If you'd like to learn more about any of the case opportunities and specific criteria below, please do not hesitate to email the attorney contact. Questions regarding how best to advertise or communicate with potential new clients can also be sent to [email protected].

Anti-Terrorism
Aviation & Transportation
Consumer & Government Fraud
Human Rights
Medical Devices
Medical Drugs
Occupational Disease & Worker Safety
Personal Injury & Wrongful Death
Toxic Exposure
Qui Tam
Whistleblower Matters

Emerging Case Areas:

Toxic lead recall: WanaBana apple cinnamon pouches 

WanaBana USA recently announced a recall of its Apple Cinnamon Fruit Purée pouches due to staggeringly high levels of toxic lead. Cinnamon apple sauce pouches from private label brands Schnucks (sold at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores) and Weis Markets (sold at Weis grocery stores) are also included in the recall. We are reviewing cases involving children who consumed contaminated cinnamon apple sauce and were diagnosed with lead poisoning. As of Nov. 22, the FDA reports, there were 52 complaints of illness across 25 states involving children between 1 and 4 years old. Contact Carmen Scott or Nicholas Williams for more information. 

Morgan Stanley financial advisors ERISA class action

We have brought claims on behalf of former Morgan Stanley financial advisors (FAs) (Matthew T. Shafer, et al., vs. Morgan Stanley, et al.) in a proposed class action alleging Morgan Stanley violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) when it forced FAs to forfeit their deferred compensation when they left to join a new firm. When deciding whether the named plaintiffs must arbitrate their claims, the court recently found that Morgan Stanley’s deferred compensation program for FAs were subject to ERISA. This finding significantly strengthens claims against the defendant because ERISA prohibits the forfeiture of deferred compensation. The ruling’s potential ramifications for former FAs include the recovery of their forfeited compensation, an amount that will vary by person but that we believe could be a substantial amount, accrued interest, and attorneys' fees and costs. Considering these developments, we are actively preparing to initiate individual arbitration claims on behalf of clients. We are currently seeking former Morgan Stanley FAs who forfeited deferred compensation, at any time since 2015, to consider joining our efforts. Connect with Doug Needham or Mat Jasinski for more information.

Wegovy and Ozempic lawsuits

Diabetes drug Ozempic® and similar medicines are growing in popularity with people searching for an effective appetite suppressant. While Ozempic is often praised for its off-label use as a weight loss aid, people who use it for long periods may risk health problems, including intestinal blockages and stomach paralysis. Wegovy®, a higher-dose version of Ozempic that is FDA-approved to treat obesity, may also cause life-altering effects. Manufacturer Novo Nordisk does not list stomach paralysis (gastroparesis) or intestinal blockages, both potential and deadly gastric side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy, as part of their warnings. As a result, patients may not know they are at risk for developing one of these serious conditions, both which can require hospitalizations and surgery to treat. Our medical drug attorneys are investigating claims. Contact attorney Sara Couch for more information.

Dexcom G6

Medical manufacturer Dexcom markets its G6 model as a discreet, technologically advanced continuous glucose monitoring system capable of sending real-time readings directly to the wearer’s smart phone. While the device is often praised for its convenience, some diabetics have called its safety into question, alleging faulty readings and failures to alert patients of impending severe low blood sugar. If the device fails, the outcome can be disastrous, including dangerously low blood sugar episodes leading to coma, seizure or even death. The FDA received nearly 809,000 complaints by 2022. Contact Jonathan Orent or Michael Pendell for more information or to discuss a potential claim.

Toxic PFAS and fire fighter turnout gear

North American fire fighters sadly lose their lives to cancer more than any other way in the line of duty. Determined to root out potential causes and save lives, North America’s largest fire-fighting union, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), retained Motley Rice along with two other independent, nationally-recognized law firms to investigate one of the leading health risks affecting fire fighters today – toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) in the protective bunker gear fire fighters rely on to keep them safe.

Motley Rice is proud to co-counsel with Simmons Hanly Conroy LLP and Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo, P.C. (known collectively as the PFAS Law Firms) to lead IAFF’s fight to spur industry-wide changes. Our firms also jointly represent individual fire fighters who are battling occupational diseases, and the survivors of fire fighters who lost their lives. Contact Esther Berezofsky, David Hoyle, James Ledlie or Anne McGinness Kearse for more information.

Social media and teen mental health

There is a growing mental health crisis among teenagers and children that can be attributed to an alleged addiction to Instagram or another social media platform. Parents or guardians who recently lost a child under the age of 18 to suicide believed due to an addiction to social media usage, or parents of children diagnosed with eating disorders, body dysmorphia, anxiety or depression, self harm or attempted suicide believed due to compulsive usage of social media products may have a claim. Young adults ages 18-21 who used social media before the age of 13 and had a diagnosed eating disorder or documented attempted suicide or self-harm while a minor may also have a claim. These claims are currently pending in MDL 3047 before Honorable Gonzales-Rodriguez in the Northern District of California and in California State Court Coordination JCCP 5255 pending before Honorable Kuhl in Los Angeles County. Previn Warren is co-lead in the MDL and attorney Jonathan Orent is leading the state court efforts on the PSC for Motley Rice.

Toxic hair relaxer

We are reviewing potential claims related to hair relaxers and straighteners that contain formaldehyde and other Endocrine disrupting chemicals that are known to cause cancer in humans. Individuals diagnosed with uterine cancer, ovarian cancer or endometrial cancer after using a chemical hair relaxer or straightener product may be eligible. On February 6, 2023, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation consolidated cases before Honorable Mary M. Rowland in the Northern District of Illinois in MDL 3060, In re: Hair Relaxer Marketing Sales Practices And Products Liability Litigation. On February 28, 2023, Fidelma Fitzpatrick was appointed co-lead counsel. 

Toxic water contamination at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

As all of you likely know, the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 brings new hope to Marines, other military veterans, their families, and other civilians who were harmed by the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. Individuals who lived or worked on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune for at least 30 days between 1953 and 1987 and who have one of the 35 identified injuries could qualify for compensation. We represent veterans, spouses, children, civilian workers, governmental contractors, etc. The PACT Act only allows a two-year window for civil claims to be properly filed so time is of the essence. We have cases filed in the EDNC. Contact attorney Kimberly Barone Baden or Kevin Dean to discuss our co-counsel agreement specific to this case.

EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops

On February 2, 2023, Global Pharma Healthcare issued a voluntary nationwide recall of EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops due to potential bacterial contamination. To date, there are 55 reports of adverse events including eye infections, permanent loss of vision, and a death with a bloodstream infection. Use of these eyedrops may result in the risk of eye infections that could result in blindness.  If you have any clients who have contracted an infection after using these recalled eye drops, please call Kimberly Barone Baden.

Tepezza

Tepezza is an infusion medication manufactured by Horizon Therapeutics which is used to treat thyroid eye disease (TED). It was FDA approved on January 21, 2020. Specifically it is used to reduce eye bulging, double vision and to improve the signs and symptoms of TED, including eye pain, redness and swelling. This medication has been linked to partial or permanent hearing loss.  If you have clients who have received Tepezza infusions and have suffered partial or permanent hearing loss, please call Kimberly Barone Baden or Ann Rice Ervin.

ARC airbag inflator recall

Millions of vehicles across the U.S. could have a defective ARC airbag inflator, but a mass recall has not been issued by ARC Automotives, Inc. or car manufacturers. A defect could occur in many popular makes of cars including the 2000-2014 Chevrolet Suburban 1500, the 2000-2014 GMC Yukon and the 2001-2007 Chrysler Town & Country minivan. View the full list of potentially defective vehicles here. We currently have several economic loss cases filed across the country in this matter. Contact attorney Kevin Dean with questions. On March 15, 2023, District Judge Eleanor L. Ross appointed Kevin Dean to co-lead MDL No. 3051, In re: ARC Airbag Inflators Products Liability Litigation.  

Unrelated to the ARC airbag inflator cases, we are also interested in evaluating any car wrecks within the past 2 years with explosive or non-deployed airbags.

Toxic weed killer

Paraquat® is one of the most popular herbicides in the country, but some farmers and agricultural workers believe the weed killer caused them to develop Parkinson’s Disease. Paraquat is sold under multiple trade names such as Gramoxone, Ortho-Paraquat, Para-SHOT, Parazone, Quick-Quat, Firestorm and Helmquat. Those who have had Paraquat exposure and later developed neurological injuries, including Parkinson’s Disease, may have a claim. Motley Rice attorney Fidelma Fitzpatrick is co-lead in In Re: Paraquat Products Liability Litigation pending before Honorable Abbe F. Fletman in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas.

In addition to Paraquat, thousands of people have filed lawsuits alleging popular weed killer Roundup® caused their Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). Motley Rice is currently investigating and accepting these cases. Contact attorney Chelsea Monroe with questions.

 

Ongoing Case Opportunities

Anti-Terrorism

U.S. military personnel injured by IEDs and EFPs funded by sponsors of terrorist groups

Aviation & Transportation

  • Commercial or Private Plane and Helicopter Crashes involving all types of aircraft
  • Runway Incursions, Taxiway Collisions and Aircraft Ground Collisions
  • Any Midair Collision
  • Drones and autonomous vehicle crashes including near misses with aircraft
  • Military Helicopter and other military aircraft crashes, especially Black Hawk accidents, occurring anywhere in the world
  • Boeing 787 Dreamliner accidents, incidents or pilot deviations

Consumer & Government Fraud

  • Participants in the Federal Employee Health Benefits program who purchased in-home medical products or services from CareCentrix and were overcharged for them
  • Owners of a 2011-2015 model Audi or Volkswagen with a 3.0 Liter TFSI engine
  • Owners of Volkswagen or Audi vehicles with defective timing chain tensioners that in could cause engine damage

Human Rights

  • Claims of childhood sexual abuse by clergy or other organizational or group leaders that may be litigating under recently passed of “window” laws extending statutes of limitations in states around the country.
  • Being under the control of another person against their will is something millions of people around the world experience, including in the U.S. While human trafficking is criminal, victims may also be able to seek justice by filing civil claims

Medical Devices

We litigate cases for people suffering serious complications, or sadly who lost their lives due to dangerous medical devices, including: 

  • Recalled Royal Phillips CPAP, Bi-Level Pap and Ventilators may degrade and release toxic gasses and particles that could cause sleep apnea and other patients to experience chronic respiratory illnesses, poison the user, or cause cancer
  • Recalled Allergan Biocell® textured breast implants and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) diagnosis
  • Complications from Paragard® IUD. Read more on the criteria for the severe injuries, which can occur from this birth control device
  • Hernia mesh revision and other complications from manufacturers including Atrium C-QUR™, C.R. Bard mesh that use Marlex polypropylene, Johnson & Johnson Ethicon Physiomesh® Flexible Composite and Composix® Kugel® Mesh patches
  • Implanted Cook Medical retrievable IVC Filters
  • Pelvic/transvaginal mesh/sling devices. While we’ve resolved cases for thousands of women injured by TVM devices, women will continue to be harmed over the life of the product. Where a woman suffers severe symptoms and has a revision or other surgical repair, she may have a new case
  • Stryker® LFIT V40 Femoral Head and required additional hip revision surgery
  • Complications from Medtronic Insulin Pumps, which may be subject to a recall and can cause over or under dosing to diabetes patients
  • Many patients have become seriously ill following a medical procedure involving a duodenoscope, the FDA reports that its complex design may impede effective reprocessing, or the cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing of these types of scopes

Medical Drugs

We are representing people who died or developed:

  • Pancreatic, colorectal, lung or cancers after taking Belviq® or Belviq XR® for weight loss
  • Ovarian cancer after using talcum powder on the perineum for an extended amount of time
  • Mesothelioma and other lung diseases after inhaling asbestos-tainted talcum powder
  • Serious liver illness after being prescribed an excessive dosage of Ocaliva for chronic liver disease
  • Serious side effects, including kidney injuries, renal failure, acute interstitial nephritis, after taking Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPI) for heartburn, GERD, ulcers, esophageal inflammation, or other stomach acid ailments

Occupational Disease & Worker Safety

Motley Rice represents workers and their families injured or killed by hazardous workplace exposures to toxic dusts, chemicals and defective equipment in litigation. We are reviewing cases involving: 

  • People with Mesothelioma, lung cancer and other asbestos-related diseases, merchant seamen in Jones Act cases, and railroad workers in FELA cases
  • Workers in pet food, perfume, food and coffee roasting plants exposed to chemicals such as diacetyl and acetyl propionyl and with Chemical flavoring-related lung disease. 
  • Workers and consumers injured or killed after using paint strippers containing Methylene Chloride
  • Workers with cancer or impairment of the nervous, immune, endocrine or reproductive systems who were exposed to dioxins and PCBs used as coolants and lubricants in transformers, capacitors, and other electrical equipment from 1929 to 1979
  • Workers severely injured, including those experiencing traumatic brain injury, severe burns, loss of limb or paralysis, or killed in workplace accidents, including falls and explosions including those involving worker’s compensation who have other claims.

Personal Injury & Wrongful Death

Toxic Exposure

Whistleblower Matters

Whistleblowers of all types, including: