Marc Whitehead & Associates - February/March 2022

Marc Whitehead & Associates - February/March 2022

February/March 2022

DISABILITY DIGEST

888-497-9061 DisabilityDenials.com Marc Whitehead & Associates Attorneys at Law, LLP

A NATIONAL DISABILITY LAW FIRM • SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CLAIMS

You May Have a Case for Negligence ATTENTIONCPAPUSERS!

• LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE CLAIMS

Imagine you’re diagnosed with a sleeping disorder that could hinder your quality of life and lead to chronic cardiac conditions that could turn deadly if not treated. Now, imagine the very treatment designed to protect you from this disorder is actually causing your body additional harm. That’s the evidence found in our most recent mass tort case: the Philips Respironics CPAP, BiPAP, and ventilator recall. And we are urging everyone who has used a Phillips CPAP, BiPAP, or ventilator to treat sleep apnea to contact us today! Philips Respironics machines are common devices used by those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. This airway disorder causes the muscles in your throat to relax too much while you sleep, blocking your airway, and causing you to choke or stop breathing at night. To treat this, CPAP machines — and similar devices — supply a user with a steady flow of oxygen, ensuring their body and heart get the oxygen needed while they sleep.

While this is a clever workaround, these machines are also very noisy! And to combat that, makers of the machines installed foam meant to block out the sound of the machine so as to not disturb spouses or users of the machines. In theory, it makes sense; in practice, companies like Philips Respironics were reckless. The company recalled a number of its machines in June 2021, citing issues with the foam. By way of simple science, the foamwould degrade as a result of the moisture in the machine, causing the user to inhale or swallow the foam while using their device. What’s worse, the foamwas made from polyurethane sound abatement, which is toxic. Just this past year, claimants began filing claims alleging that Philips Respironics knew their devices contained the toxic foam yet failed to act on it. Furthermore, they issued a public warning about the machines and Continued on page 3...

• VETERANS DISABILITY BENEFITS

• ERISA & EMPLOYEE BENEFIT CLAIMS

• PHARMACEUTICAL & MEDICAL DEVICE LITIGATION

WHY PARTNER WITH US • NO OFFICE VISITS NECESSARY • WE DON’T GET PAID UNLESS YOU DO • WE BUILD THE STRONGEST CASE POSSIBLE FOR A FAVORABLE OUTCOME

• WE’LL GATHER ALL EVIDENCE NEEDED

• WE SOLICIT THE OPINIONS OF MEDICAL & VOCATIONAL EXPERTS • WE’LL GIVE YOU A DEDICATED CASE MANAGER TO COORDINATE ALL THE ASPECTS OF YOUR CASE

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Helping ThoseWho Need It Most Meet Paralegal Shaundra Harris Paralegal Shaundra Harris began her legal career more than a decade ago to help others, but since joining MarcWhitehead &Associates, she has gained greater perspective on how the work the firm does can create real, impactful change. “I would see panhandlers on the street, and I would say, ‘I don’t understand. Why are they out here begging? I know they receive some type of compensation,’” Shaundra recalls of her prior perspective. “Boy, was I wrong! You don’t knowwhat you don’t know… it’s a convoluted process.” Shaundra joined our Social Security disability benefits team as a paralegal two and a half years ago, after a friend she

Make a 4-Leaf Clover Keepsake

But Find the Elusive Good-Luck Charm First One of St. Patrick’s Day’s most popular symbols is a four- leaf clover. In Ireland, these clovers represent luck and good fortune. Each leaf on the clover has a different meaning — faith, hope, love, and success. It’s a tradition to find a four-leaf clover on St. Patrick’s Day and do activities involving this lucky leaf. So, how do you find these good-luck charms, and Although it may seem difficult, it’s easier than you might think. First, find a dense patch of white clover — near it is where four-leaf clovers reside. They are different from the rest and are often smaller, so keep that in mind when you look for the lucky green clovers. Instead of staring at the patch in close detail and counting leaves, search the patch without focusing on the tiny details. This increases the odds of eyeing a four-leaf clover because the different patterns, shapes, and sizes of these clovers will jump out at you. If you find one, keep looking! There’s a chance another one might be nearby. Clover Craft Once you find your clover, preserve the luck in it all year by placing it in a picture frame. First, gently press the clover leaves between the pages of a large book for several days to flatten them out. After pressing, you can add green food coloring to your clover to enhance its color. Once it’s dry, clean it and let it sit overnight. Then, place your clover onto acid-free paper, cut to fit the size of a picture frame of your choice. Next, use acid-free glue to keep your clover in place, and finally, seal your frame shut. You now have your personal good luck charm! what can you do with them? How to Find a 4-Leaf Clover Searching for a four-leaf clover and creating a keepsake will be a great bonding experience for you and your family. We wish you luck! Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

worked with at another law firm spoke highly of Marc Whitehead & Associates when they joined the team. She explains that she has learned a lot since beginning her tenure with our firm, and she enjoys the opportunity to be creative while helping

PUZZLE TIME

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others. Previously, in addition to her legal work, Shaundra served in the Navy for four years. Recently, Shaundra moved from Houston to Beaumont, Texas, which was perfect timing. Shaundra will now be part of our new Beaumont satellite office, providing the same great service and guidance our clients have come to expect and appreciate. Shaundra says she is enjoying the small community atmosphere. “I do like having this opportunity here,” Shaundra says. “I believe it will make us more accessible for potential clients.”

recalled the devices a full two months after the warning. Perhaps even worse, like many medical device companies, they did not widely announce their recall. Many users are still using Philips Respironics' products, unaware they may be ingesting toxic foam. While they do so, the statute of limitations to receive compensation for potential illnesses likely caused by the foam is running out. The clock begins at the date of the recall.

We’re very excited to have Shaundra in our satellite office in Beaumont. Her skills and expertise have provided great support for our clients already, but more importantly, we are thrilled to have someone with her compassion and dedication in the Beaumont community. “Just because you have a disability, doesn’t mean you receive benefits. I assumed it was automatic, but it’s not that easy. And when you’re dealing with Social Security, it’s like dealing with another language,” Shaundra says. “It’s one of those jobs where, at the end of the day, you’re really helping people who would be lost without your help.” Thank you for your work with our team and for your service, Shaundra!

This is why it’s vitally important that you call our team today if you or a loved one uses or has used a CPAP machine or other devices from Philips Respironics. You may be entitled to compensation — especially if you were diagnosed with the following conditions after using your device: • Kidney, heart, and liver failure • Sudden respiratory failure that resulted in a heart attack • Inflammatory or respiratory responses

Inspired by MyRecipes.com

• Stroke • Cancer

EasyMarchMadness Chili Cheer on your favorite team and chow down in minutes with this easy chili recipe! Ingredients

• Dizziness • Vomiting • Consistent headaches

• 2 lbs ground beef • 2 tbsp chili powder • 1 tbsp Creole seasoning

• 1 tsp ground cumin • 2 16-oz cans diced tomatoes • 2 16-oz cans small red beans • 2 8-oz cans tomato sauce

You have a right to treat your sleep apnea. But when the product designed to help you hurts you in the process, the manufacturers must be held accountable. Please call our team at 866-519-4179 immediately to learn if you have a case against Philips Respironics or visit info.disabilitydenials.com/cpap

Directions

1. In a deep pot, brown the beef, stirring often. 2. Once beef is cooked, add chili powder, Creole seasoning, and cumin, cooking for 1 minute. 3. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, and tomato sauce and bring the mixture to a boil. 4. After the mixture boils, reduce the heat to low and let chili simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Serve with toppings of choice, like cheese, sour cream, or chives.

–The Marc Whitehead & Associates Team

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403 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77007 888-497-9061 | DisabilityDenials.com A National Disability Law Firm

INSIDE

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If You Use a CPAP, Call Us!

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Create a Keepsake for Good Luck Year Round Helping the Lost: Paralegal Shaundra Harris

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Easy March Madness Chili

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Our Clients Say It Best

ANATIONAL DISABILITY LAWFIRM

Social Security Disability Claims | Long-Term Disability Insurance Claims | Veterans Disability Benefits ERISA & Employee Benefit Claims |Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Litigation

Dee was very easy to work with, and the response time from when I reached out to them was very fast. I felt very nervous when I contacted the firm, not knowing what to expect, but I immediately was made to feel at ease and had a sense that they cared about me and my case. I cannot recommend highly enough. – John Schultz

WHY PARTNERWITHUS?

Office visits are not necessary.

We gather all evidence needed.

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We don’t get paid unless you do.

• We solicit the opinions of medical and vocational experts. • We give you a dedicated case manager to coordinate all the aspects of your case.

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We build the strongest case possible for a favorable outcome.

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