Category Archives: Cases

Cases, Criminal Justice, Lawyers, Legal Education, Legal Ethics, Legal Services

Durham Attorney Elected To The Executive Committee Of The NC Advocates For Justice; Scheduled To Take Presidency In June 2011

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Guy Crabtree, a partner at Pulley Watson, King & Lischer, P.A. in Durham, has been re-elected to the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ), a state-wide association of attorneys who protect the rights of all North Carolinians in civil and criminal cases.  The election took place at the association’s annual convention currently being held at the Hilton Riverside in Wilmington. Mr. Crabtree has been an active member of the organization since 1978 and has previously served as Vice-President for Education and Vice-President for Communications. During the 2010 -11 term, he will serve as President-Elect and is scheduled to take on the Presidency in June 2011.

Durham Attorney Elected To The Executive Committee Of The NC Advocates For Justice; Scheduled To Take Presidency In June 2011

Mr. Crabtree has over 30 years of legal experience and is best known for his representation of victims in auto wrecks caused by drunk drivers, polluters in environmental and toxic tort cases, medical malpractice and nursing home negligence. In 1983, he began as a partner with King, Walker, Lambe & Crabtree. Then, in 1999 he became a partner at Pulley, Watson, King & Lischer, P.A. where he currently practices in Durham.

Mr. Crabtree attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he attained a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He holds his law degree from North Carolina Central University, where he graduated with honors, and was admitted to the State Bar in 1978. Mr. Crabtree work has been rated “AV”, the highest rating for legal ability and general ethical standards set by Martindale-Hubbell, a respected national legal directory.  In addition, Mr. Crabtree has been included on the lists of The Best Lawyers in America by Woodward/White and Super Lawyers of North Carolina .

The NC Advocates for Justice (NCAJ) and its 4,000 members are dedicated to protecting the rights of all North Carolinians.  NCAJ provides continuing legal education for lawyers aimed at enhancing the quality of the legal profession, offers public education programs aimed at enhancing public access and understanding of the legal system, amicus briefs for the appellate courts, and advocacy work at the legislature in the areas of criminal and civil justice.  The association has served its members for over 45 years.

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Goldsboro Attorney / Former Legislator Elected President Of North Carolina Advocates For Justice

Philip A Baddour Jr., a partner at Baddour, Parker & Hine, PC in Goldsboro, has been elected President of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ), a state-wide association of attorneys who protect the rights of all North Carolinians in civil and criminal cases.  The election took place at the association’s annual convention currently being held at the Hilton Riverside in Wilmington. He recently served as the association’s President-Elect, and previously served as Legislative Vice President and as a member of the NCAJ Board of Governors.

Goldsboro Attorney / Former Legislator Elected President Of North Carolina Advocates For Justice

Today, Mr. Baddour replaces David Pishko of Elliot Pishko Morgan P.A. (Winston-Salem), who held the position of President in 2009-2010.   Mr. Baddour is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He received his law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1967.  He brings 41 years of experience to his practice of Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, Social Security Disability and Civil Litigation.    Mr. Baddour represents the Goldsboro Housing Authority, Wayne Community College and the Village of Walnut Creek. Additionally, he is a certified mediator and frequently mediates cases for attorneys across Eastern North Carolina.

A native of Goldsboro, Mr. Baddour was formerly a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives where he served as the Majority Leader in the House for two terms.  He has also served on the Commission for the Future of the Courts in North Carolina, the North Carolina Economic Development Board and the North Carolina Board of Transportation. He is a past president of the Goldsboro Area Chamber of Commerce, the Wayne County Economic Development Commission and the Goldsboro Rotary Club. Also, Mr. Baddour is a retired Colonel with the North Carolina National Guard, where he served as Staff Judge Advocate.

The NC Advocates for Justice (NCAJ) and its 4,000 members are dedicated to protecting the rights of all North Carolinians.  NCAJ provides continuing legal education for lawyers aimed at enhancing the quality of the legal profession, offers public education programs aimed at enhancing public access and understanding of the legal system, amicus briefs for the appellate courts, and advocacy work at the legislature in the areas of criminal and civil justice.  The association has served its members for over 45 years.

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Cases, Criminal Justice, Lawyers, Legal Education, Legal Ethics, Legal Services

Exonerated Man Greg Taylor, And Attorneys Involved In Freeing Him, Honored

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Gregory Taylor, an innocent man wrongly-convicted of murder in Raleigh , and the attorneys involved in his 2010 release, have been honored with the NC Advocates for Justice (NCAJ)’s prestigious Kellie Crabtree Award. The award was presented to Greg Taylor; Raleigh criminal defense attorney Joseph B. Cheshire, V; then Public Defender Maitri “Mike” Klinkosum; and Christine Mumma, Director of NC Actual Innocence Commission. The award was presented at NCAJ’s annual convention currently being held at the Hilton Riverside in Wilmington.

Exonerated Man Greg Taylor, And Attorneys Involved In Freeing Him, Honored

The Kellie Crabtree Award recognizes clients and attorneys in cases that make a real difference in protecting people’s rights. Gregory Taylor spent 16 years in prison for a murder conviction that was based partly on incomplete lab test results until his case was reviewed by the North Carolina Innocence Commission.

The NC Advocates for Justice also presented the Honorable I. Beverly Lake, Jr., former Chief Justice of the NC Supreme Court who founded the North Carolina Actual Innocence Commission, with a Special Award recognizing his contributions to justice.

The NC Advocates for Justice (NCAJ) and its 4,000 members are dedicated to protecting the rights of all North Carolinians. NCAJ provides continuing legal education for lawyers aimed at enhancing the quality of the legal profession, offers public education programs aimed at enhancing public access and understanding of the legal system, amicus briefs for the appellate courts, and advocacy work at the legislature in the areas of criminal and civil justice.  The association has served its members for over 45 years.

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Accidents, Cases, Compensation, Disability Law, Health Law, Law Firm, Lawyers, Legal Services, Personal Injury

Russell Jones And Walker Welcome Broad Scope Of 7/7 Inquest

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Russell Jones and Walker and the families of victims involved in the 7/7 inquest have welcomed the recent ruling made by Lady Justice Hallett that the activities and knowledge of MI5 and the Home Office in relation to the bombings will be included in the scope of her investigation.

Russell Jones And Walker Welcome Broad Scope Of 7/7 Inquest

James Carlton, partner at Russell Jones & Walker Solicitors who is representing ten of the families involved in the inquest stated:

“All the families involved are understandably devastated by their individual loss and want to find answers to the circumstances surrounding how their loved ones came to die. At the same time, all involved are concerned as to whether there were, or indeed are now, any steps that could have been taken to prevent these atrocities from occurring at the time or again in the future.

“The decision by Lady Justice Hallett to examine the actions of intelligence agencies in the scope of the inquest is a welcome inclusion for the victims’ families.”

National law firm Russell Jones & Walker, who specialise in all types of business crime and regulation matters including public inquiries, has been instructed by ten families of victims of the 7/7 bombings inquest which is expected to commence in October 2010.

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Russell Jones & Walker Ensures Maclaren Compensates Injured Children

Russell Jones & Walker has managed to ensure that buggy manufacturer Maclaren will compensate over 40 UK children whose fingers were seriously injured in the hinges of its folding pushchairs.

Although refusing to admit liability for the faulty product claims, the firm and its insurers have agreed to make full damages awards. The individual amounts will be dependent on the severity of injuries received and the money will be invested until the children reach age 18.

The children were aged between one and eight years old when hurt, with some cases personal injury dating back to 2003. Many amputated part of the last finger joint when the buggy was erected, undergoing operations with a general anaesthetic to try to re-attach the joint or perform a skin graft. Others fractured bones or suffered deep lacerations, leaving scars and in some cases permanent loss of feeling or disfigurement. Some children had the whole or part of their finger amputated. Further surgery in teenage years is an option for those with disfigurement.

In late 2009 Maclaren recalled one million prams in the US after reports of similar injuries. The firm insisted however that UK buggies were not affected and a UK recall has not taken place. Hinge covers are available but consumers must request them via the firm’s website.

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Cases, Compensation, Law Firm, Lawyers, Legal Ethics, Legal Services, Legal Solutions, Tax Law

How to Negotiate Effectively and Peacefully With the IRS

California Holistic Lawyer Duane Light counsels his clients to have compassion for any authority figure they speak with, and to approach them as a “friend in the making.” Here is an inspiring story from one of Duane’s past clients:

“I am a professional counselor.  In 2002, I had a beautiful and profound outcome with an IRS tax issue, based on an “enlightened” approach suggested to me by my friend and Holistic Attorney Duane Light. When I first spoke to Duane, I was afraid of the IRS. I had a large IRS debt that grew after a serious injury kept me from earning income for two years. I didn’t know what to do and was especially afraid of calling them.

I called Duane, and he gave me guidance to call the IRS with an open heart, honesty and compassion.  He suggested that I “treat the IRS agent as a friend in the making.”   He told me that the average job turnover in the IRS is 9 months, and that many of these individuals don’t enjoy their work. and rarely experience compassion and care from someone on the other end of the phone line.

After meditating and praying until I became calm, and when I sincerely felt that I could care for the person on the other end of the line, I made the call.  My heart was open toward the IRS agent, and I know he felt that. I was able to be friendly, direct and truthful about my financial situation.  Amazingly, the agent reclassified my debt as uncollectible!  All my dealings with the IRS since that time have been completely benign and full of good will.” S.F., Mill Valley , California

Mr. Light also recommends being organized with numbers, paperwork, and an offer that you can follow through on, so you can help the agent with his or her analysis. And, if you get the rare belligerent agent on the phone, it’s o.k. to say that something came up and that you have to go, disconnect and call back a little later – you’ll get a new agent and can start anew.

Duane Light became a holistic lawyer in 1996, limiting his practice to people who wish to invoke their highest principals and create spiritually fulfilling outcomes. Mr. Light now enjoys higher client satisfaction, and cases generally go more smoothly and more often result in win-win outcomes.

You can learn more about this effective and compassionate approach at www.PeaceInTheLaw.com. Mr. Light can be reached at Ask@PeaceInTheLaw.com or 877-275-5444.

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Chicago Birth-Injury Attorney Announces $6.5 Million Settlement

The Deratany Firm in Chicago announces the award of a 6.5 million dollar settlement between Jeff and Whitney G and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

On September 30 – October 1, 1996 Whitney G gave birth to RG. The family contended that during the birth of RG, negligence on the part of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and their staff caused RG to suffer severe and traumatic brain injury.

The Deratany Firm retained over 13 world-renowned expert witnesses to testify on behalf of the family regarding the cause and severity of the infant’s sustained birth trauma injuries. These expert witnesses were specialists in the areas of pediatric brain injury, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, and Pitocin related pediatric brain injury.

RG is now 14 years old and a young lady whom the Deratany Firm is proud to represent. She continues to struggle with the consequent difficulties of her birth injury.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital has admitted to no liability in settling this case.

Deratany is a personal injury attorney who specializes in the areas of wrongful death and birth-trauma, and advocates for the rights of birth-injured children and their families.

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Administrative, Cases, Compensation, Disputes, Environmental Law, Health Law, Industrial Law

Another Frivolous Atrazine Class Action Lawsuit Only Harms U.S. Farmers

After plaintiffs’ attorneys filed a federal lawsuit Monday in the Southern District of Illinois, Kurtis B. Reeg, attorney for defendant Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc., said another frivolous atrazine lawsuit only harms U.S. farmers.

“In these tough economic times, one may wonder why anyone – other than class action lawyers – would seek to destroy what EPA estimates is a $2 billion annual economic benefit to the nation, and all of the jobs that go with it,” Reeg said. “This lawsuit has no merit because we know from EPA-mandated testing that no water systems since 2005 have exceeded the annual average guidance for atrazine. We intend to defend ourselves vigorously.”

Atrazine is a widely-used herbicide in the U.S. and 60 countries around the world to help grow safe, affordable and abundant crops, including corn, sorghum, and sugar cane. EPA re-registered atrazine in 2006, stating it would cause no harm to the general population.

“This suit is no surprise, as the same plaintiffs’ attorneys who have been trying a wasteful case in Madison County, Ill., have been shopping this around for years,” said Reeg. “Just last month, plaintiffs in Illinois voluntarily dismissed numerous damage and liability claims they had made in their case. With that disarray, it appears attorneys are scrambling to another venue in which to waste scarce taxpayer resources with junk science and false allegations for personal gain at the expense of U.S. agriculture.

“Filing in federal court appears to be a mis-step, given the Iberville Parish, La., case which was dismissed by Chief Judge Butler in Mobile, Ala., in 1999. Judge Butler ruled that removing safe and approved levels of atrazine from drinking water was unnecessary and that shifting the costs of such unnecessary removal was wrong. This decision was also upheld on appeal, and we hope the court will rely on this past verdict to guide future decisions.

“Everyone should bear in mind that if a 150-pound adult drank literally thousands of gallons of water with atrazine at three parts-per-billion every day for 70 years, she still would not reach the exposure level at which no adverse impact has been detected in the laboratory.

“We know these communities are strapped for cash, and suing companies to upgrade their decades-old water systems may seem like an easy way to raise money, but it only harms local farmers who rely on these safely-regulated crop protection tools for their livelihood and to help cost-effectively feed a quickly growing consumer public.

“The many statements by farmers and their associations attest to their support for atrazine and its safety in use. They have for half a century. EPA’s atrazine regulation is a model of sound science carefully applied in its mission of protecting all Americans and our environment.

“As a hallmark of good stewardship, my client worked voluntarily with stakeholders for years and since then also with EPA to monitor the water systems where minute detections of atrazine may occasionally occur. Since 2005, no water system has had an annual average atrazine level in its drinking water greater than the EPA standard, which itself carries a 1000-fold safety factor.

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RJW Investigates Reports Of Failures At Staffordshire Hospitals

RJW is currently investigating cases of negligence after a report by Robert Francis QC revealed a catalogue of failures at Mid Staffordshire hospitals. An obsession with hitting targets led to the neglect and unnecessary death of patients. In response, the Prime Minister said that managers would be held to account for failures by the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust.

RJW Investigates Reports Of Failures At Staffordshire Hospitals

Francis warned that hospitals should understand that their excellence was not guaranteed by their star rating: what matters is the way patients are treated.

“The story of Stafford shows graphically, and sadly, that benchmarks, comparative ratings and foundation trust status do not in themselves bring to light serious and systematic failings,” he said.

Relatives of patients at Mid Staffordshire were unhappy that the report failed to support calls by organisations such as AvMA (Action against Medical Accidents) for a public enquiry.

Paul Sankey, specialist clinical negligence solicitor and partner at Russell Jones & Walker (RJW) said: “What is needed is a patient-centred culture in which pursuing targets does not detract from care. Sadly patients are too often been the victims of errors which should have been avoided.”

Russell Jones & Walker have a specialist team pursuing claims for people who have suffered serious harm as a result of avoidable medical accidents. They have recently recovered a 7-figure award for a brain injury claim on behalf of a man who suffered the injury after doctors failed to carry out a planned investigation and to prevent a stroke. They have also won compensation for the husband of a woman who died of skin cancer and another who died of lung cancer. Other cases concern people whose fractures were not diagnosed where the wrong tests were done or x-rays misinterpreted. They are currently involved in claims against the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust.

RJW has a specialist medical negligence claims department with experts accredited by the Law Society and AvMA who handle claims for damages arising from clinical negligence. With its network of offices across the country RJW can assist with claims nationwide.

About Russell Jones & Walker
Russell Jones & Walker is a leading national firm of solicitors dedicated to upholding the legal rights of individuals. From the firms foundation in the 1920s the focus has and continues to be, people and those who represent them.

The firm has grown from its trade union roots into a respected national organisation with nine offices across England and Wales, and an associated office in Scotland. The reputation of Russell Jones & Walker is built on the range of expertise offered by its partners and staff and on the scope of their practical experience.

RJW Solicitors represents clients across a range of areas from personal injury claims work to commercial and criminal litigation, defamation, reputation management, clinical negligence, including cancer claims, as well as providing specialties as employment lawyers and fraud lawyers.

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Administrative, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Cases, Disputes, Property Law

The Coming King Foundation (TCKF), A Texas Nonprofit Reached A Settlement Monday With Mesa Vista Landowners, Settling A 15-Month Property Dispute

A last-minute settlement agreement was presented to State District Judge Keith Williams on Monday, March 1st, as trial was about to get underway in the lawsuit brought by neighboring landowners against The Coming King Foundation (TCKF), a Texas nonprofit arts organization. TCKF plans to build a first class Sculpture Prayer Garden on 23 acres overlooking IH-10 and Highway 16, highlighted by the cross on top of a hill. Mesa Vista landowners suit prohibited the raising of the cross within the prayer garden.

The settlement agreement reached Monday allows the cross to be raised as planned putting an end to the 15-month property dispute and bringing peaceful a resolution and healing to this Texas Hill Country community.

Last month the Mesa Vista landowners lost their bid to have the case dismissed in their favor and Judge Williams ordered the trial to proceed on March 1st. Shortly thereafter, settlement negotiations were initiated by the landowners, which for the first time included an agreement to allow the cross to be raised on TCKF’s lot.“Once that point was conceded, both sides moved quickly to resolve differences and eventually agreed to a compromise”, said Kevin Young, attorney for TCKF. “We’re thankful that both sides could put away their swords and solve this in a Christian manner,” said Fern Lancaster, TCKF board member and treasurer.

“The Coming King Foundation will realize its vision of a cross and sculpture garden and the Mesa Vista residents will realize their goal of maintaining the privacy of their neighborhood,” said Mesa Vista homeowners’ attorney, Richard Mosty, in a prepared statement.

As part of the settlement, The Coming King Foundation will construct a solid fence on the site where the $2M, 70-ton cross will be located. The settlement also allows for lighting of the cross that is non-intrusive for residents of the subdivision and limited private access to the cross from Mesa Vista Lane, keeping the main entrance to the Garden on IH-10. In addition, TCKF will also pay the Mesa Vista neighbors $25,000 over the next several months as part of the settlement. Each side is responsible for paying its own attorney’s fees and legal expenses.

When asked whether he had won the case because the cross will go up, David Brock, co-counsel for TCKF said, “Everybody won. This agreement is respectful of everyone’s property rights and is better than a trial victory for either side.” TCKF board member and Vice President, Jim McKnight, added, “A peaceful resolution has been our desire and prayer since the lawsuit was filed. This is a great day for our community and now we can move forward.”

TCKF plans to raise the cross and complete the Garden as soon as sufficient funds are available. “Although we have incurred significant expense in our legal defense,” said TCKF board member and President Max Greiner Jr., “we are confident that God pays for what He ordains, and we invite our community, neighbors, friends and the greater Christian community to unite in support around this God-given vision and Sculpture Prayer Garden.”

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Russell Jones & Walker Wins Claim Against London’s Oldest Gay Pub

Russell Jones & Walker has won a claim (Case number: 609803.1) of adopting ‘an anti-gay policy’ against the new owners of London’s oldest gay pub on behalf of Mr Charles Lisboa, 41, who joined the Coleherne Arms as Assistant Manager shortly before it re-opened as the Pembroke Arms in December 2008.

The pub, regarded as London’s first ‘gay pub’, had attracted an exclusively gay clientele until its acquisition by Realpubs in 2008. The new owners stated that they intended to refurbish the pub and re-package it as a gastro-pub, to attract patrons from a wider section of the community.

However, soon after the pub re-opened as the Pembroke Arms, Malcolm Heap, Director at Realpubs, expressed concern to staff that the clientele had not really changed. The Tribunal accepted that Mr Heap, along with Jimmy Sydney, the pub’s General Manager, took various steps to ‘de-gay’ the pub, including putting a sign up outside proclaiming, ‘This is not a gay pub’.

Mr Heap also stressed in an email to one of Realpub’s investors that he was attempting to ban the pub’s ‘over the top’ customers.

Mr Lisboa was uncomfortable with the stance taken by Realpubs’ management regarding their attitude to him and the pub’s gay customers. On one occasion, Mr Lisboa was asked by Mr Heap to reprimand a gay couple for their behaviour, referring to them as ‘queens’. Mr Heap then went on to say that Mr Lisboa was ‘another kind of gay’. On a separate occasion, Mr Heap stated that one of Mr Lisboa’s colleague’s ‘walked too camp’.

Only four weeks after joining the Pembroke Arms Mr Lisboa tendered his resignation due to sex discrimination.

The London Central Employment Tribunal has upheld Mr Lisboa’s claim that he was the victim of discrimination at work and awarded him compensation. However, his claim of constructive dismissal was deemed unsuccessful.

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New York Mother And Gay Teen Son Continue New York Supreme Court Battle

Rhonda Mangus and her 18 year old son Michael have been battling with the legal system since 2005. Their conflict began then, when Michael was 13, and had begun attending North Tonawanda High School. Identified as gay, Michael was mercilessly bullied and finally received a written death threat.

Thus began their saga: Mangus removed the teen from school attendance and with involvement of the Niagara County Department of Social Service and the New York State Office of Family and Child Services found herself placed in the state’s data base of offenders for “educational neglect”.

This past winter, she failed to get the charge remanded by the New York Supreme Court’s Appellate Division.

Professional and legal guidance from Jay Paul Deratany, a high profile attorney in Chicago, who is aiding Mangus on a pro bono basis, has given Mangus renewed determination to keep fighting for justice. “It is a dream come true to have the backing of a man of his caliber.” she says.

Deratany has a strong record of political aspirations (running on the Democratic ticket for Chicago offices), human rights advocacy, philanthropy, power legal settlements – in the multi-millions – for his injury litigation (specializing in children) , and even as a playwright: His play, ‘Haram Iran’, a human rights theater piece, has made it on the Chicago and Los Angeles stages.

Now Mangus is seeking local counsel in Niagara County, NY, who will be able to work in tandem with Deratany and his associate Nathan Polum.

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New Jersey Resident Affected by the January 2010 Toyota Recall for Defects in Gas Pedals Files Suit

Class Action Status Requested To Benefit All Residents of New Jersey Who Own or Lease Toyota Vehicles Subject to the January Recall.

Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, together with Douglas & London, P.C. and the Becnel Law Firm, LLC, announces that it filed suit on behalf of a New Jersey woman who purchased a Toyota vehicle subject to the recall issued in January 2010 for defects in the vehicles’ gas pedals. The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, seeks class action status intended to benefit all residents of New Jersey who purchased or leased a Toyota vehicle of model years 2005-2010 subject to the recall for defective gas pedals.

Parker Waichman Alonso LLP has been contacted by hundreds of Toyota owners with questions about their legal rights in relation to the January 2010 recall. If you or someone you know owns or leases one of the Toyota vehicles involved in this recall, please contact our office by visiting www.yourlawyer.com. Free case evaluations are also available by calling Parker Waichman Alonso LLP at 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).

In August 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Toyota launched an investigation relating to the unintended acceleration of some of its vehicles. On September 29, 2009, the NHTSA announced that Toyota was recalling floor mats on approximately 4.2 million vehicles, which allegedly caused the accelerator pedals in the vehicles to become stuck in the depressed position, leading to uncontrollable and rapid acceleration of the vehicles. On January 21, 2010, Toyota recalled 2.3 million vehicles produced in the years 2005 through 2010 due to accelerator pedals on those vehicles becoming stuck in a depressed position, causing unexpected and unsafe acceleration. To date, Toyota has recalled a total of 5.3 million vehicles due to defects in accelerator pedals, which can unexpectedly become stuck in place and send the vehicle into rapid, uncontrollable and unsafe acceleration.

According to the class action lawsuit filed by Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, Douglas & London, P.C., and the Becnel Law Firm, LLC, in 2008 Margaret Gonzalez purchased a Toyota Avalon LTD from Brunswick Toyota in Brunswick, New Jersey, which was subject to recall in January 2010. The complaint alleges that because of Toyota’s negligence, Ms. Gonzalez and members of the purported Class lost the use of their vehicles, and sustained, among things, economic losses and severe emotional distress.

The complaint charges Toyota with negligence, breach of express and implied warranty, unjust enrichment and violations of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. The class action lawsuit seeks to recover compensatory, equitable, and actual and punitive damages for the Class, as well as injunctive relief and attorneys fees.

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Parker Waichman Alonso LLP Files Suit Against Toyota Motor Corp. USA, Inc.

Class Action Status Requested To Benefit All Residents of New York State Who Own or Lease Toyota Vehicles Subject to the January Recall

Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, together with the Becnel Law Firm, LLC and Douglas & London, P.C., announces that it filed suit on behalf of a New York man who leased a Toyota vehicle subject to the recall issued in January 2010 for defects in the vehicles’ gas pedals. The lawsuit, which was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, seeks class action status intended to benefit all residents of the State of New York who purchased or leased a Toyota vehicle of model years 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, and/or 2010 that is subject to the January 2010 recall for defective gas pedals.

Parker Waichman Alonso LLP has been contacted by hundreds of Toyota owners with questions about their legal rights in relation to the January 2010 recall. If you or someone you know owns or leases one of the Toyota vehicles involved in this recall, please contact our office by visiting www.yourlawyer.com. Free case evaluations are also available by calling Parker Waichman Alonso LLP at 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).

On January 21, 2010, Toyota recalled 2.3 million vehicles produced in the years 2005 through 2010 due to accelerator pedals on those vehicles becoming stuck in a depressed position, causing unexpected and unsafe acceleration. To date, Toyota has recalled a total of 5.3 million vehicles due to defects in accelerator pedals, which can unexpectedly become stuck in place and send the vehicle into rapid, uncontrollable and unsafe acceleration.

According to the class action lawsuit filed by Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, the Becnel Law Firm, LLC and Douglas & London, P.C., Peter Phaneuf leased a Toyota Camry LE in 2009, which was subject to recall by Toyota in January 2010. The complaint alleges that because of Toyota’s negligence, Mr. Phaneuf and members of the purported Class lost the use of their vehicles, and sustained, among things, economic losses and severe emotional distress.

The complaint charges Toyota with negligence, breach of express and implied warranty, unjust enrichment, and violations of the New York State General Business Law. The class action lawsuit seeks to recover compensatory, equitable, and actual and punitive damages for the Class, as well as injunctive relief and attorneys fees.

About Parker Waichman Alonso LLP
Parker Waichman Alonso LLP is a leading products liability and personal injury law firm that represents plaintiffs nationwide. The firm has offices in New York, New Jersey and Florida. Parker Waichman Alonso LLP has assisted thousands of clients in receiving fair compensation for injuries resulting from defective products, drugs and medical devices. For more information on Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, please visit: www.yourlawyer.com or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).

About Becnel Law Firm LLC
Becnel Law Firm, LLC has been in existence for over 30 years and is one of the largest personal injury firms in the New Orleans area. The Becnel Law Firm LLC is a full service law firm representing clients both locally and nationally.

About Douglas & London, P.C.
Douglas & London, P.C. is a national personal injury law firm based in New York City. Over the past decade, Douglas & London, P.C. has built a formidable reputation by taking on precedent-setting mass torts and complex cases involving products liability, pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers.

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Leading Libel And Defamation Law Firm, Russell Jones & Walker, Has Won A Libel Victory Against Publishers Random House

Leading libel and defamation law firm, Russell Jones & Walker, has won a libel victory (Case number: 606990.1) against publishers Random House on behalf of internationally renowned wine connoisseur Michael Broadbent, who was from 1966 until 1992 the head of Christie’s wine department.

The libel action centred on the book The Billionaire’s Vinegar, the subject of which was the provenance of a number of bottles of wine said to have been owned by Thomas Jefferson. The book made allegations which suggested that Mr Broadbent had behaved in an unprofessional manner in the way in which he had auctioned some of these bottles and that his relationship and dealings with Hardy Rodenstock, who discovered the original collection, was suspected of being improper.

In a statement read out in open court, Random House apologised unreservedly for making the allegations and accepted that they were untrue. It has given an undertaking not to repeat the allegations and paid Mr Broadbent undisclosed damages.

Commenting on the settlement Sarah Webb, head of Russell Jones & Walker’s Defamation department who acted for Mr Broadbent said:

“The Billionaire’s Vinegar made highly damaging claims about my client that seriously compromised both his professional and personal reputation. We are delighted that Random House has today accepted that these allegations are totally without foundation and avoided the need to proceed to a full trial. My client is relieved that the good name he has built up over many years as one of the country’s leading wine experts has been fully restored.”

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Fred “Rerun” Berry Family is asking for a Federal Investigation on a 20 Million Dollar Cover-up

Whistle Blower!!! Over the past six years regarding the late Fred Rerun Berry who was an actor from the 1970’s “What’s Happening” Sitcom. Berry died October 21, 2003.

It has been determined that there has been an unauthorized use of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Berry’s personal identification number utilizing this number to establish bank accounts in the form of loans, government grants, saving accounts and lines of credit. Thousands of dollars have been utilized in property developments, purchasing of land and community development projects in the Suitland Maryland, Largo Maryland and New Carrolton areas.

Many attempts to gather documents from a Bank and a Corporation in Maryland have been met with roadblocks. In 2001 Fred Rerun Berry appeared on” The Weakest Link and that is were it all began. Mrs. Berry started receiving paper work from the Internal Revenue, Documents and contracts in c/o Essie Berry for this corporation and Tax Idenification Number. Mrs. Berry requested bank accounts records. The bank teller wanted Mrs. Berry to provided information to confirm her identity. Information was faxed in 2004 to a bank in Maryland still no records. In 2005, Mrs. Berry meets with the Vice-President of the bank. Mrs. Berry asked for all accounts in reference to Fred Rerun Berry Tax Identification 52-2197854 records were mail but they were incomplete.

Mrs. Berry and Portia Allen, Fred’s daughter in 2007 over heard a phone conversation with a bank employee while holding during a phone conversation say, “That poor, poor lady they drained her husbands’ account. With all of the compelling evidence, bank records, documents and paper trail and errors that the banks have made in utilizing Mr. and Mrs. Fred Berry Tax Identification number. The Berry family is seeking a full Federal Investigation to this matter. All facts can be proven.

Sincerely, The Berry Family

Berry Family 9663 Santa Monica Blvd. suite 121 Beverly Hill Ca, 90210//404-380-8250 or 404-303-1117 (rerunvoice2beheard@yahoo.com) or (spititout1@yahoo.com)

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Accidents, Cases, Criminal Justice, Lawyers, Legal Services

New San Diego DUI Lawyer Website

San Diego DUI Attorney Cole Casey, California State Delegate to the prestigious National College of DUI Defense, announces the launch of the new San Diego DUI website, San Diego Lawyer DUI, which complements the law firm’s original web site, DUI San Diego.

New San Diego DUI Lawyer Website

The new San Diego DUI Lawyer website provides access to many valuable Drunk Driving Defense resources, such as San Diego DMV license suspension hearing information for DUI defendants, San Diego DUI Court and DMV case results, boating DUI, vehicular manslaughter, Pilot DUI, and other DUI facts.

The DUI Law Firm’s new website also provides victory strategies for other criminal defense lawyers taking cases to DUI Jury Trials in San Diego. In addition, www.duisandiego.com provides valuable information describing the entire DUI court process in California, and also states facts regarding San Diego DUI enhancements and case aggravators.

Attorney Casey devotes his entire law practice solely to defending DUI cases in California, no other criminal defense cases are accepted. In addition, Lawyer Casey has been invited to speak and deliver seminars across the country to other lawyers on the subject of DUI defense. Visit either website, sandiegolawyerdui.com, or www.duisandiego.com for everything you need to know to effectively manage a DUI arrest in San Diego.

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Accidents, Cases, Criminal Justice, Lawyers, Legal Services

Texas and Houston Drunk Driving Car Accident Lawyers Help Fight Carnage Of DUI Deaths

This Labor Day weekend, millions of Americans will celebrate having an extra day of leisure. Sadly, many will celebrate too much. They will drink – too much – and then drive. And they’ll kill up to 300 other Americans, or as many as died on the three-day July 4 weekend. For families of such victims, the only solace may be pressing for damages via a drunk driving lawyer or car accident attorney.

America’s ongoing DUI carnage is why law enforcement officials nationwide, including the Texas Department of Public Safety, are gearing up for increased vigilance on roads and highways for the long Labor Day weekend. They know it’s inevitable that many will be killed by drunk drivers in that time, but hope that through checkpoints and other vigilance they can limit the loss.

How significant is America’s loss to drunk driving? In financial terms, it’s untold billions of dollars. But strictly in terms of human loss — and not counting the millions who suffer injury in drunk driving car accidents — the nation suffered 11,000 DUI car accident fatalities in 2008 alone.

Though annual drunk driving death totals have declined in recent years, 11,000 deaths is still a staggering tragedy. To place it in a broader historical perspective, since 1982 more than half a million Americans have died due to drunk drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Those half a million DUI deaths since 1982 dwarf — by 150,000 — the number of Americans killed in every war since World War II. And all such deaths could have been prevented if people did not drink and drive.

After the fact of a drunk driving death or injury, victims or their families at least have a legal recourse. They can engage skilled, knowledgeable and experienced Texas drunk driving car accident lawyers or auto accident attorneys from Jim S. Adler & Associates, a Texas law firm with zero tolerance for drunk drivers and complete support for drunk driving accident victims.

Whether your drunk driving accident was in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin or anywhere else in Texas, a Texas drunk driving accident lawyer from Jim S. Adler & Associates stands ready to fight for justice and for your own financial compensation, led by Jim “the Texas Hammer” Adler, a personal injury attorney who’s fought for victims’ rights for more than three decades.

About Jim Adler & Associates
Jim S. Adler & Associates is a Texas personal injury law firm with offices in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio and Channelview. Adler personal injury lawyers and attorneys have fought for Texans’ legal rights since 1973.

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Administrative, Business Law, Cases, Compensation, Law Firm, Lawyers, Legal Education, Legal Services

New Educational Site Empowers Lawyers and Plaintiffs

In 1999, Bill Tilley launched the legal finance industry in California, helping lawyers and firms get their finances on track with Themis Capital. Since then, he’s been instrumental in building that industry as the largest provider of legal financial services. His financial expertise in the area of law grew to include guiding plaintiffs through the settlement process with comprehensive settlement planning. This devotion to creating a full service financial company for the legal community led to Amicus Capital Services, LLC.

comprehensive settlement planning

Now, Bill Tilley and Amicus Capital Services are taking that extra step, launching an educational site on innovative settlement planning. Amicus Capital Services’ Settlement Planning Blog provides attorneys and plaintiffs with in depth information on legal finance, settlement planning, structured attorney’s fees and structured settlements, among other topics.

“The path to a settlement or verdict can be a very difficult process, but achieving the resolution is just the beginning,” says Mr. Tilley. “There are many settlement planning issues to consider to maximize the recovery. Generally speaking Medicaid, Medicare and ERISA liens should be negotiated; often trusts have to be created. Investment decisions have to be made.

“Too many lawyers and plaintiffs are unprepared for what happens after the settlement or favorable judgment is achieved. The Settlement Planning Blog is setup to empower plaintiffs and attorneys with necessary knowledge and innovative settlement planning.”

What are the plaintiff’s fiscal options to create a secure future with their settlement? The site answers this question with a break down of those options. What is the attorney’s responsibility towards the plaintiff in settlement planning? This question is asked and answered as well, pointing toward pertinent areas of law.

In addition, the Settlement Planning Blog provides the resources necessary to further investigate the various issues of settlement planning. These resources include a list of insurance companies that offer structured settlements, and links to settlement resources such as the Academy of Special Needs Planners and the Society of Settlement Planners, among others. Government resources are covered as well, adding information such as disability benefits, SSI death benefits and retirement benefits.

“We’re not lawyers,” Mr. Tilley states. “We’re the pioneers – financial experts that specialize in settlement planning and helping law firms move up to the next level. Through the Settlement Planning Blog we share with our readers the knowledge gained from over ten years’ experience in the industry.”

To read more on settlement planning, please visit:
http://settlementplanningservices.com/
For more information on Amicus Capital Services, LLC, please visit their website at:
http://www.amicuscapitalservices.com/

About Amicus Capital Services, LLC
Created by the founders of the attorney financing industry, Amicus offers the financing you require and the expertise you need to further leverage your expertise in your fight for justice.

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Cases, Compensation, Health Law, Law Firm, Lawyers, Legal Services, Personal Injury, Public Safety

Field Fisher Waterhouse Wins Compensation For Lung Cancer Sufferer Exposed To Asbestos

Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has won £84,000 in compensation for Mr B, a 67 year old man from Hayes who contracted lung cancer after being exposed to asbestos dust whilst working as a labourer for Cape Building Products Limited in the 1960s.

During his 18 months at Cape Building Products, Mr B was heavily exposed to asbestosdust in the course of his work. His tasks included handling sacks of raw asbestos which he was required to open and empty out.

Generally it is very difficult to prove the connection between lung cancer and asbestos exposure where the sufferer has not first contracted asbestosis. In this case Mr B had also smoked heavily for most of his adult life, making it even harder to establish the connection.

Michael Osborne, solicitor in the Asbestos Claims Group at Field Fisher Waterhouse, was able to negotiate a settlement from Cape Building Products’ insurer with the help of a medical report proving that asbestosis did not need to be present for a patient’s lung cancer to be attributed to asbestos exposure. Mr B received a settlement of £84,000 in compensation which took into account a deduction of 17.5 % to reflect his history of smoking.

Michael Osborne, senior associate in the Asbestos Claims Group at Field Fisher Waterhouse, commented: “I am pleased that we were able to prove the connection between Mr B’s lung cancer and his exposure to asbestos at Cape Building Products in the 1960s. Despite being exposed to asbestos dust for only a short time, this was enough for him to contract a serious disease. This settlement will provide Mr B and his family with the necessary means to cover the costs of his ongoing care.”

Mr B’s son said: “I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of my father and myself, to thank the firm for the professional and sympathetic way they have dealt with our claim. On a personal note, I would like to thank Michael for making such a big difference to our situation.”

Notes to editors:
Case number: 44605.1

About Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP:
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP is a full service European law firm with offices in Brussels, Hamburg, Paris, London and Manchester and exclusive relationships with Spanish firm Jiménez de Parga and Italian firm, La Scala. The firm has over 120 partners, 220 other lawyers and nearly 300 support staff. Field Fisher Waterhouse assists a wide range of international clients, advising across the full range of legal issues.

The firm’s main areas of practice are corporate and commercial, IP and technology, banking and finance, regulatory and real estate. Field Fisher Waterhouse also has particular expertise in employment & pensions, dispute resolution, tax and competition & EU law, medical negligence, spinal injury, personal injury and brain injury claims.

The international client base includes listed and unlisted companies, multinationals, banks and other financial institutions, professional partnerships, trade associations and Government departments. A distinctive feature of the firm is its industry focus, acknowledged as leading experts in the public sector, technology and media sectors.

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