cancer. Chicago (Illinois) residents have a statute of limitation of two years to file a claim.
Privacy, Data Breaches, and Ransomware
When companies fail to invest in cybersecurity to protect the sensitive information of their clients/customers, they can be held liable if there is a security breach. Unfortunately, data breaches have become more common over the years, and cybercriminals have come up with more sophisticated ways of hacking.
Apria Healthcare
Earlier this year, the company Apria Healthcare announced a data breach that dates back to April 2019, and the personal and medical information of some individuals may be compromised.
Kannact
This digital health company was also a victim of a potentially preventable cyberattack that leaked sensitive patient information, including driver’s licenses and social security numbers.
Environmental Hazards
Camp Lejeune Water Contamination
Chicago veterans who were stationed at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 may have been exposed to contaminated water. This water has been linked to birth defects, Parkinson’s disease, infertility, various types of cancers, and many more diseases.
Mesothelioma Lung Cancer
Mesothelioma is a fatal form of lung cancer that’s caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos. The asbestos fibers can get trapped in the lungs and other organs, causing other types of cancers as well. Those who work(ed) in occupations with high asbestos exposure are at the highest risk.
Roundup Weedkiller
This popular herbicide has been linked to its users developing Parkinson’s disease because Roundup and similar herbicides like Paraquat contain a harmful chemical.
Defective Medical Devices
Medical devices, whether implanted or used externally, are supposed to help alleviate certain health conditions— not exacerbate them. Unfortunately l, some manufacturers allow defective medical devices to be sold to consumers. Personal injury and defective medical device lawyers can help you file a class action lawsuit or mass tort.
Cochlear Implants
Advanced Bionics’ Ultra, Ultra 3D, and HiRes cochlear implants were recalled in 2020 due to failure. This failure required surgeries to replace or completely remove the implant.
Hernia Mesh
Many patients experienced severe pain, infections, and other serious complications after hernia mesh surgery. The manufacturer allegedly knowingly released defective products.
Philips CPAP Machines
CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) and BiPAP (bilevel positive airway pressure) machines from Philips have been recalled due to releasing particles through the device’s air pathways, causing several health problems for those who use them. These devices are supposed to clear the airways for those with sleep apnea, but instead, they’re causing coughing wheezing, and other lung problems.
Appliances and Automobiles
Dishwasher Heating Elements
KitchenAid, Maytag, and Whirlpool dishwashers experienced leaks due to faulty heating elements. Only letters offering a free upgrade were sent to customers, but the leaking can cause property damage.
Hyundai and Kia Oil Leaks
2017-2023 Hyundai and Kia vehicles are experiencing oil leaks due to drain plug and oil pan issues. These leaks resulted in engine damage or failure.
Personal injury lawyers can help those who have been hurt by drug recalls, data breaches, environmental hazards, defective medical devices, and other product recalls. They’ll also help you determine if a class action lawsuit is the best option.
