TTLA EClips
October 05, 2007
 
 
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LAWS/CASES
 
The family of man who was killed last year when a falling construction crane crushed his apartment has filed a lawsuit against the companies involved in the building project. An investigation of the incident revealed that the crane’s foundation was not designed properly and that contractors had failed to inspect it for safety. The son of the plaintiffs was the only person killed in the collapse.  Levi Pulkkinin, Seattle Post-Intelligencer  10/04/2007
Read Article: Seattle Post-Intelligencer    
 
A Connecticut jury awarded $22.5 million to the widow of a former truck driver who died of a massive heart attack. In the lawsuit, the widow claimed that doctors at the Stamford Medical Group failed to properly diagnose the man after he complained of severe chest pains. The jury award is estimated to be the largest wrongful death verdict in the state’s history. A judge had previously reversed a $10 million verdict for the plaintiff.  Lynne Tuohy,Hartford Courant  10/04/2007
Read Article: Hartford Courant    
 
During a 2004 family outing at a paintball park Mark Contois lost his wife when another player’s gun malfunctioned, sending a small carbon-dioxide-filled cylinder flying and striking his wife in the head. It was only later that he learned the manufacturers of the gun had known about the danger of such a malfunction since 1990. Now Contois has undertaken a campaign to improve safety for one of the fastest growing sports worldwide.  Michael Parrish, TheNew York Times  10/05/2007
Read Article: The New York Times    
 
The San Antonio Police Department has suspended four of its officers following allegations that they wrongly searched several women during the raid of a nightclub. According to a federal lawsuit filed by the patrons, the officers violated the group’s civil rights and searched them without probable cause. The latest incident follows a controversial strip-search of a college student that prompted the department to clarify its search policies.  AP, Houston Chronicle  10/05/2007
Read Article: Houston Chronicle    
 
A law firm representing families of those killed and injured in the August Minneapolis bridge collapse has filed a freedom of information lawsuit to gain access to documents detailing the disaster. Specifically, the firm hopes to look at documents compiled by an engineering firm hired to study the disaster. The Minnesota Department of Transportation declined to comment on the case, saying that they were trying to respond to a large number of similar requests.  Steve Karnowski, Yahoo News  10/04/2007
Read Article: Yahoo News    
 
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments Tuesday in a case that could have widely felt effects for shareholders who have seen their investments crumble under corporate fraud. At issue is whether plaintiffs can seek damages against third-party companies who contributed to schemes that defrauded investors. The case, Stoneridge Investment Partners v. Scientific-Atlanta, is also being viewed a preview of what may transpire in a similar case file by Enron shareholders.  Carrie Johnson and Robert Barnes, TheWashington Post  10/05/2007
Read Article: The Washington Post    
 
Legislation passed the Senate Thursday that would ban the import and use of asbestos in the United States. The Environmental Protection Agency unsuccessfully attempted to ban the cancer-causing material from 1989 to 1991. The unanimously approved measure will now be heard in the House of Representatives.  Reuters, Reuters  10/05/2007
Read Article: Reuters    
 
HEALTHCARE
 
A new Microsoft Corp. website hopes to let individuals and families digitally manage their health and medical information while deciding who can access their private data. Advocates warn that such an application will multiply the chances that confidential patient data will be wrongly exposed. Additionally, there are concerns about ownership of information stored on Microsoft servers and what happens to records after a person’s death.  Jessica Mintz, HoustonChronicle  10/05/2007
Read Article: Houston Chronicle    
 
PRODUCTS
 
The Boy Scouts of America recalled a plastic Cub Scout badge Thursday because it may contain excessive amounts of lead. The Chinese-made “Immediate Recognition Kit” badge has been distributed to an estimated 1.7 million Cub Scouts nationwide. The manufacturer of the badge has urged parents to immediately remove the badge from their child’s possession.  Anne Marie Kilday, Houston Chronicle  10/05/2007
Read Article: Houston Chronicle    
 
TEXAS LAWYER CASE SUMMARIES
 
Because the district director of the Office of Worker's Compensation Programs did not file the administrative law judge's order of dismissal, the 30-day time period for filing a notice of appeal with the Benefits Review Board had not yet begun. Therefore, Carol Grant's notice of appeal was premature. Grant v. Director, Office of Worker's Compensation Programs, 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 06-60439, 9-28-2007.  , Texas Lawyer Opinions (TTLA Members Only)  10/05/2007

 
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