Legal

The Legal section covers court rulings, statutory changes, liability trends, and key developments in Alabama and federal law that shape personal-injury claims. We explain how case law and regulation affect claims strategy, statutes of limitations, damages, and the rights of injured people pursuing justice.

Cribs Recalled Because of Fall Hazard

Munire Furniture Inc., in cooperation with the CPSC, announced a voluntary crib recall of about 24,000 cribs due to a fall hazard. The recalled cribs were sold under many different brand names including: Brighton/Sussex Cribs, Captiva Cribs, Essex Cribs, Majestic Curved Top and Flat Top Cribs.The cr

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 28 Feb 2008

4 Injured, 2 Killed in Car Crash

A two vehicle accident, Monday, claimed two lives and left four others injured.There have been 78 Alabama traffic fatalities reported in 2008 so far this year. At this time in 2007, there were 95 reported accidents.Lawrence County Coroner’s Office pronounced two men – 39, of Hartselle and 39, of Dec

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 25 Feb 2008

Biggest Beef Recall in U.S. History

Westland/Hallmark Meat Company recently initiated the largest beef recall in U.S. History, to date. The recall includes over 143 million pounds of frozen and raw beef produced by a slaughterhouse in Chino, because it may contain foreign materials.37 million pounds of the recalled beef went to school

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 23 Feb 2008

Baxter Recalls Heparin After Allergic Reactions

On Monday, Baxter announced they are temporarily suspending the production of the drug Heprin, after 350 negative reactions have been reported in conjunction with the drug. The active ingredient in Heprin, a blood-thinning medication, was reportedly made at a Chinese facility that the U.S. Food and

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 22 Feb 2008

Aloha Portable Heaters Recalled for Fire Hazard

Aloha Housewares, in cooperation with CPSC, announced a voluntary product recall of its portable heaters due to a fire hazard.The company has received 29 reports of the heaters melting, catching fire or smoking, including 18 reports of property damage. One consumer suffered minor burns to the hands

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 20 Feb 2008

One Teen killed, One Critically Injured in Car Accident

A Marbury High School student, 18, was killed in a car accident when his vehicle went into an intersection in front of an oncoming log truck, said the Alabama Department of Public Safety. The passenger, a sophomore, 15, is in critical but stable condition after undergoing surgery at Baptist Medical

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 17 Feb 2008

Alabama Truck Driver Pleads Guilty in Deaths of Guardsmen

A Citronelle truck driver accused of killing two members of the Alaska National Guard, in a 2006 truck accident, has plead guilty to charges accusing him of driving while under the influence of drugs.The man, 49, of Citronelle entered a guilty plea, Thursday, to four counts of driving under the infl

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 15 Feb 2008

Mobile Woman Killed in Car Accident

A Mobile woman, 27, died from injuries she suffered in a car accident, on Friday, when the car she was driving overturned.The woman was ejected from her automobile, although authorities have confirmed she was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, reported a spokesman for Saraland Police Depa

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 13 Feb 2008

New Era Expands Nationwide Recall of Canned Vegetables for Botulism Risk

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced they are expanding a nationwide recall of canned vegetables for a third time due to potential Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) risk.C. botulinum produces the toxin that creates botulism which can cause life threatening illness and sometimes d

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 7 Feb 2008

Gasoline Tanker Accident Shuts Down Alabama Interstate

State trooper’s shutdown both lanes of Northbound Interstate 85 to clean up the aftermath of a trucking accident that involved an overturned tanker truck transporting gasoline.The tanker rolled down the side ramp at exit 22 and came to rest between the exit ramp and the interstate, according to offi

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 3 Feb 2008

Crib Turtle Toys Recalled by Kids II for Choking Hazard

Kids II Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has announced a crib toy recall. The recalled products include the Baby Einstein, Baby Neptune and Soothing Seascape toy turtles.The anchors that hold the straps to the back of the toy can detach and pose a choking

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 31 Jan 2008

Belulah Woman Ejected From Vehicle; Dies Instantly

A car accident, Monday night, claimed the life of a Belulah woman, 44. Officials say the accident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Lee Road 375. The woman died instantly from head injuries she suffered when she apparently lost control of her car and was ejected from the vehicle.The car tumbled from th

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 25 Jan 2008