Intrauterine Device Litigation

The intrauterine device (IUD) is a form of birth control that became popular in the 1960s. An IUD is a device that is inserted into a woman's body. It prevents a fertilized egg from implanting.

Fast Food Litigation

Is a double cheeseburger a defective product? A number of tort lawyers and their clients believe so. In July 2002, a class action suit was brought on behalf of patrons of McDonald's, Wendy's Burger King, and KFC. The suit alleged that the fast food companies negligently, recklessly, or intentionally manufactured and marketed foods that caused adverse health effects such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The lead plaintiff in the case was a 56 year old, 270 pound man, but the class was vaguely defined as those who have consumed products manufactured and sold by the defendants who have become obese, overweight, developed diabetes, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and/or other detrimental health effects. A federal judge in New York dismissed the case, but that has not spelled the end of suits against purveyors of fast food.

National Standards for Organic Foods

Congress passed the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990, which requires certification by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) before farms or processors can label their agricultural products as organic. In 2001, the USDA implemented the National Organic Program, which defines the term "organic." The program also specifies the methods, practices, and substances that can be used in producing and handling organic crops and livestock. These standards also apply to processed products.

Types of Defects in Products

A manufacturer has a duty to make safe products for consumers. It does not, however, have to make products that are completely accident proof or design the safest product possible. In products liability law, a defect does not mean an inferior quality product, instead it refers to the lack of safety in the product--the product has an unexpected defect or danger.

Pharmacists' Liability for Negligently Refilling a Prescription

A pharmacist is responsible for storing, preparing, and dispensing prescription drugs properly. If the dispensing pharmacist fails to perform any of these duties, he/she could be held liable for any drug-related injury to a patient. This article discusses a pharmacist's liability for negligently refilling a prescription.