The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) organized and held a safety seminar, “Safe Skies, Good Neighbors,” on May 20 that welcomed about 200 pilots to discuss flying circumstances and procedures at the Palo Alto Airport.
Based on the AOPA announcement, pilots who attended the safety meeting showed their support of aviation protection. The Association and pilot guests also commemorated three individuals who were killed on February 17 when the Cessna 310 in which they were riding crashed. While the multiengine private plane collision caused significant property damage within the community of Palo Alto, even causing the city to lose power, no one on the ground sustained any injuries.
AOPA’s Airport Support Network Director noted that the seminar aimed to curb negative long-term impacts in Palo Alto and enhance pilot education. The goal of the gathering is to improve aviation safety while simultaneously developing solutions to any concerns that the community may have.
Pilots have a duty to be fully committed to air safety at all times while operating a private plane, helicopter, charter plane, commercial airliner, or another kind of aircraft. However, aviation manufacturers must also design and create aircraft components that are safe and free of any defect that could lead to malfunction and a subsequent collision.
While aviation accidents may be caused by a number of circumstances, these often devastating crashes are typically found to result from some form of negligence. Those who survive a plane crash are frequently left to endure catastrophic injuries that may create significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges to overcome. If you have been injured in an aviation accident, the aggressive and skilled California plane crash attorneys at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP will work diligently and in a timely manner to help you obtain the compensation that you deserve from negligent parties. Call 877-800-1700 today for a free consultation about your potential aviation injury claim or visit www.aviation-disaster-lawyers.com for more information.
According to a San Luis Obispo Tribune article, a jury has awarded $15 million to the parents of two daughters who both died in a fiery crash in 2004. Plaintiff’s experts found that, due to a power-steering fluid leak, the daughter who was driving the vehicle lost steering ability, causing the accident. The wrongful death lawsuit was filed against Enterprise Rent-A-Car and its corporate parent, who acknowledged prior to trial that they were negligent and that “their negligence was the sole proximate cause of the fatal injuries”.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser that the two daughters rented from Enterprise had been included in a safety recall only a month before the fatal crash. The recall notices declared that the power steering hose in 435,000 PT Cruisers from 2002 through 2005 could leak and cause a vehicle fire. Enterprise’s records demonstrated that the company did not repair the power steering problem in the PT Cruiser rented by the two daughters. Moreover, the same vehicle had been rented four times after the recall was announced – the fourth rental was to the daughters.
When wrongful death accidents are caused by another person’s negligence, whether the party responsible is a reckless driver or the manufacturer of a defective vehicle, family members of victims may seek compensation for their losses.
The California wrongful death lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP have obtained numerous multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for family members who have lost loved ones due to negligent drivers, automotive defects, tire defects and other types of negligence. The firm’s attorneys have been recognized among the 100 Most Influential Lawyers in California, as Trial Lawyer of the Year by various organizations, and consistently by Super Lawyers® and Best Lawyers® publications. With its experience and success record, you can rely on Panish Shea & Boyle LLP to help you through the legal process. Call our nationally recognized plaintiff’s law firm today at 877-800-1700 for a free consultation.
According to a recent www.10news.com report, a San Diego trucker has been killed in Nevada after his 18-wheeler went airborne, crashed into a home and caught fire. Fortunately, a woman inside the home was able to escape safely, and no other fatalities or injuries were reported. The 41-year-old man was reportedly driving over 100 miles per hour while transporting a load of lumber. The article suggests that the truck driver was not speeding intentionally, and that he reached 100 mph as a result of his brakes failing.
The Nevada Highway Patrol is investigating the truck’s maintenance records as well as the condition of the runaway truck ramp, which failed to slow down the speeding truck. While trucking companies are responsible for enforcing brake maintenance and repair, if a truck’s brakes fail, either because of improper maintenance or a defect, loose gravel on a runaway ramp is supposed to slow the truck down. One report of the Nevada wrongful death truck accident noted that the gravel along the runaway truck ramp was piled up instead of spread out. Even when truck drivers have decades of experience on the road, serious accidents resulting in injuries and death can still take place. These crashes not only put the truck driver at risk, but also place the lives of pedestrians and other motorists in danger.
The commercial truck accident lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP are recognized nationally for their success in obtaining full and just compensation for family members of wrongful death truck accident victims, as well as for those catastrophically injured. Named as one of the top Plaintiffs’ firms in the country by the National Law Journal, Panish Shea & Boyle LLP can be relied upon to guide you through this challenging time. Call 877-800-1700 for a free consultation today.
At the Clemson University Tire Industry Conference last month, speakers cautioned that government regulatory challenges would have a significant impact on the tire industry in the coming years. The recent spate of Toyota recalls has rocked the automobile manufacturing world and compelled lawmakers to demand tighter regulations and a revision to the Transportation Recall, Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation Act (TREAD), which lays out the guidelines for industry regulation.
Senator Jay Rockefeller of Virginia, chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee, has gone so far as to demand the criminalization of senior industry executive failure to certify that the tire defect information they provide to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) is completely accurate.
According to reports, the most divisive issues at present are over tire shelf life and the protocol for tire labeling. Legislation governing tire age has already been introduced in New York, California, Hawaii and Florida. Industry leaders fear that putting expiration dates on tire stock would be unreasonably financially burdensome for retailers. The industry is still reeling from the Obama Administration’s September 2009 order to increase tire import tariffs from China by nearly 1,000%.
Industry leaders further argue that the government’s proposed requirement that tire ratings be placed on their labels has the opposite effect on consumer protection as intended. Making this information electronically available, they argue, would make it more accessible.
Tire industry regulation continues to be a complicated area of the law and is becoming increasingly more visible in light of several high profile recalls. If you have been injured as a result of a tire defect, call the defective tire injury attorneys at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP and schedule a free consultation today: (877) 800-1700.
Making cell phone calls and sending text messages while operating commercial vehicles have become a growing epidemic throughout the nation. A recent fatal truck collision in Kentucky that killed the truck driver and 10 other people reminds us that distracted driving while using a cell phone is especially problematic at the hands of those operating heavy and large tractor-trailers.
According to an Associated Press report, it is believed that the truck driver was using his cell phone before crossing the median at high speed and colliding with a van. The accident report notes cell phone use and distraction on the part of the truck driver as “human factors” involved in the wrongful death tractor-trailer collision. In addition, the truck was traveling above the 70 mph speed limit, greatly diminishing the amount of control the truck driver had over the vehicle.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is investigating Hester Inc., the trucking company that employed the truck driver, for an unsteady safety rating and its role in contributing to the crash. Apparently, the FMCSA had already carried out 194 driver inspections of the company within the 30 months before this particular accident. As a result of these inspections, 21 drivers were found to have both violated log book regulations and exceeded the 11-hour driving limit or the 14-hour on duty limit.
In addition to determining whether the trucker did in fact use his cell phone before the accident, the National Transportation Safety Board is also examining vehicle design and operation, highway engineering, and other issues.
Truck accident injury victims often face life-altering consequences on a physical and emotional level while simultaneously coping with unexpected financial burdens. When the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company contributes to a serious injury or fatal accident, injured victims or family members of wrongful death victims may receive compensation for their losses and other damages.
The tractor-trailer accident attorneys at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP have a solid and unmatched record of achievement in litigation involving truck collisions, wrongful death and personal injury. To find out more about how Panish Shea & Boyle LLP can help you during this challenging time, please visit www.psblaw.com or call 877-800-1700.
A Reuters article reports that Johnson & Johnson has recalled four additional lots of Benadryl allergy medications and one lot of Extra Strength Tylenol gels. In following-up on its larger recall of over the counter drugs on January 15, Johnson & Johnson announced that it unintentionally failed to include the most recent medications in the previous product defects recall.
After several consumer complaints of musty or moldy odors earlier this year, Johnson & Johnson recalled 53 million bottles of a variety of products including Tylenol and Motrin painkillers, Rolaids, Benadryl and St. Joseph’s Aspirin.
With the new lots of recalled J&J medications included, the company has issued four product recalls within the last year due to quality control problems at its plants. In order to determine the reasons for these issues and to ensure that other problems are not being overlooked, a Congressional investigation has been initiated in addition to continuous examination by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight and government Reform Committee, Edolphus Towns, stated, “This latest recall is further evidence that there are wide-ranging problems at Johnson & Johnson.”
While Johnson & Johnson contends that the danger of severe adverse medical events from the recalled medication is remote, consumers in possession of any of the recalled lots are advised to stop use and dispose of the medications.
Prescription and over the counter drugs are intended to alleviate an illness or condition, not create new health problems. In some cases, by the time a drug recall is announced, innocent consumers have already suffered harm as a result of the recalled medication. The California pharmaceutical litigation attorneys at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP have achieved successful case results for individuals who have been adversely affected by contaminated drugs and other consumer products. Contact us today by calling 877-800-1700 for a free consultation of your products liability case.
In concurrence with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, General Electric has announced the recall of 181,000 front-load washing machines because of potential fire and shock hazards.
CNN Money reports that the dangerous machines have defective wires that may catch fire. While no reported injuries have been connected to the faulty equipment, there have been seven incidents of minor smoke damage from flames escaping the devices.
Consumers are being asked to immediately stop use of the recalled washing machines, unplug them from electrical outlets, and get in touch with GE for a free repair. Washing machines included in the recall begin with model number WBVH5 and were sold throughout the United States from December 2006 to May 2010. Consumers can reach GE at 1-888-345-4124 to find out if their washing machine is included in the recall.
American Burn Association statistics reveal that approximately 3,500 people die each year due to residential fires in the United States. In addition, about 60,000 individuals nationwide require medical attention and care at burn centers to help treat severe burn injuries. Defective and poorly designed products are sometimes responsible for fires, burns and shock injuries. As consumers, we trust that the products we purchase are safe for use and free of any defect that would inflict harm. However, not every product manufacturer upholds this trust.
If a product malfunctions and causes an individual to sustain a burn injury, shock injury, or any other kind of personal injury, he or she may be able to hold the manufacturer legally responsible for pain and suffering, medical bills, and other damages associated with the injury. The knowledgeable California product injury lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle understand the many challenges an injury victim may face after being injured by a defective product. Call us today at 877-800-1700 for a free consultation and to find out more about how we can protect your rights.
In investigating the multifaceted financial products sold by Goldman Sachs before the financial downfall, the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission says that the firm has been deliberately dodging requests for interviews and documents. According to a Washington Post article, the inquiry panel subpoenaed Goldman Sachs, claiming that the bank has been uncooperative. The panel is also seeking more information regarding the firm’s transactions with AIG.
According to the article, Phil Angelides, the chairman of the FCIC, asserted that Goldman Sachs has handed over about 2.5 billion pages of documents to the commission. However, Goldman Sachs has not provided the panel with substantial guidance as to the location of requested information. Angelides stated, “We’re not going to let the American people be played for chumps here.” While Goldman Sachs has said that they are being cooperative in providing the FCIC with requested information, some speculate whether the firm may be stalling the investigation.
Goldman Sachs has faced several challenges over the last few months. The Securities and Exchange Commission accused the firm of defrauding investors in April. In addition, Goldman Sachs was involved in a 10-hour questioning by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations regarding whether it deceived customers in the selling of its mortgage-backed securities products.
Investors who believe that they have been defrauded are entitled to file lawsuits against companies that employ deceptive securities practices, have made misrepresentations or who have conflicts of interests with their clients. If you have experienced financial loss due to illegal business tactics, please get in touch with the securities fraud lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP by calling 877-800-1700. Our firm has years of experience handling a wide range of business litigation cases and can help you through this difficult time. Call us today.
General Motors Co. has announced the recall of 1.5 million vehicles due to a problem with the heating mechanism on several windshield cleaning systems that may present a vehicle fire hazard. According to a Los Angeles Times report, the automaker is expected to provide vehicle owners with $100 and turn off the heating mechanism within the system that releases cleaning fluid onto the windshield.
Vehicles affected by the GM recall include:
- Buick Lucerne, Cadillac DTS, Hummer H2 (2006-2009 Models)
- Buick Enclave, Cadillac CTS (2008-2009 Models)
- Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL; Saturn Outlook (2007-2009 Models)
- Chevrolet Traverse (2009 Model)
The recall may cost GM up to $150 million since the automaker cannot fix the defect within the heated cleaning fluid distribution system; instead, GM can only disable it. While some fire incidents may have gone unreported, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that it is not currently aware of any injuries, accidents, or deaths caused by the GM heating mechanism defect. However, NHTSA validates the serious risk of fire presented by these models if the system is not disabled.
The importance of an automaker’s timely response regarding vehicle defects and recalls cannot be stressed enough. But why do these automobile flaws occur in the first place? Regardless of the reasons, if an accident or fire occurs due to a defective vehicle component, injured victims may seek compensation for expenses associated with their injuries.
The aggressive and skilled Los Angeles auto product defect attorneys at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP have extensive experience in personal injury and product liability litigation. The plaintiff’s firm obtained the largest product liability judgment in American judicial history against General Motors after members of a family sustained serious burn injuries when a car fuel tank exploded. To learn more about Panish Shea & Boyle’s successful auto product liability track record, please visit www.psblaw.com or call 877-800-1700 for a no-cost consultation regarding your potential auto defect injury case.
An explosion of a natural gas pipeline in North Texas has killed three people and 10 others may be missing, according to a Reuters article. Reportedly, eight workers from Brazos Electric were digging and drilling holes near a pipe to put up power lines when the gas line was hit, initiating the explosion.
Five employees endured burn injuries in the explosion accident and were taken to the Glen Rose Medical Center where they are listed in stable condition. The 36-inch pipeline transported natural gas within the borders of Texas and is owned by Enterprise Products Partners.
Despite detailed workplace rules and regulations issued by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), explosion accidents continue to take place at construction sites and other work environments. It is an employer’s responsibility to properly notify employees about potential hazards through training, alarm systems, labeling, chemical data documentation, color-coded systems and other procedures.
When employees are injured at work, workplace accident lawsuits may be filed to help an injured worker receive compensation for permanent disability, loss of past and future earnings, pain and suffering, and much more. Although workers’ compensation benefits may compensate for some damages, the amount may not be sufficient enough to assist a seriously injured employee in the way that he or she needs. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, third parties may also be liable for damages caused by workplace accidents, including manufacturers of defective equipment or toxic substances and owners of dangerous premises.
If you have been injured in an explosion accident, the personal injury lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle will work diligently to ensure that you receive full and just compensation for your injuries. Our injury attorneys are nationally recognized for our achievements in personal injury law. To learn more about how we can assist you with your case, please call 877-800-1700 for a free consultation or visit www.psblaw.com for more information.
