PLAINTIFF LAWYER DOES IT AGAIN

[smazza]

Laws/Cases

Suit Filed Against Apple over 'In-App Purchases'

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Apple Inc., alleging customers have lost millions of dollars because their children have been "lured to purchase virtual items needed to succeed at games" found in the App store for an iPod, iPhone or iPad. The suit claims the fees always come from free games their children download and are made during gaming, called "in-app purchases." After receiving complaints, Apple has since required a password to be entered for these purchases, but the suit claims the problem still persists.  Jeff Gelles, Philadelphia Inquirer  04/24/2011

Read Article: Philadelphia Inquirer     

US Drugmaker Files Patent Infringement Suit

U.S. drugmaker Pozen has filed a lawsuit against India's Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. over patent infringement related to the pain medication Vimovo. The suit claims Dr Reddy's is attempting to sell a generic version of the drug before the Vimovo patent expires. With the lawsuit filed, the Food and Drug Administration will automatically hold the generic drug's approval for 30 months or until litigation is completed.  Bharghavi Nagaraju, Reuters  04/25/2011

Read Article: Reuters     

Suit: Woman Murdered by Resident at Group Home

A lawsuit has been filed over the death of a young woman who was a counselor at a Revere, Mass., group home earlier this year. The lawsuit claims the woman was killed by one of the residents at the home who has a history of violence and medical illness. The suit names the directors of the agency as plaintiffs, as well as two doctors and the suspect in the murder.  Wire Report, Boston Herald  04/21/2011

Read Article: Boston Herald     

Products

Cucumbers Recalled over Salmonella Risk

The Food and Drug Administration has announced a recall of 1,600 cartons of cucumbers distributed to nine states across the country due to the potential of salmonella infection. The agency said the cucumbers had extended beyond their freshness shelf life. There have been no reports of customers becoming ill after consuming the products.  Staff Report, Chicago Tribune  04/23/2011

Read Article: Chicago Tribune     

Disney Tricycles Recalled over Laceration Hazard

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of 9,000 plastic tricycles from Disney due to a laceration hazard. The agency reported that children may cut themselves on the the "plastic castle display and the princess figures protruding from the top of the bike's handle bar." There have been three reports of children suffering cuts to the face.  Lauren Keiper, Reuters  04/21/2011

Read Article: Reuters     

Toyota Recalls 308,000 SUVs to Fix Airbag Problem

Toyota has announced a recall of 308,000 sport utility vehicles that are equipped with airbags that can deploy without a crash. The recall covers 214,000 2007-2008 RAV4s and 94,000 Highlander and Highlander hybrids from 2008. The company said it first learned about the problem in 2007, discovering the cause to be a short circuit of two sensors in the vehicle.  Christopher Jensen, The New York Times  04/22/2011

Read Article: The New York Times 

[smazza]

Laws/Cases

Suit: Fraternity Hazing Caused Student's Withdrawal

A New York City student has filed a lawsuit against Hartwick College, claiming he was subjected to severe hazing while at school, causing him to drop out. The lawsuit claims that as a pledge to Alpha Delta Omega, the plaintiff was subjected to "both physical and emotional abuse" in 2010. The student has since withdrawn from the university and enrolled at Hofstra University in the New York suburbs. A criminal case is also pending.  Staff Report, United Press International  04/26/2011

Read Article: United Press International     

City Tree Fell on Truck, Killing Child, Suit Says

A San Jose, Calif., couple has filed a lawsuit against the city after a rotting maple tree fell onto their truck, killing their 2-year-old son and injuring them. According to the lawsuit, the tree was stricken with root rot that was not visible from above ground and, since the tree was on public property and owned by the city, the city was responsible for maintaining it and making sure it was safe for residents. The suit is seeking damages to cover the funeral, the couple's medical and legal bills, loss of earnings and damage to the truck.  Tracy Seipel, Contra Costa Times  04/25/2011

Read Article: Contra Costa Times     

Products

Iodine Prep Pads Recalled

A recall has been issued for Triad Povidone Iodine Prep Pads that were sold in first aid kits. The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the pads could be contaminated with a bacteria that could lead to serious infections if used. The first aid kits are sold under the brand name Atwater Carey.  Staff Report, PR Newswire  04/25/2011

Read Article: PR Newswire     

Carabiners and Quickdraws Recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of 15,500 carabiners and quickdraws that may fail under heavy weight. Sold by CAMP USA Inc., the products were sold nationwide from February through March 2011. The agency said that the carabiners may open under certain weights, posing a fall and injury risk to the user.  Staff Report, United Press International  04/22/2011

Read Article: United Press International     

Children's Scooters Recalled over Laceration Risk

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of 16,000 children's scooters produced by Kiddieland Toys Limited. The agency said a "child's finger can get caught in the hinge mechanism between the steering column and the platform, posing a laceration hazard." There have been two reports of injuries requiring stitches related to the product.  Staff Report, PR Newswire  04/21/2011

Read Article: PR Newswire     

Aquarium Heaters Recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of 1.2 million aquarium heaters due to a wiring problem that can cause the products to overheat. Imported by the United Pet Group, the Marineland Stealth and Stealth Pro Aquarium Heaters can overheat, causing aquarium glass to break and pose a laceration and burn risk to consumers. There have been 38 reports of fires and 45 reports of broken glass.  Staff Report, PR Newswire  04/21/2011

Read Article: PR Newswire     

[smazza]

Laws/Cases

Suit Filed over Abortion Billboard in New York City

An anti-abortion billboard in New York City has provoked a lawsuit from the mother of the six-yea-old girl pictured on the ad. The billboard shows a picture of the African-American child with the words "The most dangerous place for an African-American is in the womb." The suit claims the ad, placed by the Texas group Life Always, is racist, offensive and defamatory.  Wire Report, The New York Times  04/27/2011

Read Article: The New York Times     

Austin Settles Suit over Fired Bus Driver

Central Texas officials have agreed to a $21,000 settlement with a former bus driver who was fired after refusing to drive someone to Planned Parenthood. The man claimed that as a Christian minister he could not “in good conscience†take a person to a clinic where they might be getting an abortion. As part of the settlement, the plaintiff is barred from future employment with the transit service.  Staff Report, United Press International  04/26/2011

Read Article: United Press International     

$2.5 Million Awarded to Wrongfully Imprisoned Man

A Cleveland man was awarded $2.5 million to settle a lawsuit he filed for spending 29 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of sexual assault. The plaintiff was freed after the Ohio Innocence Project used DNA testing to show he was innocent. He was released last May.  Tonya Sams, Cleveland Plain Dealer  04/25/2011

Read Article: Cleveland Plain Dealer     

Products

Snowblowers, Mowers Recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced the recall of 23,000 Toro Power Clear Snowblowers and 6,200 Toro Recycler Mowers due to fuel leaks. The agency said the leaks can lead to fire risks if the fuel is exposed to an ignition source. There have been about 500 reports of carburetor leaks, but none resulted in fire or injury.  Wendell Marsh, Reuters  04/26/2011

Read Article: Reuters     

Toyota Recalls 51,000 Trucks to Fix Drive Shaft

Toyota Motor Corp. has announced a recall of 51,000 Tundra pickups due to a potentially defective drive shaft. The company reported that part of the truck's rear drive shaft could break due to improper casting during the manufacturing stage. Toyota said it is aware of one instance in which the drive shaft failed, but no injuries occurred.  Jonathan Welsh, WSJ Blogs  04/26/2011

Read Article: WSJ Blogs     

Nissan Recalls Vehicles with Corrosion Risks

Nissan has issued a recall of 195,991 Infiniti QX4 and Nissan Pathfinder vehicles due to potential corrosion caused by salted roads. The company said that in cold-weather states, road salt may cause corrosion problems that could interfere with steering. The corrosion could eventual lead to the steering column breaking off completely.  Staff Report, United Press International  04/25/2011

Read Article: United Press International 

[smazza]

Laws/Cases

Botox Maker Ordered to Pay $212 Million in Lawsuit

A Virginia jury awarded $212 million to a local man in a lawsuit against Allergan Inc., a maker of Botox. The lawsuit claimed after the man was injected with Botox in 2007 to treat hand tremors, he fell ill and eventually suffered severe brain damage. The suit claimed the company failed to warn consumers about the risks of off-label use of the product.  Shan Li, Chicago Tribune  04/29/2011

Read Article: Chicago Tribune     

Lawsuit to Proceed over Woman's In-Jail Birth

A 2007 lawsuit filed by a mentally ill woman who gave birth alone in a King County, Wash., jail 14 years ago has been allowed to proceed. The judge ruled that due to her mental illness, she met the criteria for a provision that stops the clock on statute of limitations. In her suit, she claims she called for help on the jail cell intercom while giving birth, but says officers said they did not believe her and refused to come to her aid. Another officer, the suit states, saw the woman preparing to give birth and walked away without helping.  Vanessa Ho, Seattle Post-Intelligencer  04/28/2011

Read Article: Seattle Post-Intelligencer     

$1.9 Million Settlement Reached over Stun Gun Use

Marin County, Calif., officials have agreed to a $1.9 million settlement in a lawsuit filed against the local sheriff's department for improper use of a stun gun. According to the suit, sheriff's deputies repeatedly shocked a 66-year-old man with a stun gun in his home in 2009. The officers had responded to a call saying the man had fallen and was potentially a suicide risk. The man, who was sitting on his couch when officers arrived, was immediately shot with the gun when he stood up.  Wire Report, San Jose Mercury News  04/27/2011

Read Article: San Jose Mercury News     

Products

Top-of-Car Bike Racks Recalled

Bike rack maker Yakima Products has announced a recall of its top-of-car bike rack, the FrontLoader, due to a malfunction with the product. The affected products were shipped to dealers between March and December 2010. There have been no injuries related to the product, the company said.  Staff Report, PR Newswire  04/28/2011

Read Article: PR Newswire     

Ammonium Injections Recalled over Particles

American Regent has issued a recall of an Ammonium Molybdate Injection after it was discovered that some of the vials contained particles. If injected, the particles can cause localized inflammation (swelling and accumulation of inflammatory cells) and granuloma formation. The product is used as a supplement for Total Parenteral Nutrition solutions.  Staff Report, PR Newswire  04/26/2011

Read Article: PR Newswire     

Organic Chocolate Bars Recalled 

California company Organic Food Bar, Inc. has recalled five lots of Chocolatey Chocolate Chip RAW Organic Food Bars. The recall was initiated after it was discovered the products may contain an unlisted peanut protein. Those with peanut allergies may suffer severe medical problems if they consume the product.  Staff Report, Kansas City Info Zine  04/18/2011

Read Article: Kansas City Info Zine   

[smazza]

Laws/Cases

Jury Awards $2.69 Million in Fatal DUI Accident 

A West Virginia jury has awarded $2.69 million to the families of four people killed in a fatal drunken driving accident in 2008. The man responsible for the accident, who was sentenced to six to 26 years in prison, stole a truck from a local car dealership and drove it head on into another vehicle. The car dealership will be responsible for paying 20 percent of the damages, the jury ruled.  Wire Report, The Charleston Gazette  05/02/2011

Read Article: The Charleston Gazette     

Plane Maker to Pay $48 Million in Crash Lawsuit

A Missouri jury has awarded $48 million to five families who lost children in a 2006 skydiving plane crash. The lawsuit said the plane's manufacturer used improper metals to construct the engine of the plane. Shortly after takeoff, the engine blew up, causing the plane to crash. Six people were killed in the accident.  Phillip O'Connor, St. Louis Post Dispatch  05/02/2011

Read Article: St. Louis Post Dispatch     

Purchasers Notified of Class-Action Suit against Maker of Weight-Loss Supplement 

Notices were sent out this week to purchasers of the weight-loss supplement Akavar, notifying them of a class-action lawsuit against the maker of Akavar. The suit claims the marketing of the product, which says "eat all you want and still lose weight," has not been tested in clinical trials or evaluated by doctors. The phrase is misleading, fraudulent and deceptive, the suit alleges.  Staff Report, PR Newswire  05/02/2011

Read Article: PR Newswire     

Products

Rice Noodle Carts and Noodle Bowls Recalled

Simply Asia Foods, LLC, has announced a voluntary recall of Thai Kitchen® Noodle Carts and Simply Asia® Noodle Bowls due to an undeclared milk allergen. The products were distributed to stores nation-wide as early as October 2009. There have been no illnesses reported in association with the products.  Staff Report, Business Wire  04/30/2011

Read Article: Business Wire     

Salmonella Prompts Grape Tomato Recall

A recall has been announced of one lot of grape tomatoes from Raley's Family of Fine Stores due to the potential contamination of salmonella. The tomatoes were distributed to California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Canada. The recall also affects ten types of salad kits, which contain the potentially contaminated tomatoes.  Staff Report, PR Newswire  05/02/2011

Read Article: PR Newswire     

Soup with Undeclared Allergen Recalled 

Bay Valley Foods has issued a recall of 188,181 pounds Reduced Sodium Chicken Noodle Soup sold at Walmart due to an undeclared milk allergen. While the label says "Chicken Noodle Soup," the can may actually contain Cream of Chicken soup, the company said. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with the product.  Staff Report, PR Newswire  05/02/2011

Read Article: PR Newswire 

[smazza]

Laws/Cases

Suit: Tennessee Schools Promoting Christianity

A group of students in a Tennessee school district have filed a lawsuit against their schools, claiming the district has "shown a pattern of promoting Christianity." The lawsuit claims the district has violated the First Amendment by allowing students to hand out Bibles and permitting a teacher to hang a cross in her classroom, among other things. The suit claims it places pressure on students to believe in a certain religion.  Julie Hubbard , Tennessean  05/03/2011

Read Article: Tennessean     

GM Employees File Suit over Lack of Pay, Benefits

A group of Ohio General Motors employees have filed a lawsuit against their employer, claiming GM denied them full pay and benefits. According to the lawsuit, the employees have been improperly classified as temporary employees since their hiring in 2006, while other employees have been reclassified as permanent workers. The workers are seeking back pay between $3 million and $4 million.  Julie Kent, Cleveland Leader  05/02/2011

Read Article: Cleveland Leader     

Bed Bugs Lawsuit Settled

A Glendale, Calif., hotel has reached a settlement with three women who claimed to have been bitten by bed bugs during their stay. One of the women said she was bitten 167 times by bed bugs while staying at the Rodeway Inn-Regalodge Motel. The amount of the settlement was undisclosed.  Veronica Rocha, LA Times  05/03/2011

Read Article: LA Times     

Products

Blood Thinners Recalled

Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. has issued a recall of one lot of the blood thinner Coumadin after it was discovered that the dosage was too potent. Patients taking too high a dose of blood thinners could be at risk of excessive bleeding. The recall affects 5-milligram Coumadin tablets with an expiration date of Sept. 30, 2012.  Staff Report, Kansas City Star  05/02/2011

Read Article: Kansas City Star     

More Grape Tomatoes Targeted by Recall

Florida company Six L's has announced a recall of one lot of grape tomatoes that may be infected with salmonella. The product was distributed to North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Georgia and Canada. This is the second company to recall tomatoes in April over salmonella.  Staff Report, PR Newswire  04/29/2011

Read Article: PR Newswire     

Kia Recalls Spectras over Fire Risk

Kia Motors Corp. has announced a recall of more than 58,000 Spectra compact cars from cold weather states due to problems with the fuel tank. The company reported that in those areas, a full tank could break off from the car, drop to the ground and cause a fire. The recall covers Spectra LD models from 2004 to 2007.  Staff Report, Kansas City Star  04/29/2011

Read Article: Kansas City Star   

[smazza]

Laws/Cases

Suit: Orlando Officer Broke Elderly Man’s Spine

An elderly man has filed a lawsuit against the Orlando Police Department over his arrest in September 2010. A police officer had responded to a call saying the man was furious that his car was being towed, and claims the man refused to follow orders. The 85-year-old man claims he was body slammed to the ground by the officer, breaking a vertebrae in his spine. The man accuses the officer of false imprisonment and false arrest, and is seeking unspecified damages.  Jeff Weiner, Orlando Sentinel  05/05/2011

Read Article: Orlando Sentinel     

Cowboys Employee Files Suit over Facility Collapse

An employee for the Dallas Cowboys has filed a lawsuit alleging she suffered “undisclosed injuries†when the team’s practice facility collapsed in May 2009. The suit names the companies involved in building or designing the steel and fabric structure as defendants and is seeking damages for “serious, disabling and permanent injuries.† The Associated Press, Austin American Statesman  05/04/2011

Read Article: Austin American Statesman     

Suit: LA County Jail Staff “Lawlessâ€

Two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies have filed a lawsuit against the department for “encouraging an atmosphere of lawlessness and violence among its jail employees.†The lawsuit claims member of the staff have formed a violent gang-like group and assaulted the two officers at the company Christmas party. The suit also alleges that by allowing the “gang-like activity†within the department, violence among inmates has also increased. The plaintiffs report lingering injuries after being attacked at the party.  Robert Fautrechi and Andrew Blankstein, LA Times  05/04/2011

Read Article: LA Times     

Products

Wooden Bunk Beds Recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of 466,700 wooden bunk beds due to a risk of collapse. The agency said the “wooden side rails that run from the headboard to the footboard and hold the bunk bed's mattress in place can split and cause the bunk bed to collapse.†There have been seven reports of minor injuries associated with side rails cracking.  Staff Report, PR Newswire  05/05/2011

Read Article: PR Newswire     

Caffeine and Benzoate Injections Recalled

American Regent has announced a recall for Lot #0084 of caffeine and sodium benzoate injections due to visible particles in some of the vials. The injections are used to treat patients with respiratory depression associated with overdosage with CNS depressant drugs. The product was distributed to wholesalers and distributors nationwide.  Staff Report, PR Newswire  05/05/2011

Read Article: PR Newswire     

10,000 Lawn Mower Engines Recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of 10,000 engines for lawn mowers. Manufactured by Kohler Co., the agency said “a wire connector on the engine can become disconnected causing the operator's seat switch to fail.†When the switch fails, the blades on the mower will not stop, posing a laceration hazard.  Staff Report, PR Newswire  05/05/2011

Read Article: PR Newswire     

[smazza]

Laws/Cases

Contaminants in West Texas Prompt Lawsuit

Two lawsuits have been filed against four companies in West Texas that have allegedly contaminated a "Midland-area neighborhood with hexavalent chromium." The lawsuits, which represent 250 people combined, name Schlumberger Technology Corp. and Dow Chemical Co., among others, as defendants in the suit. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for past and future medical expenses, as well as "diminished property values, emotional distress, cases of wrongful death and other losses."  Wire Report, Houston Chronicle  05/07/2011

Read Article: Houston Chronicle     

Univ. of Iowa Doctor Files Suit Against Department

A University of Iowa radiologist has filed a lawsuit against the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, claiming racial discrimination and defamation. The lawsuit claims officials in the department created a hostile work environment for the doctor and attempted to force him out after he questioned some of their medical practices and the department's pay scale. After that, the plaintiff said he was branded an "academic terrorist" and his bosses made it almost impossible for him to find employment elsewhere.  Tom Witosky, DesMoines Register  05/06/2011

Read Article: DesMoines Register     

Kansas State Settles Buyout Lawsuit with Coach

Kansas State University has agreed to a $1.65 million settlement in a lawsuit over a former assistant football coach's buyout. The lawsuit claimed then-athletic director Bob Krause had overstepped his job description in negotiating a "secret" $3.2 million buyout with former assistant coach Ron Prince. The lawsuit sought to invalidate the deal, but the university decided to settle last week, avoiding further litigation.  Kellis Robinett, Kansas City Star  05/06/2011

Read Article: Kansas City Star     

Products

Chevy Cruze Recall Issued

Chevrolet has announced a recall of 154,112 Cruze models due to a problem with the steering shaft. The company said the shaft could have been improperly installed, which could cause the car to suddenly lose steering power. Many of the recalled vehicles also have problems with the automatic-transmission shift links, General Motors officials said.  Karl Henkel, Boston Herald  05/06/2011

Read Article: Boston Herald     

Flavored Pork Recalled due to Undeclared Allergen

Smithfield Packing Company has issued a recall of Portobello Mushroom flavored pork loins due to an undeclared dairy allergen. The affected products were distributed to retailers in Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. The company said they have received no reports of customers experiencing adverse effects related to the products.  Staff Report, Business Wire  05/04/2011

Read Article: Business Wire     

Bowling Game Recalled due to High Lead Paint Levels

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of 600 units of the Toy Story 3 Bowling Game due to higher-than-approved levels of lead paint. The agency said the red paint used on some of the pins exceeds the federal standard set for lead paint. There have been no reports of adverse effects associated with the products.  Staff Report, PR Newswire  05/05/2011

Read Article: PR Newswire     

[smazza]

Laws/Cases

Jail Officers Stole Dentures, Lawsuit Claims

An Illinois inmate has filed a lawsuit against DuPage County jail guards who allegedly stole his dentures two years ago. His dentures were stolen during a 2009 "shakedown," the lawsuit claims, and without them the man has not been able to eat solid foods. The lawsuit is seeking at least $9,000 for the cost of the dentures and extra damages for "pain and suffering."  Art Barnum, Chicago Tribune  05/11/2011

Read Article: Chicago Tribune     

Yankee Stadium Waiters File Lawsuit

A group of current and former waiters at Yankee Stadium have filed a lawsuit against their employer, claiming tips were illegally withheld from them in premium seat areas. Orders placed from the high-end seats include an automatic 20 percent service charge, the lawsuit states, but the waiters never saw any of that money. The lawsuit is seeking class-action status and claims to involve more than 150 employees.  Erin Geiger Smith, Reuters  05/10/2011

Read Article: Reuters     

Suit: NYC Club Owner Sexually Assaulted Women

Four female bartenders at two trendy New York night clubs have filed a lawsuit against the man that owns them both, claiming he sexually assaulted them. According to the lawsuit, the owner "made unwelcome sexual advances, requested sexual favors, and engaged in inappropriate and illegal verbal and physical conduct of a sexual nature with plaintiffs." The suit calls the defendant a "sexual predator" and says he uses his position of power to prey on women. The suit is seeking unspecified damages.  Scott Shifrel , New York Daily News  05/11/2011

Read Article: New York Daily News     

Products

Toy Helicopters Recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of 18,500 Danbar Knight Hawk toy helicopters. The recall was issued after it was discovered the batteries in the toy can overheat, posing a fire hazard. There have been no injuries reported associated with the product.  Staff Report, PR Newswire  05/11/2011

Read Article: PR Newswire     

Combo Axes Recalled over Laceration Risk

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of Gerber Legendary Blades Gator Combo Axes. The axes, sold at retail stores across the country, have a knife in the handle that can pop out unexpectedly, posing a laceration risk to the user. The axes were sold starting in March 2005 for $28 to $60.  Staff Report, The Salt Lake Tribune  05/11/2011

Read Article: The Salt Lake Tribune     

Children's Slipper Socks Recalled

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a recall of 17,400 Bumble Bee and Lady Bug Infant Slipper Socks due to a choking hazard. Imported by Meijer Inc., the socks have small balls at the end of the bug's antennae that can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. The company has received one report of a ball detaching, but no injuries occurred.  Staff Report, The Sacramento Bee  05/11/2011

Read Article: The Sacramento Bee     

[smazza]

Laws/Cases

Maclaren Stroller Recall Reissued

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has reissued a recall of certain Maclaren strollers due to injury risks. Originally recalled in 2009, a hinge mechanism on the stroller could cut or even amputate a child's finger. The agency said they have received reports of five fingertip amputations, 16 lacerations and 16 fingertip entrapments since the strollers were initially recalled.  Wire Report, Forbes  05/13/2011

Read Article: Forbes     

Teen Electrocuted by Power Line Awarded $4.4 Million 

A Greenville County, S.C., jury awarded $4.4 million to a local teen in a lawsuit filed against Duke Power Co. over a downed power line that electrocuted the boy. The boy was riding in an SUV that struck a utility pole during a rain storm in 2006. Two of the power lines shut down, the lawsuit stated, but a third did not. The boy suffered burns on four percent of his body and had to have several toes amputated.  Fred Horlbeck , South Carolina Lawyers Weekly  03/25/2011

Read Article: South Carolina Lawyers Weekly     

File-Sharing Company Settles $105 Million Lawsuit

Former file-sharing site LimeWire and its former CEO have agreed to a $105 million settlement over accusations that the site "encouraged users to illegally share copyrighted songs online." A U.S. District judge ruled last year that LimeWire, which had been downloaded around 200 million times, forced users to violate copyrights. The settlement is among the largest paid by a file-sharing company.  Alex Pham, LA Times  05/12/2011

Read Article: LA Times     

Products

J&J HIV Drug Contaminated with Fungicide

Johnson & Johnson has announced it has found trace amounts of fungicide in its HIV drug Prezista. The discovery occurred after the company received complaints of a musty, moldy odor coming from the bottles. The company said a very limited number of patients have suffered gastrointestinal symptoms after taking the medication, but nothing serious. The company said the medication is still safe to take, and anyone that finds a bottle with a strange smell should return it to their pharmacist.  Staff Report, Reuters  05/11/2011

Read Article: Reuters     

Chives Recalled over Listeria Contamination

Goodness Gardens, Inc. has issued a recall of one lot of chives due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The product was distributed to The Stop & Shop Supermarket Company stores in the New England area. There have been no reports of illnesses associated with the recall.  Staff Report, PR Newswire  05/12/2011

Read Article: PR Newswire     

Ice Cream Recalled over Undeclared Allergen

Oberweis Dairy, Inc. has issued a voluntary recall of quarts of the company's Brownie Fudge Twirl Ice Cream because it may contain eggs not declared on the label. Consumers with allergies or sensitivities to eggs risk severe illness upon consumption of the product, the company said. The ice cream was distributed almost exclusively through the company's retail stores and through its home delivery service  Staff Report, PR Newswire  05/10/2011

Read Article: PR Newswire