Whoa Baby! Thankful they’ve Settled…

November 26th, 2009. By AbiK

Just taking a moment on this very quiet (thankfully) Thanksgiving to recall all those who’ve…settled! It’s often a long journey, but the legal process does work and I’m sure there are many out there today who are thankful they went through it. Take a look…it’s our rather lengthy running list of published settlements. Of course, if you prefer to see them listed by category, click here.

Here, some of the recent settlements we’ve posted to our home page (don’t forget, you can easily keep up to date on new settlements by subscribing to our weekly newsletter; hey, you never know—you just might be a part of a settlement yourself)…

• Washington to Pay $13.7 Million to Demonstrators (Nov-24-09)
• Heelys Securities Class Action Settled for $5.25 Million (Nov-24-09)
• HRT Lawsuits Pharma Faces Multi Million Dollar Settlements (Nov-24-09)
• Cyclist Awarded $722,800 for Injury Resulting from Alleged Bicycle Defect (Nov-23-09)

Asbestos News Roundup: 11.26.09

November 26th, 2009. By LucyC

A roundup of recent asbestos-related news and information that you should be aware of. 

Asbestos Screening: The Building Trades National Screening Program

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is currently funding the Worker Health Protection Program (WHPP) that provides free medical screenings for current and former workers at numerous DOE sites, specifically: Gaseous Diffusion Plants (GDPs) in Oak Ridge, TN, Paducah, KY and Portsmouth, OH; the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in Idaho Falls, ID; Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) and Y-12 in Oak Ridge, TN and two closure sites: Mound in Miamisburg, OH and Fernald in Harrison, OH.

Because the goal of the program is to detect early stage work-related illness, the screenings are designed to identify adverse health outcomes related to on the job exposure to a number of toxic substances including asbestos. Asbestos is a known carcinogen and can cause mesothelioma, a fatal form of cancer, as well as reparatory illness such as asbestosis. 

The WHPP is managed by Queens College of the City University of New York. You can see their screening calendar here  

Construction Workers at Risk for Asbestos Exposure

According to the United States Department of Labor an estimated 1.3 million employees in the construction and general industry face significant asbestos exposure on the job. Those most at risk work within the construction industry, with some of the heaviest exposure occurring during asbestos removal, renovations, or demolition. 

Employees are also at high risk for asbestos exposure during the manufacture of asbestos products, and there are more than 3,000 such products on the market, including textiles, Read the rest of this entry »

Got Knauf Defective Drywall? Get Filing

November 26th, 2009. By AbiK

It’s Thanksgiving, I know. But I also know it’s the type of morning when some of you are trolling the internet getting caught up on all the things you’ve missed over the past week or so. Here’s one you don’t want to miss if you’re dealing with Chinese drywall with “Knauf” stamped on it:

Homeowners who claim problems with defective drywall have until Dec. 2 to file papers for a national class action against Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin.

If you are a homeowner who’s been affected by Knauf defective drywall—and have proof that you have Knauf defective drywall in your home—and you meet the December 2nd deadline for filing a claim, you will be covered in the lawsuit to be filed December 9th.

All others affected by the Chinese drywall debacle are still urged to sumbit a claim—however, this deadline is specifically for those who have Knauf defective drywall in their homes.

DPS on how to Avoid a Texas Car Crash this Weekend

November 25th, 2009. By AbiK

The Texas Department of Public Safety issued some very sound advice for all of those (like me) who are racing to the car to get the holiday weekend going. You don’t need to live in Texas to heed the advice—nor do you need to live in Texas for a car accident to occur….so take note and be safe on the road this weekend!

As reported on statesman.com (11/24/09), David Baker, assistant director for the Texas Highway Patrol states, “Please drive carefully. Crashes can happen in just a second, so pay attention. We want everyone to arrive safely this weekend. Be patient, slow down and drive sober.” (Note, Texas DPS troopers apparently made some 252 arrests for driving while intoxicated during last year’s Thanksgiving weekend).

Aside from staying sober to drive, the Texas DPS also shares these tips for avoiding road rage—and hey, with a gazillion eager relatives trying to get to that turkey and pumpkin pie while sitting in bumper to bumper traffic, I’m betting a few carloads will be carrying a bit of rage down the interstate. Here, the habits to keep in check:

• Not using turn signals
• Driving in the passing lane
• Tailgating, flashing lights or honking
• Using high beams in traffic
• Not allowing adequate time for a given trip

When confronted with aggressive drivers, the DPS recommends that you:

• Put your pride in the back seat and move aside.
• Do not speed up, block lanes, slam or tap on brakes.
• Report extreme cases of reckless driving to the appropriate authorities when the incident occurs.
• Do not retaliate, gesture or make eye contact.
• Make sure everyone is buckled up.

And hey, from all of us at LawyersAndSettlements.com, have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Santa’s Lap Hosting New Dance for the Holidays?

November 25th, 2009. By AbiK

Santa baby’s lap may just be a veritable petri dish of dancing bacteria this season—and the Santas are all too aware of it and none too pleased. In fact, AP reports that some Santas are seeking priority level status for the H1N1 flu vaccine. And can you blame them?

This weekend kicks off the official arrival of an army of Santas (“helpers” for those under the age of eight) in shopping malls nationwide—and the long lines of kids waiting to tell Santa what they want for Christmas. It’s an age old tradition and one every child looks forward to. And every parent enjoys spending the $8.99 + tax for the “framed” photo.

But this year, things are different. Now there’s alarm. Over both seasonal flu and H1N1. And who more likely to be exposed to whatever bacteria’s brewing than Santa?

Now, to be clear, the Santas who are seeking priority status for the H1N1 vaccine, AP reports, don’t want to be prioritized ahead of groups already classified as such—i.e., child care providers or those with respiratory conditions, etc. They’re also concerned about, well, those bellies like bowlfuls of jelly—yes, Santas—at least the larger bellied ones who fit the traditional character sketch for Santa—may be affected more severely should they come down with H1N1 as obesity has been linked to an increase in H1N1 complications.

I’d hate to see parents—even at the risk of shelling over that $8.99 + tax—avoid the Santa experience this year. It’s one of the few moments of true wonderment, excitement and glee a child can experience. And I’d hate to see Santa (or any of his clones) come down with H1N1.

Who knew the job of Santa could have such occupational hazards?