Blog
June 6, 2014
You might recall the recent scrutiny that General Motors (GM) underwent after selling millions of defective vehicles to consumers all over the country. This Unites States-based company was recently fined $35 million for failing to properly report safety problems within their inventory.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced in May that General Motors agreed [...]
June 3, 2014
A jury in Fresno awarded the family of a man who died of mesothelioma $10.9 million in damages as a result of his contracting mesothelioma because of his use of Bendix asbestos brake pads and linings. The ruling came against Honeywell, the successor company that purchased Bendix in the 1980s. Bendix, like many manufacturers of brake parts used asbestos, because of its ability to withstand high temperatures. The jury verdict was split, with $7.4 million being award to the family as compensatory damages, which is recompense for the premature death from mesothelioma at age 59 of their husband and father. The $3.5 […]
June 3, 2014
Most anyone who owns, operates or supervises a construction company can appreciate just how dangerous asbestos is. For this and other reasons, it is baffling to hear news reports of construction companies that willfully violate laws governing safe removal of asbestos during demolition and renovation projects. Even if they have no concern for the public [...]
June 2, 2014
You might not have guessed it, but medical drug injuries are a big problem in the United States. There are many prescriptions approved by the FDA and available for patient use, but some are not the miracle-workers that advertisements claim them to be.Recently, Boehring Ingelheim resolved more than 4,000 claims involving their drug Pradaxa, an [...]
May 30, 2014
by Brayton Purcell LLP May 30, 2014 Product Recalls Fashion comes at a price. When shopping for clothing, most consumers do not think twice about whether or not a garment poses a risk to their life. As large retailers work to offer fashionable clothing at more affordable prices, these kinds of consumer thoughts are becoming normal. Consumers who recently purchased girls’ clothing at H&M might be interested to hear about the recent recall of 65,000 pairs of belted leggings due to a choking hazard. The leggings were sold in sizes 1 ½ to 8 years, and have a plastic belt […]
May 29, 2014
This story is illustrative of at least two elements of problems related to asbestos materials in buildings throughout the nation. While in this case, the asbestos was blowing across a South Carolina beach, it could just as easily have been a California beach, city street or park. Because of the tens of thousands locations where [...]
May 29, 2014
by Brayton Purcell LLPMay 29, 2014Product RecallsIf you are a cyclist, you might want to hear about the recent recall by BMC. The Alpenchallenge, Masschallenge, and Urbanchallenge bicycle models with Aprebic Forks were recently pulled from store shelves when it was found that the forks can crack or break. This crack or break happens above [...]
May 28, 2014
Mesothelioma can be a devastating disease. It is a rare and incurable form of cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is everywhere, and a lot of people can be exposed without knowing it. After diagnosis, mesothelioma patients are expected to live one to two years. Their health can deteriorate, and caregivers may be [...]
May 28, 2014
by Brayton Purcell LLPMay 28, 2014Product RecallsThere are many products available in retail stores that advertise assisting the elderly and otherwise medically impaired. Whether it is a hearing aid or a comfortable pillow, these devices are not prescriptions, and are assumed to be safe for the use of the general public. It can quickly become [...]