21 June

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Advocates Cry Foul Over Risperdal Use In Foster Homes

Several groups sued the Department of Social Services because foster parents allegedly used the dangerous drug Risperdal as “chemical straight jackets.”

Attorneys for the National Center for Youth Law, Children’s Rights, and Saint Louis University School of Law Legal Clinics asked a federal judge to grant the suit class action status and force the state to make changes in the way that the drug is used. The Food and Drug Administration has never approved Risperdal for children, primarily because of reported side effects like suicidal thoughts, uncontolled twitching, and Type 2 diabetes.

19 June

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The Link Between Hip Implants And Brain Injury

Posted by Gary Logsdon Law

in Defective Medical Devices

While the physical risks of all-metal hip implants have been extensively documented, scientists are only now learning more about the mental risks.

These devices contain high levels of cobalt. While this metal has not been studied as extensively as mercury, lead and some other heavy metals, researchers firmly believe that cobalt is as toxic to the brain as these other substances. The difficulty in studying the effects of all-metal hip implants on the brain has further hampered efforts, as the best way to conduct such research is to surgically remove the devices. However, doctors can use PET scans to look for early signs of brain injury.

Prominent Dr. Robert Bridges called cobalt the “new mercury” and urged device makers to use other materials.

19 June

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Study: Testosterone Supplements Cause Plaque Buildup

Posted by Gary Logsdon Law

in Defective Drugs

A new study adds to the growing body of evidence connecting testosterone supplements and heart disease. The National Institutes of Health studied 170 men with an average age slightly above 70, which is the target age group for many testosterone supplements. Study participants who used AndroGel for more than twelve months had a 20 percent higher rate of arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries due to plaque. Such participants also had higher rates of heart disease in general. Despite the known side effects, ads for testosterone supplements routinely tout benefits for older men, almost equating low-t therapy with the fountain of...

16 June

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Lawmakers Consider Marijuana ‘Legalization’

Posted by Gary Logsdon Law

in General Litigation

State Senator Perry Clark (D-Louisville) introduced a measure that would allow recreational use of cannabis. What effect would such a law have on DUI drug offenses? Much like similar measures in California and about twelve other states, BR 408 would allow Kentuckians 21 and over to possess up to one ounce of marijuana (about 50 joints) and/or five plants for cultivation; the proposal would also allow free transfer of the ounce or the plants and allow marijuana consumption on private property with the owner's consent. Penalties for possessing more than an ounce or five plants, as well as smoking marijuana in...

14 June

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Deadly Crash Triggers Homicide Charges

Posted by Gary Logsdon Law

in Auto Accidents

Following a single car accident that killed a 16-year-old girl, an 18-year-old woman faces intoxication manslaughter charges.

Marshall County Sheriff’s deputies who responded to the crash scene at Sayler Creek Road and Griggstown Road determined that the driver from Paducah, was intoxicated when she was traveling at a high rate of speed and apparently lost control of her vehicle. Her passenger was pronounced dead at the scene.

Officials originally charged the driver with murder, but subsequently downgraded the charges to second degree manslaughter.

Blog

Advocates Cry Foul Over Risperdal Use In Foster Homes

The Link Between Hip Implants And Brain Injury

Study: Testosterone Supplements Cause Plaque Buildup

Lawmakers Consider Marijuana ‘Legalization’

Deadly Crash Triggers Homicide Charges