Frequently Asked Questions

Our Defective Drugs and Devices Lawyers Answer Your Questions

The law practice of Zoll & Kranz, LLC believes that everyone has the right to seek damages for a number of legal matters, such as:

We also believe that individuals have the right to information, and are entitled to answers regarding their health, livelihood and wellbeing.

These are some of the reasons why we created this list of commonly asked questions, and the answers we provide our clients. If the question you are looking for the answer to is not listed below, please do not hesitate to contact the multidistrict litigation (MDL) and class action attorneys at Zoll & Kranz by calling 888-841-9623 for a personal consultation of your potential case. You may also submit an online case review form, and we will be in touch with you shortly.

  • When must my claim be filed?
  • How long will my case take?
  • What factors will an attorney consider when reviewing my case?
  • Why would an attorney decline to take my case?
  • What if I am told that I do not have a case or claim?
  • What is the difference between a class action lawsuit and MDL?
  • Is Zoll & Kranz involved in any ongoing investigations?
  • Can any MDL and class action attorney efficiently handle my case?
  • Which drug lawsuits and investigations is Zoll & Kranz pursuing?
  • I received a hip implant but am unsure if it has been recalled. How do I determine this?
  • I heard in the news about Tylenol causing liver damage. I frequently use Tylenol, should I be worried?
  • My wife had a stroke while she was taking the birth control Yaz. Did this cause her stroke?
  • What birth defects are associated with the use of antidepressants during pregnancy?
  • What is tort reform?
  • What is wrong with tort reform?

When must my claim be filed?

The law requires an individual to file a claim within a certain period of time. If not filed within this time frame, referred to as the “statute of limitations,” you are no longer able to pursue a claim.

The statute of limitations depends on both the type of claim and the facts of the case. Because there are many differences, exceptions and various statutes governing the limitations for a particular claim, an experienced MDL and class action attorney should be consulted immediately to ensure that the claim is filed in time.

What factors will an attorney consider when reviewing my case?

As described by the mission statement at Zoll & Kranz, we believe that “One of the greatest human needs is to be appreciated and understood. To accomplish that one must first listen, then take action based on what you have heard.” This is how we treat each and every case review at our firm.

These evaluations also involve gaining an understanding and assessing the relevant facts and history from a potential client. Based on this information, a dangerous drug attorney may or may not be able to give an opinion as to whether the facts of the case state a claim and other legal issues, such as:

  • If the claim is financially justifiable
  • The degree of risk associated with the claim
  • The claim’s likelihood of recovery

At Zoll & Kranz, we will keep you updated on all stages of the case review process. Our firm will also provide you with names of other professionals who may be able to help you in the event that we cannot take your case.

Why would an attorney decline to take my case?

An MDL or class action attorney may choose not to pursue a claim for various reasons, the most common being that the facts do not warrant a class action lawsuit or MDL.

Another reason an attorney may not take a case is because he or she believes that the chance for recovery is too small or remote and therefore not financially justifiable for you to pursue.

What if I am told that I do not have a case or claim?

A second opinion is important to obtain if a firm has denied your claim. Attorneys often have varying perspectives regarding the degree of risk they are willing to assume in any certain case.

If we decline your case, we will do our best to provide you with the name and contact information for someone who may be able to assist you.

What is the difference between a class action lawsuit and MDL?

The main difference between a class action lawsuit and Multi-district Litigation (MDL) is that in an MDL, victims retain the right to have individual trials. In a class action, there is only one, larger trial in which all the individual cases are consolidated.

It is important to note that an MDL, also called a mass tort, is not a type of class action because individual claims remain separate lawsuits and any financial compensation awarded is dependent upon the injuries claimed by the individual, which allows for different recovery amounts.

If you have questions about your ability to join an ongoing class action or mass tort, talk with our firm about the injuries you have sustained while using a defective device or dangerous drug. Call 888-841-9623 today to speak with an experienced mass tort attorney.

Can any attorney efficiently handle my mass tort case?

No. We believe that a client is best served by hiring an aggressive MDL  who has extensive experience in fighting for the rights of individuals hurt by dangerous drugs, defective devices and unsafe consumer products.

We are nationally renowned for our work in these and other legal areas. For more information about how our firm may be able to help you, call 888-841-9623 today or submit an online case review form.

Which drug lawsuits and investigations is Zoll & Kranz pursuing?

Our firm continues to make national news for our work in pursuing compensation for victims injured by medication recalls, dangerous drugs and defective medical devices. These cases include such products as:

In addition to these lawsuits, Zoll & Kranz is a leader in investigating the first claims of individuals hurt by dangerous drugs and medical devices. We believe you deserve to know about your legal rights as soon as possible. Some of our previous investigations include:

  • Reglan
  • Contaminated Heparin
  • Vioxx
  • Meridia
  • Levaquin
  • Bausch and Lomb
  • Small Smiles Dental Clinics

I received a hip implant but am unsure if it has been recalled. How do I determine this?

A number of metal hip replacement devices are harming patients more than helping individuals regain mobility. Negligent manufacturers of these devices include the medical technology company Stryker, and a division of Johnson & Johnson called DePuy Orthopaedics. Due to design failure in these implants, physicians report that metal pieces of the implant are entering the blood streams of patients, a serious condition called Metallosis, among other dangerous side effects. Included in these DePuy and Stryker hip implant recalls are:

  • DePuy ASR XL Acetabular System
  • DePuy ASR Resurfacing System
  • Biomet M2A Magnum
  • Stryker Rejuvenate
  • Stryker ABG

If you are experiencing pain, swelling and immobility issues due to a hip implant, it is important to discuss these side effects with your surgeon as well as request a copy of your medical records. Our MDL  can help you review these documents and determine if you are a victim of a defective implant.

I heard in the news about Tylenol causing liver damage. I frequently use Tylenol, should I be worried?

The makers of Tylenol, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson called McNeil Consumer Products, has recently beenin the news again for problems with manufacturing this potentially dangerous drug. Since September 2009, different types and lots of Tylenol have been recalled for varying issues. Multiple products were removed from stores in fear that they contained an incorrect amount of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen may cause serious Tylenol side effects such as liver damage and failure.

It is important to consult with a doctor before changing medications. If you are concerned that the liver injury you received may be connected to a recalled lot of Tylenol, talk with our Tylenol lawyers by calling 888-841-9623 or submitting an online case review form. We can provide additional information about your potential personal injury claim.

My wife had a stroke while using the birth control Yaz. Did this cause her stroke?

The oral contraceptive drugs Yaz, Yasmin and Ocella have been linked to many serious side effects including:

  • Blood clots
  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Pulmonary embolisms
  • Strokes
  • Death

Thousands of women have suffered these and other dangerous Yaz side effects. Yaz contains a “new” hormone called drospirenone (DRSP), which has been linked to these health risks. Traditional birth control drugs often use estrogen or progesterone, and are relatively safe.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reprimanded Bayer, the maker of Yaz, for marketing the drug in a way that minimizes these dangers associated with DRSP. However, Yaz continues to be the best-selling birth control on the market in the United States.

If you or someone you love has suffered a personal injury or wrongful death while using Yaz, Yasmin or Ocella birth control drugs, talk with our MDL attorneys about your rights in joining a mass tort against Bayer. We have fought on behalf of hundreds of women and won tens of millions of dollars in financial compensation for their injuries.

What birth defects are associated with the use of antidepressants during pregnancy?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released several SSRI side effect warnings which describe the potential dangers to an unborn child if a woman uses antidepressants during pregnancy. The birth defects and developmental issues associated with the use of SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, include:

  • Limb defects
  • Cleft lip and palate
  • Septal heart defects
  • Clubfoot
  • Neural tube defects
  • And more

Our MDL attorneys have helped many women gain the compensation they need in order to care for the well-being of their child impacted by these serious side effects. ZK Law is dedicated to helping women impacted by this and other unsafe products such as Yaz, transvaginal mesh devices and Mirena IUDs. You may request to speak with an experienced female legal consultant at our firm by calling 888-841-9623 or submitting a contact form through our website.