In this Issue — February 2012
WHAT IS HOT IN THE LAW IN 2012
- A Police Officer’s Warning
I recently received this email from a police officer who regularly reads our Newsletters. “Bernie, I want to thank you once again for taking the time out of your busy schedule to write the Newsletters. I really enjoy reading them and find them very informative about the civil aspects of the law. In your last Newsletter you warned viewers about what they post on their Facebook page. That is so true! Anything that is on or sent from your computer can be retrieved and a lot of people become victims of crimes, because they trust the computer to keep their secrets and personal lives. In plain English, the computer is a machine! It is a tool that should be used just like the snowblower or lawnmower when it is in operation. There is an “Assumed Risk”. Should we as people really be trusting a machine!”
Well, there you have it. I couldn’t have said it better!!
- Marijuana Marital Bliss
Can a wife be granted a divorce based upon her husband’s excessive marijuana use? Yes, according to the Mississippi Supreme Court. The wife alleged the husband had smoked marijuana on a daily basis for more than 40 years! Geez, ladies, and you thought your husband was bad for being a couch potato and watching the Steelers every Sunday!
- Girl To Get $10 Million From Amputations After E.R. Delay
The family of a toddler whose feet, left hand and part of her right hand were amputated because of a lengthy emergency room delay, has agreed to a $10 million medical malpractice settlement.
The child was two years old when her parents took her to the E.R. in November with a fever, skin discoloration and weakness. The family had to wait five hours before their daughter was first seen by a doctor. Then they life flighted her to another hospital! Doctors at the second hospital found that Streptococcus A bacteria had invaded her blood and organs, and they performed the amputations. Anyone who has been injured because of doctor or hospital error or delay please call me asap.
- Second Hepatitis Trial Results In A $182.5 Million Verdict
A jury awarded $182.5 million to three Plaintiffs who contracted hepatitis C from tainted vials of the anesthesia during colonoscopy procedures. The award included $162.5 million in punitive damages against the drug maker, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and two distributors, Baxter Healthcare and McKesson Corp.
- Woman Paralyzed While Sledding Gets $8 Million
A woman paralyzed in a sledding accident in 2007 has received an $8 million settlement from the offending city. The victim crashed into a metal bench at the bottom of a hill near a ballfield while snow tubing at a park. She suffered a spinal cord injury that left her a quadriplegic.
The paralyzed woman filed a lawsuit alleging that the city should not have put a bench at the base of such a popular sledding spot and failed to take proper safety precautions.
- Immunity Given Minors Who Aid Intoxicated Peers
A new Pennsylvania law gives immunity from prosecution to a minor who calls 911 for an intoxicated friend in a medical emergency related to drinking.
The law exempts from prosecution an underage person trying to help a fellow underager who was drinking and became sick or was injured. The law applies only to people under the age of 21.
- You Be The Judge – Expert Testimony
If you are alleging injuries due to a defective car, do you need “expert” testimony to even have your case heard by a jury? Answer: Yes. Expert testimony is necessary to prove a negligence claim where the alleged defect in the car you were driving caused your injuries.
Why? Because expert testimony is required when the subject matter involves special skill and training beyond the understanding of the ordinary juror.
- Congratulations
Congratulations to Robert T. who is the winner of lobster tails from Wholey’s. Hope you enjoy them Robert.
- February Question of the Month
For a chance to win a $50.00 gas card: What is the name of the special day we celebrate each February 14th? Hint: Cupid has his arrow pointed at you.
- CONSIDER US
If you or someone you know has been hurt in any of the following situations, please feel free to contact me for a free consultation: Personal Injury cases, Injuries Involving Surgery of any kind, Children’s Injuries, Fractured Bones, Vehicle Accidents, Catastrophic Injuries, Medical Malpractice cases, Wrongful Death cases, Product Liability/Defective Product cases, Homeowners Liability cases, Workers Compensation cases and Criminal Defense.
I hope you liked and are using our 2012 magnetic calendars. If you put the magnet on your fridge, Bless you twice! Thank you for your kind, constant referrals! You really are the best!
- Spring Is Coming