Zantac has been pulled from store shelves by the FDA because of its link to a probable human carcinogen, known as N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA). This requirement comes after investigations into the effect of long-term storage and hot temperatures on the medication: The levels of the chemical NDMA increase over time, and significantly when heated (such as may occur if the box of medication was left in a hot car on a summer day, for example).

NDMA is the same chemical found at low, acceptable levels in water and certain foods, especially cured meats, which have also been linked to cancer.

The generic name for Zantac is ranitidine. This heartburn medication is taken by roughly 2 million Americans, according to a CBS News report.

In September, 2019, the FDA issued a warning to the public concerning ranitidine when research showed high levels of NDMA. As a result, voluntary recalls were issued and an FDA investigation was initiated. According to CBS, that research included this startling finding: When stored for 12 days at room temperature, a dose of ranitidine increased to 25ng of NDMA, which is actually lower than the limit accepted as safe by the FDA of 96ng. When heated to 158 degrees Fahrenheit, NDMA rose to 142ng in the same dose. This is far above any acceptable standard. Researchers concluded that the likely carcinogen was being formed in the drug when exposed to heat.

On April 1, health regulators ordered a mandatory recall of all prescription and over-the-counter versions of ranitidine. The agency concluded the risk to the public is too great because NDMA can increase over time, while the medication is being transported or stored. The FDA advises the public to throw out any OTC Zantac products still in their possession; discontinue use immediately. If you have a prescription, consult your doctor before you stop taking this or any other medication. They may want to prescribe an alternative without any lapse.

Currently Reviewing Zantac Claims

The experienced and skilled Austin defective drug attorneys at Shaw Cowart, LLC, are currently reviewing claims related to Zantac. If you have developed an illness, injury or have been diagnosed with cancer, and you have a history of Zantac use, please contact us for a free consultation at 512-499-8900.

Posted in Defective Drugs, Defective Products | No Comments »

JUUL Labs has maintained that it never intentionally marketed its products to young people. However, a new lawsuit filed in February by the Massachusetts attorney general accuses the e-cigarette company of doing just that. It claims JUUL knowingly advertised its products on websites geared towards kids, intentionally created a marketing campaign that appealed to young people, and shipped its products directly to underage consumers.

According to the lawsuit, JUUL Labs paid a company to place ads on a staggering number of youth-oriented websites from June 2015 through the beginning of 2016. The list of websites includes popular entertainment destinations such as Nickelodeon, the Cartoon Network, and Seventeen magazine.

The list also includes:

• Educational sites designed for children
• Gaming sites geared to young girls
• Sites for high school students researching colleges

To make matters worse, it seems the ad content was intentionally designed to appeal to a younger audience. The lawsuit states that the vaping giant rejected an early marketing proposal aimed at an adult audience. Instead, it chose to feature young, attractive models. Many experts have compared JUUL’s marketing campaign to the imagery cigarette companies used to appeal to young people in the 1950s.

JUUL is no stranger to lawsuits regarding its marketing practices. Many states have sued the company for circumventing federal law banning cigarette advertising to children in order to target a young and impressionable audience. JUUL eventually took steps to reduce its appeal to minors, but it had already secured their favor and built its empire. Today, we face a youth-vaping epidemic with severe health consequences.

On top of offering a window into JUUL’s marketing tactics, the lawsuit goes on to claim that the company knowingly shipped e-cigarettes to underage customers who ordered directly from JUUL online. Many of these customers used student email addresses at high schools to create their accounts.

Contact Our Austin JUUL Lawyers Today

If you or your child has sustained an injury or illness from using a JUUL vaping device, we will fight to hold the company accountable and get you the compensation you deserve. Our attorneys have the skill and resources to achieve a favorable outcome in your JUUL and vaping lawsuit.

Call 512-499-8900 today to schedule a consultation. The lawyers at Shaw Cowart, LLP serve Austin and nearby areas of Texas.

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Principally, our thoughts at this time are with anyone who’s been impacted by the COVID-19 virus, directly or indirectly. Second, we at Shaw Cowart want to assure you that the law firm has put into action a business contingency plan to ensure there is no disruption in legal services. Our firm is continuing to pursue justice for our clients, as well as to provide normal access to our attorneys and personnel. We are also addressing the health and safety concerns of everyone at the firm.

Shaw Cowart is dedicated to working with you to meet your legal and professional needs during this time. We are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to quickly respond to news bulletins issued by federal, state and local organizations so that we can smoothly maintain operations and service to our clients. This may involve working remotely through the use of our secure technology and videoconferencing capabilities.

We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation daily and are following recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization, as well as our state and local authorities. Our primary objective is to protect our employees, their families and our clients.

Shaw Cowart is committed to providing high-quality service to you while prioritizing a healthy, secure work environment. We will continue to provide the level of assistance and attention to which you’ve become accustomed. Our focus, dedication, and services are unwavering as we navigate the evolving situation. We hope you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy.

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Working at an oilfield is a dangerous job. There’s no question about it. While you accept a certain level of risk as part of this employment, that doesn’t mean you should be hung out to dry if you suffered a serious physical injury. You may be owed workers’ compensation benefits or additional compensation for the accident. Our experienced attorneys are here to provide guidance.

Here’s what you should do to protect your right to injury benefits:

• Notify your supervisor of an accident/injury immediately
• Make sure your injury is documented with your company’s official reporting methods
• Provide the honest story of what happened and how you were injured
• Get medical attention for your injuries
• Contact our attorneys to find out what your rights and responsibilities are

We can’t overstate the importance of reporting your injury and scheduling a checkup with your doctor. Without these steps completed, you could lose your right to file for work injury benefits, or it could make the process a lot more complicated than it has to be.

If you are an employee, you are likely covered under your employer’s workers’ compensation policy for work-related injuries. If you are an independent contractor, the situation is less clear-cut. Either way, consult our attorneys to find out if you are owed compensation for an oilfield injury.

If a third party and not your employer is responsible for carelessness that directly caused your injury, then you may be able to file a lawsuit. When someone else’s negligence causes an injury, this type of claim can provide a means of recovering compensation above and beyond workers’ compensation benefits. The only way to know if you have this type of case is to call our attorneys for a consultation.

Call Our Attorneys if You were Injured in an Oilfield Accident

If you were injured in an oilfield accident, our experienced attorneys can work to pursue the benefits and compensation you are rightfully owed. Our Austin, TX, law firm is here to provide clear, straightforward and honest answers so you can decide what to do next. For a complimentary case evaluation, please call Shaw Cowart LLP at 512-499-8900.

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JUUL Labs, LLC is an American electronic cigarette company facing heavy scrutiny for fueling today’s youth vaping epidemic and compromising public health. JUUL rose to popularity by targeting a young, vulnerable audience through attractive marketing, packaging, product design, and flavorings. The company went so far as to promote its highly concentrated electronic nicotine delivery system as a safe alternative to cigarettes, an unsubstantiated claim that has been disputed by the FDA.

In 2019, over 5 million U.S. middle and high school students reported that they had used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days, according to the CDC. Unfortunately, the negative health consequences of this vaping surge are just beginning to surface. Individuals who used JUUL vape pens have suffered numerous documented side effects, including seizures and other symptoms of nicotine poisoning, child nicotine addiction, respiratory illness, and even death.

Any person or family member of a person who has sustained an illness or injury from using a JUUL vaping device may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the company. At Shaw Cowart, LLP, our lawyers offer free case evaluations to anyone who thinks they may have a claim. Below are several specific issues that have been brought against JUUL.

Common Reasons to File a JUUL Lawsuit Claim

Individuals and family members may have multiple reasons for filing a JUUL lawsuit, including:

• Child nicotine addiction: Children who use e-cigarettes are at risk for early nicotine addiction. Early nicotine addiction can have long-term effects on brain development, with negative implications for learning, attention, memory, behavior, and the risk of addiction to other substances. JUUL intentionally marketed its product to young people in a variety of ways while failing to warn the dangers of nicotine addiction.
• Neurological symptoms: The FDA is investigating a potential link between vaping and seizures. The agency has also received reports of other neurological symptoms, including tremors and fainting. Medical experts suspect that these issues may be related to nicotine poisoning. A single JUUL pod contains as much nicotine as two packs of cigarettes. 
• Respiratory illness: The liquid in vape cartridges is contains more than just nicotine. One study found chemicals linked with severe respiratory disease in more than 75% of flavored electronic cigarette liquids. Many e-cigarette users have reported respiratory problems, including a condition known as popcorn lung that is caused by inhaling a flavored chemical called diacetyl.

Those suffering from vaping side effects may be eligible for compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, pain, and suffering. By pursuing a JUUL lawsuit, you can also help hold this corporation responsible for choosing profits over public health and safety.

Learn If You Are Eligible to File a JUUL Lawsuit

Vaping-related injuries and illnesses can be devastating. Our lawyers will fight for justice on behalf of you or your child. We have a successful track record of holding large companies accountable.

Call 512-499-8900 today to schedule a free case evaluation. We serve Austin and nearby areas of Texas.

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Texas leads the nation in hydraulic fracturing and is a hub for big oil companies. This growing industry has created thousands of local jobs, but there’s no question that these opportunities come with serious health and safety hazards. Unfortunately, oilfield and fracking workers are at risk of injury and death every day.

Examples of Oilfield and Fracking Risks

Working in the oil and gas industry is statistically dangerous. According to OSHA, 489 oil and gas extraction workers were killed on the job between 2013 and 2017. Numerous others have experienced serious, often life-changing injuries as a result of workplace accidents. Not only is the work fast-paced, but the industry’s struggle to keep up with demand has fostered unsafe practices and conditions.

Some of the most common oilfield and fracking accidents include:

• Transportation accidents: Many oil and gas workers are oilfield truckers. Highway vehicle crashes are the leading cause of fatalities for those in this field. Areas with heavy oilfield traffic can increase the risk of an accident. Other dangerous factors may also be at play, including when oil companies push schedules known to contribute to driver fatigue.

• Fires and explosions: Flammable gasses are common at oilfields and fracking sites. Sources include wells, trucks, production equipment, and surface equipment. Workers face the risk of fires and explosions due to ignition of these vapors. Ignition can be caused by a number of sources that must be recognized and controlled to ensure worker safety, including static, cigarettes, and welding tools.
• Exposure to harmful substances: Hundreds of substances are involved in the fracking process, many of which are harmful or potentially harmful. Benzyne, silica, hydrocarbon gases, and naturally occurring radioactive material appear on the list of known hazards. Exposure to these substances can cause health issues, including chemical burns and problems related to the inhalation of toxic vapors. Along with taking measures to reduce potential worker overexposure, employers must provide labels, safety data sheets, and proper training.
• Equipment accidents: Workers may be struck by, caught in, or caught in between equipment at a fracking site. Unfortunately, accidents involving equipment are common and account for three out of five fatalities on well sites. Hazards include moving or falling heavy equipment, as well as the risks involved with working around high-pressure lines.

Obtaining Compensation After a Fracking Accident

While fracking comes with risks, workers and contractors are still entitled to safe working environments. Yet all too often, oil and gas companies put profits before their employees. If you or a loved one suffered an injury in an oilfield accident, you deserve compensation.

Your fracking accident injuries may be covered under worker’s compensation. In situations where a third party’s negligent actions contributed to your injury, you may also have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to obtain compensation for things such as medical bills and diminished quality of life.

If your loved one was killed in a fracking accident, suing for wrongful death may be an option. Our experienced personal injury lawyers can help determine which course of action is best for your unique situation.

Contact our Austin Personal Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one were injured in a fracking accident, rely on Shaw Cowart LLP to stand up for your rights and obtain the full compensation you deserve. Contact our personal injury attorneys at 512-499-8900 to schedule a complimentary consultation. We serve Austin and nearby areas of Texas.

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Car accidents kill about 35,000 Americans every year. About 4,000 of those deaths annually are caused by semi-trucks. Although 18-wheelers make up a small percentage of fatal car accidents, the massive size disparity between big rigs and passenger cars means that occupants of cars are at a far higher risk of dying while semi-truck drivers often walk away unharmed.

These issues can be exacerbated in areas with heavy oilfield traffic. Drivers for oil companies are not subject to the same regulations that commercial truckers are. Oil companies often push their employees to work long, demanding shifts before they drive an oilfield truck, thereby creating dangerous road conditions for their employees and other motorists.

At Shaw Cowart, LLP, our attorneys have extensive experience helping the victims of semi-truck accidents, and their families, find justice and recover the compensation they deserve. We recognize that often, drivers involved in these accidents are victims of their company’s profit-above-all culture, too, and we have experience representing oilfield workers against their employers.

Read on to learn more about the unique nature of oilfield truck accidents and how our lawyers can help you in the aftermath of one.

Regulations for Commercial Truckers

Commercial truckers are subject to strict regulations for how many hours they’re allowed to drive consecutively and how much time they must take off after consecutive days of driving. Those regulations are:

• Truckers can drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 hours off-duty.
• Truckers can’t drive past the 14th hour following 10 hours off duty, even if they amassed fewer than 11 hours of driving in that 14-hour period.
• Truckers must stop driving after 60 hours on-duty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours on-duty in 8 consecutive days.
• Truckers must take at least 34 hours off-duty to restart that 7-or-8-day clock.

Oilfield Truckers

The regulations that govern how long and how much commercial truckers can drive do not apply to truckers in the energy industry. This can create numerous problems and unsafe road scenarios.

Oilfields often require a high volume of truck traffic because of the pace of the work. The high demand for oil also means that employees work long, exhausting days. The lack of regulations for truckers in the energy industry means that after those long, exhausting days, oilfield workers may be asked to drive trucks without any concern for their fatigue levels.

If an area is in an energy boom, then companies may have trouble hiring enough people. They may ask their employees to work even longer shifts. And workers may feel pressured to say “yes” against their better judgment because they don’t want to jeopardize their jobs.

All of these factors combine to create a scenario where an overworked, fatigued trucker is driving a big rig on roads with other passenger cars. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.

Who is Liable for an Oilfield Trucking Accident?

When a company values profit above all else, even the lives and safety of its employees and the general public, it demonstrates a callous lack of priorities. Many oilfield truck accidents can be traced back to this.

At Shaw Cowart, LLP, we realize that truckers in these crashes can be victims of their employer’s negligence, too. That’s why we’ll do everything in our power to hold oil companies accountable for putting drivers in trucks who shouldn’t be driving and creating an environment where catastrophic accidents can happen.

Contact Our Austin Truck Accident Lawyers Today

The attorneys at Shaw Cowart are committed to helping our clients recover the compensation they deserve following a terrible accident. We have extensive experience representing motorists who have been injured by bigs and oilfield workers who have been injured on the job. We will take on oil companies and insurers for you so you and your family can focus on healing.

We serve Austin and nearby areas of Texas. Call (512) 499-8900 today to schedule a consultation.

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If you’re in a car accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, and the ridesharing driver was at fault, your legal options vary. When the driver is picking up or transporting a passenger, Uber and Lyft provide $1 million in liability coverage. When they are logged into the app without a passenger, the ridesharing companies offer more limited coverage. If the driver isn’t logged in, you must deal with their private insurance company.

Uber and Lyft returned to Austin in 2017 after a year hiatus, and they seem to be here to stay. That means your chances of being involved in a car accident involving a ridesharing driver are higher than ever. At Shaw Cowart LLP, our personal injury attorneys have decades of experience advocating for victims. If you were injured by an Uber or Lyft driver, we will fight for you.

Before an Uber or Lyft Driver Logs into Their App

When a ridesharing driver is not logged into their Uber or Lyft app, a car accident would play out the same way it would with any other motorist. You would deal with their auto insurance company to get compensation for your injuries and damage to your vehicle.

In Texas, every driver must have a minimum auto insurance overage of:

• $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
• Up to $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability per accident

The other driver’s insurance company won’t be on your side. They will use every excuse in the book to try to pay you as little as possible. The car accident lawyers at Shaw Cowart LLP will take on the insurance company to get you the compensation you deserve, including:

• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Diminished earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

When an Uber or Lyft Driver is Logged into their App but Hasn’t Accepted a Ride

Most insurance companies don’t provide any coverage when drivers use their vehicles for commercial purposes, such as driving for Uber or Lyft. Many insurers also don’t offer policies with “ridesharing endorsements” that would give Uber or Lyft drivers coverage.

To account for this, ridesharing companies offer limited liability coverage when their drivers are logged into the app but haven’t accepted a ride. In these circumstances, Uber and Lyft provide:

• $50,000 bodily injury liability per person
• Up to $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability per accident

When an Uber or Lyft Driver is Picking Up or Transporting a Passenger

After a ridesharing driver has accepted a ride, Uber’s and Lyft’s insurance companies will cover your damages. Both companies offer up to $1 million per accident. If your injuries exceed that, you may have to turn to your own uninsured motorist coverage to be fully compensated.

Contact Our Austin Car Accident Attorneys Today

If you were injured in a car accident with an Uber or Lyft driver, the attorneys at Shaw Cowart LLP will fight for justice on your behalf. We have the skills, experience, and dedication to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

We serve Austin and nearby areas of Texas. Call (512) 499-8900 today to schedule a consultation.

Posted in Car Accidents, Personal Injury, Vehicle Accident | No Comments »

A personal injury case arises when one person is injured because of the negligent, careless or intentional act of another person. It may also involve an injury caused by the negligence of a corporation, business or government agency. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Shaw Cowart LLP in Austin, TX, can determine if you have a claim in a free case evaluation. If we move forward with a case, we will tirelessly pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Common Personal Injury Claims

Practically any type of serious injury can qualify as a personal injury. Examples of injury cases we handle include:

• Brain injury
• Trauma suffered in motor vehicle accidents
• Birth injuries
• Injuries caused by workplace accidents
• Construction accident injuries
• Oil refinery accidents
• Injuries caused by defective products
• Sexual abuse injuries
• Injuries leading to wrongful death

This list is not exhaustive, and we certainly may be able to help you with your injury case even if it doesn’t fall within one of the above categories. To find out, call us at 512-499-8900.

Whether you were injured in a motor vehicle crash, at work, using a product or work equipment, or elsewhere, we can determine what your options are after speaking with you. The insurance companies may be offering you an unfairly low settlement or no money at all. Speak with us before accepting their offers. You may be entitled to much more.

Potential Compensation in Your Injury Case

The whole point of personal injury proceedings are to pursue justice and monetary compensation for you. Injuries are expensive to treat, and they are also painful and traumatic. When caused by someone else, you deserve the chance to hold the responsible party accountable, and that’s exactly what our attorneys do for our clients every day.

First, we want to listen to you to better understand how the injury has impacted your life. We work with your doctors to get documentation of medical costs, both at the outset of the injury and projected into the future. We put all of our resources to work to show why you deserve justice. In successful injury cases, compensation may be awarded for:

• Present and future medical expenses
• Rehabilitative therapy costs
• Loss of income
• Diminished earning capacity
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Each case is a little different. We provide services tailored to you. Our experienced litigators have handled hundreds of trial cases across the country and have decades of combined experience that they put to work for you. We are not only seasoned trial attorneys, but also know how to negotiate with insurance companies to secure desirable settlements when possible. Rely on us to always provide clear and honest communication about your case.

Free Case Evaluation with Experienced Austin, TX, Injury Attorneys

In a complimentary, no-obligation consultation, you and our attorneys discuss your situation. If we decide to move forward together and represent your claim, then rest assured your case is handled on a contingent-fee basis, which means you do not pay us any fees unless and until we recover monetary compensation on your behalf. To discuss your personal injury case for free, please call us in Austin at 512-499-8900.

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Brain injuries can have devastating short-and-long-term effects on your health and cognitive ability.  The specific impacts of an injury may not become apparent until long after it occurred. This infographic breaks down the potential issues that a brain injury can cause.

Contact Our Austin Brain Injury Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one suffered a brain injury because of the actions of another person, the personal injury lawyers at Shaw Cowart, LLP can help you recover the compensation you deserve. We serve Austin and surrounding areas of Texas. Call (512) 499-8900 to schedule a consultation.

Posted in Catastrophic Personal Injury, Personal Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury | No Comments »