| Announcements |
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| TTLA 2009 Midyear Conference: June 3-5 in Austin |
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The TTLA Midyear Conference is right around the corner! Mark your calendar for June 3-5 and join us in Austin for the most up-to-date legislative recap after the session ends. As always, we offer the best networking opportunities and CLE in the state! Access the full conference brochure at www.ttla.com.
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| Laws/Cases |
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| Jury Finds for Widow of Smoker |
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A Florida jury has ordered R.J. Reynolds Tobacco to pay $1.5 million to the widow of a smoker who died of lung cancer in 1996. In the verdict jurors found that the cigarette maker concealed information about the health effects of its product. Attorneys for R.J. Reynolds said they plan to appeal. Staff, Miami Herald 05/12/2009
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| Read Article:
Miami Herald
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| Australian Vioxx Case Reveals Merck Strategies |
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A class-action lawsuit currently underway in Australia is revealing new details about how drug maker Merck promoted its withdrawn Vioxx painkiller to the global market. In a trial heavily covered by Australian media, attorneys for the plaintiffs have produced reams of evidence specifying how Merck sought to increase sales and deflect objections about the drug. However, legal experts predict that any judgment in the Australian trial will likely pale in comparison the $4.85 billion Vioxx settlement in the United States. Natasha Singer, The New York Times 05/13/2009
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| Read Article:
The New York Times
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| Bloomberg Deposed in EEOC Case |
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New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was deposed this morning in an employment discrimination case against the media and financial company that bears his name. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission lawsuit, Bloomberg LP systematically discriminated against female employees who took maternity leave. Legal experts say that despite Bloomberg’s association with the company, it is rare that a sitting mayor be deposed in such a case. David W. Chen, The New York Times 05/14/2009
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| Read Article:
The New York Times
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| Family of Paralyzed Painter Files Lawsuit |
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The sister of a Massachusetts man who suffered paralysis and brain damage while working as a house painter has filed a lawsuit accusing his employer of negligence and failing to have a legally required workers' compensation policy. According to the lawsuit, M.L. Dennehy Co. and its owners violated state workers’ compensation laws and failed to take proper safety precautions at the worksite. The lawsuit seeks compensation for past and future medical expenses, as well as damages for pain and suffering. Julie Manganis, The Salem News 05/14/2009
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| Read Article:
The Salem News
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| Lawmakers Mull Medical Device Bill |
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The House Energy and Commerce Subcomittee on Health heard testimony this week on a bill that would effectively nullify a 2008 Supreme Court decision that granted tort immunity to the makers of some federally approved medical devices. The decision in Riegel v. Medtronic, Inc. and the resulting Medical Device Safety Act of 2009 has sparked intense debate over the proper balance of federal regulation and victims’ rights. Marisa McQuilken, Law.com 05/14/2009
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| Read Article:
Law.com
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| Court: Experts in Vaccine Case Not Qualified |
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The Court of Appeals of Maryland handed down a ruling last week that is expected to make it more difficult for plaintiffs in vaccine-related cases to submit expert testimony. In the case brought by the parents of an autistic and mentally retarded child, the high court found that plaintiffs were not sufficiently qualified to testify about a potential connection between the preservative thimerosal and autism. Ben Hallman, Law.com 05/14/2009
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| Read Article:
Law.com
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| Family Settles Suit Over Fatal Explosion |
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The family of a truck driver killed in a 2007 natural gas explosion has settled their lawsuit against the Tacoma foundry where the incident occurred. In the lawsuit, the family claimed that Atlas Castings & Technology was negligent for failing to properly maintain a hose that released a cloud of propane that caught fire. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed. AP, Seattle Post-Intelligencer 05/13/2009
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| Read Article:
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
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