Several Factors Are Causing an Increase in Texas Will Contest Lawsuits - by Austin Texas Will Contest Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

Several factors including an aging population, do it yourself Wills, discovery of family wealth including mineral interests, and proximity of families living in different locations are all contributing to the increase in Texas Will contest lawsuits, Texas contested probate lawsuits, and Texas family inheritance lawsuits.  These factors are creating an environment where many Wills may not be valid or trusted by family members.

There are several different scenarios as to how these Texas Will contest lawsuits and Texas contested Probate lawsuits begin. In some scenarios, an aging or elderly person is forced or fraudulently tricked into signing a Will by someone that is living with them or close to them.  In these situations the person exerting undue influence on the elderly person can be a family member or an outsider that has access to the elderly person.  The Will can be a do it yourself Will, a forged Will, holographic Will, or other more formal Will.  The key in these situations is to determine if the Will is valid and if the Will is an unnatural disposition of property that was made under undue influence or incompetence.    

Many Families have Spread Out Across The United States and Throughout the World, Therefore it is Often Helpful to Hire a Texas Probate Lawyer to Assist with the Texas Probate Process and to Handle Estate Issues by Texas Will Contest Lawyer, Austin Texas Large Estate Lawyer, Texas Probate Litigation Lawyer, and Texas Family Inheritance Litigation Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

Many families have spread out throughout the United States and around the World. For many families, gone is the time where several generations live with in a few miles of each other in the same town, city, or county. This lack of proximity can make it difficult, when a family member in Texas passes away. This can be especially true when a new Will pops up that disinherits relatives living in other states or other parts of the World in favor of someone that has had access and influence over the decedent. 

In these situations, the family members that live out of state are often caught off guard and need help from a Texas Will contest lawyer that is familiar with the Texas probate process, Texas probate law and Texas probate courts.  For these family members it can be extremely important to act quickly and hire a Texas Will contest lawyer that can help expose an invalid or fraudulent Will. 

With The Growing Popularity of Do It Yourself Wills Texas Will Contests, Fraudulent Wills, Forged Wills, and other Texas Contested Probate Lawsuits will become More Common By Texas Will Contest Lawyer, Texas Probate Litigation Lawyer, and Texas Family Inheritance Lawyer

As do it yourself Wills and other do it yourself estate planning packages become more popular, many Texas families are opting to save money in the short term by using these cheap Will packages.  However, some of these do it yourself Wills are not compliant under Texas probate law and do not come with a Texas probate lawyer that can make sure that a valid Texas will has been created.  In some of these situations, the do it yourself will can be determined to be an invalid Will and can result in the Will being thrown out and a prior Will or no Will being able to be probated.  In both instances, the wishes of the decedent will not be adhered to and either earlier testate dispositions will be used or Texas intestate dispositions will be used.

Both earlier testate dispositions and Texas intestate dispositions can cause a huge change in inheritance and can cause some beneficiaries and heirs to lose a significant amount of inheritance.  These shifts in inheritance can often result in Texas contested probate lawsuits. 

Vast Fortunes Including Mineral Interests, Oil Royalties, Stocks, Bank Accounts, Gold, and Real Estate Can Be Lost or Stolen Through Probate and Inheritance by Texas Inheritance Fraud Lawyer, Texas Probate Fraud Lawyer, and Texas Trust Fraud Lawyer

Vast fortunes including mineral interests, oil companies, oil royalties, gas royalties, stocks, real property, gold, stocks, jewelry and other wealth are commonly lost or stolen through trusts, fraudulent wills, ignorance of inheritance laws, poor record keeping, opportunists, and individuals that steal wealth from families.  It is important to keep records and an inventory of all family wealth including real estate, mineral interests, royalty rights, land, buildings, houses, businesses, stocks, jewelry, life insurance, bonds, and gold.

Texas has produced more oil and natural gas than any other state and remains a large producer of oil and natural gas in the United States.  In Texas there are seven major oil and natural gas producing regions. These basins include the Permian Basin, the Val Verde Basin, the Anadarko Basin, the Maverick Basin, the Fort Worth Basin, the East Texas Basin, and the Gulf Coast Basin.  Of these Texas oil producing basins and Texas natural gas producing basins, the Permian Basin dominates oil production in the state and the Gulf Coast Basin dominates natural gas production. The major oil fields in Texas include Wasson, Yates, and Spraberry in West Texas, as well as the largest Texas oil field, East Texas field in the East Texas Basin. The Permian Basin has been the most prolific oil-producing province in U.S. history.  For families with real estate and other interests in these areas, it is usually necessary to hire a Texas Oil Probate Lawyer to defend these interests and transfer the interests through probate to the rightful heirs and beneficiaries.

  

Additionally, the Eagle Ford Shale in central Texas promises to bring a large amount of new money and new wealth to the owners of real estate in the Eagle Ford Shale region including mineral right owners, royalty interest owners, and working interest owners.  However, determining the rightful owners of Texas real estate and mineral interests is not always easy.  Title to real estate and property can be clouded by probate issues, tax issues, and transfer issues.  For more information on Central Texas Eagle Ford Shale contested ownership and probate lawsuits, please feel free to go to the following web page: Texas Eagle Ford Shale Contested Real Estate Ownership Probate Lawsuits.  

For more information on protecting family wealth or seeking back family wealth, please go to the following web page on Texas Oil Royalty Inheritance Lawsuits.

A Failed Back Surgery Can Cause A Patient To Suffer Significant Pain, Paralysis, and Disability as well as Require The Patient to Have To Endure Additional Corrective Surgery and be the Basis of a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit - by Texas Failed Back Surgery Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

Failed back surgery, neck surgery, lumbar surgery, and cervical surgery can be extremely painful and result in catastrophic injuries, permanent paralysis, physical impairment, and the need for additional surgeries.  These failed back and neck surgeries can be caused by a variety of factors including improper use of implants, improperly placed hardware, negligently implanted devices, defective spinal-devices or hardware, doctor carelessness, off-label use of stimulators, or surgeon negligence.

Back Surgery and Neck Surgery Are Typically Intended To Decompress a Nerve Root That Is Pinched, Stabilize a Painful Joint, or Implant a Device to Health Suppress a Person's Pain by Texas Failed Discectomy Lawyer, Failed Laminectomy Lawyer, and Failed Fusion Spine Surgery Lawyer Jason S. Coomer 

When considering going through back or neck surgery, please keep in mind that spine surgery is basically able to accomplish only two things:  decompress a nerve root that is pinched, or stabilize a painful joint.  In other words, back surgery or spine surgery cannot literally cut out a patient’s pain. It is only able to change anatomy.  Therefore, it is important that an anatomical lesion (injury) that is a probable cause of back pain should be identified prior to rather than after back surgery or spine surgery is performed.  In other words, it is important for your surgical team to have a surgical objective prior to cutting into the patient.

Further, it is best if you and your surgeon understand the goal of the back surgery or neck surgery prior to the surgery being performed.  Fortunately, medical science has come a long way in treating back injuries and spinal cord injuries.  Good neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons can often perform back surgery that can help severe spinal cord and back injuries.

Unfortunately, there are medical clinics, medical implant sales people, and doctors that are more interested in profit and their bottom line than what is best for a patient.  Some of these medical professionals carelessly cause painful and difficult conditions to become much worse by paralyzing patients that are seeking relief from pain.    

Patients with Serious Back Injuries Including Severed Spinal Cords, Crushed Discs, Bulged Discs, and Herniated Discs when Seeking Pain Relief can sometimes Fall Victim to Defective Products, Negligent Health Care, and "For Profit" Medical Professionals Seeking to Increase Profits: Unnecessary Back Surgery and Unnecessary Neck Surgery Can Be The Result of Negligence as well as "For Profit" Assembly Line Back Surgeons by Texas Failed Discectomy Lawyer, Failed Laminectomy Lawyer, and Failed Fusion Spine Surgery Lawyer Jason S. Coomer 

Patients and their families should beware of assembly line mass patient surgeons and clinics that are only interested in performing as many surgeries as they can for the purpose of making a profit.  It is important that the medical professionals on their surgical team are interested in their health and can fully explain the objectives of the surgery as well as possible complications.  The "for profit" surgeons and clinics can often perform unnecessary surgeries, push patients that are not fit for surgery into having ill advised surgeries, or bypass more conservative treatments and rush patients to unnecessary back or neck surgeries.  

Additionally, please keep in mind as medical budgets go down and healing people becomes more of a "for profit" business, cost cutting measures are causing more medical mistakes.  Overworked surgeons, doctors, residents, and nurses are much more likely to make mistakes than well rested health care professionals.

"Back specialists are discouraging the use of surgery as a therapeutic technique for patients with back pain.  Hubert L. Rosomoff, MD, called a moratorium on back surgeries when he realized that, after two weeks of rehabilitation, his back patients no longer required surgery. He said this approach can avoid the majority of surgeries. 'Following this kind of concept you can eliminate 99 percent of the surgical cases. In fact, the incidence of surgery if one really looks at this appropriately is one in 500.' Dr. Rosomoff was among the speakers in the session 'Failed back syndrome,' during the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) 17th annual meeting". Failed Back Syndrome: The Disturbing Statistics | DocGuide

Lynn Johnson, MD, was the moderator for the AAPM session. He said that failed back syndrome can occur in as many as 10 to 40 percent of patients who get some type of lumbar spine surgery.
Dr. Johnson is board certified in anesthesia and pain medicine and director of the Center for Pain Medicine of North Carolina, which is affiliated with East Carolina University School of Medicine in Greenville, North Carolina. Failed Back Syndrome: The Disturbing Statistics | DocGuide

"This means there is an alarming prevalence to the syndrome," he said. "There is a lot of misunderstanding about what causes back pain at the outset, prior to surgery. Moreover, once they have had surgery and don?t do well there are continued problems in not only diagnosis but management of the problem."Failed Back Syndrome: The Disturbing Statistics | DocGuide

For more information on this topic, please go to the complete article: A Failed Back Surgery Including A Failed Discectomy, Failed Laminectomy, or Failed Spine Fusion Can Cause A Patient To Suffer Significant Pain, Paralysis, and Disability as well as Require The Patient to Have To Endure Additional Corrective Surgery and be the Basis of a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit or Product Liability Lawsuit by Texas Failed Discectomy Lawyer, Failed Laminectomy Lawyer, and Failed Fusion Spine Surgery Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

The Federal Government and Many States Including Texas Are Expanding Medicaid Recovery Laws To Detect Medicaid Fraud and Encourage More Health Care Professionals to Expose Medicaid Fraud by Texas Hospital System Medicaid Fraud Lawyer, Health Care System Medicaid Fraud Lawyer, Health System Medicaid Compliance Fraud Lawyer, Hospital Medicaid Fraud Whistleblower Lawyer, Health System Medicaid Reimbursement Fraud Lawyer, & Hospital Medicaid Compliance Whistleblower Protection Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

Medicaid is a public health care problem in the United States that provides health care, dental care, and orthodontic care for eligible individuals and families with low incomes and resources. The Medicaid Program is jointly funded by state and federal governments, but is managed by the states.  Medicaid is the largest source of funding for medical and health-related services for people with limited income in the United States and the Medicaid program has been increasing.  The fastest growing aspect of Medicaid is nursing home coverage and this is expected to continue as the Baby Boomer generation begins to reach nursing home age. 

Unlike Medicare, which is solely a federal program, Medicaid is a joint federal-state program. Each state operates its own Medicaid system.  Each state's Medicaid Program must conform to federal guidelines in order for the state to receive matching funds and grants.  For many states Medicaid has become a major budget issue as on average the state's matching costs of the Medicaid program is about 16.8% of state general funds. According to CMS, the Medicaid program provided health care services to more than 46.0 million people in 2001. In 2008, Medicaid provided health coverage and services to approximately 49 million low-income children, pregnant women, elderly persons, and disabled individuals. Federal Medicaid outlays were estimated to be $204 billion in 2008.  Medicaid payments currently assist nearly 60 percent of all nursing home residents and about 37 percent of all childbirths in the United States. The Federal Government pays on average 57 percent of Medicaid expenses.

Texas Medicaid Whistleblowers with Original and Specialized Information of Medicaid Fraud Are Eligible to Collect Large Financial Rewards for Filing Texas False Claims Act Lawsuits, Texas Medicaid Fraud Whistleblower Recovery Lawsuits, Texas Medicaid False Billing Whistleblower Award Lawsuits, Texas Medicaid Double Billing Fraud Lawsuits, Texas Medicaid Fraud False Billing Lawsuits, Texas Unnecessary Medical Treatment Relator Lawsuits, and Texas Medicaid Fraud Whistleblower Lawsuits by Texas Hospital System Medicaid Fraud Lawyer, Texas Health Care System Medicaid Fraud Lawyer, Texas Health System Medicaid Compliance Fraud Lawyer, Texas Hospital Medicaid Fraud Whistleblower Lawyer, Texas Health System Medicaid Reimbursement Fraud Lawyer, & Texas Hospital Medicaid Compliance Whistleblower Protection Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

In Texas, the Medicaid program is administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. More than 3.7 million Texans are eligible for Medicaid, and there are more than 57,000 active Medicaid providers. A provider can be any person, group of people, or health care facility that supplies medical services to Medicaid recipients. Providers include doctors, medical equipment companies, podiatrists, dentists, licensed professional counselors, hospitals, adult day care centers, nursing homes, clinics, pharmacies, ambulance companies, case management centers and others.

The Texas Medicaid program costs about $30 Billion each year and is expected to continue to increase in the future.  Of this cost, it is estimated that Medicaid fraud costs are between Two Billion Dollars ($2,000,000,000.00) to Four Billion Dollars ($4,000,000,000.00) each year. 

There are many types of Medicaid fraud including:

• billing Medicaid for X-rays, blood tests and other procedures that were never performed
• falsifying a patient’s diagnosis to justify unnecessary tests;
• giving a patient a generic drug and billing for the name-brand version of the medication;
• giving a recipient a motorized scooter and billing for an electric wheelchair, which can cost three times more;
• billing Medicaid for care not given;
• billing Medicaid for patients who have died or who are no longer eligible for Medicaid;
• billing Medicaid for care given to patients who have transferred to another facility;
• transporting Medicaid patients by ambulance when it is not medically necessary;
• requiring vendors to “kick back” part of the money they receive for rendering services to Medicaid patients (kickbacks may also include vacations, merchandise, etc.);
• billing patients for services already paid for by Medicaid;
• billing Medicaid for phantom patients;
• double billing Medicaid for services;
• upcoding services for increased Medicaid payments.

Medicaid fraud violates federal and state criminal laws and can result in significant fines and/or incarceration. Those convicted of fraud may also lose their status as Medicaid providers.  To prevent Medicaid fraud, Texas has enacted the Texas False Claims Act and Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act.

Being the First to File on as well as Having Original and Specialized Information of Medicaid Billing Fraud, CHIP Fraud, or Medicare Billing Fraud is Essential for a Texas Medicaid Fraud Whistleblower Recovery Lawsuit

It is necessary for a Texas health care professional whistleblower, Texas health care executive whistleblower, Texas health care administrator whistleblower, or other Texas Medicaid fraud whistleblower to have original and specialized knowledge of Medicare fraud to be eligible for Medicare whistleblower reward. It is also essential to not delay in coming forward with a Texas Medicaid fraud whistleblower claim as the first whistleblower to file is the only one eligible to be a relator and make a large recovery for exposing the fraud.  

It is also important to realize that when a fraudulent Medicaid scheme is exposed, the people that kept the fraud secret can sometimes be found liable for criminal activity for not exposing the Medicaid fraud that was being committed and further be held liable for continuing criminal activity.

The Federal Government and Many States Including Texas Are Expanding Medicaid Recovery Laws To Detect Medicaid Fraud and Encourage More Health Care Professionals to Expose Medicaid Fraud by Texas Hospital System Medicaid Fraud Lawyer, Health Care System Medicaid Fraud Lawyer, Health System Medicaid Compliance Fraud Lawyer, Hospital Medicaid Fraud Whistleblower Lawyer, Health System Medicaid Reimbursement Fraud Lawyer, & Hospital Medicaid Compliance Whistleblower Protection Lawyer Jason S. Coomer 

The SEC Is Offering Large Financial Bounties For Insider Trading Whistleblowers That Properly Expose Executive Insider Trading, Hedge Fund Insider Trading, Money Manger Insider Trading, Hedge Fund Manager Illegal Trading, Stock Manipulation Schemes, and Other Violations of Securities Law by Hedge Fund Insider Trading Whistleblower Lawyer, Private Equity Fund Insider Trading Whistleblower Lawyer, Stock Manipulation Scheme Whistleblower Lawyer, & Executive Insider Trading Whistleblower Lawyer Jason Coomer

The SEC is offering large financial bounties to insider trade whistleblowers that expose executive insider trading, hedge fund insider trading, private equity fund fraud, money manger insider trading, hedge fund manager illegal trading, stock manipulation schemes, and other violations of securities law.  These insider trading whistleblower rewards can be obtained by financial professionals with knowledge of illegal insider trading and other SEC violations.  The SEC encourages all financial professionals with original knowledge of executive insider trades, hedge fund insider trades, private equity fund fraud, false misleading information on a company's financial statements, false information on Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, stock manipulation schemes; embezzlement by stockbrokers; and other securities fraud to properly expose the violations. 

 

Statement on the Application of Insider Trading Law to Trading by Members of Congress and Their Staffs by Robert Khuzami Director, Division of Enforcement, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

"Insider trading threatens the integrity of our markets, depriving investors of the fundamental fairness of a level playing field. To deter this conduct and to hold accountable those who fail to play by the rules, the detection and prosecution of those who engage in insider trading remains one of the Division of Enforcement’s highest priorities."

"Insider trading has long been a high priority for the Commission. Approximately eight percent of the 650 average annual number of enforcement cases filed by the Commission in the past decade have been for insider trading violations. In the past two years, the Commission has been particularly active in this area. In fiscal year 2010, the SEC brought 53 insider trading cases against 138 individuals and entities, a 43 percent increase in the number of filed cases from the prior fiscal year. This past fiscal year, the Commission filed 57 actions against 124 individuals and entities, a nearly 8 percent increase over the number of filed cases in fiscal year 2010."

"The increased number of insider trading cases has been matched by an increase in the quality and significance of our recent cases. In fiscal year 2011 and the early part of fiscal year 2012, the SEC obtained judgments in 18 actions arising out of its investigation of Galleon hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam, including a record $92.8 million civil penalty against Rajaratnam personally. The SEC also discovered and developed information that ultimately led to criminal convictions of Rajaratnam and others, including corporate executives and hedge fund managers, for rampant insider trading. In addition, we recently filed an insider trading action against Rajat Gupta, a former director of both Goldman Sachs and Procter & Gamble, whom we allege provided confidential Board information about both companies’ quarterly earnings and about an impending $5 billion Berkshire Hathaway investment in Goldman Sachs to Rajaratnam, who traded on that information."

Dueling Portrayals of Former Goldman Director at Insider Trading Trial - NYTimes.com

A former director of Goldman Sachs and Procter & Gamble, stands accused of leaking boardroom secrets about those two companies to his friend and business associate Raj Rajaratnam, the convicted former money manager who ran the Galleon Group, once one of the world’s largest hedge funds.

The government depicted Mr. Gupta, a resident of Westport, Conn., as the ultimate insider who, after running the elite consulting firm McKinsey & Company, joined the boards of Goldman and P.& G. As a director, he was privy to these companies’ most closely guarded secrets.

“Gupta threw away his duties, threw away his responsibilities and broke the law,” Mr. Brodsky said.

Mr. Brodsky emphasized the ties between Mr. Gupta and Mr. Rajaratnam, who began doing business together during the middle of the last decade. Mr. Gupta invested in Galleon’s funds, and the two helped start a $1 billion private equity fund together.

Insider Trading Risk Surrounds Facebook Stock Debut as Morgan Stanley Hits Back at Subpoena - International Business Times

"Facebook, its banks and some of its biggest backers could face allegations of insider trading if legal actions which began this week reveal preferential treatment to certain investors in the run-up to its now infamous $16bn stock market debut."

"A state subpoena issued to Morgan Stanley, the lead underwriter on the Facebook IPO, and a class-action lawsuit filed against Morgan Stanley, its IPO banking team, the Nasdaq OMX Group and Facebook itself could land certain investors and analysts in deeper legal difficultly, a British-based barrister told the IBTimes UK."

"If analysts were found to have only verbally told a select number of institutional investors that they had revised their original share estimates before the Facebook IPO last Friday, and those select people's share purchase history illustrated a sizeable discrepancy with other clients, there may be grounds to file charges of insider trading."

The SEC Is Offering Large Financial Bounties For Insider Trading Whistleblowers That Properly Expose Executive Insider Trading, Hedge Fund Insider Trading, Money Manger Insider Trading, Hedge Fund Manager Illegal Trading, Stock Manipulation Schemes, and Other Violations of Securities Law by Hedge Fund Insider Trading Whistleblower Lawyer, Private Equity Fund Insider Trading Whistleblower Lawyer, Stock Manipulation Scheme Whistleblower Lawyer, & Executive Insider Trading Whistleblower Lawyer Jason Coomer

Spina Bifida Is The Most Common Type of Neural Tube Birth Defect: Spina Bifida Defects May Be Caused By Certain Medications Given to a Mother Before or During Pregnancy by Texas Spina Bifida Lawyer, Drug Neural Tube Defect Lawyer, Infant Spinal Cord Defect Lawyer, Brain Birth Defect Lawyer, Spina Bifida Defect Lawyer, and Spina Bifida Dangerous Drug Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

A growing body of scientific evidence indicates that certain medications may cause an increased risk of neural tube birth defects including spina bifida in children.  Women that are pregnant, attempting to get pregnant, or may become pregnant should be aware that certain antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and other medications may cause an increased risk of birth defects.  Further, parents with children that have spina bifia, neural tube birth defects, or other birth defects that they believe may be the result of a medication should report the adverse effect to their doctor and the FDA.

Spina bifida is the most common neural tube defect and it is estimated that there are approximately 70,000 people in the United State living with spina bifida.  It is an all too common birth defect in the United States affecting about approximately 1,500 new born babies each year. 

In a child that has a spina bifida birth defect, the fetal spinal column doesn't close completely during the first month of pregnancy.  These children typically suffer nerve damage from the birth defect that causes at least some paralysis of the child's legs. Severe cases of spina bifida can result in full or partial paralysis and other problems such as hydrocephalus, bowel and bladder problems, and learning disabilities.

Spina Bifida Is The Most Common Type of Neural Tube Birth Defect: Spina Bifida Defects May Be Caused By Certain Medications Given to a Mother Before or During Pregnancy by Texas Spina Bifida Lawyer, Drug Neural Tube Defect Lawyer, Infant Spinal Cord Defect Lawyer, Brain Birth Defect Lawyer, Spina Bifida Defect Lawyer, and Spina Bifida Dangerous Drug Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

There are several forms of spina bifida and the birth defect can cause mild to severe health problems.  Myelomeningocele spina bifida is the most severe form of spina bifida.  Myelomeningocele is where the spinal cord and meninges protrude from a spinal opening.  In myelomeningocele spina bifida cases, the new born child will require surgery after birth to put the exposed nerves and cord into the spinal canal.  Children with myelomingocele are at high risk of infection until the back is closed surgically. In spite of surgery,  in these myelomeningocele spina bifida cases, some nerve damage is usually permanent and will include paralysis and bowel and bladder problems.

Bladder and bowel problems as well as paralysis are common in most forms of spina bifida.  Both spina bifida bowel and bladder problems as well as spina bifida paralysis are caused by nerve damage.  The nerves that control bowel and bladder functions are damaged and unable to work properly as the nerves that control other parts of the body can be damages and unable to control other parts of the body. These damaged nerves prevent the child from being able to control their bodies including their bowels and bladder.  As such, many children suffering from severe spina bifida do not have full control of the bladder and bowels.  These spina bifida bowel and bladder problems can often result in urinary tract infections, suffer kidney damage, and incontinence.

Several forms of spina bifida can also cause hydrocephalus, which is increased fluid on the brain.  The increased fluid or hydrocephalus can be caused when the fluid around the brain cannot drain properly.  In cases of spina bifida hydrocephalus, the spina bifida defect will typically block the fluid's normal path and will often require a shunt to be placed in the child to drain the fluid from the brain and reduce fluid pressure on the brain. 

Meningocele spina bifida is the rarest type of spina bifida where the protective membrane covering the spinal cord (the meninges) develops incorrectly and protrudes through an opening in the spine. Because this form of spina bifida does not involve the spinal cord itself, meningocele spina bifida can usually be treated through surgically and allow children to develop normally without paralysis. However, children with meningocele spina bifida can develop hydrocephalus and bowel or bladder problems.

Occulta spina bifida is the mildest form of spina bifida where there is a small defect, gap or malformation in one or more of the vertebrae of the spine.  In occulta spina bifida cases, there is often no nerve damage or symptoms for the child, but as the child develops problems may arise through progressive neurological deterioration. Some affected individuals have a dimple, hairy patch, dark spot or swelling over the affected area, and most affected individuals with mild occulta spina bifida will need no treatment.

FBI — Medicare Fraud Strike Force Charges 107 Individuals for Approximately $452 Million in False Billing

FBI — Medicare Fraud Strike Force Charges 107 Individuals for Approximately $452 Million in False Billing

WASHINGTON—Attorney General Eric Holder and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that a nationwide takedown by Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations in seven cities has resulted in charges against 107 individuals, including doctors, nurses, and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in Medicare fraud schemes involving approximately $452 million in false billing.

“Today’s arrests send a strong message to criminals that the consequences of committing Medicare fraud are serious,” said HHS Secretary Sebelius. “In addition to these arrests, we used new authority from the health care law to stop all future payments to 52 health care providers suspected of fraud before they are ever made. Today’s actions are another example of how the Affordable Care Act is helping the Obama Administration fight fraud and strengthen the Medicare program.”

The defendants charged are accused of various health care fraud-related crimes, including conspiracy to commit health care fraud, health care fraud, violations of the anti-kickback statutes and money laundering. The charges are based on a variety of alleged fraud schemes involving various medical treatments and services such as home health care, mental health services, psychotherapy, physical and occupational therapy, durable medical equipment (DME), and ambulance services.

According to court documents, the defendants allegedly participated in schemes to submit claims to Medicare for treatments that were medically unnecessary and oftentimes never provided. In many cases, court documents allege that patient recruiters, Medicare beneficiaries and other co-conspirators were paid cash kickbacks in return for supplying beneficiary information to providers, so that the providers could submit fraudulent billing to Medicare for services that were medically unnecessary or never provided. Collectively, the doctors, nurses, licensed medical professionals, health care company owners, and others charged are accused of conspiring to submit a total of approximately $452 million in fraudulent billing.

Medical Professionals Including Physicians and Hospital Administrators Are Blowing the Whistle on Medicare Fraud, Medicaid Fraud, TRICARE Fraud and other Health Care Fraud That is Costing Taxpayers over $100 Billion Each Year by Texas Medicare Fraud Physician Whistleblower Lawyer, Texas Medical Doctor Whistleblower Lawyer & Texas Medical Professional Whistleblower Lawyer Jason Coomer

Medicare fraud, Medicaid fraud, and health care fraud are becoming the fastest growing and most lucrative crimes in the United States.  It is estimated that Medicare fraud, Medicaid fraud, and other forms of health care fraud cost tax payers between $100 Billion and $200 Billion each year.  As such, the United States Department of Justice is cracking down on criminals committing health care fraud.

107 charged in health care fraud bust

The United States Department of Justice is also encouraging medical professionals, physicians, and hospital administrators to become Medicare fraud whistleblowers and Medicaid fraud whistleblowers to help expose these health care fraud schemes.  These Medicare fraud whistleblowers and Medicaid fraud whistleblowers can protect themselves from potential criminal liability from knowing about health care fraud and not reporting it, help expose corruption and fraud in the health care system, and potentially recover a large financial reward for being the first to file on significant health care fraud schemes.

Health Care Professionals That Hire a Medicare Fraud Physician Whistleblower Lawyer, Hospital Administrator Medicare Fraud Whistleblower Lawyer & Medical Professional Whistleblower Lawyer Can Help Protect their Career and Have Assistance in Developing and Evaluating a Potential Health Care Fraud Whistleblower Qui Tam Lawsuit

Medical professionals that have the knowledge and evidence of systematic Medicare fraud or systematic Medicaid fraud usually are well educated, well trained, and have a substantial investment in their career that needs to be protected.  For these health care professionals, it is usually a good idea to consult with or hire a Medicare Fraud Physician Whistleblower Lawyer, Hospital Administrator Medicare Fraud Whistleblower Lawyer & Medical Professional Whistleblower Lawyer that can help protect their career and provide advice as to how to prevent retaliation that can damage a professional's career.  The medical professional whistleblower lawyer can also provide confidential and privileged assistance in investigating, reviewing, developing, and evaluating a potential health care fraud whistleblower qui tam lawsuit prior to the medical professional whistleblower being exposed to any potential retaliation or damage to the professional's career.

Death With Dignity: How Doctors Die - Mind & Body - Utne Reader

Death With Dignity: How Doctors Die - Mind & Body - Utne Reader

"Almost all medical professionals have seen what we call “futile care” being performed on people near the end of life. The patient will get cut open, perforated with tubes, hooked up to machines, and assaulted with drugs. All of this occurs in the intensive care unit at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars a day. What it buys is misery we would not inflict on a terrorist. I cannot count the number of times fellow physicians have told me, “Promise me if you find me like this that you’ll kill me.”

Read more: http://www.utne.com/mind-body/death-with-dignity-zm0z12mjzros.aspx#ixzz1u1AKaCH8

The Blood Thinner Pradaxa May Cause Fatal Blood Loss, Internal Bleeding, Hemorrhaging, And Death: Persons Taking Pradaxa Should Be Aware of These Potential Health Risks by Texas Pradaxa Lawyer, Texas Pradaxa Fatal Blood Loss Lawyer, Texas Pradaxa Hemorrhaging Death Lawyer, and Texas Pradaxa Death Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

On December 7, 2011, the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a FDA Drug Safety Communication: Safety review of post-market reports of serious bleeding events with the anticoagulant Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate mesylate).  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is evaluating post-marketing reports of serious bleeding events in patients taking Pradaxa (dabigatran etexilate mesylate). Pradaxa is a blood thinning (anticoagulant) medication used to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common type of heart rhythm abnormality.

Pradaxa Fatal Blood Loss Lawsuit, Defective Blood Thinner Medication Lawsuit, Pradaxa Internal Bleeding Lawsuit, Pradaxa Hemorrhaging Death Lawsuit, Pradaxa Internal Bleeding Death Lawsuit, and Pradaxa Lawsuit Information by Texas Pradaxa Fatal Blood Loss Lawyer, Pradaxa Hemorrhaging Death Lawyer, and Pradaxa Death Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

 

Scientific evidence has recently confirmed that the the blood thinner, Pradaxa, may cause serious health problems including internal bleeding and hemorrhaging in certain populations of patients that may cause death.  Further, there are allegations that the drug manufacturer may have been aware of certain dangers of the drug's use, but did not warn the public in a timely manner of these health dangers.  Several Pradaxa lawsuits have already been filed and many more are expected in the future.   

The Blood Thinner Pradaxa May Cause Risk of Fatal Blood Loss, Internal Bleeding, Hemorrhaging, And Death: Persons Taking Pradaxa Should Be Aware of These Potential Health Risks by Texas Pradaxa Lawyer, Texas Pradaxa Fatal Blood Loss Lawyer, Texas Pradaxa Hemorrhaging Death Lawyer, and Texas Pradaxa Death Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

Hedge Fund Managers, Money Managers, Hedge Fund Advisers, and Financial Analysts Are A Select Group of Financial Services Professionals That May Have Original Information Of Financial Fraud and Investment Fraud From Their Own Independent Analysis That Can Be The Basis Of A SEC Whistleblower Reward Lawsuit by Hedge Fund Manager Whistleblower Lawyer, Financial Analyst Whistleblower Reward Lawyer, and Financial Services Professional Whistleblower Reward Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

Hedge Fund Managers, Money Managers, and Financial Analysts are a select group of professionals that often have "original information" of securities violations that can be the basis of a SEC Bounty Action from their own independent analysis.  Because of the financial and investment expertise of these professionals, the SEC has decided to offer large financial rewards to hedge fund managers, financial analysts, and other financial services professionals that properly identify and expose financial fraud, investment fraud, and securities fraud. 

Under the SEC Whistleblower Reward Program new rules have expanded the definition of original information to encourage hedge fund managers, financial analysts, and money managers to become whistleblowers.  The new law and SEC rules include increased economic incentives and protections that are meant to encourage hedge fund managers, financial analysts, and money managers to blow the whistle on significant fraud schemes.

Included in these new laws are confidentiality protections that will protect financial professionals that expose fraud through a bounty action whistleblower lawyer.  For more information on these protections or to have a potential bounty action reviewed, please feel free to read below or contact feel free to contact Confidential SEC Hedge Fund Manager Whistleblower, Financial Analyst Whistleblower and Money Manager Whistleblower Lawyer Jason Coomer.  

Hedge Fund Manager Whistleblower Lawyers, Financial Analyst Whistleblower Lawyers, and Money Manager Whistleblower Lawyers Can Often Protect Hedge Fund Manager Whistleblowers, Financial Analyst Whistleblowers, and Money Manager Whistleblowers as Well as Help Obtain a Financial Reward Through Properly Filed Disclosures

It is extremely important that Hedge Fund Manager Whistleblowers, Financial Analyst Whistleblowers, Money Manager Whistleblowers, and High-end Investment Whistleblowers are protected while they expose investment fraud, insider trading, Ponzi schemes, retirement fund fraud, securities fraud, and other unlawful and illegal practices.  By working through Hedge Fund Manager Whistleblower Lawyers, Financial Analyst Whistleblower Lawyers, and Money Manager Whistleblower Lawyers, confidentiality and other protections can often be invoked to protect the identity and career of the hedge fund manager whistleblower, financial analyst whistleblower, money manager whistleblower, or high-end investment whistleblower.

Further, the financial services professional whistleblower lawyer can also help prepare and review the disclosure to help ensure that the financial services professional whistleblower's disclosure is filed correctly.  The financial services professional services lawyer can also provide advice as to any potential dangers or liability that the financial services professional may face by making the filing and provide counsel to the financial services professional prior to making the filing. 

Hedge Fund Managers, Money Managers, Hedge Fund Advisers, and Financial Analysts Are A Select Group of Financial Services Professionals That May Have Original Information Of Financial Fraud and Investment Fraud From Their Own Independent Analysis That Can Be The Basis Of A SEC Whistleblower Reward Lawsuit by Hedge Fund Manager Whistleblower Lawyer, Financial Analyst Whistleblower Reward Lawyer, and Financial Services Professional Whistleblower Reward Lawyer Jason S. Coomer 

Mexican Government Official Bribes Can Be the Basis of SEC Foreign Corrupt Practices Whistleblower Reward Lawsuits by Mexico Gvoernment Official Bribe Whistleblower Reward Lawyer, Mexican Official Illegal Bribe Bounty Action Lawyer, & Mexico Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Violation Bounty Action Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

Mexican watchdog group says Mexico’s federal government should probe alleged Wal-Mart bribes - The Washington Post

Mexican watchdog group says Mexico’s federal government should probe alleged Wal-Mart bribes - The Washington Post
"MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s federal government should investigate allegations of a vast bribery campaign by top executives of Wal-Mart’s Mexican subsidiary to build stores across the country, the head of a watchdog group said Sunday. Eduardo Bohorquez, director of Transparencia Mexicana, said international conventions obligate Mexico’s government to get involved even though only local officials have been accused in the scandal."

"Last month, Mexican authorities announced that they were investigating allegations that a U.S. aviation company paid bribes to secure contracts to maintain government aircraft.  Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office said the probe involved six officials at two federal agencies and two state governments who allegedly took bribes from Oklahoma-based BizJet International Sales and Support Inc. in exchange of work contracts. Prosecutors said the case involved about $2 million in bribes for contracts worth at least $24 million.  The office gave no other details about the case, but the U.S. Department of Justice said BizJet had agreed to pay an $11.8 million fine to settle a corruption case that alleges its employees bribed government officials in Mexico and Panama to secure maintenance contracts."

Mexico Contract Bribe Bounty Actions, Mexican Official Illegal Kickback Bounty Actions, Mexico Illegal Bribe Bounty Actions, Mexico Contract Illegal Kickback Lawsuits, Foreign Corrupt Practices Lawsuits, and other Mexico Multinational Corporation Bribe Whistleblower Reward Lawsuits by Mexico Contract Bribe Whistleblower Reward Lawyer, Mexican Official Contract Bribe Bounty Action Lawyer, & Mexico Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Violation Bounty Action Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

Multinational corporations that offer illegal bribes and kickbacks to obtain business and large international contracts are the target of several new anti-bribery and whistleblower reward bounty action laws that have been passed around the World.  In the United States new whistleblower reward bounty actions have been enacted to encourage professionals and other people with specialized knowledge of illegal international contract bribes, illegal kickbacks to foreign government officials, false accounting statements to investors, and other Foreign Corrupt Practices Act violations to report illegal activity.  The bounty actions offer large financial rewards as well as protection to Mexican whistleblowers, multinational corporation employee whistleblower, and other whistleblowers that expose government corruption.  For more information on SEC Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Bounty Actions regarding Mexican official illegal bribes, kickbacks, and/or other illegal acts, please feel to go to the following webpage: Mexican Official Illegal Kickback Bounty Actions, Mexico Illegal Bribe Bounty Actions, Mexico Contract Illegal Kickback Lawsuit, Foreign Corrupt Practices Lawsuit, and other Mexico Multinational Corporation Bribe Whistleblower Reward Lawsuits.

Probe launched into pill makers' practices|Prime|chinadaily.com.cn

Probe launched into pill makers' practices|Prime|chinadaily.com.cn

Authorities are suspending sales of 13 types of capsules with reported chromium contamination and are checking the factories accused of producing them.The State Food and Drug Administration issued an urgent notice on Sunday to suspend sales until safety is tested.

Corporate Espionage and Fierce Competition Can Lead to Texas Patent Infringement Lawsuits, Texas Theft of Trade Secret Lawsuits, Texas Intellectual Property Infringement Lawsuits, & Texas Business Litigation Lawsuits by Texas Patent Infringement Lawyer, Texas Business Litigation Lawyer, Texas Trade Secret Theft Lawyer, and Texas Intellectual Property Infringement Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

Corporate Espionage and Fierce Competition Can Lead to Texas Patent Infringement Lawsuits, Texas Theft of Trade Secret Lawsuits, Texas Intellectual Property Infringement Lawsuits, & Texas Business Litigation Lawsuits by Texas Patent Infringement Lawyer, Texas Business Litigation Lawyer, Texas Trade Secret Theft Lawyer, and Texas Intellectual Property Infringement Lawyer Jason S. Coomer 

Industrial espionage including theft of trade secrets, patent infringement, and illegal use of other intellectual property is accelerating.   As patents, trade secrets, and other intellectual property are key to competing in the competitive business environment and are often developed through expensive research, more and more businesses are becoming targets for corporate espionage from domestic and international competition.  

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US Technologies and Trade Secrets at Risk in Cyberspace
Foreign Spies Stealing US Economic Secrets in Cyberspace

The pace of foreign economic collection and industrial espionage activities against major US corporations and US Government agencies is accelerating. FIS, corporations, and private individuals increased their efforts in 2009-2011 to steal proprietary technologies, which cost millions of dollars to develop and represented tens or hundreds of millions of dollars in potential profits. The computer networks of a broad array of US Government agencies, private companies, universities, and other institutions—all holding large volumes of sensitive economic information—were targeted by cyber espionage; much of this activity appears to have originated in China.

Foreign collectors commonly take advantage of the cyber environment because it is difficult to detect and to attribute responsibility for these operations. 

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Traditionally, most patent infringement and corporate espionage has been limited to domestic lawsuits and enforcement.  However as many countries including China, India, Mexico, Russia, Brazil, and other emerging countries are importing more products back into the United States, new potential causes of actions and increased government enforcement are becoming available. China is the number one source of infringing products seized at the U S border and multinational corporations that use infringing products that are imported into the United States are a major focus of increased lawsuits and enforcement actions.  

Texas Patent Infringement Lawsuits, Texas Theft of Trade Secret Lawsuits, Texas Intellectual Property Infringement Lawsuits, & Texas Business Litigation Lawsuits

After a valuable patent or other valuable intellectual property is infringed upon or a trade secret is stolen, it is difficult to determine the next step.  Many questions arise and need to be answered including: 1) Who is infringing on our patent? 2) Is the infringement actionable? 3) Where is the infringement occurring? 4) When did the infringement begin? 5) How do we stop the infringement? 6) What damages did we suffer?  7) What potential causes of action do we have? 8) Who are the defendants? and 9) Can we collect a judgment against this defendant or defendants?   

The answers to most of these questions can be complicated and very different depending on your business and the unique fact scenario surrounding the theft or infringement on your intellectual property.  By understanding what laws may apply to a particular patent infringement or theft of trade secret case, a business can determine how to respond including seeking compensation and protecting itself from future losses.

International Patent Infringement Lawyers, International Trade Secret Theft Lawyers, International Business Litigation Lawyers, International Intellectual Property Theft Lawyers, International Fake Product Lawyers, International Corporate Espionage Lawyers, International Business Fraud Whistleblower Lawyers, International Intellectual Property Lawyers, and International Business Litigation Teams

Large international patent infringement lawsuits and international corporate espionage lawsuits usually require large litigation teams with business litigation lawyers throughout the United States and the World.  These cases can be extremely complicated and require vast resources to fully litigated.   For more information on this topic as well as some of the legal issues and potential causes of action regarding international patent infringement, international corporate espionage, and international theft of trade secrets, please go to the following web page: International Patent Infringement Lawsuits, International Trade Secret Theft Lawsuits, International Supply Chain Procurement Fraud Whistleblower Lawsuits, International Patent Infringement Qui Tam Lawsuits, and International Business Litigation Lawsuits. 

Patents & Texas Patent Infringement Lawsuits

A patent is the right to exclude others from making, using, selling, or offering for sale a patented invention.  The owner of a patent has several exclusive rights to the patent. A violation of the patent owner's exclusive rights constitutes an infringement entitling the owner to injunctive relief to stop the infringement and to monetary damages. Damages for patent infringement can be based on lost profits or reasonable royalties.  Lost profits are calculated on what the plaintiff would have sold the device itself if the infringement had not occurred.  While reasonable royalties is determined by the amount the defendant would have paid plaintiff as a royalty for the right to use the patents.

Texas Theft of Trade Secrets Lawsuits and Texas Breach of Fiduciary Duty Lawsuits

Officers and employees that wrongfully steal intellectual property including theft of trade secrets, customer lists, patents, and copyrights can be held liable by Texas courts for breach of fiduciary duty, conversion, fraud, and other business torts.  As the intellectual property owned by a business becomes more valuable and easier to steal through technology, it is increasingly important for businesses to protect their intellectual property as well as to make an example of officers, business partners, independent contractors, and employees that steal intellectual property.  

Texas Patent Infringement Lawsuits, Texas Theft of Trade Secret Lawsuits, Texas Intellectual Property Infringement Lawsuits, & Texas Business Litigation Lawsuits

 For more information on Texas Patent Infringement Lawsuits, Texas Theft of Trade Secret Lawsuits, Texas Intellectual Property Infringement Lawsuits, & Texas Business Litigation Lawsuits, please feel free to go to the following webpage: Texas Patent Infringement Lawsuits, Texas Theft of Trade Secret Lawsuits, Texas Intellectual Property Infringement Lawsuits, & Texas Business Litigation Lawsuits.

 

Fake Military Electronic Components, Low Quality Electronic Parts, and Defective Electronic Components Used by Military Defense Contractors in Building War Planes, Missile Defense Systems, Military Equipment, and other Military Supplies Can Cause Failure of Military Weapons and Military Equipment as well as be the Basis for Military Procurement Fraud Whistleblower Reward Lawsuits and FCPA Whistleblower Lawsuits by Military Contractor Fake Electronic Component Procurement Fraud Lawyer, False Certification Fraud Whistleblower Reward Lawyer, and Military Electronic Part Supply Chain Fraud Lawyer Jason Coomer

Fake Military Electronic Components, Low Quality Electronic Parts, and Defective Electronic Components Used by Military Defense Contractors in Building War Planes, Missile Defense Systems, Military Equipment, and other Military Supplies Can Cause Failure of Military Weapons and Military Equipment as well as be the Basis for Military Procurement Fraud Whistleblower Reward Lawsuits and FCPA Whistleblower Lawsuits by Military Contractor Fake Electronic Component Procurement Fraud Lawyer, False Certification Fraud Whistleblower Reward Lawyer, and Military Electronic Part Supply Chain Fraud Lawyer Jason Coomer

Fake electronic parts and other manufactured components and ingredients from China, Mexico, India, and other emerging countries are becoming a problem for the United States military, military contractors, health care providers, and government contractors that sell and certify products to the United States or other government entities.  By using cheaper electronic parts from China, India, Mexico, and other countries to fulfill government contracts, the military contractors are able to make larger profits, but can often be given fake electronic components or substandard electronic components.  As a result these military contractors use defective military electronic components, defective military electronic parts, and defective military equipment parts in war planes, missile systems, and other military equipment.  Failure of these electronic components can cause catastrophic damages and result in failure of essential military weapons and military equipment.

Whistleblowers that have independent knowledge of military electronic component supply chain procurement fraud and false certification of electronic components that is being committed against the government by government contractors and subcontractors can blow the whistle on the military procurement fraud and if they are the first to provide notice of the fraud can recover a large financial reward for helping the government identify and stop procurement fraud.

Over a Million Fake Components Have Been Used by Government Contractors In United States War Planes Many of these Fake Part Came from China

"The US Senate Armed Services Committee said its researchers had uncovered 1,800 cases in which the Pentagon had been sold electronics that may be counterfeit.  In total, the committee said it had found more than a million fake parts had made their way into warplanes such as the Boeing C-17 transport jet and the Lockheed Martin C-130J 'Super Hercules'.  It also found fake components in Boeing's CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter and the Theatre High-Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) missile defence system. 'A million parts is surely a huge number. But I want to repeat this: we have only looked at a portion of the defence supply chain. So those 1,800 cases are just the tip of the iceberg,' said Senator Carl Levin. In around seven in 10 cases, the fake parts originated in China, while investigators traced another 20 per cent of cases to the United Kingdom and Canada, known resale points for Chinese counterfeits." US weapons 'full of fake Chinese parts' Thousands of United States' warplanes, ships and missiles contain fake electronic components from China, leaving them open to malfunction, according to a US Senate committee.

Military Contractor Fake Electronic Component Whistleblower Lawyer, Mexico Electronic Component Manufacturer Fraud Whistleblower Lawyer, Military Contractor Defective Military Electronic Part Mexico Manufacturer Whistleblower Lawyer, Military Contractor Military Electronic Part China Manufacturer Fraud Lawyer, Military Contractor Procurement Fraud Whistleblower Lawyer, Defense Contractor False Certification of Electronic Components Whistleblower Reward Lawyer, and International Defense Contractor Procurement Fraud Qui Tam Lawyer

Whistleblowers that have independent knowledge of military electronic component supply chain procurement fraud committed against the government by government contractors and subcontractors should blow the whistle on the defense contractor military procurement fraud including fake electronic component being used in war planes, military weapons, and other military equipment.  If the whistleblower is the first to provide proper notice and evidence of the fraud, the whistleblower can recover a large financial reward for helping the government identify and stop procurement fraud.

Please feel free to follow the below links for more information on exposing defense contractor supply chain procurement fraud, defective military equipment fraud, military electronic component fraud, military procurement fraud, and other government contractor procurement fraud: Defense Contractor False Certification of Electronic Components Whistleblower Reward Lawyer and International Electronic Component Manufacturer Fraud Defense Contractor Procurement Whistleblower Reward Qui Tam Lawyer.

Pancreatic Cancer Risk: Persons Taking Januvia and Janumet Should Be Aware of Pancreatic Cancer Danger and Consult Their Physician Regarding Potential Pancreas Cancer Risks by Texas Januvia Pancreatic Cancer Lawyer, Januvia Pancreatitis Lawyer, Janumet Pancreatic Cancer Lawyer and Januvia Pancreas Cancer Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

Pancreatic Cancer: Persons Taking Januvia and Janumet Should Be Aware of Pancreatic Cancer Danger and Consult Their Physician Regarding Potential Pancreas Cancer Risks by Texas Januvia Pancreatic Cancer Lawyer, Januvia Pancreatitis Lawyer, Janumet Pancreatic Cancer Lawyer and Januvia Pancreas Cancer Lawyer Jason S. Coomer

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death for both men and women and is one of the most deadly of all types of cancer. The diabetes drugs, Januvia and Janumet, may cause an increased risk of pancreatic cancer in patients using Januvia. If you have lost a loved one from Pancreatic Cancer or have suffered acute pancreatitis, hemorrhagic pancreatitis, accute necrotizing pancreatitis, or pancreatic cancer; and have been using Januvia, please report the adverse action to the prescribing medical doctor as soon as possible.  For more information on this topic, please feel free to contact Januvia Pancreatic Cancer Lawyer, Januvia Cancer Lawyer, and Janumet Pancreatic Cancer Lawyer Jason Coomer, or use our online submission form. 

The Diabetes Drug Market is Over $40 Billion Each Year and Growing Rapidly Januvia and Janumet had Annual Sales of $4.7 Billion in 2011

More than 300 million people worldwide suffer from diabetes, including about 30 million Americans.  In 2010, the global prevalence of diabetes was estimated to have reached 285 million and predicted to reach 438 million in 2030. The corresponding figures for North America were 37.4 million in 2010 and 53.2 million by 2030 and in Europe 55.2 million in 2010 and 66.2 million in 2030.  The global market for products in the management of diabetes currently stands at $41 billion and is on pace to grow to over $114 billion by 2018.

In 2011, Januvia annual sales rose 39%, to $3.3 billion, from $2.4 billion the year before and $1.9 in 2009. Januvia along with its sister drug Janumet (a combination of Januvia and metformin) has combined for sales of $4.7 billion for 2011.  Sales of Januvia and Merck’s Januvia (sitagliptin) is approved in all major markets and have outdone initial estimates for the drugs. 

Merck’s Januvia (sitagliptin) is approved in all major markets and is the first in a new class of diabetic drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors.  It is approved by the FDA as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

FDA Information on Sitagliptin (marketed as Januvia and Janumet)

[09-25-2009] FDA is revising the prescribing information for Januvia (sitagliptin) and Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin) to include information on reported cases of acute pancreatitis in patients using these products.

Sitagliptin, the first in a new class of diabetic drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, is approved as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Eighty-eight post-marketing cases of acute pancreatitis, including two cases of hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis in patients using sitagliptin, were reported to the Agency between October 16, 2006 and February 9, 2009. Based on these reports, FDA is working with the manufacturer of sitagliptin and sitagliptin/metformin to revise the prescribing information to include:

Information regarding post-marketing reports of acute pancreatitis, including the severe forms, hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis. Recommending that healthcare professionals monitor patients carefully for the development of pancreatitis after initiation or dose increases of sitagliptin or sitagliptin/metformin, and to discontinue sitagliptin or sitagliptin/metformin if pancreatitis is suspected while using these products. Information noting that sitagliptin has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis. Therefore, it is not known whether these patients are at an increased risk for developing pancreatitis while using sitagliptin or sitagliptin/metformin. Sitagliptin or sitagliptin/metformin should be used with caution and with appropriate monitoring in patients with a history of pancreatitis.

Januvia Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuit Information, Januvia Pancreatitis Lawsuit Information and Januvia Pancreas Cancer Lawsuit Information

Between October 16, 2006 and February 9, 2009, the FDA received 88 post-marketing cases of acute pancreatitis, of which 66 required hospitalization. The FDA review also found that in over half of these cases, the patient’s pancreatitis resolved once Januvia was discontinued. While diabetics are more vulnerable to developing pancreatitis than those without the disease, it does appear that taking Januvia can potentially increase that risk. And, if pancreatitis becomes chronic, the inflammation of the pancreas will alter its normal structure and functions.

Pancreatic Carinoma, Pancreatic Cancer, and Cancer Pancreas

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death for both men and women and is one of the most deadly of all types of cancer. This year approximately 45,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and about 38,000 will die from it.

Unfortunately, pancreatic cancer is difficult to diagnose, and the diagnosis is often made late in the course of the disease.  Early detection of pancreatic cancer is essential and will greatly improve a person's chances of surviving the disease. As such, people that have taken Byetta, especially those with symptoms of weight loss, dark urine and clay-colored stools, back pain, and jaundice, should seek advice from a qualified medical professional as to if they may have pancreatic cancer and what symptoms they should be aware of to detect any early onset of pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic Cancer, Exocrine Pancreas Cancers (Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma) and Endocrine Pancreatic Cancers

The pancreas is a large organ located behind the stomach and in front of the spine above the level of the belly button. The pancreas performs two main functions:  1) it makes insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, and 2) it makes enzymes. The pancreas makes and releases enzymes into the intestines that help the body absorb foods, especially fats.  The pancreas is made of Exocrine cells and Endocrine cells.  Exocrine cells are cells that produce a pancreatic juice that includes enzymes which aid in the digestion of food in the small intestine, breaking up proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. 

The most common kind of pancreatic cancer is pancreatic adenocarcinoma and includes about 90% of the cases of pancreatic cancer.  Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a cancerous overgrowth of exocrine pancreatic cells and is unfortunately commonly undetected until it is too late for the patient.  Pancreatic adenocarcinoma because of late detection can often result a fatal diagnosis with very limited survival time. Other forms of exocrine pancreas cancer include: intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), adenosquamous carcinomas, acinar cell carcinomas, mucinous cystadenocarcinomas, signet ring cell carcinomas, hepatoid carcinomas, colloid carcinomas, undifferentiated carcinomas, pancreatoblastomas, and undifferentiated carcinomas with osteoclast-like giant cells.

Endocrine cells are clustered in small groups (called the Islets of Langerhans) scattered throughout the pancreas. These endocrine cells produce important hormones such as insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin.  The hormones called insulin and glucagon help your body control blood sugar levels. Tumors can also occur in these cells, but they are called islet cell tumors and are rare.

The exact cause of pancreatic cancer is unknown. However, it is more common in people with diabetes and people with long-term inflammation of the pancreas (chronic pancreatitis).  It is also thought that the use of Byetta can cause pancreatitis resulting in pancreatic cancer.

Symptoms of pancreatic cancer can include: dark urine and clay-colored stools, fatigue and weakness, jaundice (a yellow color in the skin, mucus membranes, or eyes), loss of appetite and weight loss, nausea and vomiting, pain or discomfort in the upper part of the belly or abdomen, back pain, blood clots, diarrhea, and indigestion.

Pancreatic cancer is often not detected early on and is often advanced when it is first found.  As such, ninety-five percent of the people diagnosed with this cancer will not be alive 5 years later.  Some patients have pancreatic cancer that can be surgically removed are cured. However, in more than 80% of patients the tumor has already spread and cannot be completely removed at the time of diagnosis.  In the few cases where pancreatic tumors can be removed by surgery. The standard surgical procedure to remove pancreatic tumors is called a Whipple procedure (pancreatoduodenectomy or pancreaticoduodenectomy). This surgery should be done by an experienced surgeon and at a medical center that performs the procedure often. Some studies suggest that the Whipple procedure is best performed at hospitals that do more than five of these surgeries per year.

When the tumor has not spread out of the pancreas, but cannot be removed, radiation therapy and chemotherapy together may be recommended. When the tumor has spread (metastasized) to other organs such as the liver, chemotherapy alone is usually used. The standard chemotherapy drug is gemcitabine, but other drugs may be used. Gemcitabine can help about 25% of patients.

Patients whose tumor cannot be totally removed, but who have a blockage of the tubes that transport bile (biliary obstruction) must have that blockage relieved. There are two approaches including surgery and placement of a tiny metal tube (biliary stent) during ERCP.

Managing pain and other symptoms is an important part of treating advanced pancreatic cancer. Palliative care tams and hospice can help with pain and symptom management, and provide psychological support for patients and their families during the illness.

Acute Pancreatitis, Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis, Necrotizing Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas that occurs over a short period of time. The pancreas is a digestive organ behind the stomach that secretes essential enzymes needed for the digestion of certain foods, including fats, carbohydrates and proteins. During an episode of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis, several symptoms relating to digestion and abdomen may occur.  In severe cases, the person may experience confusion, difficulty breathing, or respiratory failure.  The person may also fall into a coma.

The severity of acute pancreatitis may range from mild abdominal discomfort to a severe, life-threatening illness. However, the majority of people with acute pancreatitis (more than 80%) recover completely after receiving the appropriate treatment.  In very severe cases, acute pancreatitis can result in bleeding into the gland, serious tissue damage, infection, and cyst formation. Severe pancreatitis can also create conditions which can harm other vital organs such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

The warning signs of pancreatitis include: 1) Upper abdominal pain that radiates into the back. Patients may describe this as a "boring sensation" that may be aggravated by eating, especially foods high in fat. 2) Swollen and tender abdomen 3) Nausea and vomiting 4) Fever  and 5) Increased heart rate.

Acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis is the sudden inflammation of the pancreas. This leads to death of pancreatic tissue and the formation of lesions, causing extensive bleeding. Necrotizing pancreatitis is a serious health condition where a person's pancreas is inflamed and bleeding. In Necrotizing Pancreatitis patients, there is inflammation and tissue death, with the pancreas destroying itself.  Whereas in Hemorrhagic Pancreatitis patients, the pancreas is bleeding.  Both are serious conditions and should be treated immediately.

Januvia Pancreatic Cancer Death Lawyer, Janumet Pancreatic Cancer Lawyer, Sitagliptin Pancreatic Cancer Lawyer, Sitagliptin/Metformin Pancreatic Cancer Lawyer, Janumet Pancreas Cancer Lawyer, Sitagliptin Panreas Cancer Lawyer, and Januvia Pancreatitis Lawyer

If you have lost a loved one from Pancreatic Cancer or have suffered acute pancreatitis, hemorrhagic pancreatitis, accute necrotizing pancreatitis, or pancreas cancer; and have been using Januvia, please report the adverse action to the prescribing medical doctor as soon as possible.  For more information on Januvia Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuits, Januvia Cancer Death Lawsuits, or Januvia Pancreas Cancer Lawsuits, please go to the following webpage: Januvia Pancreatic Cancer Lawsuit, Januvia Cancer Death Lawsuit, or Januvia Pancreas Cancer Lawsuit Information.