Kingston Small
Defective Drug Recalls Lawyer
Kingston Small is the Managing Attorney of Akaigo Law, bringing over a decade of experience and a client-focused approach to his areas of diverse legal practice. A graduate of New England Law | Boston with a Juris Doctorate, and Montana State University with a B.S. in Microbiology, Kingston combines rigorous legal expertise with a scientific perspective.
Kingston’s area of practice spans over multiple areas, including family law, corporate and employment law, business and contracts, intellectual property (patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret), and criminal defense. Throughout his career, he has represented thousands of clients, including notable litigation in a multimillion-dollar lawsuit. His background also includes work in GLP-regulated labs on EPA and FDA compliance and various government contracts, adding a unique dimension to his areas of legal practice.
ANDREW VAN ARSDALE
Defective Drug Recalls Lawyer
- State Bar of California, 2018
- State Bar of Montana, 2019
- State Bar Nevada, 2019
- Professional Association Memberships
- American Association for Justice
- Los Angeles County Bar Association
- Nevada Justice Association
- San Diego County Bar Association
Originally from Billings, Montana, Andrew Van Arsdale moved to San Diego, California to pursue a career in law to ensure people could access legal representation after being wronged by powerful corporations. Andrew earned his law degree from the University of San Diego in 2018 and is licensed to practice law in California, District of Columbia, Montana, and Nevada. For years Andrew has helped people struggling from negligence-related injuries seek maximal compensation from responsible parties, ensuring client satisfaction at all times.
TEAGUE WESTROPE
Defective Drug Recalls Lawyer
- State of Montana, 2005
- United States District Court of Montana, 2005
- Montana Trial Lawyers Association
- American Association for Justice
Jasmine Frank
Defective Drug Recalls Lawyer
As the Legal Assistant and the voice of Akaigo Law, Jasmine is often the first point of contact for clients, ensuring they feel welcomed, heard, and supported from the very beginning. She understands that legal matters can be overwhelming, and she takes pride in providing a calm and compassionate presence for those in need.
Jasmine believes that sometimes, people just need someone to listen. With a foundation in active listening, problem-solving, and kindness, she strives to create a positive experience for every client she interacts with. Her ability to communicate effectively while demonstrating empathy ensures that each person who reaches out to the firm feels valued and understood.
Before joining the legal field, Jasmine gained experience in banking, lending, and the automotive industry, which has strengthened her adaptability and ability to navigate complex situations with confidence and care. Her diverse background allows her to approach her role with a unique perspective, enhancing the support she provides to both clients and colleagues.
Jhevon J. McMillan
Defective Drug Recalls Lawyer
Jhevon J. McMillan brings a unique blend of empathy, determination, and legal expertise to Akaigo Law. A graduate of the University of Montana Alexander Blewett III School of Law, Jhevon also holds a degree from Montana State University. With three years of experience, his area of practice focuses on family law, including divorce and breach of contract disputes.
Before pursuing law, Jhevon gained valuable insights as a finance manager at Lithia Toyota. His passion for mentoring others extends beyond the courtroom—he coaches youth football at Lewis and Clark Middle School, where he emphasizes teamwork and resilience.
Jhevon’s philosophy centers on understanding and listening to his clients while maintaining realistic expectations. He avoids unnecessary conflict and embraces principles like honesty, empathy, and doing his best in every case. Driven to make a difference in his community, Jhevon is committed to helping those who need it most.
Stephanie Chase
Defective Drug Recalls Lawyer
As the Business Manager of Akaigo Law, Stephanie is dedicated to ensuring that every client receives the highest level of service and support. She understands that many clients come to us during some of the most difficult times in their lives, and she takes pride in creating a welcoming, solutions-oriented environment where they feel heard and valued.
Stephanie’s approach is rooted in active listening and problem-solving. She believes in meeting clients where they are, offering guidance with empathy and understanding. Her ability to balance professionalism with genuine care allows her to help clients navigate their legal journeys with confidence.
What sets Stephanie apart is her unwavering drive, determination, and compassion. She thrives in high-pressure situations and embraces challenges as opportunities to grow and serve. A firm believer in the phrase, “Heavy is the head that wears the crown,” she recognizes the emotional weight of her role but sees it as both a privilege and a responsibility.
KASODIE WEST
Defective Drug Recalls Lawyer
Raised in Billings, Kasodie graduated from Skyview High school in 2011. She then spent 7 years in Missoula where she received both her undergraduate and law school degree from the University of Montana. Through and following Law School, Kasodie practiced family, dependent neglect and criminal law.
— Benjamin Franklin
Why Do We Need Drug Recalls?
Protecting Public Health and Safety
Drug recalls are essential for safeguarding public health. When a medication is found to be defective, contaminated, mislabeled, or otherwise potentially harmful, a recall is the most effective way to remove the product from circulation and prevent further risk to patients. Regulatory agencies such as the FDA identify recalls as a primary tool to protect the general population from dangerous or substandard drugs.
Common Reasons for Drug Recalls
Drugs may be recalled for several reasons, including:
Health Hazards: Some risks or side effects only become apparent after a drug is widely used. If a medicine poses a significant health hazard—such as causing unexpected adverse reactions, increased risk of serious conditions, or even death—it must be recalled to prevent harm.
Contamination: Drugs can become contaminated during manufacturing or distribution. Contaminants might include bacteria, fungi, chemicals, or foreign objects, which can make the medicine unsafe.
Labeling Errors: Incorrect, incomplete, or confusing labeling can lead to improper use of the drug, resulting in potential overdose, underdose, or use by the wrong patient group78.
Manufacturing Defects: Errors in the manufacturing process can affect a drug’s quality, potency, or purity, making it ineffective or dangerous.
Product Tampering or Counterfeiting: If drugs are found to be tampered with or counterfeited, recalls help remove these dangerous products from the market.
The Recall Process
The drug recall process generally involves:
Problem Identification and Risk Assessment: Detecting the defect or issue and classifying the risk to public health, ranging from minor to life-threatening.
Notification and Communication: Informing regulatory authorities, healthcare providers, distributors, and the public about the recall, including instructions on how to proceed.
Product Removal and Resolution: Collecting the defective products from the supply chain and addressing the root cause to prevent recurrence.
Consequences of Not Recalling Dangerous Drugs
Failing to recall harmful drugs can have severe consequences:
Increased emergency visits, hospitalizations, and fatalities due to adverse effects.
Loss of trust in pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers.
Financial losses from lawsuits, regulatory penalties, and the cost of managing adverse events.
Delays in the approval of new drugs due to ongoing investigations and stricter regulatory scrutiny.
Role of Regulatory Agencies
Agencies like the FDA, EMA, and others play a critical role in monitoring drug safety, assessing complaints, and ensuring recalls are conducted effectively and transparently. Their oversight helps maintain the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain and protects patients from preventable harm.
Conclusion
Drug recalls are a vital component of pharmaceutical safety. They serve as a rapid response to protect patients from defective, contaminated, or mislabeled medications and uphold public trust in healthcare systems. By swiftly removing dangerous drugs from the market, recalls help minimize health risks, prevent widespread harm, and ensure that only safe and effective medicines remain available to the public.
Joseph J. Rhoades, Esq.
Defective Drug Recalls Lawyer
JOSEPH J. RHOADES is the founder of the law firm Rhoades & Morrow LLC. Joe received his education at the University of Delaware (B.A.A.S., 1976) and the Delaware Law School of Widener University (J.D., Magna Cum Laude, 1981). Joe was a law clerk to the Honorable Henry R. Horsey, Supreme Court of the State of Delaware, from 1981 to 1982. Joe is a member of the American and Delaware State Bar Associations, the American Association for Justice (AAJ), the Delaware Trial Lawyers Association (DTLA) (Past President and Legislative Chair), the Workers’ Injury Law & Advocacy Group (WILG) and the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA).
He is a former member of the State of Delaware Workers’ Compensation Health Care Advisory Panel, serving as the Panel’s Chair, as well the State of Delaware Workers’ Compensation Task Force. Joe is the Injured Workers’ Representative on the State of Delaware Workers’ Compensation Oversight Panel and is currently serving as the Panel’s Chair. He also serves as the Vice Chair of the State of Delaware Superior Court Civil Rules Committee.
Joe has been a Guardian ad Litem for foster children in the State of Delaware Family Court for over 20 years and also serves on the Board of Directors of Action for Delaware’s Children, a not-for-profit organization which advocates for Delaware’s children, especially those living in poverty.