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.

Michigan Borrowers Awarded $14 Million in Ameriquest Settlement

Over $14 million dollars in checks are being mailed to 18, 481 Michigan loan borrowers as part of a settlement with Ameriquest Mortgage, once the nation’s largest sub-prime lender. The payments are part of a $295 million national settlement stemming from a predatory lending lawsuit against them.More

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 20 Dec 2007

Infantino Lion Teethers Recalled for Choking Hazard

Infantino, in cooperation with the CPSC, announced a voluntary product recall of its “Lion” teethers because the plastic nose can detach posing a choking hazard to small children.The company has received eight reports of the nose detaching. One of the eight reports includes a small child gagging on

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 17 Dec 2007

Geneva Man Killed in Car Crash

A car accident, on Tuesday, claimed the life of a Geneva man while also injuring three of his passengers, according to Alabama State Troopers.The accident occurred on Geneva County Road 58 just after 8:10 pm, according to a news release by state troopers.The accident involved a 1998 Ford F150 pickup

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 15 Dec 2007

Merck Recalls 1 Million Doses Of Childhood Vaccine

Merck & Co., a popular drug manufacturer, announced a recall of more than one million vaccines due to a contamination risk. U.S. Health officials say the recall is not a health threat. Dr. Julie Gerberding, head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, echoed that in a news conference.The

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 13 Dec 2007

Stokke Recalls Strollers for Wheel Detachment Hazard

Stokke LLC, in cooperation with CPSC, announced a voluntary recall of 2,000 Xplory Baby Strollers. A bolt that attaches the front wheel to the stroller can come loose, causing one of the front wheels to fall off, posing a fall hazard to small children.The company has received 14 reports of wheels fa

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 11 Dec 2007

Alabama Man Killed in Motorcycle Accident(2)

A motorcycle accident claimed the life of a Saraland man, on Friday, according to Alabama State Police.The motorcyclist, 18, was transported to the University of South Alabama Medical Center by helicopter ambulance, where he later died from the severe injuries he suffered in the crash.The accident o

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 9 Dec 2007

Potty Training Seats Recalled for Lead Hazard

RC2 Corp., in cooperation with CPSC, announced a voluntary recall of The First Years 3-in-1 Flush and Sounds Potty Training Seats due to excessive levels of lead on a decorative plaque located on the back of the seat.The recalled potty training seats have the words “100 Acre Wood” molded into the ch

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 6 Dec 2007

Car Accident Claims the Lives of Three High School Cheerleaders

A car accident, on Thursday, claimed the lives of three high school cheerleaders and injured four others on their way home from practice. The accident occurred when the driver lost control of the vehicle, left the two-way highway and struck a tree and went over an embankment. Officials say it appear

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 1 Dec 2007

Chicago Train Derails Sending Dozens to the Hospital

An Amtrak train traveling to Chicago from Grand Rapids derailed and plowed into the back of a freight train, Friday, injuring dozens of people. Eight of the 187 passengers were seriously injured in the train accident, according to authorities. Three people in the engine of the Amtrak train, apparent

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 30 Nov 2007

Ground Beef Recalled for E. coli Contamination

American Foods Group announced a recall of nearly 96,000 pounds of various ground beef products that may have been contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a deadly bacterium. E. coli O157:H7 can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration.The Illinois Department of Public Health discovered the problem during a

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 26 Nov 2007

Colossal Children Jewelry Recalled for Lead Hazard

Colossal Jewelry, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), announced a voluntary jewelry recall of metal bracelets and necklaces because they contain excessive levels of lead. Lead can be toxic and cause adverse health effects if ingested by small children.The recalled

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 23 Nov 2007

FDA Issues Early Communication to Pfizer for the Drug Chantix

Chantix, a prescription drug aide to help adults quit smoking, is being evaluated by the FDA for adverse health effects.Pfizer Inc., the manufacturer, recently submitted reports to the FDA describing suicidal ideation (thoughts). In the aftermath of a recent case that reported erratic behavior while

By Legal Examiner Staffer

/ 22 Nov 2007