Miscellaneous

• Update on Lawsuit Against Seattle Plaintiffs' Law Firm

  Michael Myers | March 30, 2006 2:11 PM | 0 CommentsSeattle, WA

  Last week, a jury returned a verdict against Seattle-based Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP for dropping their 3 water bottling company clients to open a class action suit. A day before they were to return to court to hear the jury's findings as to punitive damages, the parties settled for $10.8 million. For more information, please see: Seattle law firm, water bottlers settle lawsuit.

• 1 Child Dead, Another Injured from Magnetix Toys

  Michael Myers | March 30, 2006 6:55 AM | 0 CommentsSeattle, WA

  On March 29, two more families filed complaints against the maker of Magnetix toys. Two children inadvertently swallowed magnets that came loose from the toys. If swallowed, these magnets could cause blood poisoning, in addition to other complications. One child died. Another is recovering and doctors have issued a warning regarding the toys.If your child has been injured by a toy, you...

• Cruise Goers Getting Sick

  Michael Myers | March 30, 2006 6:49 AM | 0 CommentsSeattle, WA

  Last week, a cruise bound for Hawaii returned to San Diego after 142 of the passengers developed "norovirus," a contagious stomach virus. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. According to the CDC, this infection is spread when people don't properly wash their hands after using the bathroom. For more information, please see: Cruise Viruses.

• Ferry Crash Raises Questions about Safety

  Michael Myers | March 30, 2006 6:44 AM | 0 CommentsSeattle, WA

  On March 22, a B.C. ferry struck a rock and sank just north of Vancouver Island. Although initial reports claimed all passengers were safe, authorities later reported 2 individuals missing and presumed dead. This raises several questions about the safety of ferries. Although Washington state ferries are reportedly newer and safer, the lack of recordkeeping may lead to a similar assumption...

• Avoiding Injury on Cruise Ships

  Michael Myers | March 26, 2006 2:07 PM | 0 CommentsSeattle, WA

  Companies often hire mystery or secret shoppers to observe their employees, product offerings and general level of service. Cruise ships may also want to employ this strategy as well. A mystery shopper on a cruise ship can observe fire drills and report the level of maintenance and service on the ship. This feedback could then help a cruise line improve their ships for safety.For more...

• 11 Injured, 1 Killed in Cruise Ship Fire

  Michael Myers | March 26, 2006 1:45 PM | 0 CommentsSeattle, WA

  On March 23 at approximately 3 a.m., a fire started on a cruise ship. The cause of the fire was apparently a cigarette. Eleven passengers were injured and one died from a heart attack.Those injured should contact a personal injury attorney to discuss their options and preserve any claims they may have. For more information, please see: 11 injured in cruise ship fire.

• Jury Finds Against Seattle Plaintiffs' Law Firm

  Michael Myers | March 23, 2006 2:50 PM | 0 CommentsSeattle, WA

  A Maine jury recently ordered Seattle-based law firm Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP to pay $10.8 million in damages to their former water bottler clients. Hagens Berman had been brought on to help represent three small water bottlers in their case against Poland Spring regarding its labeling. The parties were close to a settlement when Hagens Berman dropped their case and instead, filed a...

• Pit Bull Escapes and Attacks Woman

  Michael Myers | March 21, 2006 6:33 AM | 0 CommentsSeattle, WA

  On March 17, a pit bull escaped from its home in Mountlake Terrace and attacked a woman in her 50s. The woman suffered serious injuries to her face and legs. The owner was also bitten when she tried to pull the pit bull off of the woman. When police tried to assist, the dog charged at an officer, who shot and injured the dog. The pit bull was euthanized.Some municipalities require owners to...

• Update on Sealed Lawsuits

  Michael Myers | March 19, 2006 10:31 AM | 0 CommentsSeattle, WA

  The Seattle Times has begun trying to open the sealed files that could be hiding potential dangers from the public. They have found that one judge in particular has sealed at least a dozen files, possibly without meeting the "compelling circumstances" standard required to seal a case. However, the judge is highly regarded and with the exception of a reporter, no one has objected to the sealing...

• New Law Could Limit Damages in Malpractice Claims

  Michael Myers | March 16, 2006 5:47 AM | 1 CommentSeattle, WA

  On March 6, Governor Gregoire signed the medical malpractice compromise into law. This new law could have significant impacts on medical malpractice claims. For example, there will be voluntary arbitration, which would limit damages to $1 million and remove the right to a new trial if a party to the claim appeals the arbitration. The law goes into effect 90 days after the legislature...