Recently, we published a blog post (see below) regarding expired patents and lawsuits brought under the federal False Claims Act (“Act”). In that post, we explained how a consumer may file a Qui Tam action — Latin for a lawsuit filed by an individual on behalf of the government pursuant to the federal False Claims… Continue Reading
Monthly Archives: July 2009
Were Blue Rhino and AmeriGas Propane Tanks Being Sold To Consumers As “Full” When In Fact They Were Not?
The first and second largest distributors of propane gas in the country, AmeriGas Propane, Inc. and Ferrellgas, Inc. (“Defendants”), respectively, began in January, 2009, to allegedly fill and re-fill consumers’ propane gas tanks with 15 cubic feet of gas, rather than the 20 cubic feet of gas which the tank can hold. At the display cases… Continue Reading
Update: Costco Settles Class Action
ConsumerReports.org recently wrote about the class action settlement reached with Costco regarding backdated memberships. Lead counsel Meiselman, Denlea, Packman, Carton & Eberz, P.C. litigated the class action and were successful in certifying a class of almost 12 million former and current Costco members. You can read about the settlement and the facts of the case… Continue Reading
Payday Loans: Modern Day Loan Sharks?
The ads are on the radio, television, the Internet, even in the mail. They refer to payday loans, cash advance loans, check advance loans, post-dated check loans, or deferred deposit loans. These small, short-term, high-rate loans by check cashers, finance companies and others all come at a very high price for consumers. Here’s how they… Continue Reading
FDA Issues Warning Regarding Benadryl Itch Stopping Gel
The Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (“ISMP”) recently reported that consumers were swallowing Benadryl Itch Stopping Gel, an over-the-counter (“OTC”) product that must be used topically. Orally ingesting the product can cause serious adverse reactions, including death, burning of the mouth and throat, nausea and vomiting, irritability, confusion,… Continue Reading
Chinese Drywall Causing Problems For Homeowners
If you live in a home that was built or remodeled in the last few years and smells like rotten eggs, you may have a Chinese Drywall problem. Since around 2004, more than 500 million pounds of drywall has been imported from China, and much of it is defective. According to the Wall Street Journal,… Continue Reading
FDA Mandates New Warnings For Prescription Smoking Cessation Drugs
On July 1, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) issued an alert that requires manufacturers of several popular prescription smoking cessation drugs to add additional warnings to their products highlighting the risk of serious neuropsychiatric symptoms in persons using the drugs. The FDA also issued a Public Health Advisory to the public that these… Continue Reading
Beware Of Diet Scams
Who wouldn’t want to lose weight without dieting or exercise? The weight loss industry makes billions of dollars each year by preying upon our desire to lose those extra pounds. However, physicians and other health experts caution that there is no “magic bullet” when it comes to weight loss. And many health experts recommend that… Continue Reading