Author Archives: Blogger

Invokana | Prescription Drug | Product Liability

By: Moneer Kheireddine

Screen Shot 2015-07-13 at 10.14.48 PMIn the world of law, there is always a new and expanding project expanding that hopes to help as many people as possible who are affected by something they were unaware to harm them. This week, we here at Blick Law Firm are here to introduce to you a new mass tort project which involves the prescription drug Invokana as well as many other drugs in the SGLT2 inhibitor class.

Invokana, which is the first in a new class of frontline treatments for type 2 diabetes, was approved in 2013 and although originally successful by blocking the absorption of glucose in the kidneys, has now been found to develop diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious condition which results in strokes, pulmonary edema, cardiac dysthermia heart attacks, cerebral edema and many other dangerous effects including death.

Recently, the FDA noticed the serious health implications of the drug and has issued a warning regarding the serious side effects of using Invokana. After learning of the issues surrounding the drug, the pharmaceutical litigation team at Morgan & Morgan began investigation possible product liability claims, and is currently in the process of sustaining a tort project using highly experienced experts from several fields including cardiology and endocrinology. They have developed a theory of liability that is planned to be very successful in assisting those who suffered from the drug.

We here at Blick Law Firm are reaching out to you, both our clients and readers, to look for those in your lives suffering from type 2 diabetes and to reach out to them and let them know about the side effects of this drug. Inform them of the consequences that may be associated with it, and ensure that if they have been taking the drug that the reach out to us here at Blick Law Firm at 813-931-0840 so that we may put them in contact with men and women who are able to assist them in claiming liability. It is up to you to help ensure that no one else suffers due to this drug and its dangerous health implications, and by doing so you could possibly be saving the lives of families all over the Tampa Bay area.

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Immigration Reform 2015

By: Moneer Kheireddine

ABOGADOS-TAMPA, TAMPA-LAW-FIRM, CHRISTIAN-LAWYERS, ABOGADOS, TAMPA-ABOGADOS, CHRISTIAN-LAW-FIRM, BLICK-LAW-FIRM

The Affordable Care Act has been one of the most highly debated topics of the Obama administration, and has been constantly under surveillance by members of every coalition of men and women within America. The promise of free healthcare has sparked both parties into action, and it doesn’t seem to be dwindling any time soon. In recent news, this week President Barack Obama decided to touch upon immigration reform while speaking about the Affordable Care Act. A multitude of questions were asked about illegal immigrant healthcare rights under the act and what is available to them.

President Obama clearly stated, when asked about citizenship for undocumented immigrants, the president stated once more that the healthcare law does not make coverage available for people who are in the U.S. illegally. Under the law undocumented immigrants are not eligible for federal coverage, which also includes medicare and non-emergency medication. However, under federal law they could still access emergency care if needed.

These statements bring both concern and security to many within the United States. For the families of illegal immigrants, it gives a sense of security and safety in knowing that if they truly require emergency aid, they will be taken care of. However, by allowing illegal immigrants the safety of free emergency care, many feel as though this will incline immigrants to remain in America illegally and to not become official U.S. citizens. It will also cause taxpayers dollars to go towards paying for the healthcare of citizens who are not tax-paying employed legal citizens of the United States.

Thanks to the Supreme Court’s ruling last week, which solidified the President’s Affordable Care Act, the President has been continuously spreading awareness of his healthcare law, stating that it will benefit anywhere from one hundred to one hundred and fifty million American citizens. Thanks to the law you are now able to receive free preventive care, as well as reap many other benefits from the new law.

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Fireworks Safety | July 4th

Screen Shot 2015-07-03 at 11.30.27 PMBlick Law Firm wants to wish everyone a safe and blessed July 4th weekend!

Many Americans are excited to once again celebrate such a significant holiday, the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with their friends and family.

However, celebrations may be a bit dangerous and when dealing with fireworks, especially, may be more prone to personal injury.

Here are a few safety measures to take this weekend:

Keep Children/Pets Away. Keep everyone in your family who is not a responsible adult as far away from the extremely volatile explosives at all times. Children should be no where near fireworks during any time of the year, especially during the Fourth of July.

Purchase New Fireworks. Do not purchase any fireworks that is being sold as “used” or if anywhere within your purchasing location you see the word “used”. Used fireworks may have a high risk of volatility.

Always Be Prepared, in case of fire. Be ready at all times for a fire, because the chances of one occurring are much higher during Fourth of July weekend more so than any other weekend.

Monitor Drink Intake. Do not, for any reason, consume alcohol and handle explosives. This is a combination that you do not want to ever see happen, and if you see it occur make sure to disarm the intoxicated person as soon as possible before they may cause harm.

Watch Your Surroundings. Never light any fireworks indoors or in a closed environment. Always light them outside, preferably on a hard surface for the best results.

Abide By The Law. There are laws in relation to fireworks for a reason. They are dangerous and can seriously injure people. If an officer warns you about your behavior or your fireworks, it is in your best interest to listen to him.

Behave responsibly, handle fireworks carefully, and be sure that you and your loved ones have a fun, yet safe, holiday weekend as we celebrate our country and its independence. God Bless the USA!

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Life After Bankruptcy

By Moneer Kheireddine

LIFE-AFTER-BANKRUPTCY, BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY, TAMPA LAW FIRM, BLICK LAW FIRMFor those with debt, bankruptcy can seem like the worst case scenario and something you would never want to put yourself through. However, others may see it as a fresh start or a new beginning on your financial life, which you haven’t been able to get a hold of. In truth, when you file for bankruptcy you should expect a very large change to occur in many parts of your life, and know that the struggles you will go through are simply steps on the path towards recovery.

Your life after bankruptcy will take some getting used to. Getting loans, a credit card, or anything else financially related will be very difficult. And when you finally are able to receive some form of credit, your interest and the fees you pay will be out of this world. However, there is still hope! While bankruptcy will remain on your credit report for ten years, rebuilding credit is the first step to getting back on the track to redemption and moving past this point in your life.

LIFE-AFTER-BANKRUPTCY, BANKRUPTCY ATTORNEY, TAMPA LAW FIRM, BLICK LAW FIRM, CHAPTER 7 However, filing bankruptcy can have affects you never even expected. Since everyone that has any sort of financial relation to you will check your credit report, you may see different aspects of your life effected from bankruptcy. You may see your insurance go up, you may be declined from employment because of it, or your place of employment may become notified. Your life will encounter drastic changes, and some will be more difficult to cope with than others.

However, not all is lost. Your life isn’t over, we are here to aid in this process! We here at Blick Law Firm believe it’s simply an admittance of need. Sure, things will become more difficult, but it is nothing that you cannot overcome, and Blick Law is here to help you through it with legal advice, counseling, and any other form of assistance you may need. We treat our clients like family, and if you find yourself needing helping when you are going through this tough time, know that we are here to offer a helping hand. Bankruptcy doesn’t mean the end; it simply means it’s time for a new beginning.

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Cuban Immigration

By: Moneer Kheireddine

CUBAN-IMMIGRATION, BLICK-LAW-FIRM, TAMPA-IMMIGRATION-ATTORNEYImmigration. It has been a long, highly debated and highly controversial topic between many Americans throughout the years. Some believe that we should accept anyone who wishes to enter our borders and become a citizen. Some say we should deny them. Others say we should just allow children. Throughout the years, it seems we still don’t fully understand where we stand, but many parents, children, and families are constantly being affected by our laws and handling of immigration law. And with the United States taking steps for the first time in fifty years to normalize relations with Cuba, some people believe it may be time to re-examine our outdated methods.

Due to our normalization of relations with Cuba, it will become much simpler for Americans to travel to Cuba and vice-versa. That will make the wet-foot, dry-foot policy which we currently have in place not really needed, according to several politicians. While the current administration currently states that the policy will remain, Cuban officials are calling for a stopping of the policy in order to stop the United States from draining skilled workers and citizens from Cuba. Thanks to the fear that the policy may change, we are finding a growing number of refugees attempting to reach the United States before the removal of the policy happens.

CUBAN-IMMIGRATION, BLICK-LAW-FIRM, OBAMA, TAMPA-IMMIGRATION-ATTORNEY Even though many years have passed since the policy was originally enacted in 1995, it seems there isn’t a clear cut directive of whether or not we should keep the policy or move forward due to changing political circumstances. People are still as torn as ever on the policy, and there doesn’t seem to be a clear cut solution to the issue. However, as people continue to debate this issue, more and more Cuban immigrants are migrating to the United States, whether to escape economic persecution or political persecution, and families are being split apart by the current legal laws.

However drastic these changes may seem, always remember that Blick Law is here to help regarding immigration matters. You can always call for a free consultation and we are happy to assist you in any way that we can. Immigration and moving to a new country is always difficult, and so if you or someone you know needs help being guided towards the lengthy process, we urge you to give us a call so that we can help.

 

 

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DUI | Do’s And Don’ts | Criminal Law Tampa

By: Moneer Kheireddine

Gavel, Alcoholic Drink & Car Keys on a Gradated Background - Drinking and Driving Concept.Drinking and Driving. Using these two words in a sentence is an ultimate taboo for many Americans, as the long-term consequences and issues that occur from Drinking & Driving can have long lasting effects, both in your life and in others. Many people often drink and drive for a few central reasons; maybe they don’t think they are too drunk, maybe they don’t have another ride, or maybe they don’t want to leave their car behind. However, if people knew the real truth behind drunk driving, the thought of drinking and driving would weigh much more heavily on their heads.

Every 53 minutes in America, someone is killed in a drunk driving crash. That equals around 27 people every day whose lives are lost because someone didn’t want to leave their car behind. In 2011, 9,878 people were victims of drunk drivers. 9,878 families lost someone they loved because a drunk driver didn’t want to pay taxi fare. 211 children were killed in drunk driving crashes in 2010, 62% of which were riding in the car with the impaired driver. Two hundred and eleven children lost their lives because someone in their family did not believe they were “too drunk to drive”. The statistics don’t lie and the bottom line is this; You should never Drink & Drive.

However, we here at Blick Law Firm believe in the saying of which our nation was founded upon; innocent, until proven guilty. There are always exceptions to the rules and we are here to defend your rights as a citizen, and to ensure that you do not receive a DUI that you do not deserve, which may impact your ability to acquire jobs, drive, and ultimately impact your freedom as a citizen. Here are precautions to take in many situations where you may run the risk of receiving a DUI.

  1. Don’t put yourself in that situation. Don’t drive if you’ve had even one drink.
  2. The statement of “not feeling drunk” will never work, because of the legal limit being .08% BAC, for a large amount of people you will not feel drink even though you are past the legal limit.
  3. If an Officer stops you for something other than traffic violations, he may still arrest you on a DUI. You could have been driving perfectly and he pulled you over for a taillight, and if he suspects you may have been drinking he has the right to question you.
  4. A field sobriety test is a collection of simple tests to try and see if your coordination, balance, and other factors of your brain are impaired by alcohol. This test comes before the breathalyzer, and you have the right to refuse the test. There is no penalty for doing so.
  5. You have the right to refuse the first breath analysis before you are actually arrested. If you have had even half a drink in the last hour, refuse the test. You may not, however, refuse the second test, which occurs after your arrest. This test either requires a blood test or a breath analysis, and is legally binding.
  6. Always be kind with the officer, no matter what your personal opinions or beliefs may be. Be careful with how you answer his questions and mindful of the consequences. You are under no obligation to get the officer more information than what is one your driver’s license.
  7. BAC and alcohol tolerance do NOT go hand in hand.If you can take five shots and feel fine, that does not change the fact that your BAC is way above the normal limit. Don’t assume because your tolerance is high, that your BAC is as well.

DUIIn the end, always remember the risks you take if you choose to drink & drive, and that it does not only affect you, but everyone around you as well. One paid cab ride, while seeming expensive and an inconvenience, equals out to much more than the years of fines, grief, and regret that come alongside a possible DUI charge. If you or someone you know ever find yourself in need of legal advice or counseling in regards to DUI’s or any other cases, remember that Blick Law is here to help you every step of the way at 813-931-0840.

Have you ever been the victim of a DUI? Do you have an opinion on DUI laws and how they impact our lives? Share your opinion or story in the comment section below!

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