The American Association for Justice has published an interesting and helpful article titled Tricks of the Trade: How Insurance Companies Deny, Delay, Confuse and Refuse. The topics include: Denying Claims, Delaying Until Death, Confusing Consumers, Abandoning the Sick, Discriminating by Credit Score, and Canceling for a Call. Here is the summary of the article and…
A national safety group is advocating a total ban on cell phone use while driving, saying that the practice is dangerous and leads to fatalities. The congressionally chartered National Safety Council says that states should ban drivers from using hand-held and hands-free cell phones and that businesses should prohibit employees from using cell phones while…
The chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court, in a passionate plea for reform earlier this month, asked the Legislature to abolish the state’s 133-year tradition of partisan judicial elections, saying the influence of politics and money has destroyed public confidence in justice. Jefferson reserved the bulk of his speech for what he called “the…
Handing a rare victory to personal injury trial lawyers, the Senate passed legislation that would make it easier for certain people to recover damages after being exposed to asbestos. The bill, which passed 20-11 on a preliminary vote Thursday, would apply to lawsuits involving mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer usually caused by the inhalation…
A man died and two other people suffered minor injuries after a vehicle rollover in front of a South Austin shopping center Sunday. Austin police said the indicent happened about 6:00 p.m. in the 9800 block of Interstate 35 in front of Southpark Meadows shopping center. According to Sgt. Philip Linsalata, witnesses told police that…
I am sad to have learned of the passing of the Honorable Judge Scott Ozmun on Friday. Judge Ozmun presided over the 353rd District Court and will be remembered for his intelligence and compassion.
After GM filed for bankruptcy, they went to court to be granted permission to sell their assets as a whole to a new company. U.S. Judge Robert Gerber approved of GM’s plan saying that it would benefit everyone involved. While many were in favor of this decision, many were not. Those who were injured through faulty…
While it is well known that driving while using cell phones can be dangerous, researchers at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration wanted to conduct a study in 2003 to assess the risk. However, the agency did not approve of the study because they feared it would anger the Congress. Not only that, but senior government…
On Monday, August 10, 2009, Luke Anthoney Looshchen caused a three-car accident going eastbound on Highway 29. He was driving on the wrong side of the road when he collided with a jeep and a van which was carrying seven people. Pete Mendez and Paula Martinez were both pronounced dead on the scene, and Crystal…
A new state law that is going into effect on September 1, 2009, is restricting the use of cell phones in school zones. However, the only way to enforce this new law is by installing signs notifying drivers of the new law because the absence of signs is a defense against prosecution. This law is…