Tag: The Yost Legal Group

FDA Announces Voluntary Clonazepam Recall

Posted on by Loni Liss

The Benzodiazepine, a Generic Form of Klonopin, Had a “Life-Threatening” Labeling Error

A vital safety alert was issued for Clonazepam users. Endo, Inc., a pharmaceutical company based in Pennsylvania, has recalled its seizure medication, Clonazepam tablets.

The recall is due to a mistake in labeling the product strength on the carton. Such a serious error could lead to life-threatening consequences for thousands of users.

The recall is part of an FDA investigation. Endo, Inc. expanded its initial voluntary recall from July 16. The FDA announced the expanded recall in an alert on Nov. 19.

Clonazepam pillss recalled from the market

Urgent Warning for Clonazepam Users—Verify Your Dose Now

If you use clonazepam benzodiazepine, check your product’s labeling immediately. People who take a higher dose of Clonazepam could face serious health risks, including:

–      Extreme drowsiness

–      Confusion

–      Dizziness

–      Slowed reflexes

–      Lack of coordination

–      Low muscle tone

–      Life-threatening respiratory depression

There is a significant chance of life-threatening respiratory depression:

  • Particularly for individuals with lung conditions
  • Those already prescribed high doses of Clonazepam
  • Patients taking other medications that suppress breathing

If you have experienced a severe adverse reaction from Clonazepam, contact 1-800-967-8529 for a 100% Free and Confidential consultation. The Yost Legal Group is a highly experienced Product Liability law firm. Our Clonazepam lawyers will investigate what happened and fight to seek the justice and financial compensation you deserve.

 Clonazepam can cause adverse reactions

What Is Clonazepam?

The drug Clonazepam is a generic drug under the benzodiazepine class of depressant drugs.

Depressants: These types of drugs affect the brain’s activity. They slow neurotransmission levels and decrease electrical activity in the brain. Depressants also inhibit an individual’s ability to feel arousal and stimulation.

This reduction in brain activity is why depressant drugs can be effective when used correctly. A medical professional prescribes them to relieve disorders and symptoms such as:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Seizures

Alcohol, benzodiazepines, and cannabis are some of the most common types of depressant drugs.

Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines, known as “benzos,” are a class of depressant drugs. This type of drug derives its name from its chemical compound, which is a fusion of benzene and diazepine rings.

Medically, benzodiazepines are most often used to treat anxiety and panic disorders, insomnia, and seizures. Common types of benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax®), clonazepam (Klonopin®), and diazepam (Valium®).

Clonazepam is a generic benzodiazepine sold under the brand name Klonopin®, which more people are probably familiar with. This recall, however, pertains only to the generic version.

Clonazepam side effects, file a Clonazepam lawsuit

Severe Health Risks Linked to Incorrect Clonazepam Dosage

Clonazepam is often used to treat anxiety disorders, bipolar mania, and seizures. Anyone with these ailments and conditions needs regular help. For some people, it might be difficult to make it through a day without their prescribed medication.

Pharmaceutical companies have a clear duty to ensure their products are safe. This includes items people apply, ingest, or inject. They must also make sure their product labels are accurate. These labels tell people how to use their medications safely.

The recall for Clonazepam relates to the tablet version, as the drug is most often taken orally.

The packaging had a labeling mistake. The company said it was “possibly life-threatening.” This was also noted in the FDA safety warning. If a user took the wrong amount of the medication, it could be dangerous. This happened because the number of milligrams in each tablet was incorrect.

If you or someone you know may have been affected, seek medical attention immediately. Contact The Yost Legal Group’s “Dangerous Drugs” division to learn about your legal rights.

Life-Threatening Clonazepam Risks—Know Your Legal Rights

This was no small mistake. In 1960, Clonazepam was patented and became available in the United States in 1975. Doctors have prescribed the drug often since it has been on the market for decades.

According to ClinCalc.com, Clonazepam was the 57th most prescribed drug in the United States in 2022. More than 11.5 million prescriptions of Clonazepam were made out to nearly 2 million patients in 2022.

This mislabeling put millions of people at risk. Furthermore, it was not the first time Endo was derelict in its duties regarding labeling its clonazepam packaging.

The product recall focuses on Clonazepam drug side effects, one of which can result in death from Clonazepam. The product liability lawyers at The Yost Legal Group are here to help. Many FDA recalls exist; the highest level occurs when the FDA issues an FDA Black Boxed Warning. This usually happens when a company is about to remove a drug from the market.

The First Clonazepam Recall of 2024

On July 17, 2024, the FDA published a safety alert that it voluntarily recalled many orally disintegrating drugs due to mislabeling.

Endo announced that the lot it was recalling included packaging that under-reported the strength of each tablet:

“The product lot [550147301] is being recalled due to mislabeling where an incorrect strength appears on the cartons of some packs to show the product strength as 0.125 mg and not 0.25 mg due to an error at a third-party packager.”

Regardless of the mistake by the “third-party packager,” Endo bears responsibility as the drug manufacturer and the employer of the company that packages its medication.

However, it was just one lot and one recall. As Endo noted in its statement, “to date [the company] has not received any reports of adverse events associated with this product lot recall.”

But it would not remain just one lot and one recall for much longer.

If a defective drug harmed you or a loved one, you may have a case and be entitled to compensation. Call or text the experienced defective drug lawyers at The Yost Legal Group today for a free consultation: 410-659-6800.

The Second Clonazepam Recall of 2024

As previously stated, Endo voluntarily recalled Clonazepam in November 2024, and the FDA ran a safety alert. The second recall, however, was not just to announce the recall of a second lot. The alert included a whopping 16 lots of the drug.

The table below includes the product description (Clonazepam Orally Disintegrating Tablets), the National Drug Code number, and the lot number.

Potential Product Description / NDC Number  Lot Number Expiry Date

Clonazepam ODT, USP (C-IV) 2mg / 49884-310-02 550176501 Feb 2027

550176601 Feb 2027

Clonazepam ODT, USP (C-IV) 0.125mg / 49884-306-02 550174101 Jan 2027

Clonazepam ODT, USP (C-IV) 0.25mg / 49884-307-02 550142801 Aug 2026

550142901 Aug 2026

550143001 Aug 2026

550143101 Aug 2026

550143201 Aug 2026

550143301 Aug 2026

550143401 Aug 2026

550147201 Aug 2026

550147401 Aug 2026

Clonazepam ODT, USP (C-IV) 1mg / 49884-309-02 550145201 Aug 2026

550175901 Feb 2027

550176001 Feb 2027

550176201 Feb 2027

Again, Endo placed the blame on its third-party packager:

“Endo’s ongoing investigation has identified the possibility that the Clonazepam product lots listed below contain a limited number of cartons printed with the incorrect strength and National Drug Code (NDC) code due to an error by a third-party packager.”

Serious Side Effects from Clonazepam? We Can Help

Endo is responsible for its medication, and for the third-party packager/s, it hires to label its products. Although the actual medication is not defective, it is still vital to ensure the labeling is correct so that people using the drug can do so safely.

This repeat of negligence with mislabeling puts real people at risk. As of 2022, nearly 2 million people were prescribed Clonazepam, and now there are 16 recalled lots. Endo put its customers in harm’s way.

We do not know how the packages got the wrong information. However, we have seen how small details can be missed at big pharmaceutical companies. Some companies cut corners to save money, which harms people. The result is almost always putting innocent people at risk.

Clonazepam Adverse Reaction? Seek Justice Today

The Yost Legal Group has a long history of representing individuals and their families after a defective drug altered someone’s life.

Drug companies are billion-dollar multinational corporations with some of the best pharmaceutical lawyers in the world. A skilled and experienced defective drug lawyer must handle the complex legal issues when suing a Big Pharma company.

That is where The Yost Legal Group’s accomplished defective drug lawyers factor into the equation. As leading personal injury attorneys, we file product liability lawsuits every day. Let us file your Clonazepam claim.

Many cases involve prescription drugs because of “failure to warn” and “serious pharmaceutical side effects.”

If a defective drug has harmed you or a loved one, please get in touch with The Yost Legal Group today. Our defective drug lawyers will start working on your case right away. They will help you understand your rights to seek the compensation and justice you deserve. Call or text us at 410-659-6800.

All consultations are free, and you do not owe us anything unless we take on and win your case.

Defective Products Lawyers – Defective Products Law Firm – Products Liability Attorneys

Products Liability Attorney Recall – Clonazepam Warnings –

Has Exactech Escaped Liability by Filing Bankruptcy?

Posted on by Loni Liss

Exactech is a global medical device company that creates orthopedic implant devices and surgical instrumentation for joint replacement surgeries.

In June 2021, Exactech issued recalls of its knee, hip, and ankle implant systems due to defective packaging that caused the polyethylene inserts to oxidize prematurely. This failure led to rapid device deterioration and early implant failure.

As a result of this premature device failure, thousands of implantees required revision surgery or developed serious health issues, such as osteolysis.

Lawsuits have been filed against Exactech by patients seeking compensation for their past and future medical expenses and pain and suffering caused by the defective implants.

Due to the volume of cases filed, the lawsuits involving the recalled knee and ankle products were consolidated into a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in October of 2022 in the Eastern District of New York.

Similarly, several cases of recalled hip and ankle products filed in Florida remain consolidated in the Florida state court.

Over 3000 lawsuits are collectively pending in the MDL and Florida state court.

Exactech Enlisted Broadspire for Cheap Payouts

Exactech took deliberate steps to minimize payouts to patients harmed by their defective medical devices, a decision that significantly impacted the lives of those affected.

In an initial effort to avoid paying harmed patients what they truly deserved, Exactech chose early on to provide an upfront settlement option.

They hired Broadspire, a third-party settlement administrator and risk management company, to handle the claims reimbursement process. In doing so, Exactech sought to limit financial responsibility and reduce compensation amounts.

Patients were encouraged to file a claim with Broadspire to obtain reimbursement for their out-of-pocket medical expenses only.

Filing a claim through Broadspire would exclude critical compensations like lost wages, additional medical bills, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.

Exactech’s strategy was designed to pressure claimants into settlements that fell significantly short of what they truly deserved, a clear injustice.

Thus, a settlement through Broadspire would NOT compensate a victim for the total damages they suffered. Essentially, Broadspire was used to lure patients in by appealing to people’s desire for quick money without the need for a lawyer.

Exactech Faces Mounting Litigation Costs Over Harmful Implants

As time passed, Exactech’s legal troubles increased exponentially. Thousands of lawsuits were filed against the company by individuals who experienced life-changing adverse physical reactions from their defective implants.

According to Exactech, this generated high litigation expenses for the company. The added expenses jeopardized its cash flow and – among other factors – derailed the once profitable medical device business.

Facing escalating litigation costs that threatened its financial stability, Exactech took action to limit its liabilities.

Exactech Declares Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

On October 29, 2024, Exactech filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. This move is seen as an attempt to avoid liability to over 3,000 victims harmed by their defective orthopedic products.

The filing for bankruptcy has triggered an “automatic stay,” effectively halting all legal actions against Exactech, including cases in the MDL, Florida state court, and bankruptcy court.

This stay will remain in place as the bankruptcy court reviews Exactech’s financial situation and petition.

Additionally, the Broadspire program is no longer in effect, and all bellwether cases scheduled for trial will not proceed.

At this time, while court proceedings have been stayed, limited information is available.

Our Commitment to Holding Exactech Accountable for Defective Implants

Attorneys are awaiting critical decisions from the Bankruptcy Court regarding the company’s potential reorganization and the final deadline to submit proof of claim forms for each claimant.

The Yost Legal Group understands how concerning Exactech’s bankruptcy is for those affected. While this development impacts ongoing litigation, we remain committed to assisting our current Exactech clients in understanding their legal rights and next steps.

Our primary goal is to protect your best interests throughout this process.

Exactech Litigation Updates for Our Clients

If you are an existing client of The Yost Legal Group, we will continue to inform you about what is happening in the Exactech litigation.

You may have had or will require revision surgery. Please continue your medical care according to your doctor’s recommendations and keep us informed.

If you are a current client and have questions about the Exactech Defective Implant litigation, call us at 1-800-Yost-Law (1-800-967-8529).

We are unwavering in our commitment to holding Exactech accountable for their defective products. Our product liability attorneys will continue to post Exactech recall updates on the Exactech Recall Lawsuits.

Defective Medical Device Lawyers – Defective Product Lawyers – Product Liability Cases

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Women’s Prison Closes After Widespread Staff Sexual Abuse

Posted on by Loni Liss

The US Bureau of Prisons (BoP) has faced criticism for the terrible conditions women experience while in jail. The agency recently announced the permanent closure of a California women’s prison following widespread reports of staff sexual abuse.

This facility became the center of a scandal. Guards abused their power to commit sexual violence against women in prison. These women should have been protected while serving their sentences.

Shockingly, this is part of a broader crisis within the BoP. Federal prisons nationwide are facing intensifying scrutiny for rampant sexual abuse, suicides, preventable deaths, and severe medical neglect.

If you or someone you know is sexually assaulted, please reach out for help. You can also contact us if someone dies from a preventable death in prison. Call The Yost Legal Group at 1-800-967-8529. You can speak with an experienced sexual abuse lawyer for free.

Guards commit sexual violence against women in prison

FCI Dublin Scandal Results in Prison Closure and Accountability

Instead of providing a safe and rehabilitative environment, these institutions have become places of unchecked trauma and systemic failure.

The closure of this prison and the suspension of operations at six additional facilities highlight an urgent need for accountability and sweeping reforms.

Vulnerable individuals deserve protection—not exploitation—while in custody. We must demand systemic changes to end this abuse and neglect within the US prison system.

Speak up and get help from our law firm and prisoner advocacy groups that work to stop abuse in prisons.

“Rape Club” Prison Finally Shuts Down After Widespread Misconduct

The Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Dublin, a low-security prison east of Oakland, is closing for good. This decision comes after serious misconduct by its staff.

Internally referred to as the “rape club,” FCI Dublin became infamous for systematic sexual abuse perpetrated by correctional officers against incarcerated women.

To date, seven former officers, including the former warden, have been criminally convicted of various sexual offenses. Additionally, over 20 staff members have been placed on administrative leave, facing ongoing investigations for their actions. Staff sexual abuse is rampant in prisons throughout the country, and there must be reforms to fix this serious problem.

The facility closed after it was temporarily shut down in April. A US judge appointed a special master to manage operations because of ongoing scandals. Hundreds of female inmates there have since been relocated to other institutions nationwide.

This closure signals a critical shift in addressing and exposing misconduct within correctional institutions. Still, it is only the beginning of the fight for justice for the survivors of this abuse.

One of the worst violations that female inmates face is sexual abuse

The Truth Behind BoP Facility Closures

The Bureau of Prisons (BoP) has closed several prisons and camps across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Florida. The incarcerated individuals and employees from these locations have been relocated.

According to the BoP, these closures are attributed to staffing shortages, aging infrastructure, and limited budgetary resources.

The BoP also noted problems keeping staff in Dublin. This is due to high living costs and competition from other law enforcement agencies. However, the announcement did not address recent sexual abuse allegations linked to the facility.

FCI Dublin Permanently Closed Following Abuse Convictions

The closure of FCI Dublin is an essential step in tackling abuse in federal prisons. However, this change did not happen quickly.

The scandal first came to light through brave testimonies from survivors who dared to speak out against their abusers despite immense risks.

Their bravery led to investigations that found terrible patterns of assault by prison officials over many years. The allegations of prisoner abuse included coercion, manipulation, and sexual assault by people in power.

These revelations catalyzed public outrage and prompted federal action, leading to today’s outcome.

If you suffered prison sexual assault by a guard, contact one of our assault injury lawyers. As prisoner rights advocates, we will file a lawsuit for your physical injuries, any sexual contact, and pain and suffering.

The prevalence of sexual abuse in prisons remains alarmingly high

Protecting Prisoners’ Rights After Sexual Assault in Prison

Across the country, similar cases have been reported. These cases highlight a common problem in the prison system. Power dynamics often work against inmates, especially women.

The culture at FCI Dublin was based on fear and silence. Its closure is a warning for other institutions. It is also an opportunity for them to rethink their practices and protections against abuse.

With judicial supervision, efforts were made to move hundreds of female prisoners to different facilities safely.

Legal Support for Those Impacted by Sexual Violence in Prison

The prison system is intended to be a place for rehabilitation and correction. For many incarcerated individuals, it becomes a site of unimaginable trauma.

One of the worst violations that inmates face is sexual abuse. This abuse often comes from guards and prison staff, who are supposed to care for them.

This violation takes away their dignity and destroys any sense of safety they may have in prison.

These abuses must be exposed, offenders held accountable, and survivors supported through legal avenues. Staff sexual abuse must be eradicated from the person system.

If you or a loved one has suffered staff sexual abuse, you have rights and options available to seek recourse and justice.

Supporting Survivors of Prison Guard Sexual Misconduct

The prevalence of sexual abuse in prisons remains alarmingly high despite various reforms aimed at curbing this heinous crime. The power dynamics inherent in correctional institutions often create an environment where abuse can flourish unchecked.

Guards and staff wield significant authority over inmates’ daily lives—from movement to communication—making it incredibly difficult for victims to report incidents without fear of retaliation or disbelief.

The very people who should ensure security become perpetrators themselves, leaving inmates with no safe haven or trusted advocate within the walls meant to confine them.

An experienced sexual assault lawyer and prisoner advocate group can help.

Fight for Justice After Sexual Assault in Prison—Free Consultation Available

Legal recourse plays a vital role in seeking justice for survivors of sexual assault in prisons.

A successful lawsuit can lead to personal vindication and systemic change.

Legal action brings attention to institutional failures, prompting necessary reforms that benefit current and future inmates alike. If you have been sexually abused in a Baltimore, MD, correctional facility, we will advocate for you.

The Yost Legal Group provides essential help. We offer free consultations and work hard for those treated unfairly by the prison and jail system. Call an inmate advocacy attorney at 1-800-967-8529 for a free consultation.

We will discuss your rights and seek the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

Jail Injury Lawyer – Assault Case – Legal Process – United States

MD Schools Hired Teacher with History of Sexual Misconduct

Posted on by Loni Liss

Mark Planamente, a former teacher, has been linked to allegations of inappropriate communications with students at multiple schools in Maryland for over a decade. His sexual misconduct within the Maryland school system went unchecked and allowed for ten years.

He was hired by several Maryland schools, including Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS), the Catholic High School of Baltimore, and Sisters Academy of Baltimore, even after numerous reports of misconduct.

Public and private schools have a fundamental responsibility to protect the safety of all students. Parents trust that when their children go to school, they will be in a safe environment, free from harm by staff members with histories of misconduct.

If you or someone you know was sexually abused as a minor by a teacher or school staff member in Maryland, you are not alone. The sexual abuse attorneys at The Yost Legal Group are here to help survivors of childhood sexual abuse seek justice.

We are committed to holding negligent institutions accountable and helping survivors secure the compensation they deserve. If you were sexually abused in a public school or sexually abused by a teacher, seek legal representation.

Contact The Yost Legal Group today for a free, confidential consultation. Call or text us at 410-659-6800. Our experienced legal team is here to support you.

Maryland The Catholic High School sexual abuse claims

Maryland Schools Criticized for Weak Safeguards Against Grooming

An alarming report from the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education highlights failures within Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) and several private schools in the Baltimore area.

The July 2024 report revealed systemic issues, including a clear definition of “grooming,” insufficient guidelines, and inadequate standardized training for conducting background checks.

These gaps created a dangerous environment that enabled individuals like teacher Mark Planamente to pose a risk to students.

While the Inspector General did not fault specific schools, the system still allowed this individual to “slip through the cracks,” as noted by the Baltimore Sun.

Grooming, as outlined in Maryland law (Md. Code, Educ. 6-113.1), is identified as “Sexual misconduct means an act by an adult, including an oral, nonverbal, written, or electronic communication, or a physical activity directed toward or with a minor that is designed to promote a romantic or sexual relationship with the minor.”

A Timeline of Grooming Allegations Against Mark Planamente

August 2006 to January 2015

According to the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education’s (OIGE) findings (read the entire document here) and as reported by The Baltimore Sun and CBS News, Mark Planamente got his first job with BCPS in August of 2006.

The first reported incident the OIGE investigation found was from October 2014, when a student’s mother asked the school to terminate Mr. Planamente. The mother found a message from Planamente on her daughter’s Twitter account. He asked his student if she “had a crush on him.”

Despite the mother’s protestations and the clear evidence of inappropriate direct message communications with a minor, the school did not fire Planamente. Instead, it allowed him to resign in January 2015.

The Child Victims Act of Maryland removes the statute of limitations for many child molestation cases

July 2016 to early November 2021

Citing the OIGE investigation, WYPR reported that Planamente secured a new job in 2016 as a substitute teacher and coach at The Catholic High School of Baltimore, a private, all-girls high school in northeast Baltimore City. The school promoted him to a full-time position in 2017.

In 2019, Maryland Code, Education Article §6-113.2 became law. As the OIGE report states, “This section required … mandatory screen processes of prospective employees who would have direct contact with minors.” The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) provides further information on the amendment.

Since the Catholic High School of Baltimore hired Planamente before the 2019 amendment, his previous incident of inappropriate communication with a minor, while employed by BCPS, was not disclosed.

Planamente worked for The Catholic High School until November 11, 2021. Earlier that month, Catholic placed him on administrative leave after allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a minor student surfaced.

While the school supposedly investigated the serious allegations against him, Planamente resigned.

However, according to reporting from The Baltimore Sun’s Dillon Mullan, who reached out to Catholic High for a response to OIGE’s findings, there was no investigation into Planamente’s supposed inappropriate relationship with a student.

Catholic High’s spokesperson Megan Morales said, “the school did not know of any allegations when Planamente resigned.”

Sexual abuse in schools can cause years of post-traumatic stress disorder. The Child Victims Act of Maryland removes the statute of limitations for many child molestation cases.

An experienced child sexual abuse lawyer can help you through the legal process of filing a lawsuit as a victim of sexual abuse.

If you are a survivor of sexual abuse that happened in a Maryland school, The Yost Legal Group is here to help. We want to get you the justice you deserve. Call or text us today for a free consultation with an experienced sexual assault lawyer at 410-659-6800.

Late November 2021 to early February 2022

Spokesperson Morales said that Catholic High was unaware of any allegations against Planamente. They had not been investigating claims of sexual misconduct against him.

In the report, Morales continued:

“It is our hope that this report will result in the state defining behaviors that don’t meet the legal standard for child sexual abuse, often referred to as grooming, which schools are trained to view as red flags for possible future abusive conduct.”

The OIGE report revealed that Planamente was hired by Sisters Academy of Baltimore only three weeks after he left The Catholic High School of Baltimore. Sisters Academy is a private, all-girls middle school located in southwest Baltimore.

This time, Planamente was subject to the 2019 law requiring background checks for individuals who would have direct contact with minors.

Planamente reportedly lied on his background forms by marking “No” for questions about whether he, as the applicant, had previously been fired or asked to resign from a position for misconduct.

The OIGE report shows a systematic failure

“On November 30, 2021, Sisters Academy received the Form from Catholic High indicating a ‘yes’ response to the question regarding whether an individual had been disciplined, discharged, nonrenewed, or asked to resign from employment while allegations of child sexual abuse or sexual misconduct were pending or under investigation…”

The unnamed hiring employee at Sisters Academy told the OIGE investigator that they found the response “alarming” and contacted someone at Catholic High directly.

The Catholic High School employee relayed to the Sisters Academy employee that Planamente had been exchanging e-mails with a student that were deemed “unprofessional and inappropriate” but that there was no ongoing investigation into child sexual abuse.

Despite agreeing that the e-mails were “unprofessional and inappropriate,” the Sisters Academy employee still hired Planamente because they “faced an urgent need for teachers.”

An employee with multiple recent “red flags” should never have been placed in a position to interact directly with children. The risks are too great, and ensuring child safety must always come first.

And despite asking a student in a private message on social media if she liked him, the BCPS employee who completed the screening form for Planamente’s application to Sisters Academy checked “No” on all questions about abuse and misconduct with minors.

February 11, 2022 to present

On Friday, February 11, 2022, Mark Planamente was arrested and charged with sexual solicitation of a minor. On Tuesday, January 31, 2023, Planamente pled guilty to sexual abuse of a minor. The judge sentenced him to 10 years in prison with five years suspended.

Sexual abuse in schools can cause years of post-traumatic stress disorder

Protecting Vulnerable Children: The Urgent Need for School Accountability

For nearly a decade, schools and their reporting systems failed to protect vulnerable children from harm.

The first report of grooming involving Planamente was almost 10 years ago. However, a faulty system allowed a predator to operate without restrictions. This happened in both public and private schools, despite many reports of inappropriate communication with minors.

Schools have a critical responsibility to protect their students. The recent OIGE report reveals a deeply troubling reality. One that a child predator was allowed to operate within school systems for years, continuing to interact with minors.

While the report stops short of directly assigning blame, the facts demand action. Institutions must strengthen safeguards immediately to ensure no child is at such risk again.

Speak Out Against Abuse—Your Voice Deserves to Be Heard

Protecting children requires immediate action and accountability. We must ensure that every reporting system functions effectively and that schools are held to the highest safety standards.

Parents, educators, and community members deserve answers—and steps must be taken now to ensure history does not repeat itself.

If you or a loved one was sexually abused as a minor by a Maryland school teacher or staff member, you may have a case. No matter how long ago the sexual assault or rape happened, we may be able to help you seek justice.

You have a voice, and you deserve to be heard. Contact our law firm to learn about your legal rights and how we can fight to hold your abuser accountable.

Are you ready to tell your story? Contact the compassionate childhood sexual abuse lawyers at The Yost Legal Group today.

All conversations are free and confidential. Call or text us today: 410-659-6800.

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Helping Survivors of Montrose School Child Sexual Abuse

Posted on by Loni Liss

Our client, at the young age of 13 years old, entered the corridors of Montrose School in 1987. He experienced the worst kind of betrayal and child sexual abuse within a system designed to protect vulnerable youth.

Enduring unspeakable horrors at the hands of those entrusted with his care and rehabilitation, our client’s story is not an isolated incident. It reflects pervasive neglect and misconduct within facilities governed by the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS).

Today, The Yost Legal Group stands firm in its commitment to represent survivors of institutional child sexual abuse. We bring justice against those who turned their backs on innocent children and allowed such abuses to occur.

If you are a victim of child sexual abuse, contact an institutional sexual abuse lawyer at The Yost Legal Group. Our legal group is here to support and guide you through filing a claim against the state of Maryland. Our experienced attorneys work closely with survivors of sexual abuse and sex crimes.

Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) child sexual abuse claims

Seeking Justice for Survivors of Montrose School Abuse

The Montrose School was established to nurture troubled youth through rehabilitation and education. It was supposed to be a haven where the young could be redirected towards brighter futures.

However, for many individuals like our client, it became a place where nightmares were lived out daily.

Mr. Bowman, an authority figure meant to provide guidance and protection, instead preyed on our client, a vulnerable youth at Montrose. He committed sexual acts so abhorrent that they left lasting scars on many vulnerable youths.

When our client confided in Ms. Hawkins, a staff member at Montrose, about these sexual assaults, what should have been a turning point toward safety instead spiraled into another chapter of exploitation.

Ms. Hawkins abused this trust by starting her own harmful sexual relationship with our client. This worsened his trauma.

These actions show serious problems in institutions meant to protect minors. The Yost Legal Group aims to address these issues by holding these institutions accountable.

Protecting children from sexual predators must always be at the forefront of juvenile detention centers and all children’s organizations.

guards and staff sexually abused children in Maryland youth jails

Maryland Abuse Survivors, Take the First Step

We are helping survivors of Maryland who suffered abuse in an institutional environment fight back.

–             Rape in juvenile detention centers

–             Sexual abuse in schools

–             Catholic church molestation

–             Sexual abuse by teachers

–             Sexual abuse in public schools

–             Sexual abuse in hospitals

–             Rape in foster care

Your Voice Matters: Fight Against Abuse in Juvenile Detention Centers

The DJS bears responsibility in this narrative. As a child-serving agency, it has strong authority over juvenile welfare centers like Montrose School. It looks after these children’s lives, including their education, rehabilitation, safety, and well-being.

Yet beneath this umbrella of state-sanctioned control lay opportunities for child sexual abuse that went unchecked until brave survivors stepped forward.

Empowering survivors is crucial for individual healing and systemic change. Each voice raised exposes cracks in institutional armor that must be addressed to reform juvenile justice systems across Maryland—and beyond.

Were at the Montrose school in Maryland and suffered sexual abuse, contact The Yost Legal Group.

Empowering Maryland Survivors to Claim Justice

By representing child sexual abuse claims against state entities involved in these abuses alongside other government agencies complicit through negligence or active participation—The Yost Legal Group aims to seek justice.

Even though promises were made, children sent to Montrose discovered a deteriorating, overcrowded, and understaffed facility.

They were molested and exposed to a long history of abuse by both staff and other residents, leaving them deeply traumatized. Many suffer to this day from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Montrose’s institutional failures were notorious well before the Maryland State Legislature closed it in 1988.

Known as an overcrowded holding facility for juveniles, its excessive use of solitary confinement was particularly notorious.

Maryland Juvenile Detention Center Abuse Lawyers

Numerous victims allege they reported the abuse, yet facility administrators took no action. Beyond correctional officers, accusations also involve nurses, teachers, and counselors.

Some juvenile offenders in Montrose reported their abusers coerced them into sexual acts by promising extra food, phone calls, outdoor time, and other incentives. Others described facing threats of violence, solitary confinement, extended sentences, and transfers to more severe facilities.

Montrose School closed in 1988 due to severe issues, including incidents of suicide, self-harm, and both physical and sexual abuse involving staff and students.

Hundreds of Maryland youth at the Montrose School under state care suffered sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. Individuals in positions of trust and authority misused their roles to commit appalling acts of abuse against youth.

Because of the new Child Victims Act, the statute of limitations for sexual assault in Maryland is removed for many. Regardless of how long ago your abuse occurred, we may be able to seek justice and compensation for you.

A Broken Jail System Leads to Years of Trauma

Maryland’s juvenile detention centers have been a breeding ground for abuse rather than rehabilitation. The very institutions meant to protect and reform troubled youth became harbors for predators exploiting vulnerable children.

These facilities were meant to be places of correction and hope. Instead, they continued cycles of victimization. This left deep psychological scars on many young people.

The impact of child molestation extends far beyond the immediate physical violations endured by victims. For many survivors, the psychological ramifications are profound and debilitating.

Trust issues become deeply ingrained, relationships suffer, and self-worth diminishes. Understandably, this has led some victims into lives defined by criminal behavior or even suicide.

Counseling services are available and accessible for those to begin processing their trauma in a safe environment.

In addition to emotional healing resources, legal recourse is pivotal in addressing past wrongs while preventing future incidents. Survivors deserve justice—a validation that what they suffered was wrong.

Justice for Montrose School Abuse Survivors – Free Legal Consultation

If you or a loved one were at the Montrose facility in Maryland and suffered sexual abuse, contact The Yost Legal Group. Our child sexual abuse lawyers will fight to hold your abusers and the failing Maryland juvenile detention system accountable.

Our sexual assault lawyers will work to seek financial compensation for the trauma and abuse you suffered under state care. We will file a lawsuit, provide legal representation to you, and explain the legal process.

If you are a sexual assault survivor and suffered molestation and child sexual abuse in a Maryland juvenile detention center, contact our law office for help and guidance. We offer a 100% free consultation.

Contact us at 1-800-967-8529 or fill out the form, and we will contact you shortly. If someone sexually victimized you, that was not your fault. We will file a child sexual abuse case on your behalf.

The Yost Legal Group Does Not Charge Anything Upfront.

Our child abuse lawyers will listen to your story and represent you without you having to pay anything in advance. We get paid after we settle your case. If there is no recovery, no legal fees or expenses are due.

Sexual Abuse Lawyer – Child Sexual Abuse Attorney – Sex Abuse Lawyer

Nearly 6,000 People Killed in Truck Accidents Annually

Posted on by Loni Liss

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Sees Rise in Accidents, Fatalities

In their Spring 2024 report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that accidents involving large trucks saw a rise in fatalities and injuries in 2022 compared to the previous year. When seriously injured in an accident caused by a commercial vehicle, make sure you hire an experienced truck accident lawyer.

With almost 3 million semi-trucks registered in the United States, more operators are on the road than ever. This increase has led to more injuries and deaths caused by tractor trailer accidents.

Dealing with a regular car accident involving a standard passenger vehicle is already challenging for the not-at-fault driver. You may have severe injuries that require medical treatment. You have insurance to deal with and lost time from work. There is a lot to manage.

Now, picture the at-fault driver in an accident with a large commercial vehicle weighing 10,000 and 80,000 pounds. Even if you’re in a pickup truck, it’s lucky if you only face minor physical, medical, and financial effects.

Truck drivers have large trucking companies behind them. This includes a team of lawyers and insurance professionals.

6000 deaths annually in truck accident crashes

Contact Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys Now

After a semi-truck or tractor-trailer accident, it is vital to contact a law firm. Look for lawyers who have experience with truck accidents. Not all personal injury lawyers are the same. Not all accident and injury attorneys can maximize a truck accident insurance claim.

If you are injured in a truck accident, call the personal injury lawyers at The Yost Legal Group. Our personal injury attorneys will listen to what happened and immediately investigate your case.

When seriously injured in a car accident with a large truck, and the accident was not your fault, do not delay. The Yost Legal Group is available via call or text at 410-659-6800. All consultations are free.

Hire experienced truck crash lawyers.

When injured in an accident due to tractor trailer error call The Yost Legal Group

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Study and Findings

In “Traffic Safety Facts Research Note: Overview of Motor Vehicle Traffic Crashes in 2022,” the NHTSA found a decrease in most motor vehicle accidents involving passenger cars: “The estimated number of police-reported traffic crashes decreased from 6.10 million in 2021 to 5.93 million in 2022, a 2.8% decrease.”

As a result of the decrease in the total number of accidents, injuries and fatalities also fell across the board when accidents involved standard passenger vehicles.

However, when large trucks were involved, fatalities increased by 2.0% in 2022, a statistic that did not go unnoticed by Truck Safety Coalition (TSC) Board President Tami Friedrich, who called the data “unacceptable.”

According to the NHTSA’s report, 5,936 people lost their lives in accidents with medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

Friedrich continued, “I call on Secretary Buttigieg to take action and urgently proceed with rulemaking to require the use of speed limiters and automatic emergency braking in large trucks as soon as possible.”

The Truck Safety Coalition was even more worried by the fact that 5,936 people died in large-truck crashes in 2022. This number shows a 75% increase in truck crash deaths since 2009.

Fatalities may be the most extreme outcome of a large truck accident, but they are not the only adverse effects. As noted, injuries from large truck accidents rose by 3.7% in 2022, from 154,813 to 160,608 reported injuries.

 

Non-fatal injuries when in a big-truck accident

Tractor trailer accidents happen more often than we realize. They are also much more dangerous than regular car crashes.

Tractor trailers dwarf regular passenger vehicles in both size and weight. A fully loaded tractor trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to an average passenger car’s around 3,000 pounds.

This disparity means that in a collision, the forces involved are significantly greater when a truck is involved.

The massive momentum carried by these trucks can result in devastating damage upon impact, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities for those in smaller vehicles.

This stark reality highlights the importance of increased vigilance and caution when driving near these giants. Due to their size, weight, and limited maneuverability, tractor trailers can cause severe damage.

TBI accidents caused by truck accidents

One of the most common injuries sustained in these types of accidents is traumatic brain injury (TBI).

TBIs occur when a powerful force jolts or strikes the head during impact, potentially leading to long-term cognitive impairments or even death.

Victims suffering from TBIs may face months or years of rehabilitation with uncertain outcomes.

Spinal cord injuries from big truck accidents

Another prevalent injury resulting from truck accident collisions is spinal cord damage. A sudden blow or trauma can dislocate vertebrae or compress nerve pathways within the spinal column.

This type of injury can lead to partial or complete paralysis, significantly altering an individual’s quality of life both personally and professionally.

The recovery process is often lengthy and costly, requiring extensive medical treatment and therapy sessions.

In truck-related accidents, people commonly report broken bones and fractures along with brain and spinal injuries.

Due to their strong impact, it’s common for victims to suffer fractures in different body parts. These include arms, legs, ribs, and pelvises.

Such injuries usually necessitate surgical intervention followed by a prolonged period of immobilization as well as physical therapy.

Internal injuries from truck accidents

Internal injuries represent another serious concern when involved in a crash with a large truck. These types of injuries can include damage to organs such as:

  • lungs (from rib punctures)
  • liver lacerations from seatbelt pressure during high-speed impacts
  • kidney ruptures due to blunt force trauma against seats/steering wheels

These all require immediate medical attention, without which they could prove fatal.

Last but crucially important are psychological impacts stemming from involvement in a big truck crash. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe consequence where survivors relive horrific experiences through flashbacks and nightmares.

This affects daily functioning capabilities unless addressed therapeutically over time under professional guidance.

Severe, non-fatal injuries as a result of a truck accident include, but are not limited to:

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Paraplegia injury
  • Fractures and broken bones
  • Internal injuries
  • PTSD

Many of these types of injuries will not heal with time. They cannot be cured with modern medicine. These are the kinds of significant injuries that can lead to long-term disabilities, requiring a lifetime of care.

They are emotionally, mentally, and financially draining.

Tractor trailer accident on I695 outside of Baltimore

Why are there so many accidents with semi trucks?

Difficulty maneuvering a semi truck on the road

One critical factor contributing to the danger posed by tractor trailers is their limited maneuverability. Due to their length and structure, these vehicles require much more space and time to come to a complete stop or execute evasive maneuvers like swerving or changing lanes quickly.

In emergency situations where sudden stops are necessary—whether due to traffic jams or unforeseen obstacles—a truck’s inability to halt abruptly can lead directly to catastrophic pile-ups involving multiple vehicles.

Numerous blind spots when driving a big truck

Numerous blind spots surround large trucks—areas known colloquially as “No Zones.” These blind spots exist on all four sides of a truck but are particularly pronounced on its right side and directly behind it.

Cars lingering in these zones risk going unnoticed by truck drivers who might inadvertently change lanes or make turns without realizing another vehicle’s proximity.

Avoiding prolonged periods within these blind spots significantly reduces accident risk.

Weather conditions play a major role in causing serious accidents.

Weather conditions further compound the dangers associated with large trucks on roads. Rainy weather makes it harder for all vehicles to stop. This effect is even more significant for tractor trailers.

They are heavier, which means they need more time to brake. This is true even in normal conditions. In bad weather, like rain or snow, the risk increases.

If not driven carefully, these trucks can skid off the road. Experienced drivers are needed to handle these challenges safely. This helps keep everyone on the road safe too!

Driver fatigue causes many semi-truck crashes

Lastly—and perhaps most alarmingly—is driver fatigue. Long-haul operators can spend countless hours traversing miles of road daily.

They become susceptible to:

  • exhaustion-induced errors
  • slower reaction times
  • impaired judgment from drinking and driving

Navigate Complex Claims with Experienced Accident Lawyers

Receiving maximum compensation after a motor vehicle accident can take a long time and be challenging. Hiring the best personal injury lawyer for the job is critical.

A top personal injury law attorney will work with insurance adjusters, handle the entire claims process, and work on a contingency fee basis. All truck accident claims and car accident claims are handled by our top-rated injury accident attorneys.

We will explain the process of building your case and filing a claim as we fight to seek the best result. Truck accident cases are more complex than regular car accident cases. They require a knowledgeable legal team to recover the compensation you deserve.

Our experienced truck accident lawyers understand the law and will immediately start investigating your accident claim.

An experienced tractor-trailer accident lawyer can calculate the extent of your damages, such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and future medical needs.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with a big truck, semi-truck, or tractor trailer, there is no time to delay. Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer.

The Yost Legal Group will fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve. Call 410-659-6800 today for a free consultation.

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Jury Awards $4.2 Million to Child Sex Abuse Survivor

Posted on by Loni Liss

U.S. Twirling Association Liable for 2019 Abuse of 17-Year-Old Member

A New York federal jury recently awarded $4.2 million to a sexual abuse survivor. The young 17-year-old girl was raped after she was drugged while away at a twirling competition under the supervision of the United States Twirling Association (USTA). Child sexual abuse must be stopped by holding predators accountable.

This landmark decision marks a significant triumph for childhood sexual abuse survivors. This decision underscores the accountability of large organizations for their negligence, sending a powerful message that such abuses won’t be ignored.

It’s a pivotal moment for survivors and advocates, reflecting a broader commitment to justice and change.

If you or a loved one was sexually assaulted in Maryland while you were under the supervision of a governmental agency, medical facility, or organization, you may have a case.

Our team at The Yost Legal Group understands the courage it takes to come forward. We are here to offer our unwavering support and legal guidance.

When you are ready to share your story, please contact us for a confidential and compassionate consultation. You can call or text us at 410-659-6800.

U.S. Twirling Association lawsuit won by sex assault lawyer for the sexual abuse of a 17-Year-Old girl

A Twirling Champion’s Trip to Lima: Not the Dream Journey She Expected

In 2019, the at-the-time 17-year-old baton-twirling champion (identified only as “Jane Doe”) went on an all-expenses-paid trip to Lima, Peru, with other American competitors and members of the United States Twirling Association (USTA).

The Lima Lions Club, the Lima, Peru branch of the international service organization, hosted the event. It should have been perhaps the best experience of the young twirler’s life.

She was a champion being recognized and rewarded for her hard work and talent. She likely thought she was taking a trip of a lifetime to do the thing she loved most. Unfortunately for the 17-year-old Ms. Doe, it did not turn out to be the trip of a lifetime.

According to court documents from Doe v. United States Twirling Association, the president of the Lima Lions Club—identified in documents only as Jacobo G.—wasted little time taking the twirlers and their chaperone, Koralea Slagle, out to parties and clubs where the underaged twirlers, especially Doe, were served copious amounts of alcohol and little to no water.

kids supervisor arrested for teenage sexual assault in Maryland

Victory for Survivor in USTA Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Doe’s testimony stated Jacobo pursued her aggressively and worked to separate her from the rest of the group.

This culminated at one of the events where “Doe was given a cocktail, which, according to the suit, contained a drug that made her feel ‘dazed, confused, and scared.'” Texts and phone calls she made to her family the night of the event corroborated her recount.

That night, Jocobo sexually assaulted the minor, Ms. Doe, in her hotel room after she was likely drugged via the cocktail she consumed.

In September 2022, Doe filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Twirling Association, USTA President Karen Cammer, and chaperone Koralea Slagle.

After a 25-week trial that concluded in the spring of 2024, a New York federal jury ruled in favor of Doe. This was a significant victory for childhood sexual abuse survivors everywhere. It established an important example that negligence by large organizations that leads to sexual abuse will not be swept under the rug.

USTA Found Negligent in Doe’s Abuse Case, Jury Rules

The jury rendered a $4.2-million verdict for Doe—a significant award for the brave survivor who wanted to hold the USTA accountable and hoped to limit the possibility that what happened to her could happen to someone else.

In a released statement after the verdict, Doe said:

“If I stayed silent, the USTA would have never taken accountability for their actions. I have reclaimed my voice by sharing the truth but continue to work towards healing. Athletes are not disposable, and their dignity and safety should never be sacrificed.”

Powerful words from a brave survivor.

Understanding the Prevalence of Child Sexual Assault in Institutional Settings

Child sexual assault is a deeply disturbing issue that affects many lives across the United States. It becomes even more alarming when such heinous acts occur in places where children should feel safe and protected.

Child molestation occurs at juvenile detention centers, medical facilities, and large organizations more than you can imagine.

For victims and their families, understanding the prevalence of these assaults within institutional settings is crucial. We all need to raise awareness and advocate for change to ensure that protective measures are put in place.

The first step in addressing child sexual assault within institutions is acknowledging its occurrence. Statistics indicate that while exact numbers can be challenging to ascertain due to underreporting and varied definitions of abuse across states, thousands of cases are reported annually.

sexual assult lawyer for teenagers groomed by their teachers in Maryland

Child Sexual Assault in Juvenile Detention Centers in Maryland

Juvenile detention centers have been identified as particularly vulnerable environments due to factors such as overcrowding, lack of surveillance, and inadequate staff training.

According to a study by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, nearly 10% of youth in these facilities report experiencing sexual victimization by staff or other residents during their stay.

Were you molested in a juvenile correctional facility in Maryland? You have rights, and a top personal injury law firm can protect them. Seek a free and confidential consultation.

Teenager Rape in Medical Facilities in Maryland

Medical facilities also present unique risks for child sexual assault. The trust placed in healthcare professionals can sometimes be betrayed when boundaries are crossed.

Reports have surfaced over the years about instances where children have become victims during medical examinations or treatments.

These situations highlight the need for stringent protocols and transparent communication between medical practitioners and guardians or parents.

Child molestation claims are being handled by some of the best lawyers for personal injury. If you or a family member have questions about filing a sexual assault claim, please give us a call. We are here to answer your questions and provide the support and guidance you need.

Child Sexual Abuse in Large Organizations in Maryland

Large organizations that serve children—such as schools, camps, sports leagues, and religious institutions—are not exempt from this issue either. The organizational structure can sometimes allow predators to exploit authority positions or access opportunities with insufficient oversight.

High-profile cases involving trusted mentors or leaders emphasize the importance of ongoing training for staff members alongside robust reporting systems that encourage whistleblowers without fear of retaliation.

Were you sexually assaulted by a teacher? Were you molested by an athletic coach? An experienced legal team can file a personal injury claim on your behalf. You may be entitled to a significant financial recovery.

Ready to Talk? The Yost Legal Group Here to Listen

If you or a loved one was sexually abused as a minor in Maryland, you may have a case. Talking about one’s own experience with sexual assault and rape is very difficult.

We understand the pain and pressure the memories may cause. It can seem like an unbearable weight. But there is hope, and you are not alone. Our lawyers for victims of assault seek justice against the perpetrators of sexual misconduct.

The Yost Legal Group is here to listen and help. If you are ready to talk, call or text us today at 410-659-6800 for a free consultation. All communication is confidential. Our abuse lawyers can take legal action in the state of Maryland to protect your rights.

No matter how long ago the abuse happened, the new Maryland Child Victims Act removes the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse claims.

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Maryland Personal Injury Law Firm – Child Lawyer –

How Grooming Happens & Ways to Protect Children

Posted on by Loni Liss

Grooming involves using persuasion and manipulation. If you’re experiencing the pain of child sexual abuse, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. There are many reasons why these experiences often go unnoticed or unspoken. Please consider reaching out to a trauma-informed therapist who can offer you a safe space to process your feelings and begin your healing journey.

It is important to remember that those who harm children are often individuals familiar with and trusted by them, like healthcare professionals, teachers, school bus drivers, or clergy members.

These individuals may not always resort to physical force. Instead, they might use methods such as play, deception, threats, or other forms of manipulation to involve children and keep them from speaking out.

Our focus should be on creating safer environments and supporting any child who may find themselves in such a difficult situation.

Young children get sexually molested in camp, church and other after school activities

What is Grooming? Key Warning Signs Explained

Grooming is a deliberate and methodical process where an abuser builds trust with a child—and often their family—to facilitate sexual exploitation. It frequently begins with identifying susceptible children who may have certain vulnerabilities, such as low self-esteem, loneliness, or lack of attention at home.

It can include giving gifts or planning special activities to confuse the child. Abusers might also try to make inappropriate touching seem normal or isolate the child from family and friends.

This slowly breaks down any barriers the child might have against inappropriate behavior.

Athletic coach after school grooming students for sexual abuse in Maryland

How Grooming Works and How to Recognize It

One of the most insidious aspects of grooming is how normal it can appear to outsiders. Abusers are adept at presenting themselves as caring figures in the child’s life—sometimes even acting as mentors or friends.

They may integrate themselves into community groups such as schools or sports teams where they have easy access to potential victims. By creating an environment that appears supportive and safe, they effectively mask their true intentions not only from their victims but also from those around them.

As grooming progresses, abusers often escalate their tactics in subtle ways that might not initially raise red flags. This could include introducing sexual content in conversations under the guise of education or jokingly testing boundaries with a physical touch that’s framed as accidental or playful.

These actions gradually desensitize a child to inappropriate behavior while simultaneously conditioning them to maintain secrecy about these interactions.

Child Abuse Statistics Every Parent Should Know

Retrospective research shows that 1 out of 6 boys will experience some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2005)

Approximately 90% of children are abused by someone known to them, usually someone they know and trust.

Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, Sexual Assault of Young Children as Reported to Law Enforcement (2000)

African American children have almost twice the risk of sexual abuse than white children.

Sedlak. Supplementary Analyses of Race Differences in Child Maltreatment Rates in the NIS–4. (2010)

Only about 38% of child sexual abuse incidents/cases are identified, and even fewer are reported.

London, et al. Disclosure of child sexual abuse: What does the research tell us about the ways that children tell? (2003)

Male adult child sexual abuse victims are 2.6 times more likely to report substance use problems (65% versus 25% in the general population).

Simpson, T.L. & Miller, W.R. (2002)

80% of children who have been sexually abused have some PTSD symptoms (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Shanta R. Dube, et al. Long-Term Consequences of Childhood Sexual Abuse by Gender of Victim. (2005)

School teacher or guidance counselor grooming a student for sexual molestation

It’s Not Your Fault—Support for Survivors

Survivors of child sexual abuse often find themselves feeling isolated and withdrawn from the people around them. It’s important to know that there are allies who understand, believe in your story, and are here to support you on your healing journey.

It’s not uncommon for survivors to feel guilty or blame themselves for what happened. However, you must remember that the abuse was never your fault. Those in positions of authority, such as church leaders, failed to protect you, and holding them accountable is crucial.

Legally, you have rights and options. A child sexual abuse attorney can act as a powerful advocate, offering protection and legal recourse against abusers. If the abuse happened in a place like a school, church, or detention center, it’s essential to share your story.

A sexual assault lawyer works closely with sexual assault survivors, providing gentle care and support. If you experienced abuse under the age of 18 in an institution or government facility, we can help you seek justice.

You’re Not Alone—The Yost Legal Group Can Help

The Yost Legal Group is committed to helping you seek justice. Our child sexual abuse lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland, are here to help you file a lawsuit. The Child Victims Act of 2023 protects survivors. It allows them to come forward no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.

Were you raped in a juvenile jail in the state of Maryland? Did you suffer child sexual abuse in a school or camp program? Were you molested in an institution or hospital? We can help you file a civil case.

Remember, you deserve to be heard, to receive justice, and to secure financial compensation. Contact The Yost Legal Group at 800-967-8529 for compassionate and confidential legal assistance. We’re here to listen and stand with you when you’re ready to talk.

Zimmer Hip Implant Recall Due to Increased Risk of Bone Fracture

Posted on by Loni Liss

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a critical safety alert regarding the Zimmer hip implant, CPT Hip System Femoral Stem 12/14 Neck Taper. This hip replacement medical device increases the risk of thigh bone fractures after surgery.

This announcement is particularly significant for patients with this hip replacement implant, their caregivers, healthcare providers, and medical facilities.

If you had hip joint replacement surgery with a recalled Zimmer hip implant, you may experience hip implant failure.

On September 18, 2024, Zimmer Biomet contacted U.S. surgeons and sent a letter with FDA recommendations. The letter included a simple guide for talking to patients and details about stopping the CPT Hip System Femoral Stem in the United States.

Contact your medical care provider if you or a loved one are experiencing hip pain after hip replacement surgery. If you have experienced symptoms of hip replacement failure, contact The Yost Legal Group for guidance.

hip pain after hip replacement surgery

FDA Safety Alert Issued September 17, 2024

Attention to patients: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned about a higher risk of thigh bone fractures after surgery when using the Zimmer Biomet CPT Hip System Femoral Stem 12/14 Neck Taper.

The FDA’s safety alert underscores alarming findings about the Zimmer Biomet CPT Hip System Femoral Stem 12/14 Neck Taper.

Recent reports and studies indicate that patients with this specific implant have a higher risk of thigh bone fractures. This risk occurs after surgery.

These fractures can happen because of stress at the neck taper junction of the femoral stem. This design flaw weakens the implant over time.

Such complications can lead to severe pain and decreased mobility and require additional surgeries to correct.

These fractures can necessitate surgical intervention, highlighting the urgency of the issue. You may require revision surgery to remove and replace the defective hip implant.

Recommendations for Patients and Caregivers

In response to these findings, Zimmer Biomet has taken immediate action by issuing a follow-up letter to all U.S. surgeons who have utilized this product in their practice.

This letter includes clear FDA recommendations to reduce risks for current patients and guidelines for informing those affected by possible complications.

The letter also offers a plain-language guide designed for surgeons to effectively communicate these risks with their patients, ensuring transparency and fostering trust during this difficult time.

– Talk to your orthopedic surgeon about the pros and cons of each hip replacement option. This will help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.

– Pay close attention to care after your surgical procedure to reduce the risk of thigh bone fractures after using the CPT Hip System.

– Talk to your doctor if you’ve had a CPT Hip System implant and are experiencing unexpected pain or trouble walking.

– Contact The Yost Legal Group to learn about your legal rights to file a hip replacement lawsuit against Zimmer.

hip replacement surgery causing thigh bone fracture

Device Description of Zimmer Biomet CPT Hip System Femoral Stem 12/14 Neck Taper

The CPT Hip System Femoral Stem is a medical implant used for hip replacements. It is crafted from a cobalt-chromium alloy and features a polished taper slip (PTS) style stem.

A report from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) was released on September 4, 2024. It analyzed the most commonly used PTS Hip Stems in the UK. The report found that the CPT Hip System has about a 1.4% chance of causing a fracture around the thigh bone.

Similar designs have fracture rates ranging from about 0.6% to 1%.

If your artificial hip is causing complications, your metal hip implant may be failing. Hip replacement recovery time differs for everyone based on age, health, and many more reasons.

Zimmer Biomet CPT Hip System Femoral Stem 12/14 Neck Taper recalled

What are the signs of a failed Zimmer hip implant?

Persistent Pain and Discomfort in your hip implant

One of the most common signs that something may be wrong with your Zimmer Biomet hip implant is ongoing pain in the hip.

Some discomfort is expected during recovery after hip surgery. However, if the pain continues or gets worse long after rehab, it is a concern.

This could manifest as sharp, stabbing pains or a constant dull ache that doesn’t go away even with rest. Such pain may indicate issues like loosening of the implant, infections, or even fractures around the implant site.

Limited Mobility and Stiffness in your hip area

Another significant symptom to watch out for is reduced mobility and stiffness in the hip joint. A successful hip replacement should improve your range of motion.

A successful hip replacement should help you move better. If you have trouble with daily activities like walking, bending, or climbing stairs, it could mean a problem with your implant.

The surrounding muscles and tissues might also feel unusually stiff or swollen.

Audible Clicking Sounds from your hip replacement

Hearing strange sounds like clicking or popping when you move your hip can be concerning. These noises may indicate a problem with your Zimmer Biomet implant.

These noises often arise due to parts of the implant not fitting together correctly or becoming misaligned over time.

It’s important to seek medical advice if you detect any abnormal sounds coming from your hip joint because they can precede more severe complications.

Inflammation and Swelling around the hip implant area

Persistent inflammation and swelling around the affected hip are other indicators that something might be amiss with your implant.

Normal swelling after surgery should go down slowly. However, if you have ongoing swelling with warmth around the joint or redness down your leg, it may indicate an infection.

It could also be a bad reaction to metal debris from wear and tear on your Zimmer Biomet device.

A feeling of Instability and Dislocation of your hip replacement implant

If you feel instability in your hip joint, it may give way under pressure. This is a warning sign of possible failure in your Zimmer Biomet hip replacement.

In severe cases, patients might experience dislocation where the ball slips out of its socket entirely – an urgent medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

This instability can result from improper positioning during surgery, wearing out components over time leading to loosening, or weakened surrounding musculature unable to support proper alignment.

Unique Device Identifier (UDI)

The FDA created a unique identification system to track medical devices from their production to when they reach patients in the United States. To learn more about this system, visit the Unique Device Identification System (UDI System).

What are your legal rights to file a hip replacement lawsuit?

The Yost Legal Group is a top-rated personal injury law firm focusing on product liability lawsuits, such as defective hip replacement implants. There have been many Zimmer Biomet hip replacement recalls.

Our team has experience with defective medical device cases like yours. Our product liability law firm is ready to handle complex legal issues. We can file a hip implant lawsuit for you to recover damages like pain and suffering.

We understand that you’ve already endured significant physical pain and emotional distress due to your initial hip replacement surgery. It is compounded by learning about potential defects in your implanted hip replacement device.

If you are experiencing pain or bone loss due to your Zimmerman Biomet hip replacement implant, call us for a free consultation.

Contact The Yost Legal Group for help.

If you are facing another round of corrective surgery, you don’t have to face these challenges alone.

Contact The Yost Legal Group at 800-967-8529 for a free consultation to learn about your rights. You can also fill out the form on our website and we will contact you shortly.

You’ll receive guidance on how best to proceed legally against manufacturers who failed you through negligence or oversight. If you need a revision hip replacement surgery because of complications, including side effects and long-term pain, call us.

We will file a product liability claim against the medical device manufacturer on your behalf.

PA May Change Child Sexual Abuse Law

Posted on by Loni Liss

More Than 20 States Have Recently Reformed Their Statute of Limitation for Child Sexual Abuse

Pennsylvania law allows survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits against their abusers up to the age of 55.

Their law is similar to the law that existed in Maryland for years until Governor Wes Moore signed Maryland’s Child Victims Act of 2023 in April of that same year.

Maryland’s new law removed the statute of limitations (SOL) for all childhood sexual abuse survivors. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is looking to sign a similar bill into law for his state despite pushback and stalling in the Pennsylvania Senate.

Thirteen year old girl sexually assaulted in Maryland at Juvenile detention center in Baltimore.

What defines child sexual abuse?

Child sexual abuse is a serious issue that must be clearly understood and addressed. It’s important to tell the difference between cases with minors and those with adults. Cases with an adult and a child under the age of 15 are child sexual abuse.

PA Laws on Child Sexual Abuse

The statute of limitations on sexual abuse in PA is no one can legally have sex with anyone under the age of 15. Any sexual act, including sexual abuse in school, sexual abuse by teachers, or a sexual act by a school employee, is 100% illegal.

Statutory rape, which is being molested as a minor, can sadly affect the survivor’s mental health for years to come.

A legal option is to file a criminal and/or civil claim to recover financial compensation.

  • Clear Definition: Child sexual abuse occurs when an adult engages in sexual activities with a minor.
  • Age of Consent: A minor is defined as anyone below the legal age of consent in their state. They cannot legally consent to sexual activities with an adult.
  • Adult Responsibility: The responsibility to prevent these interactions lies entirely with the adult.

Recognizing these fundamentals helps in identifying and preventing child sexual abuse, ensuring the protection of children, and upholding their rights.

In Pennsylvania, the age of consent is 16 years old. However, teens above the age of consent but below the age of 18 still cannot consent to sexual relations with an adult when there is an imbalance of power.

Statutory Sexual Assault occurs when there is a significant age difference between partners and one is below the age of consent. It’s considered a felony if:

  • One partner is 13, and the other is 17 or older
  • One partner is 14, and the other is 18 or older
  • One partner is 15, and the other is 19 or older

The state of Pennsylvania may change their laws on statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse claims

What is Institutional Sexual Assault in PA?

In Pennsylvania, certain relationships have power imbalances that make consent impossible, no matter the age of those involved. It’s a felony called institutional sexual assault when someone in a position of authority, like a teacher or coach, engages in sexual activity with someone at a school, jail, group home, or any other licensed facility for youth.

For example, a 17-year-old cannot consent to sexual relations with their doctor, employer, or teacher. Coaches, jailers, and religious advisors also fall under this “power imbalance” designation.

Pennsylvania refers to those kinds of situations as “institutional sexual assault.”

Teenage girls in juvenile detention centers in Pennsylvania are being sexually molested by guards

What Are Different Types of Child Sexual Abuse?

“Sexual abuse” is an umbrella term, but there are two main types that a specific act of sexual abuse could be categorized as physical and non-physical.

Physical forms of child sexual abuse include touching a minor’s genitals, having a child touch someone else’s genitals, penetration of an orifice, or even just kissing.

The physical forms of sexual abuse are straightforward because they are readily apparent. They can be observed and communicated.

Non-physical forms of child sexual abuse include showing pornographic material to a minor, exposing someone’s genitals to a minor, forcing a minor to expose their genitals, or taking explicit photos of a minor.

The non-physical forms of child sexual abuse can be more difficult to explain when survivors are ready to report their experience. Another term for some of this non-physical child sexual abuse is “grooming.”

Predators can groom a child by exposing them to sexual content, material, and situations without actively touching them. It is emotional and mental abuse and manipulation that is meant to familiarize the child with explicit content in hopes of taking advantage of them later on.

But let there be no mistake about it: Grooming a minor is a form of non-physical child sexual abuse. It is illegal.

If you or a loved one was sexually abused as a minor in the state of Pennsylvania, you have until the age of 55 to file a civil lawsuit against your abuser. However, there is hope that the state’s lawmakers can pass their version of a “Child Victim’s Act” to remove the statute of limitations for childhood survivors of sexual assault.

Call or text The Yost Legal Group today if you have any questions or concerns: 410-659-6800.

Facts About Childhood Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse is a severe and pervasive problem worldwide. In the U.S., according to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), child protective agencies receive a verified report or evidence of such abuse every nine minutes.

Annually, more than 65,000 children fall victim to sexual abuse. This number represents individual children, not just reports or incidents. It’s a truly staggering figure.

Even more distressing is that many of these children experience multiple instances of abuse over a year.

Approximately 25% of adult women report being survivors of child sexual abuse. While the figure for men is lower at about 7.5%, this still equates to one in thirteen men, highlighting a significant and troubling issue.

Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Survivors

Experiencing childhood sexual abuse is classified as an adverse childhood experience (ACE). Such traumatic events can have enduring effects on both the mental and physical health of survivors.

Research published in 2021 by Frontiers in Neuroscience highlights that survivors are at a higher risk of engaging in behaviors like drug use and self-harm. The study also notes that survivors face an increased likelihood of contracting sexually transmitted infections during their lifetime.

Furthermore, information from HIV.org emphasizes the importance of immediate intervention within the first 72 hours following a sexual assault to prevent HIV.

Girls who survive childhood sexual abuse also face the added risk of unwanted pregnancies, posing further complications to their well-being.

Common adverse side effects to surviving childhood sexual abuse:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Depression
  • Suicidal ideation
  • Eating disorders
  • Substance abuse

If you or a loved one is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse in the state of Pennsylvania, you have until the age of 55 to seek legal justice against your abuser and the institution that harbored them. Contact the compassionate lawyers at The Yost Legal Group today for a free consultation.

Will a “Child Victim’s Act” pass in Pennsylvania?

As mentioned, in Pennsylvania, survivors of childhood sexual abuse have until the age of 55 to file a civil suit against their abuser. That is the statute of limitation. Once a survivor turns 56, their statute has expired. There is no legal action a survivor can take from there.

Some people think giving survivors time up to the age of 55 is more than enough. However, the data does not back up that opinion because of a phenomenon called “delayed disclosure.”

In a 2020 paper titled “Delayed Disclosure,” Child USA, a national think tank for child protection, found that “the average age at the time of reporting child sex abuse is about 52 years.”

Fifty-two years might be lower than Pennsylvania’s statute, but fifty-two years was the average. With the average at fifty-two years, there are thousands of people every year who report for the first time who are older than 52 and even older than 55.

They should not lose their right to seek justice on the technicality of a few years. They are the survivors of a heinous crime and deserve their chance at justice when they feel they are prepared for it.

Child USA’s findings remained consistent in their 2024 “Delayed Disclosure” factsheet.

51% of survivors first disclosed their abuse between the ages of 50 and 69, much higher than the second-place age group of ages 30 to 49, which accounted for 17% of disclosures.

Pennsylvania’s Fight for Justice: Extending Abuse Survivor Protections

It is incumbent upon the politicians of Pennsylvania to pass whatever law is necessary to give survivors the appropriate time to come forward. A statute of limitations cutoff at 55 simply is not sufficient given everything we know about the psychology and trauma of surviving childhood sexual abuse.

Some members of Pennsylvania’s legislature are pushing for change. However, others are steadfast in their stance on not changing the statute.

Governor Shapiro had some choice words for those who wish to hinder progress:

“I think it’s shameful, and I’ve said this many times, that the Senate of Pennsylvania has failed to act, has been unwilling to look these survivors in the eye and pass a statute of limitations window to allow those who’ve been abused to confront their abusers in a court of law.”

The Yost Legal Group’s child sexual abuse lawyers are closely monitoring Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations window. If a new law is created, childhood sexual assault survivors will be able to seek justice at any time. Our sexual abuse attorneys will take cases to help them fight against their abusers.

Were you sexually abused as a minor in Pennsylvania? the compassionate sexual abuse survivor lawyers at The Yost Legal Group are here to help, listen, and provide guidance. Call or text today at 410-659-6800.

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Contact us at the Yost Legal Group for a free initial consultation. We can help to provide information about ongoing litigation or discuss the circumstances of your individual case. There is no fee or expense unless you recover.