May 16, 2012 — Skechers will pay $40 million to settle charges by the Federal Trade Commission that the company made bogus claims that its round-soled, Shape-Up toning shoes could help shed pounds and tone muscles. As part of the settlement, consumers who bought the shoes will be eligible for a refund. Anyone who purchased Skechers Shape-Ups, Resistance Runner, Toners, or Tone-Ups shoes after August 1, 2008 is eligible for a Skechers refund.

Skechers denies the allegations, but they have agreed to pay the settlement to avoid extended, expensive legal proceedings. The litigation against Skechers included FTC regulatory action, consumer class action lawsuits, and 44 states’ Attorneys General investigations. Skechers will also agree not to misrepresent scientific studies, tests, or research on any of its shoes in the future.

The shoes were touted as a way to “get in shape without setting foot in a gym.” The advertisements claimed that the round-bottomed soles on the shoes forced a person to “use more energy with every step” and work harder to maintain balance — similar to walking in sand. The company claimed that just by wearing the shoes, a consumer could burn more calories, lose weight, improve muscle tone, improve cardiovascular health, and strengthen their butt, leg, and stomach muscles. Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Brooke Burke, and Joe Montana were paid to promote the shoes in advertisements.

Not only is there no evidence that Shape-Ups can provide more weight loss and muscle toning compared to other shoes, an increasing number of people are filing Skechers injury lawsuits. Because of the unstable sole, some people have suffered severe falls or stress fractures. Injuries include broken bones, sprained ankles, lacerations, and more, resulting in pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost income, and more.

Do I have a Skechers Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Skechers induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by Skechers, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Skechers Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

What You Can Do & How a Firepot or Fuel Gel Lawsuit Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Firepot and Fuel Gel induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by a Firepot or Fuel Gel, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Firepot Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

What is the problem with Ceramic Firepots and Fuel Gel?

A number of injuries have occurred during the refueling process. When the firepot burns low, the flame may become invisible. Though it appears to be out, it is actually still burning. When a person pours fuel gel on the open flame, it ignites suddenly. It is extremely dangerous to pour fuel onto an open flame. The fuel gel may contain 90% ethyl alcohol, an extremely flammable compound. This can cause a flash fire. The explosion can also splatter gel on people and objects nearby. Because the fuel gel is sticky, it can cause far more severe burns than other fuels.

Stop, Drop, and Roll is not effective for putting out this fire. Instead, a person will need to use baking soda or a dry fire extinguisher to put out the flame and stop the burn.

Injuries Caused by Fuel Gel Firepots

The Consumer Products Safety Commission is aware of 65 incidents in which the Firepots exploded or a person was injured by fuel gel. Two people have died as a result of severe burns. There have been 34 incidents where people suffered second- and third-degree burns on the face, chest, hands, arms, or legs.

Of the 65 incidents, the two fatalities and 37 burn injuries were caused by products created by Napa Home & Garden, which voluntarily recalled its products in June 2011. Since 2009, Napa has sold more than 450,000 of these products. Products sold by the company Bird Brain Inc. have also caused a large number of injury reports.

Firepot Recall and Gel Fuel Recall Lawsuits

In September of 2011, the Consumer Products Safety Commission announced that nine manufacturers of Fuel Gel Firepots had issued a voluntary recall of their products. The nine manufacturers are:

• Bird Brain Inc., of Ypsilanti, Mich.
• Bond Manufacturing of Antioch, Calif.
• Sunjel Company (2 Burn Inc.) of Milwaukee
• Fuel Barons Inc. of Lake Tahoe, Nev.
• Lamplight Farms Inc. of Menomonee Falls, Wis.
• Luminosities Inc. (Windflame) of St. Paul, Minn.
• Pacific Décor Ltd. of Woodinville, Wash.
• Real Flame of Racine, Wis.
• Smart Solar Inc. of Oldsmar, Fla.

The recall includes an estimated 2 million products. The products all consisted of pourable fuel gel. They were sold in one-quart containers or one-gallon containers. There are scented and unscented varieties. They have been sold since 2008.

Do I have a Firepot Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Firepot induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by Firepot, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Firepot Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

What You Can Do & How a Goodyear Tire Lawsuit Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Tire induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor tires, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Tire Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Overview

Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Tires are advertised as safe, durable tires that can withstand the rigors of off-roading and the punishment of stones drilling into the grooves and damaging the treads. They are specifically marketed toward all-terrain vehicles, including pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans, often for construction or off-road activities.

The tires are manufactured with rubber molded to resist stone and rock drilling, which might damage treads. The “Silent Armor” of the tire is an internal frame of twin, tensile steel belts reinforced by Dupont Kevlar cord to add strength while maintaining comfort. The sidewalls are also protected against scuffing, abrasion. The tires come with rim guards to protect against off-road hazards.

The tires involved in the recall are:

• Six sizes of Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor tires
• Produced between March and May 2009
• Manufactured in Fayetteville, TX

Accidents Caused by Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Tire

Goodyear began receiving an unusual number of warranty claims and property damage claims during a review of Early Warning Data in May 2010. Over the next 12 months, Goodyear continued to see unusually high numbers of warranty claims related to the tires — specifically, six sizes of the Silent Armor tires produced at its Fayetteville plant between March to May 2009. Despite this information, Goodyear did not issue a recall.

On August 1, 2011, Matthew Smith and Kerrybeth Hall were driving southbound on U.S. Highway 67 in Pecos County, Texas. Smith’s 2008 Fort F-150 pickup was equipped with Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor tires. When the left rear tire de-treaded, the truck rolled over. Smith was ejected, and Hall suffered injuries inside the vehicle. Both died in the accident.

Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Tire Recall

Nearly seven months after this fatal accident, Goodyear sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, saying, “A small number of tires within this population may experience a partial tread area separation under certain severe usage situations.” They added, “Use of these tires in severe conditions could result in partial tread separation which could lead to vehicle damage or a motor vehicle crash.”

On February 16, 2012, Goodyear decided to recall nearly 41,000 Wrangler Silent Armor tires. The company plans to send notices to customers by March 22, 2012.

Do I have a Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Tire Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Tire induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Tire, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor Tire Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

What You Can Do & How an Energy Drink Lawsuit Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Energy Drink induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by an energy drink, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Energy Drink Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

UPDATE: Energy Drinks Linked to Cardiovascular Problems

A study published in the journal Pediatrics on February 13, 2012 finds that energy drinks have been linked to a wide array of serious adverse events in children. These include heart palpitations, high blood pressure, cardiac arrest, and death. The researchers find that energy drinks may pose higher risks to children who take medications or have chronic illnesses.

The authors of the study warn that energy drinks may adversely affect children with heart conditions, or mood disorders, such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Furthermore, high amounts of sugar in energy drinks could pose risks for people with diabetes.

Energy Drink Overview

The most popular energy drinks in America are Red Bull, 5-Hour Energy, Monster, Rockstar, and more. These products contain massive amounts of caffeine and other ingredients. The most common side effects are minor caffeine jitters, caused by over-stimulating the central nervous system with the stimulant effects of caffeine.

Many of these products are advertised as supplements to be taken before working out. Advertisements show hard-bodied men and women running, climbing mountains, mountain biking, and more. In addition, the website for 5-Hour Energy claims that the products can help with workouts and sports.

One of the biggest dangers of taking an energy drink is dehydration caused by drinking an energy drink without enough water, and then exercising intensely. Caffeine is a natural diuretic and can contribute to dehydration. Dehydration can also lead to heat exhaustion and hospitalization.

Furthermore, there is evidence that energy drinks can contribute to increased blood pressure, increase heart rate (tachycardia), heart disease, and other cardiovascular problems. These are most serious for people who already have heart problems. However, exercise itself causes higher blood pressure and heart rate. An energy drink that increases these even further.

Energy Shots

Energy shots include 5-Hour Energy, Red Bull, and more. The most popular is 5-Hour Energy, which holds more than 75% of the energy shot market. The active ingredients in these products varies, but is most often caffeine, B-vitamins, taurine (an amino acid from animal sources), artificial flavorings and sweeteners. Many advertise themselves as low-calorie ways to boost energy on the job, while working out, or while partying. Red Bull is one of the most popular mixers for alcohol.

These products are not required to put the amount of caffeine on their labels. The company responsible for 5-Hour Energy claims that it contains only about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, which could mean that it contains around 200-mg of caffeine, but no one really knows. Experts recommend limiting daily caffeine intake to 200 or 300-mg per day. The labels on 5-Hour Energy recommend limiting yourself to 2 bottles per day.

The biggest danger with energy shots are people who plays sports, exercise outdoors, or workout intensely. Many advertisements for 5-Hour Energy portray people doing extreme sports, working out at the gym, or going for a run in the mountains. The problem is that a stimulant product can increase a person’s heart-rate and blood pressure, and then exercise increases this even more. This can lead to serious cardiovascular problems in some people.

5-Hour Energy also contains 8,333% of your recommended daily allowance of Vitamin B12, and 2,000% the recommended amount of Vitamin B6. Each bottle also contains 100% of a person’s recommended amount of folic acid, making it highly likely that a person will consume too much folic acid. Studies have shown that too much folic acid can increase your risk of colon, lung, or prostate cancer. Folic acid is added to grains, breakfast cereals, and is also found in many foods, so it is very easy to accidentally consume too much of this substance when taking an energy shot. The liver can only metabolize so much, and the rest floats around the bloodstream until the liver is able to clear it out.

Non-Caffeinated Energy Drinks

Some people are concerned about consuming too much caffeine. The manufacturers of 5-Hour Energy have made a non-caffeinated version. Hydrive is another caffeine-free energy drink. The caffeine itself is probably not a health danger. The safety of caffeine is well-documented. The problem is with other substances added to the products (such as folic acid and massive doses of B-vitamins). Unfortunately, energy provided by B-vitamins is not a stimulating drug like caffeine. B-vitamins are necessary for extracting energy from food, and the body only needs a small amount to accomplish this task. Once the body has enough B-vitamins, the rest is not used by the body.

Coffee-Flavored Energy Drinks

Some energy drinks have “coffee” flavor. Coffee itself is a powerful stimulant drink, and is one of the most widely-used, additive-free, scientifically studied, natural energy drinks in existence. Coffee has been linked to lower risk of depression, Parkinson’s, and diabetes. Some canned energy drinks have tried to hop on the coffee bandwagon by including coffee flavorings. Java Monster is one example. The coffee on the label is not a concern. It is the other ingredients that can cause side effect — panax ginseng, for example, which has been linked to severe headaches and gastrointestinal problems.

Non-Liquid Energy

Not everyone wants to drink their caffeine. For these people, the makers of Rockstar and Amp have created chewing gum spiked with 40-mg doses of caffeine. One stick of gum is roughly equivalent to a cup of coffee. Eat a few sticks, and you’ve suddenly consumed as much caffeine in a pot of coffee. Combining caffeine and candy may also unintentionally appeal to children, who could be at risk of overdosing on caffeine if they eat an entire package.

Energy Drink Side Effects

Side effects of energy drinks may include:

• Caffeine Jitters
• Increased Blood Pressure
• Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
• Cardiovascular problems
• Dehydration, leading to heat exhaustion

Do I have an Energy Drink Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting energy drink induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by an energy drink side effect, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Energy Drink Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

Non-Caffeinated Energy Drinks: So you’re looking for an energy boost without the caffeine. You may decide to purchase a non-caffeinated version of 5-Hour Energy or Hydrive. By looking at the label, it may be hard to determine what you’re actually consuming. Caffeine-free products often contain B12 and B6 in massive amounts — several thousand times your recommended daily allowance (8,333% Vitamin B12, 2,000% Vitamin B6). They often also contain 100% of your recommended daily allowance of folic acid. If you take a multivitamin or eat foods fortified with folic acid (most grains and breakfast cereals in the United States), you may be getting way more folic acid than you need. Studies have shown that too much folic acid can increase your risk of colon, lung, or prostate cancer. Folic acid is one of the easiest vitamins to overdose, because the liver can only metabolize a limited amount. After the liver stops metabolizing folic acid, it circulates in the bloodstream.

Coffee-Flavored Energy Drinks: Coffee is one of the most commonly consumed energy drinks. On its own, coffee has actually been shown to have amazing health benefits — associated with a lower risk of depression, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease. Some energy drinks have tried to cash in on this, and you can buy coffee-flavored energy drinks like Java Monster. Even though the label may say “coffee,” beware other ingredients that may have significant side effects. Java Monster contains panax ginseng, an herbal ingredient linked to severe abdominal pain and headaches.

Energy Shots: These are the most popular energy drinks, including Red Bull and 5-Hour Energy, which are basically shots of caffeine. In 2011, people in the U.S. spent $1.3 billion on energy shots. What is the problem with energy shots? Are they dangerous? You’re probably familiar with “caffeine jitters,” a common side effect of these products, caused by over-stimulation of your central nervous system. Some studies have found that these drinks increase the risk of cardiovascular problems when taken in large amounts over long periods of time, but there are no conclusive reports. For most people, the biggest danger is probably dehydration, which can lead to heat exhaustion, and a visit to the emergency room. This happens when people consume an energy drink instead of water and then work out. This side effect may be quite common — the advertisements for 5-Hour Energy show hard-bodied athletes running up and down mountains in the wilderness after consuming the energy drink. The website advertises the products as ideal for workouts and sports, without recommending the additional consumption of water. Caffeine is a natural diuretic, which contributes to dehydration.

Non-Liquid Energy: Rockstar and Amp now come in a chewable gum with 40 milligrams of caffeine per stick, as well as artificial sweeteners and favorings or corn syrup. Each stick has the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. A person could very easily consume the caffeine in a pot of coffee while chewing the gum, or worse, overdose. Furthermore, unlike canned energy drinks, caffeine-spiked gum is easily available to children and pets, who might consumer massive amounts of caffeine accidentally.

Do I have an Energy Drink Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Energy Drink induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by energy drink side effects, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Energy Drink Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

A high rate of Lap Band side effects is concerning lawmakers and prompting injured people to seek compensation by filing a Lap Band lawsuit. Lap Band side effects range from minor inconveniences to severe, life-threatening complications that require additional surgery. Every time a person undergoes surgery, there is a risk of death. Recent research suggests that the risk of major complications with Lap Band may be more than 40%.

What You Can Do & How a Lap Band Lawsuit Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Lap Band injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has suffered a Lap Band complication, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free Lap Band lawsuit consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Medical Device Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Lap Band Complications

More than 15 million Americans are considered severely obese. In 2009, approximately 220,000 Americans had weight-loss surgery — a six-fold increase from 2000, when just 36,700 underwent the surgery. The FDA has approved the Lap-Band for a very select group of people: adults with morbid obesity, which means a BMI of at least 40 (for example, a woman who is 5’5” and weighs 240 pounds has a BMI of 40). The Lap Band is also approved for people with a BMI of 30, if they also have an obesity-related disease.

Is Lap Band surgery safe or effective?

A study published in the Archives of Surgery followed 82 patients over 12 years after Lap-Band surgery. The study had the following results:

• After six years, 48% of patients failed to lose weight and had to have the device removed, most often because the band had begun to erode into their internal organs.
• 42% had long-term complications, such as an infection or an enlarged stomach pouch
• 27% required re-operations, often because the band ate through the stomach wall

Though Lap-Bands are marketed as a long-term implant, the high rate of complications and failures leads to a high rate of follow-up surgeries.

Trends in Bariatric Surgeries in California Hospitals

The findings of a recent study titled Trends in Bariatric Surgeries in California Hospitals 2005-2009 looked at weight-loss surgery data from hospitals in the state.

It is important to note that this information excludes a lot of data, because it only looks at Lap Band surgeries inside hospitals. Most Lap Band surgeries are not performed in hospitals, but are instead performed in Lap Band surgical centers. Nearly twice as many Lap Band surgeries are performed outside a hospital as are performed inside a hospital.

• The number of Californians undergoing weight-loss surgery in a hospital increased by 6.8%, with an average of 13,614 surgeries performed per year in 94 hospitals.
• There was a four-fold increase in the number of Lap Band surgeries between 2005-2009
• 13% of weight-loss surgery patients had some kind of complication following surgery
• 6.5% of weight-loss surgery patients were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days, compared with 2.6% for patients undergoing other surgeries
• 1.5 per 1,000 patients died within 30 days of surgery, with about 40 inpatient deaths between 2005 to 2009
• 80% of patients were female, with an average age of 44 years. 68.4% were white non-Hispanics.

The researchers concluded that the risk of death was relatively low (1.5 per 1,000 patients), but there was a significant risk of complications and hospital readmission.

Other Studies of Lap Band Complications

• Belgian Study: Within 12 years, nearly half of Lap Band patients had their bands removed. The bands were often removed because patients failed to lose weight, they regained weight that they had previous lost, unpleasant heartburn or vomiting, band slippage, or erosion of the band into the stomach.
• German Study: Within 14 years, 30% of patients needed additional operations
• Australian Study: Within 2 years, one out of three teenage patients needed follow-up surgeries, often because they stretched their stomach

What are Lap Band Complications?

The Lap Band is a medical device used in weight-loss surgery. The device consists of a silicone ring that a surgeon places around the upper part of a patient’s stomach. The ring is attached to a tube, which rests just under a patient’s skin. When the surgeon injects fluid through the tube to the ring, the ring tightens or loosens. When the ring is tightened, it creates a pouch in the upper part of the person’s stomach. The pouch is about the size of a walnut.

There are several types of Lap Band complications that can occur after a person undergoes this surgery. A patient must make dramatic changes to his or her diet, eating habits, and lifestyle. This may be incredibly difficult for morbidly obese people who have already failed to lose weight using other methods. If they do not make changes to their habits, however, they risk seriously damaging their stomach or esophagus.

If a person with a Lap Band over-eats, the food will back up into the esophagus and cause the person to vomit. Over time, vomiting can cause serious damage to the esophagus and stomach. Eating too much food can also stretch the stomach pouch, which is a serious problem and will require an additional surgery to remove the Lap Band.

Band erosion is another serious complication, in which the Lap Band eats into the stomach tissue. If the band is not removed, it can perforate the stomach wall, which will require additional surgeries to fix. Common anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aspirin increase the risk of band erosion.

Death is another serious Lap Band complication. At least 40 people died in hospital Lap Band surgeries between 2005 and 2009. Most Lap Band surgeries are performed outside a hospital, however, where data is lacking. Since 2009, there have been five confirmed death in Southern California surgical centers associated with 1-800-GET-THIN, according to lawsuits, autopsy reports, and other public records.

Do I have a Lap Band Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting injury cases caused by Lap Band complications in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has experienced a side effect after having Lap Band surgery, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Lap Band Lawsuit Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

What You Can Do & How a Skecher Shape-Ups Lawsuit Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting lawsuits against Skechers Shape-Ups in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by this shoe, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free Skecher Shape-Ups lawsuit consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Do Skechers Shape-Ups Work?

Skechers Shape-Ups are made with a rounded sole, intended to increase the heel-to-toe motion of the foot while a person is walking. This effectively changes a person’s gait. The company claims that this promotes weight loss, helps tone your muscles, improves cardiovascular health, and reduces stress to your knees and ankles. They have been advertised by famous celebrities, such as Kim Kardashian and former NFL quarterback Joe Montana.

The shoes have a rolling bottom that mimics walking in sand. They are deliberately unstable and force a user to use more muscles to balance themselves as they walk, forcing them to use more energy and burn more calories while they walk.

But do they really work?

Scientists have found no evidence that shoes with a rounded sole provide any significant benefit over a traditional athletic shoe. There is no evidence that they are more effective than going to the gym and doing a traditional workout. In fact, some experts warn that these shoes can have serious health risks, because the round sole makes the shoes inherently less stable than shoes with a flat sole. Some people wearing the shoes have suffered from stress fractures, broken bones, serious falls, and other serious injuries. The risk is especially high for older Americans. Even people who are not at high risk of falling have been injured. Some of these people have decided to file a lawsuit against Skechers Shape-Ups, seeking compensation for their injuries.

Skecher Shape-Ups Lawsuit

Though most people who wear Skechers Shape-Ups have had no problems, a few have been seriously injured. The shoes pose a risk of stress fractures, broken bones, and serious fall injuries, and the shoe company is now facing lawsuits against Skechers Shape-Ups in California from people who have been injured and are now seeking compensation.

If you decide to contact a lawyer at The Schmidt Firm, LLP for a free consultation, you may decide to file a Skechers Shape-Ups lawsuit. Others who have filed a lawsuit against Skechers Shape-Ups are seeking compensation for their pain, suffering, medical expenses, and lost income while they were recovering from their injuries.

Injuries from the use of Skechers Shape-Ups can include:

• Stress Fractures: Also known as “hairline fractures,” these occur when a weight-bearing bone suffers repeated, unusual impacts, causing small cracks. People who are out-of-shape who suddenly start exercising have a higher risk of developing stress fractures.
• Slips and/or Falls: Because it is harder to maintain balance, some people have suffered catastrophic falls. A major fall can cause a wide range of injuries.
• Muscle/Tendon Strains: This type of injury often occurs during a fall, when a person moves suddenly to avoid seriously injuring themselves, and pulls a muscle. Strains can occur suddenly, or gradually over time by over-stressing a muscle.
• Ligament Sprains: A sprained ankle is caused when a person’s ankle twists too far in one direction, causing serious injury to the ligaments. Sprains can also occur by falling and landing on the arm, or twisting a knee.
• Broken Bones: A serious fall can cause a bone fracture, particularly in older Americans.

Lawsuit Against Skechers Shape-Ups

If you watch the TV program Good Morning America, you may have seen an interview with Holly Ward, a 38 year-old Ohio woman who wore her Skechers Shape-Ups walking shoes while she worked as a waitress, and also while she worked out. After just five months of wearing the shoes on a regular basis, Ms. Ward developed severe, debilitating stress fractures in both of her hips. On TV, she said, “The extended use of these shoes has injured me catastrophically.”

Do I have a Skecher Shape-Ups Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Skechers Shape-Ups induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured after wearing these shoes, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Skecher Shape-Ups Lawsuit Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

What You Can Do & How a Skechers Shape-Ups Lawsuit Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Skechers Shape-Ups induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured while wearing these shoes, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free Skechers Shape-Ups lawsuit consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

UPDATE

May 16, 2012 – Skechers will pay the Federal Trade Commission $40 million to settle a class action lawsuit. Part of the settlement will also be used to refund customers who purchased Skechers toning shoes after August 1, 2008. Although Skechers admits no wrongdoing in the advertising of their toning shoes, the FTC accused the company of misleading customers by making bogus claims that just wearing the shoes could help a person lose weight, get in shape, tone muscles, and improve cardiovascular health.

What is the problem with Skechers Shape-Ups?

The shoes are intentionally designed with a round sole, which changes the way a person walks. Advertisements claim that the shoes can promote weight loss, help tone your muscles, and improve cardiovascular health. The company markets a “for-work” version of the shoe, which is designed for “industry professionals who want to get in shape while on the job.”

It is unclear whether the shoes are safe for long-term use.

Recently, a 38 year-old Ohio woman named Holly Ward filed a Skechers Shape-Ups lawsuit, alleging that her hip fractures were caused by long-term use of the shoes. She wore the shoes during her waitress shifts and also during exercise. Ms. Ward was recently featured on the TV show Good Morning America, where she claimed that, “The extended use of these shoes has injured me catastrophically.”

Stress Fractures

A stress fracture, also known as a hairline fracture, is a small crack in a bone, often caused by unusual and repeated stress on a bone. It almost always occurs in weight-bearing bones, such as the tibia (shin bone), metatarsals (bones in the feet), femur (thigh bone), or hip.

A stress fracture may have very few symptoms. Often, people suffer only mild pain at first, which gradually grows worse over time. Doctors can diagnose a stress fracture using a CT scan, MRI, or bone scan. Treatment of stress fractures in weight-bearing bones requires that the person rest for long periods of time. If you have suffered a stress fracture caused by Skechers Shape-Ups, you may have been out of work for quite some time while the stress fracture healed. If you file a Skechers Shape-Ups lawsuit, you may be entitled to compensation for the money you lost while you were healing.

A stress fracture is different from other types of bone fractures, which are caused by a severe impact and a large break in a bone. It is caused by repeated, small traumas, which gradually exhaust the bone’s ability to repair itself.

People who are out of shape may be at an increased risk of developing a stress fracture. If they go from sedentary, to a sudden burst of exercise, the abnormal stress on their bones can cause fractures.

Symptoms of a Stress Fracture

The most common locations of stress fractures are in the bones of the foot. They are also common in the heel, lower-leg bone, top of the mid-foot, and hip.

• Pain that develops gradually, becoming worse with time
• Pain that increases with weight-bearing activity
• Pain that occurs during normal activities
• Tenderness where the fracture is
• Bruising

What Should I Do?

• After you seek medical attention for your injuries, stop wearing Skechers Shape-Ups.
• Do not throw away your shoes. Keep them in a safe place. If you have a Skechers Shape Ups lawsuit, they will be very important evidence in your case.
• Contact an experienced Product Liability lawyer at The Schmidt Firm, LLP for a free case consultation. If you were injured while you were performing normal activities, you may have a Skechers Shape-Ups lawsuit for your stress fracture.
• Contact the Consumer Products Safety Commission to report your injury to the federal government. This agency collects information on people who have been injured after using dangerous products.

Do I have a Skechers Shape-Ups Stress Fracture Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Skechers Shape-Ups induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has experienced a stress fracture or other injury after using Skechers Shape-Ups, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Lawsuit Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

What You Can Do & How a Skechers Shape-Ups Lawsuit Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Skechers Shape-Ups injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by this product, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free Skechers Shape-Ups lawsuit consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

UPDATE

May 16, 2012 – If you purchased a Skechers toning shoe after August 1, 2008, you may be eligible for a Skechers refund. As part of a $40 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, Skechers has agreed to refund customers and also agrees never to misrepresent scientific information in the future advertising of its shoes. There is no scientific evidence that toning shoes are any more effective than regular fitness shoes, though the products were sold as a way to get in shape, lose weight, and improve cardiovascular health, all without setting foot in a gym.

What are Skechers Shape-Ups?

Skechers Shape-Ups are a walking shoe with a round sole, a revolutionary patented design intended to change the way a person walks, thus firming different muscle groups. If you own a pair of these popular walking shoes, you’ve probably seen ads that promote them as a way to lose weight, tone muscles, improve posture, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce stress on knees and ankles.

Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and former NFL quarterback Joe Montana have appeared in advertisements, promoting the shoes as a way to improve a person’s health.

Though some people say the shoes are effective ways to tone new muscle groups, others are critical of the products. Nowhere in the advertisements is there safety information that would warn people about possible injuries they may suffer by wearing a shoe that changes a way a person walks. For older Americans, people who are out of shape, or people with pre-existing balance problems, they may be at higher risk of serious injuries caused by wearing an unstable shoe. Even people who have no pre-existing balance problems have been injured because the toning shoes were simply more unstable than a normal shoe.

Are Skechers Shape-Ups safe?

The biggest danger of wearing an unstable shoe is falling, particularly for older Americans. A serious fall can be life-threatening or permanently disabling. Other people who may be at higher risk of injury caused by the shoes include people who suffer from vertigo, poor balance, or weak ankles. People who already have an abnormal gait, such as inward-pointing toes, may be at a higher risk of serious ankle injuries. Even people who have no problems walking normally may seriously hurt themselves, because a shoe with a round sole is less stable than a normal shoe.

Potential Injuries:

• Slips and Falls
• Head injuries
• Broken bones (particularly legs and ankles)
• Muscle strains
• Torn ligaments
• Hamstring injuries
• Achilles tendon strains and sprains
• Pulled muscles
• Knee injuries
• Stress fractures
• Hip injuries
• Ankle injuries

Many people have suffered acute injuries, including broken bones and torn ligaments. Others complain that long-term use of the shoes has caused serious injury to leg muscles, ligaments, bones, joints, or tendons.

The effect of long-term use of the shoes is unclear. Skechers does not provide safety information about whether the shoes are safe to use as regular footwear, or whether their use should be limited to a muscle-toning work-out. Recently, a 38 year-old Ohio woman named Holly Ward was featured on the TV program Good Morning America. She had been wearing her Skechers Shape-Ups for the past five months at her job as a waitress and during exercise. She later suffered stress fractures in both of her hips. Ms. Ward filed a personal injury lawsuit and is now seeking compensation. If you have been injured, you may also want to file a Skechers Shape-Up lawsuit.

What Should I Do?

• 1. After you seek medical attention for your injury, do not wear your Skechers Shape-Ups.
• 2. Do not throw the shoes away. Keep the shoes in a safe place. They are important evidence in your case.
• 3. Talk to an experienced Product Liability lawyer. You will need advice on how to protect your legal rights and receive compensation.
• 4. Report your experience to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. They collection information on potential safety hazards with products in the U.S.
• 5. If you file a lawsuit, you may be entitled to compensation. Awards may include money for your medical expenses, lost income while you were unable to work due to injury, pain and suffering, and more.

Do I have a Skechers Shape-Ups Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Skechers Shape-Ups induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured after using Skechers Shape-Ups, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Lawsuit Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.

Vaginal mesh belongs to a class of implantable medical devices that manufacturers do not have to study before they are marketed to consumers, under the FDA’s 510(k) system, which allows products to reach the market without human testing if there are similar devices already for sale. Additionally, manufacturers also do not need to study patients after they receive the implanted devices.

In 2010, around 185,000 women had surgery to implant vaginal mesh. Of those, an estimated 15% had complications, according to the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology. Complications include organ damage. The study in the journal concluded that vaginal mesh was no more effective than traditional surgical techniques, in which doctors use a patient’s own tissue to strengthen the wall and support internal organs.

The FDA has been aware of problems with vaginal mesh for several years. In 2008, the association issued a safety warning to consumers announcing reports of serious complications, but said that the reports were uncommon.

From 2008 to 2010, however, there was five-fold increase in adverse event reports. If you have experienced an adverse event, you may have a vaginal mesh lawsuit. Contact a lawyer at The Schmidt Firm, LLP. We can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

What is vaginal mesh? It is a medical device that is surgically implanted to fix female incontinence caused by a weakening of the muscles in the lower abdomen. The mesh is intended to provide additional support for the organs. One cause of female incontinence if pelvic organ prolapse, in which the muscles that support the bladder weaken and descend. Incontinence can also be caused by stress urinary incontinence, another type of muscle weakening.

The FDA-mandated emergency safety studies will likely take several years to complete. The companies will need to design a study that meets the FDA standards, and then track women who have received the surgical mesh over three years. The FDA sent letters to Johnson & Johnson, C.R. Bard Inc., and 31 other manufacturers of these devices. These manufacturers are now facing more than 650 vaginal mesh lawsuits from consumers who experienced death, injuries, or malfunction with the products.

How do I contact a Lawyer for a Vaginal Mesh Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Vaginal Mesh induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has experienced a side effect cause by vaginal mesh, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Vaginal Mesh Lawsuit Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.