Articles Posted in Uncategorized

A federal law gives protection to those employees of hospitals, doctor’s offices and others who blow the whistle on those who are defrauding Medicare and Medicaid.  While other private citizens can also blow the whistle, over 70% of all claims come from employees within the healthcare system.  $35 billion has been recovered since 1987 when the law was toughened.  The “False Claims Act” makes it unlawful to “knowing present or cause to be presented a false claim for payment or approval.”  The False Claims Act (FCA) allows private individuals to bring actions to expose these offenders and, if successful the whistleblower can receive !5-30% of any amount recovered.  Whistleblowers have received as much as several million dollars for helping to disclose dishonest healthcare providers.  If a whisltle blower is retaliated against by an employer, the whistleblower can receive, in addition to his or her award, double damages plus attorney fees.  IF YOU HAVE KNOWLEDGE THAT A HOSPITAL, DOCTOR, PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY OR MEDICAL DEVISE COMPANY IS OVERCHARGING, CONTACT PATRICK E. KNIE LAW OFFICES AT 1-866-665-4995 AND LET US HELP.

Merck may pay $100 million to settle thousands of lawsuits over the safety of its NuvaRing contraceptive as long as enough women agree to participate.  The settlement may resolve as many as 3,800 cases in federal and state courts.  The lawsuits alleged that Merck knew while selling the product that it posed a higher risk risk of heart-attacking blood clots than competing products.  A New Jersey judge gave preliminary approval of the settlement, subject to 95% of the plaintiffs participating in the settlement.  If you beleive you have been injured by a drug or medical device, we can help.  Call1-866-665-4995 for a free consultation.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), amputations are some of the most serious and debilatating workplace injuries.  Amputations happen most often when workers operate unguarded or inadequately safeguarded mechanical power presses, power press brakes, powered and non-powered conveyors, printing presses, roll-forming and roll bending machines, food slicers, meat grinders, meat cutting band saws, drill presses, and milling machines as well as shears, grinders,, and slitters.  If you have been injured on the job or suffered a job related amputation we can help.  Call the Law Offices of Patrick E. Knie toll free at 1-866-665-4995 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Tire defects are a major cause of motor vehicle accidents in the United States.  While retreads are often viewed as a large problem, many of the pieces of tire we see along our roadways come from tires which have not been retreaded.  Many “new” tires contain defects which are potential hazards to the driving public.  Drivers should inspect their tires frequently for developing problems.  Tire failure, particularly at high speeds can be life threatening the occupants of the vehicle with the defective tire and to other vehicles in close proximity.  In addition to tire defects, tires in poor condition can cause life threatening cosequences as well.  Large truck tires, because of their size, are very dangerous.  Many trucking companies chose to use retreaded tires with the result that large portions of the retreads become delamenated either striking another vehicle or causing the nearby vehicles to take evasive action to avoid colliding with the tire.  The National Highway Transportation Safety Agency (NHTSA) has a website designed for consumer to report tire defects, check for complaints about specific tires, check for recalls, and check ongoing investigations at www.safercar.gov.  IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED BY A DEFECTIVE TIRE THE LAW OFFICES OF PATRICK E. KNIE CAN HELP.  CALL 1-866-665-4995 TOLL FREE OR EMAILING US AT pknie@knielaw.com  FOR A FREE CONSULTATION.

If you take Pradaxa, you may have important legal rights. Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate) is a blood thinner prescribed to prevent stroke in patients with irregular heartbeats. Pradaxa has been prescribed to more than a million patients. Serious safety concerns have arisen about Pradaxa. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now reviewing the drug. There have been numerous reports of serious and fatal uncontrolled internal bleeding among patients prescribed Pradaxa. The FDA is investigating those reports. Pradaxa side effects include uncontrollable bleeding, unusual or unexpected bruising, coughing up blood, red or black stools, pink or brown urine, joint pain, and headaches or lightheadedness. Several hundred deaths have been attributed to Pradaxa.  If you believe you have a Pradaxa claim call us toll free at 1-866-665-4995 for a free consultation.