Lawsuits
Rite Aid Aide Tells Of Forging Documents
Rite Aid Executive Forging Documents. A former Rite Aid executive gave an aide $25,000 for a new car after she helped him create backdated documents qualifying him and other executives for thousands of shares of company stock, the secretary testified Tuesday. But on cross-examination, the woman testified she did not … [Read more...] about Rite Aid Aide Tells Of Forging Documents
Meningitis C Vaccine Causes Adverse Reactions
Meningitis C Vaccine Adverse Reactions. Hundreds of young people every year are recording adverse reactions to the meningitis C vaccine, according to official statistics. Carl O'Brien reports Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show that the vaccine has consistently recorded more adverse reactions than any … [Read more...] about Meningitis C Vaccine Causes Adverse Reactions
Petition To Ban Diet Drug Renewed
Diet Drug Has Been Associated With Deaths. The consumer advocacy group Public Citizen said yesterday the diet drug Meridia has been associated with the deaths of 49 patients since it came on the market five years ago, as the group renewed a petition to the Food and Drug Administration to have the drug banned. Public Citizen, which … [Read more...] about Petition To Ban Diet Drug Renewed
Renewed Attack On Diet Drug
Diet Drug May Cause Heart Problems. A consumer group is again urging a ban of the prescription diet drug Meridia, saying at least 49 users have died of heart problems, including some in their 20s and 30s. Also, the Food and Drug Administration has 54 reports of women who suffered stillbirths, miscarriages or had babies … [Read more...] about Renewed Attack On Diet Drug
Meridia Must Be Banned
Meridia Sales Must Be Banned. A consumer group Wednesday reiterated its request that the government immediately ban sales of Meridia, a prescription diet drug. Public Citizen said in a letter to Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Mark McClellan that it reviewed the FDA's database and found 49 cases of deaths from … [Read more...] about Meridia Must Be Banned
Atypical Antipsychotics May Cause Pancreatitis
Atypical Antipsychotics Can Cause Diabetes And Inflammation Of the Pancreas. A class of widely prescribed antipsychotic medicines called atypical antipsychotics, already under suspicion for causing diabetes, may also precipitate a dangerous inflammation of the pancreas, researchers say. An analysis of adverse reactions to the … [Read more...] about Atypical Antipsychotics May Cause Pancreatitis
Companies Recall Propane Heaters
Propane Heaters Are Being Recalled. A Companies Recall ‘Propane Heaters’ because they can emit unsafe levels of carbon monoxide that could poison people if used indoors. Academy Sports and Outdoors, of Katy, Texas, has not received any reports of injuries caused by its Timber Creek Propane Heater, the Consumer Product Safety … [Read more...] about Companies Recall Propane Heaters
Painkillers Link To Miscarriages
Painkillers Increase Risk Of Miscarriage. Common painkillers like Advil or aspirin can increase the risk of miscarriage in pregnant women by as much as 80 percent, according to a new Kaiser Permanente study published in today's British Medical Journal. But some physicians said that startling finding should be viewed with … [Read more...] about Painkillers Link To Miscarriages
$1.5M Awarded For Misdiagnosis
Doctors Misdiagnosis Of Breast Cancer. In 2001, Janet Armstrong was a healthy 42-year-old mom and wife who had at least 35 good years ahead of her. At least, that’s what she said she was led to believe when doctors misread her mammogram, allowing undetected breast cancer to spread and leaving her with a life expectancy of five … [Read more...] about $1.5M Awarded For Misdiagnosis
N.Y., Mass Investigate Morgan Stanley
Officials Are Investigating Morgan Stanley. New York and Massachusetts officials are investigating whether Morgan Stanley improperly pressured brokers and branch managers to sell proprietary mutual funds to clients and misled regulators investigating the practice. Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin and New … [Read more...] about N.Y., Mass Investigate Morgan Stanley
Sony Recalls 18,000 Notebook Computers
Sony Announced The Recall Of Its Notebook Computers. Sony Corp said Thursday it would recall some 18,000 notebook computers in a pair of Vaio lines because of a faulty modem that can fry a phone line or deliver a shock to unwary users. 3,000 of the affected Vaio FRV25 and FRV27 notebooks were sold in the United States, said Sony, … [Read more...] about Sony Recalls 18,000 Notebook Computers
Abortionist Involved in Woman’s Death Awaits Word on Medical License
Abortionist Botched Procedure. A Los Angeles abortionist involved in the botched procedure that allegedly led to the death of a 25-year-old mother of two is still waiting to hear whether his medical license will be yanked by the Medical Board of California nearly a year and a half after the woman's death. Candace Cohen, … [Read more...] about Abortionist Involved in Woman’s Death Awaits Word on Medical License
NMH Sued Over Death
$10 Million Malpractice Suit Against NMH. A Bellaire woman who lost her baby after an induced-labor procedure at Northern Michigan Hospital in October 2000 has filed a $10 million malpractice suit against the hospital and obstetricians and nurse-midwives involved. Among the claims made by Marcia Downs in her lawsuit is that she … [Read more...] about NMH Sued Over Death
$15M Award In Hayward Baby Malpractice Case
A Boy Suffered Permanent Brain Damage Due To A Medical Malpractice. A jury in Hayward has awarded nearly $15 million to the family of a 2- year-old boy who suffered permanent brain damage because of medical malpractice by Alameda Hospital and a doctor. The Alameda County jury found the hospital 60 percent responsible for the … [Read more...] about $15M Award In Hayward Baby Malpractice Case
House Panel Receives Records From HealthSouth, Auditor
HealthSouth Corp. Records. A House panel investigating the $2.5 billion accounting scandal ensnaring HealthSouth Corp. has received all the financial records it requested from the rehabilitation giant and its longtime auditor, a committee spokesman said Tuesday. The House Energy and Commerce Committee is “pretty satisfied that … [Read more...] about House Panel Receives Records From HealthSouth, Auditor
Lead Paint Likely In Older Homes
Thousands Of Older Homes Could Have Lead Paint. The City of Pensacola already has evidence that potentially thousands of older homes in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties could have lead in them. The city`s Housing Department has been testing for lead in some older homes as part of its rental assistance program since September … [Read more...] about Lead Paint Likely In Older Homes
Doctor Suffers Heart Problem After Vaccination
Smallpox Vaccination Alert. Two days after getting her smallpox vaccine, Dr. Cynthia Olson of Minnetonka became one of seven U.S. health workers who suffered heart problems, prompting a nationwide alert. Olson, 45, a dermatologist at Hennepin County Medical Center, said her illness was "a bolt out of the blue." She was … [Read more...] about Doctor Suffers Heart Problem After Vaccination
Second Worker Dies After Smallpox Vaccine
Worker Dies After Smallpox Vaccine. A second health care worker has died of a heart attack after receiving the smallpox vaccine, and officials are investigating whether vaccinations are to blame for cardiac problems seen in 17 people who have been inoculated. The vaccine has never been associated with heart trouble, but as a … [Read more...] about Second Worker Dies After Smallpox Vaccine
FDA Revised MS Drug Warning
FDA & Avonex issued a new alert on the medication MS Drug May Cause Mental Disorders. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the manufacturer of a multiple sclerosis drug called Avonex issued a new alert on the medication Friday to warn healthcare professionals about risks of mental disorders. Biogen, the international … [Read more...] about FDA Revised MS Drug Warning
E-Mails In Question
Frank Quattrone’s E-Mails In Question. The fate of Silicon Valley’s star investment banker Frank Quattrone’s career at Credit Suisse First Boston could hinge on a series of e-mails sent more than two years ago. State and federal prosecutors are trying to determine if Quattrone was trying to obstruct a federal inquiry when he helped … [Read more...] about E-Mails In Question
Asthma Treatment Risks
Asthma Treatment Risks Of Serious Illnesses. A drug company study has linked the popular asthma medication Serevent to a small risk of death or serious illness in some patients. The inhaled drug, made by GlaxoSmithKline, which conducted the study, helps relax the muscles around tiny air passages in the lungs to help ward off … [Read more...] about Asthma Treatment Risks
Glaxo Asthma Drug Warning
Asthma Drug Potential Risks. US drugs industry regulators yesterday said they would slap warning labels on one of GlaxoSmithKline's most established asthma treatments after about 45 African-American patients suffered severe attacks, some causing death, during a 28-week routine test. London-listed GSK said it had agreed … [Read more...] about Glaxo Asthma Drug Warning
Items Left In Patients Due To Emergencies
Negligence By Surgeons During Emergencies. Surgical instruments left in patients during surgery often are attributed to negligence by surgeons, but a study released Wednesday concludes the major causes are unplanned, emergency operations and obese patients. “The problem is presumed by courts and also by the public to be due to … [Read more...] about Items Left In Patients Due To Emergencies
FTC Sues Weight-Loss Company Over ‘Deceptive’ Ads
Weight-Loss Company Deceptive Advertising. The amazing weight-loss claims for the popular Body Solutions formula went on an instant fast after the Federal Trade Commission sued the marketer of the product for alleged deceptive advertising. The FTC and two states, Texas and Ilinois, sued Mark Nutritionals Inc., a San … [Read more...] about FTC Sues Weight-Loss Company Over ‘Deceptive’ Ads
Proposed Piper Fine Put At $75 Million Or More
Proposed Piper Fine Put At $75 Million. U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray faces a proposed fine of at least $75 million over its stock research practices and is attempting to persuade securities regulators to reduce that amount, a source familiar with the negotiations said Monday. The regulators’ proposal is significantly higher than the … [Read more...] about Proposed Piper Fine Put At $75 Million Or More
Jersey Sues Over Huge Stock Losses
Huge Stock Losses Caused By Corporate Greed. New Jersey officials said yesterday they will sue four companies to recover $150 million in stock market losses that they say were caused by corporate greed and misdeeds. The lawsuits, one of which was filed yesterday, with the rest expected to be filed over the next two days are the … [Read more...] about Jersey Sues Over Huge Stock Losses
Grubman Says He Fabricated Claims
Jack Grubman Fabricated Claims. Jack Grubman, who was once among the most influential securities analysts on Wall Street, said Wednesday that he fabricated claims made in a 2001 e-mail in which he said raised his rating on AT&T stock to help his boss win a power struggle at Citigroup. Grubman, the telecommunications analyst … [Read more...] about Grubman Says He Fabricated Claims
Probes Proceeding On Several Fronts
Enron Probes Proceeds. Bulging boxes holding thousands of Enron documents line the walls four high in the offices of the Energy Task Force on the 18th floor of a downtown building leased to the California Attorney General’s Office. … [Read more...] about Probes Proceeding On Several Fronts
SEC, Spitzer Might Outlaw Practice Of ‘Spinning’ IPOs
Practice Of ‘Spinning’ IPOs. The market for initial public offerings cooled in 2000. But the chill for corporate executives who had been showered with IPOs from Wall Street could be permanent, Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal reported. A little-noticed effort is under way as part of a plan by the New York attorney general’s office … [Read more...] about SEC, Spitzer Might Outlaw Practice Of ‘Spinning’ IPOs
Report: Worldcom Fraud May Top $7.68B
Worldcom Fraud May Top $7.68 Billion. The amount of accounting fraud at WorldCom Inc. is likely to exceed the $7 billion previously disclosed to investors, according to a broad report from a special company monitor who also found more than $1 billion in loans to the firm’s former chief executive. Special examiner Richard … [Read more...] about Report: Worldcom Fraud May Top $7.68B
Class-Action Suit Dogs Credit Suisse First Boston
Galvin Charging Credit Suisse First Boston. Credit Suisse First Boston Corp., the focus of a complaint by Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin charging the firm with analyst misconduct, is now the target of a civil class-action suit in Boston. The lawsuit alleges that analysts with Credit Suisse First Boston known as … [Read more...] about Class-Action Suit Dogs Credit Suisse First Boston
Mass. Regulators Cite ‘Smoking Gun’ In CSFB Investigation
CSFB Investigation Shows A Smoking Gun. Credit Suisse First Boston e-mails and documents show a “smoking gun” on conflicts between technology banking chief Frank Quattrone and the firm’s stock analysts, Massachusetts’ top securities regulator said. Massachusetts regulators uncovered e-mails to Quattrone in March 2001 concerning a … [Read more...] about Mass. Regulators Cite ‘Smoking Gun’ In CSFB Investigation
N.Y. Suit Says Nacchio, Others Wrongly Profited From IPOs
Joe Nacchio Wrongly Profited From IPOs. New York’s attorney general filed a lawsuit Monday alleging that top executives at four companies, including Qwest, accepted stock in newly public companies in exchange for directing business to Salomon Smith Barney. Eliot Spitzer, who has investigated conflicts of interest at … [Read more...] about N.Y. Suit Says Nacchio, Others Wrongly Profited From IPOs
$5M Fine On Salomon
$5M Fine On Salomon Smith Barney. The National Association of Securities Dealers’ move to fine Salomon Smith Barney $5 million for misleading stock research is a ”good first step” but more disciplinary action is needed, New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer said Monday. The warning came as Salomon agreed to settle NASD charges … [Read more...] about $5M Fine On Salomon
The Feds Get Tough
Scandal-Tainted Corporate Executives. Nothing has shaken the ranks of scandal-tainted corporate executives more than reports that a federal marshal is overseeing the sale of an unfinished $4.2 million mansion in Houston’s ritzy River Oaks district. With four bedrooms, six fireplaces, and Italian flagstone flooring, the manse was to … [Read more...] about The Feds Get Tough
House Panel To Tell Stewart Decision Tuesday
Martha Stewart will have to live in suspense until Tuesday. That’s when the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has been investigating the suspicious timing of her sale of ImClone stock last December, will decide whether to subpoena her to appear before Congress. ”We have reached the end of the road with respect to Martha … [Read more...] about House Panel To Tell Stewart Decision Tuesday
Documents: Salomon Let WorldCom Execs Into IPOs
WorldCom Execs Gains In Each Deals. Salomon Smith Barney handed over documents under subpoena Monday revealing that the brokerage gave WorldCom officers and directors shares in 39 companies Salomon helped take public since 1996. The documents given to the House Committee on Financial Services show that some WorldCom executives … [Read more...] about Documents: Salomon Let WorldCom Execs Into IPOs
Former Merrill Lynch Executive Invokes 5th Amendment Before Senate Panel
Merrill Lynch Executive Invoked Their Amendment. A former Merrill Lynch & Co . executive and another current executive invoked their Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination in testimony before a Senate panel Tuesday. Former Merrill Lynch Managing Director Robert Furst and current Managing Director Schuyler … [Read more...] about Former Merrill Lynch Executive Invokes 5th Amendment Before Senate Panel
FDA Warns Of Chemical In Plastic
Baby Boys Are At Risk From Chemical In Plastic. Sick baby boys may be at highest risk from a chemical used to soften such plastic medical devices as blood bags and IV tubes, the government says in advising various hospitals. The chemical, called DEHP, can leach from the plastic into certain liquids, especially fat-containing ones … [Read more...] about FDA Warns Of Chemical In Plastic
Lead Poisoning Strikes The Unborn
A Boy’s Bones Are Laced With Lead Poisoning. The sins of the father are borne by the sons, but the poisons of the mother are the children’s burden, too. A new study has found that women whose bones are laced with lead during pregnancy can transfer the toxin to their unborn babies with potentially serious consequences for the … [Read more...] about Lead Poisoning Strikes The Unborn
Brinkmann Recalls Outdoor Heaters
Tabletop Propane Outdoor Heaters Are Being Recalled. Brinkmann Recalls about 45,000 outdoor tabletop propane heaters because they can emit high levels of carbon monoxide and have been linked to one death. The death reported to The Brinkmann Corp. involved carbon monoxide poisoning after a heater had been used inside a camper in … [Read more...] about Brinkmann Recalls Outdoor Heaters
Study Ties Utilities To Future Dirty Air Deaths
More Dirty Air Controls Are Installed. Power plant emissions from Duke Energy and seven other utilities could cause premature deaths in 560 adults a year in the Carolinas, even after more effective pollution controls are installed, says a study by a consulting firm. Abt Associates did the report on fine-particle pollutants for the … [Read more...] about Study Ties Utilities To Future Dirty Air Deaths
Effective But Risky Arthritis Drugs
Arthritis Drugs Risk-Benefit Equation. Recent reports on the dangers of drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis have left patients and their doctors grappling with a complex risk-benefit equation. The most painful and crippling form of arthritis shortens lives and renders most of its victims unable to work within 10 years. At … [Read more...] about Effective But Risky Arthritis Drugs
Adelphia Confirms Informal SEC Inquiry
Adelphia Subject Of An Inquiry By SEC. Adelphia Communications Corp. said Wednesday it is the subject of an informal inquiry by the Securities and Exchange Commission concerning off-the-book loans to partnerships controlled by its founders. Adelphia disclosed $2.3 billion in off-balance-sheet debt last week, sending its stock … [Read more...] about Adelphia Confirms Informal SEC Inquiry
Arthritis Drug Linked to 12 Deaths
Arthritis Drug Has Been Linked To Deaths. Arava, a prescription drug for rheumatoid arthritis, has been linked to at least 12 deaths from liver failure and dozens of serious illnesses and should be banned, says a national consumer group. Public Citizen filed a petition Thursday with the Food and Drug Administration,asking it to … [Read more...] about Arthritis Drug Linked to 12 Deaths
Arthritis Drug Liver Damage Side Effects
Arthritis Drug Linked To Serious Liver Damage. A prescription drug for rheumatoid arthritis has been linked to dozens of serious liver injuries and 12 deaths and should be banned, a consumer advocacy group told the government Thursday. Arava began selling in 1998 as a competitor to the gold-standard treatment for rheumatoid … [Read more...] about Arthritis Drug Liver Damage Side Effects
Drug Ads Must Offer Side Effect Information
Direct-To-Consumer Advertising Of Drugs. Imagine a car commercial where a voiceover must warn you that driving the vehicle as directed could lead to a fatal crash. Or financial services ads that remind viewers that taking the advice of your broker could result in a financial heart attack. That's how it is in the world of … [Read more...] about Drug Ads Must Offer Side Effect Information
Elderly at Risk From Clot-Buster Drugs
Clot-Buster Drugs Can Be Deadly To Elderly Patients. Clot-busting drugs that save thousands of heart attack patients each year can be deadly when given to elderly patients, doctors report today. Their study highlights what appears to be a serious problem with one of the century's major medical advances -- one that gave … [Read more...] about Elderly at Risk From Clot-Buster Drugs
SJC Ruling Seen Facilitating Public’s Suits Against Polluters
Public Win Lawsuits Against Polluters. In a precedent-setting decision that makes it easier for the public to win lawsuits against polluters, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled yesterday that the former owner of a toxic site was responsible for polluting a nearby Beverly tennis club, despite the site owner’s claim that … [Read more...] about SJC Ruling Seen Facilitating Public’s Suits Against Polluters
Citigroup May Apologize for Faulty Stock Research
Citigroup Faulty Stock Research. Citigroup Inc. could be required to publicly apologize for faulty stock research by the firm's analysts, but Chief Executive Sanford I. Weill is likely to avoid facing separate charges in a broad regulatory inquiry into whether the nation's big brokerage firms misled small investors with … [Read more...] about Citigroup May Apologize for Faulty Stock Research
$38M Awards To San Jose Family In Malpractice Suit
A Family Won In A Malpractice Suit. A San Jose family has won a 38 million dollar malpractice award after a jury agreed that delayed care for a newborn baby led to serious brain damage. The Santa Clara County Superior Court jury yesterday ruled against the San Jose Medical Group, Doctor Ilene Newman and Regional Medical … [Read more...] about $38M Awards To San Jose Family In Malpractice Suit
Zyban Warning After Bad Reactions
Zyban May Cause Adverse Reactions. A committee monitoring the anti-smoking drug Zyban has received almost 800 reports of adverse reactions in the seven months since it became available in Australia. The Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee also reported nine deaths among people taking the drug, although it could … [Read more...] about Zyban Warning After Bad Reactions
Four Suffer Arthritis After Controversial Treatment
Lyme Disease Vaccine Can Cause Arthritis. Researchers have reported four cases of temporary arthritis they believe are associated with a controversial Lyme disease vaccine. Since the vaccine LYMErix was approved in December 1998, there have been questions about whether it might cause arthritis in some people. … [Read more...] about Four Suffer Arthritis After Controversial Treatment
Liposuction Blamed In Five Deaths
Five Deaths From Liposuction. A new study documenting five deaths from liposuction has raised questions about the safety of the elective surgery to reduce fat. Liposuction is the most common cosmetic surgery in the United States. The number of people undergoing the medical procedure has increased 216 percent since 1992. As the … [Read more...] about Liposuction Blamed In Five Deaths
