News
Update
October 25, 2004
Atkins Diet on Trial: First
Hearing Scheduled for Tues., Oct. 26
Lawsuit Spotlights Diet's Cardiovascular Risks;
Plaintiff Seeks Warning Labels
West Palm Beach, Florida—The first hearing in the landmark
lawsuit against Atkins Nutritionals will be held on October 26 in
West Palm Beach. The plaintiff, 53-year-old Jody Gorran, will argue
that the Atkins corporation should be held liable for the life-threatening
artery blockage he suffered after more than two years on the diet.
Gorran filed suit against Atkins Nutritionals on May 26 in Palm
Beach County Courthouse. The not-for-profit Physicians Committee
for Responsible Medicine is providing legal representation. Atkins
Nutritionals is a privately held corporation, reported to be worth
in excess of $700 million.
A former volunteer fireman and advocate for children’s rights,
Gorran is motivated by his desire to protect others from a diet
he feels nearly killed him (requiring both an angioplasty and stent).
By requesting only a small amount in damages—less than $15,000—Gorran
is making it clear that he has not filed this suit to make money.
Instead, he wants to show others that they can seek recourse in
the courts if they or their loved ones suffer death or injury as
a result of the Atkins diet. He is also seeking an injunction preventing
the sale of Atkins books and products without fair and adequate
warnings about the dangers of the diet. Here are the details about
the hearing:
WHAT: First hearing in landmark lawsuit against
Atkins Nutritionals. Hearing will determine whether case will move
forward; judge may issue her ruling on day of hearing.
WHO: Dan Kinburn, Esq., PCRM’s senior counsel.
Jody Gorran, plaintiff.
WHEN: 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 26. Kinburn and
Gorran are available before and after the hearing for interviews
and photos.
WHERE: Palm Beach County Courthouse, Courtroom
6B, 205 North Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach, Florida.
PHOTOS/INTERVIEWS: Gorran and Kinburn will both
be available outside the courthouse immediately before and after
the hearing. Please contact PCRM’s Jeanne Stuart McVey at
202-686-2210, ext. 316, 415-509-1833 (cell), or jeannem@pcrm.org
for details.
###
Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
is a nonprofit health organization that promotes preventive medicine,
especially good nutrition. PCRM also conducts clinical research
studies, opposes unethical human experimentation, and promotes alternatives
to animal research.
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