Many Americans have been struggling through some tough economic times. Companies go out of business or downsize, leaving their workers to cobble together a life on unemployment until another job opportunity is found. Many people cannot maintain the lifestyle they had while employed, and are forced to file for bankruptcy. There are two types of bankruptcy that most people file, …
Elder Abuse
Bedsores may not seem to be a serious condition, but they can be fatal. Bedsores, pressure sores, or decubitus ulcers can happen very easily in elderly or disabled people. They are caused by too much pressure being put on the skin for a long period. However, they are preventable so when they develop; it is a sign that the person …
Prescription Drug Is Illegally Marketed, Has Harmful Side Effects
Risperdal is an antipsychotic drug prescribed to patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism. It is also given to patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, insomnia, and depression. A study published in 2006 showed that Risperdal, when given to adolescents and young adults, caused an elevated level of the hormone prolactin, which is responsible for breast development in …
What Is a Class Action Suit?
A class action suit is a lawsuit that includes a group of people. The group can be suing an individual or another group of people. The idea of a class action is predominantly an American phenomenon, although, in other countries, consumer groups are bringing claims on behalf of consumers. Most class action cases are filed in federal court, under Federal …
Another Bike Brake Recall
It seems like there are many bike components that fail, resulting in a recall. This time, SRAM LLC of Chicago, Illinois is recalling a hydraulic bicycle brake due to crash and injury hazard, according to the Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC). This recall affects over 23,000 bikes sold between May 2013 and December 2013, under various brands such as: ASI: …
Weight Loss Companies Are Having Their Own Fat Trimmed
Several companies that sell fraudulent and misleading weight loss products are going to have to dig into their profits and find $34 million to pay consumers who were victimized by their advertising lies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) just reached a settlement in a class action case with four companies that use deceptive advertising to sell weight-loss products, including dietary …
Judge Thinks NFL Settlement May Not be Enough
There is a lesson here for anyone who is considering a settlement for injuries they have suffered. How much is enough? Judge Anita Brody refused to approve a settlement in an NFL (National Football League) concussion case. Her concern is that the $760 million that has been offered by the NFL is not sufficient to cover the estimated 20,000 retired …
Misleading Food Labels Trigger Class Action Lawsuits
Mislabeling of foods that are either genetically modified (GMO) or contain genetically modified ingredients has the potential to trigger some of the largest class action lawsuits. Voters have had difficulty in passing amendments that would require GMO labeling on food, but consumers are joining together in an endeavor to exercise their right to know what is in their food. The …
How Does the IRS Treat Verdict Awards And Settlement?
Along with a new year comes the anguish of another tax cycle. No one wants to pay taxes on money he or she has worked hard to earn. To find out that some percent of money awarded with a jury verdict or through a negotiated settlement could be taxed, is insult to injury. However, the IRS does not see it …
$8.6M Verdict Against CSX For Retired Employee With Cancer
Railroads are an important part of American life and the employees of railroads contend with difficult and dangerous conditions to keep the trains and their cargo moving across the country. In Texas alone, there are more than 10,000 miles of track and almost 20,000 employees of many different rail lines, according to the Association of American Railroads. The Tennessee Court …
