If a friend is exhibiting certain behaviors, they may be unable to safely drive home. Here are a few obvious signs that they should not drive.

Slurred Speech

Alcohol affects speech. When the spoken words and syllables run together or do not make sense, this is a sign of intoxication. Listen for the beginnings and endings of words to be omitted or overly emphasized.

Balance

If someone is unable to stand up and stand still on their own that usually has no difficulty doing so, they may be drunk. Holding on to chairs, tables or other people to keep from falling over is a telltale sign of intoxication.

Consumption

When someone is consuming more than one alcoholic drink per hour, they should not be driving. Most human bodies cannot process alcohol faster than one alcoholic drink per hour. Although some people have higher metabolism rates than others, it is better to be safe and not drive if there is any possibility of impairment.

Walking

When the friend in question walks across the room, be on the lookout for swaying, stumbling and ability to walk in a straight line. If any of these symptoms exist, they could put themselves and others by driving a vehicle in this condition.

Sleepiness

Falling asleep while sitting down or standing up is a sign of intoxication. It is also a sign that the person may fall asleep at the wheel. Someone lying down on the floor or uncomfortable place during public activities is also a sign of impairment.

Confusion

People who do not know where they are or whom they are with are probably not able to drive home. Serious time lapse in the response time to a simple question is often a warning sign.

Fumbling

When someone fumbles for their keys or drops their drink, this may be a sign of impaired motor coordination. If they cannot pick up their car keys or unlock the door, they likely cannot operate the vehicle either.

In the event a friend shows signs they are unable to drive, help them find another way home. Even if they are not showing these signs of impairment, they may be unfit to operate a motor vehicle. When there is any doubt or question, it is best to make an alternative plan.

If you are interested in finding a  florida dui lawyer, be sure to visit http://www.muscalaw.com/.

The law firm of Price Benowitz LLP is expanding its legal services in Fairfax County, Virginia by offering personal injury representation through its Fairfax office. The new office is led by Virginia personal injury lawyer Thomas Soldan, who provides quality legal counsel to those involved in accident litigation.

Located at 4015 Chain Bridge Road Suite 37-A in Fairfax, the new office is less than a quarter mile from the Fairfax County General District Court and provides the clients of Price Benowitz LLP with a convenient meeting place to consult with their Virginia accident attorney.

A graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law, Fairfax accident attorney Thomas Soldan is an experienced civil litigator. He recently began his term as the president of the Fauquier Bar Association, an organization comprised of hundreds of legal professionals representing a county with a population of more than 70,000 individuals. Attorney Seth Price, founding partner of Price Benowitz LLP, says of Mr. Soldan, “Our firm is honored to be represented in Fairfax County, Virginia, by such an esteemed and well-qualified Virginia personal injury lawyer as Thomas Soldan. As President of the Fauquier Bar Association, Mr. Soldan exhibits the experience and professionalism necessary to successfully handle even complex personal injury litigation in Virginia.” In addition to serving as the 2012 president of the Fauquier Bar, Thomas Soldan is a member of the Virginia Bar Association and is an Insurance Regulation vice-chair with the American Bar Association.

From the Fairfax office, attorney Thomas Soldan serves clients throughout Virginia, including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Fauquier County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Spotsylvania County, and Stafford County. Mr. Soldan represents clients who have been injured as a result of another’s negligence. Cases handled by the Fairfax office of Price Benowitz LLP include:

•     Medical Malpractice
•     Car Accidents
•     Slip and Fall Accidents
•     Personal Injury Accidents

If a person has been injured in an accident or through an act of professional negligence, he or she has the right to pursue financial compensation for resulting injuries or damages. With the launch of its personal injury practice in Fairfax, Virginia, the law group of Price Benowitz LLP broadens its commitment to injured victims by providing convenient access to quality legal representation.

About Price Benowitz LLP: Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the law offices of Price Benowitz LLP offer both criminal defense and personal injury litigation across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. For more information about attorney Thomas Soldan or the Fairfax, Virginia location, please call the office at (703) 496-5095 or visit the Virginia Personal Injury Lawyer website at http://www.virginia-personalinjurylawyer.com/.

According to Public Justice, an amicus brief was filed in the class-action Williams, et al. v. BASF Catalyst, LLC, et al. case on behalf of the victims and their families, claiming the company and its attorneys should not be able to get away with conspiring to hide the asbestos risk in the talc.

The brief asserts that as a result of BASF’s attempts to conceal the asbestos danger, some members of the class either did not seek injury claims or had their cases dismissed by courts.

Chemical company seeking ‘litigation privilege’

BASF and its corporate law firm are attempting to squeeze their way out of the case through a “litigation privilege” under New Jersey law that reportedly protects companies against civil liability for communications designed to “achieve the objects of litigation,” according to Public Citizen.

Read the full article by Steven Kazan of Kazan, McClain, Lyons, Greenwood & Harley:

Chemical Company BASF Catalyst Seeks Dismissal of Lying Accusations in Asbestos Case

The Obama administration is deporting undocumented residents at a faster rate than that of any other president. Meanwhile, many southern states are pushing forward with their own immigration laws designed to achieve maximum deportation, as well.  “In all, there is a national backlog of about 270,000 immigration cases. And that is a big problem for the courts”, Atlanta immigration lawyer Charles Kuck says.

“We’re actually seeing far more cases because of the tough laws at the state levels. So the cases are getting slower here,” Kuck said. “So cases that should take four, five (or) six months are taking one and a half to two and a half years to get adjudicated.”

Kuck says if ICE starts uniformly dropping low priority cases, it could be a help to long backlogs. But the real problem, as he sees it, is money.

“We have a limited number of judges. There’s no additional funding to get more judges,” Kuck said. “There’s also a limited number of government lawyers, so as a consequence, more cases are coming through the system. So we have overburdened courts, overburdened judges and a delay in justice overall.”

Read the Full Article, Comments and Listen to the Audio:  NEW STATE LAWS, RECORD DEPORTATIONS CLOGGING FEDERAL COURTS IN SOUTH

A long-term study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that the number of car accidents caused by intoxicated drivers increases significantly during the holiday season. Between 2001 and 2005, traffic fatalities involving intoxicated drivers increased approximately 25% during the Christmas holiday period and 50% during the New Year’s holiday. Overall, an average of around 1,200 fatal accidents are caused by intoxicated drivers each holiday season, and the Centers for Disease Control estimate that another 25,000 Americans will be injured in these types of accidents over the same period.

Injuries resulting from accidents involving a drunk driver are often considerably serious. In many cases, they may require the individual to pursue costly medical care, and they can also lead to a loss of income from time spent recovering from the injury. Those who experience these unfortunate consequences as the result of someone else’s reckless and irresponsible choice shouldn’t have to deal with the situation by themselves. The Atlanta personal injury lawyers of Webb, Wade & Taylor, LLC are prepared to offer their services to all Atlanta residents who are injured by a drunk driver over the holiday season.

About the Firm

Webb, Wade & Taylor, LLC is a full-service law firm based in Atlanta, Georgia whose practice areas regarding car accidents span from reckless driving to pedestrian involvement. The firm’s lawyers are skilled in representing individuals who have been injured in a car accident due to driver error and are ready to pursue the correct amount of compensation on their behalf.

Contact:
Webb, Wade & Taylor, LLC
2727 Paces Ferry Rd SE
Building 2, Suite 1740
Atlanta, GA 30214
Tel: 770-631-1811
Fax: 770-631-1771

Schwebel, Goetz and Sieben’s new site isn’t just a shrunken version of their standard website. The mobile version also offers a very useful app: the Accident App. The Accident App provides valuable information to victims of car crashes and other accidents. It also makes it easy to record crucial details related to the accident. This makes it much easier for a client and his or her personal injury attorney in Minneapolis to win the case.

Hiring a car accident lawyer in Minneapolis greatly increases an injured person’s chances of winning a suitable judgment for the wounds and distress endured. A competent attorney knows the intricacies of the law and the best ways to persuade a court to rule in the client’s favor. There is no need for someone with proper representation to accept an unsatisfactory settlement offer.

Those injured in accidents have several rights. Retaining a Minneapolis auto accident lawyer ensures that those rights are not ignored. These rights include the ability to obtain medical reimbursement, compensation for pain and disability and payment for income loss.

The law firm of Schwebel, Goetz and Sieben is an 18-attorney legal outfit that specializes in representing those who have been injured in accidents of all kinds. Their size means that clients get an entire team of attorneys on their side when they retain a Minneapolis personal injury lawyer. It is common for more than one lawyer to be assigned to a single case. The large size, however, does not mean an impersonal experience. Schwebel, Goetz and Sieben attorneys are known for being caring, committed and attentive to detail.

Schwebel, Goetz and Sieben was founded in 1972 and is now one of Minneapolis’ most trusted personal injury legal firms. Their accident lawyers have an average of 25 years of experience. The firm has won or settled over 30,000 cases since opening its doors. Over 60 of the verdicts they’ve received have been for over $1,000,000.

Some of the law firm’s high profile cases include the collapse of the 35W Bridge, the police van crash at the downtown Minneapolis Hollidazzle Parade and Roseville’s Williams Pipeline explosion. Even so, Schwebel, Goetz and Sieben doesn’t limit itself to high profile cases. The firm gives every client the same attention it gives to headline making litigation.

The law firm of Schwebel, Goetz and Sieben accepts personal injury cases in Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and throughout the United States.

Cybex International of Medway, Mass., found by an Erie County jury to be 75 percent responsible for the woman’s injury, said it is now liable for about $33 million, after insurance, plus interest.

“Cybex strongly believes that it was not at fault in the accident that is the basis of the plaintiff’s claims and that this case was wrongly decided as to liability,” said John Aglialoro, Cybex chairman and chief executive officer.

Read the full article:  Weight maching maker plans to appeal ruling in personal injury suit

“I have always wanted my own law practice. I think it is everyone’s dream to be their own boss,” says Attorney Walker when asked about his motivation behind opening Frank Walker Law. “I am just excited to get back to fighting the good fight. For me, it’s always about fighting for people who are seemingly at the bottom rung of the constitutional ladder.”

Attorney Walker’s practice offers, “Real Talk, Real Experience, and Real Results” as one aspect that will set his practice apart from other practices in Western Pennsylvania. Attorney Walker also adds, “I’ve learned from some of the best attorneys and I have the experience of being in the trenches and in the courtrooms for jury verdicts.”

Attorney Walker has handled many criminal matters, including, but not limited to: DUI/Drunk Driving, Possession of Narcotics, Firearms/Weapons Charges, Perjury, Bail Hearings, Probation Violations, Murder Charges and Traffic Offenses. Attorney Walker has also obtained verdicts and settlements for victims of Medical Malpractice, Personal Injuries resulting from car accidents, slip and fall incidents and victims of drunk driving accidents, and Surviving Family members in a Pennsylvania Wrongful Death Action. Additionally, Attorney Walker is often sought out by local Pittsburgh Colleges and Universities to speak to college students about the dangers of Underage Drinking, Public Intoxication and using a Fake ID to obtain access to local bars and party spots reserved for those over the age of 21.

Along with the new practice, Attorney Walker also Launched FrankWalkerLaw.com, a full service website with valuable information about Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death and Excessive Force matters, including crime specific explanation, maximum penalties and fines, tips on dealing with insurance companies after an accident and much more. Visitors can also submit a question via an instant email to FrankWalkerLaw and receive a detailed response within hours.

Although Attorney Walker is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth Pennsylvania, he maintains relationships with many trial attorneys nationwide, due to his professional networking and membership in the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. As such, Attorney frequently refers clients with matters outside of Pennsylvania to other talented and aggressive attorneys in their respective state.

Finally, Attorney Walker recognizes that the city of Pittsburgh attracts many visitors to the Historic Strip District, Cultural District, Station Square or North Shore Casinos. Also, many come to Pittsburgh for catch a Professional Football, Baseball or Hockey event or to follow their favorite college team. As such, Attorney Walker avails his services to individuals who are arrested while visiting Pittsburgh and works tirelessly to bring such cases to a quick and fast resolution in an effort to reduce the undue burden and expense of excess travelling for court appearances.

Attorney Walker looks forward to helping citizens in need of Legal Representation in the Downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, Allegheny County, and the entire Western Pennsylvania Area.

Attorney Frank Walker is the owner and Lead Attorney of FrankWalkerLaw, a Pennsylvania Law Firm Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For more information about FrankWalkerLaw, including speaking engagements, media contact and legal representation, please contact us at 412.532.6805 or at http://www.frankwalkerlaw.com.

The Law Offices of John F. Williams, Jr. specialize in bankruptcy law, estate planning, probate, business planning, and family law such as guardianship and adoption. Attorney John F. Williams, Jr. is focused to meet and exceed all of your legal expectations and you can count on his promise to deliver service that yields results the moment work begins. The Law Offices of John F. Williams, Jr. values long term relationships because, “Your Life is Our Life’s Work.”

With the Law Offices of John F. Williams, Jr., you will know that your family’s future and wellbeing are in the best hands possible. Our reputable and reliable attorneys offer complimentary bankruptcy consultations, allowing you to meet and discuss the best options for your financial future – without having to worry about being taken advantage of. No matter if it is Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 Bankruptcy, we have experience with both areas and can utilize it to best protect your family and future. We can put a stop to creditors and collectors – allowing you peace of mind and ridding your life of a nuisance.

For all your bankruptcy concerns, the Law Offices of John F. Williams, Jr., are here to help. For additional information regarding a complimentary bankruptcy consultation in Frisco and the surrounding area, give us a call at 972-527-4500 or contact us online today.

Author Info -

The Law Offices of John F. Williams, Jr. in Plano TX are dedicated to long term client relationships practicing bankruptcy law, estate planning, probate, business planning, and family law such as adoption. The Law Offices of John F. Williams, Jr. website is handled by Advice Interactive Group, a well-known Internet marketing company in Dallas.

Contact Info –

Law Offices of John F. Williams, Jr.
5068 W Plano Pkwy #300
Plano, TX 75093
(972) 527-4500

One such resource is “The Americans With Disabilities Act: Applying Performance and Conduct Standards to Employees with Disabilities.” This resource provides practical guidance, including examples, to demonstrate an employer’s responsibilities when performance and conduct problems arise concerning a disabled employee. This publication discusses the role of reasonable accommodations in preventing or addressing performance or conduct problems and the circumstances in which an accommodation should be granted. It covers topics such as attendance issues, dress code violations, alcohol use, and confidentiality concerns.

This publication uses a question and answer format to address questions employers might raise. For example, the publication addresses whether an employer may use the same evaluation criteria for employees with disabilities as for employees without disabilities and whether an employer may discipline an employee if the employee’s disability caused a violation of a conduct rule.

To speak to a Dallas attorney about the Americans with Disabilities Act or about a disability law issue, contact the employment law firm of Clouse Dunn LLP at info@clousedunn.com.

Press Release Contact Information:

KEITH A. CLOUSE

Clouse Dunn LLP

214.220.2722
214.220.3833 ( fax)
keith@clousedunn.com

The experienced Nashville personal injury attorneys at Pohl & Berk are equipped to handle a wide variety of cases including (but not limited to):

• Auto Accidents
• Truck/18-wheeler Accidents (Trucking Accidents)
• Defective Tires
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Aviation Accidents
• Medical Malpractice
• Nursing Home Malpractice
• Product Liability (Dangerous Products)
• Pharmaceutical Liability
• Toxic Exposure
• Premises Liability (Slip and Fall)
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Insurance Bad Faith
• Burn Injuries
• Wrongful Death
• Rollover Accidents

Pohl & Berk’s legal practice extends beyond the usual confines of personal injury to include cases involving insurance bad faith and toxic exposure. These kinds of cases require a particular set of knowledge and experience, and the attorneys of Pohl & Berk have the resources necessary to handle these claims. Moreover, the firm’s legal staff is intimately familiar with local and state laws that often influence the outcome of personal injury cases in the Nashville area.

Local residents who have been injured or suffered the injury of a close relative should contact the Nashville personal injury lawyers of Pohl & Berk, LLP at 615-277-2765. More information is also available on the firm’s new website at www.pohlberk.com.

“Financial planning is essential for a strong future – whether you’re currently facing foreclosure or you’ve got a million dollars in the bank,” advises firm founder and President Randall Leshin. “Regardless of the state of your finances, you need sound legal advice to help obtain the life you envision.”

The firm helps Floridians with financial planning. They evaluate a client’s financial circumstances and advise them on how to build their future. The firm will assist individuals who face medical debt and foreclosure as well as those looking to build and protect a financial legacy for their loved ones.

“Once you know you’re covered financially, you begin to realize how quickly that can change,” says Leshin. “Our clients are looking to make smart legal decisions today that will ensure their family’s security tomorrow.”

After multiple clients came to the firm with financial issues related to personal injuries and real estate conflicts, Leshin found that he had to move beyond the niche of commercial litigation and bankruptcy in order to meet growing demand. The estate planning, complete with will and trust services, was a natural addition to the expanding firm.

About The Leshin Law Firm

Founded in 1994, the Leshin Law Firm (leshinlawfirm.com) has provided bankruptcy, loan modification, foreclosure defense and litigation services to clients across South Florida. The firm is located in Pompano Beach. The firm’s Pompano Beach lawyers are licensed to practice law in Florida and California.

15 Attorneys from across the country have “teamed up” to write this book. Each one truly believes that knowledge is power. This book has a wealth of knowledge that people won’t learn in school about inside secrets that big insurance does not want the public to know if they have a personal injury claim that entitles one to money damages.

The Insurance industry seemingly pervades every area of one’s life. The personal injury attorneys in this book have helped thousands of consumers wade through the insurance waters in pursuit of justice. Now the public has available this knowledge from the book that reached number one on Amazon’s best seller list in the insurance category on the day of it’s release.

In fact this book is available on Amazon at $19.95. But now Anthony Castelli is offering it free to the public as part of the distribution rights with celebrity press publishing company. The book can be downloaded at http://www.castellilaw.com at the special download page from his personal injury attorney web

Anthony stated, ” The whole idea was not to profit from selling books , but to get this valuable information into the hands of the public so they would have some general information to learn the right steps to take maximize the value of their insurance settlement or disability claim. With 15 attorneys covering multiple topics that reoccur over and over again, the public could benefit from information not generally known. Information that big insurance doesn’t want accident injury victims to know and won’t tell them until it’s too late.”

This book explores many ways that the insurance industry uses to maximize profit at the public’s expense. But the book points out counter measures the public can take when they present a claim so they avoid becoming just another tidbit on the insurance company plate.

Some if the topics explored are:

1. How much is a personal injury case worth.

2. What factors go into valuing a case.

3. Tactics the insurance company will use to diminish the value of a claim

4. Why big insurance wants to keep you away from a lawyer if you have a serious injury and the tactics they use to do this.

5. Fatal mistakes to avoid when negotiating with an insurance company

6. What is the most important car insurance you must have

In all there are 15 separate topics covered. Each one designed to give the public tools to use to use to combat big insurance.

The saying goes, time is money and knowledge is power. By collaborating on this book these personal injury attorneys hope to save you time and money .

Anthony Castelli Attorney is a greater Cincinnati, Ohio personal injury accident lawyer with 30 years experience recovering justice and money damages for his wrongfully injured clients.

Anthony Castelli Attorney
8170 Corporate Park Drive
Suite 220
Cincinnati, Ohio 45242
513-621-2345

T2 Construction was the general contractor at the Chicago job site, which involved a 90-year-old, 80,000-square-foot building. T2 oversaw the activities of demolition contractor Gramek Construction, including the removal of floor tile and pipe insulation that allegedly contained asbestos.

“Failing to conduct an asbestos assessment and require workers to wear personal protective equipment when working with material potentially contaminated by asbestos shows a blatant disregard for their health and safety,” said OSHA Regional Administrator Michael Connors in Chicago. “Safe and healthful working conditions should be paramount on every job site, and OSHA is committed to protecting workers, especially when employers fail to do so.”

T2 Construction was cited for two willful health violations including failing to have a competent person conduct an initial assessment prior to commencing Class I and Class II asbestos work, and failing to ensure compliance with the asbestos standard as the general contractor. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirement or plain indifference to employee safety and health.

Additionally, T2 Construction was cited for 14 serious violations involving asbestos exposure control procedures, such as failing to conduct air and exposure monitoring, failing to follow specific engineering controls and practices, failing to remove tile intact, allowing dry sweeping of dust and residue, failing to provide hygiene facilities for workers conducting asbestos removal and failing to ensure that employees wore adequate personal protective clothing while performing asbestos work. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Gramek Construction was cited for one willful health violation for failing to have a competent person conduct an initial assessment prior to commencing Class I and Class II asbestos work. The company also was cited for 24 serious health and safety violations, 18 of which involved violations of asbestos control procedures such as failing to conduct air and exposure monitoring, failing to follow specific engineering controls and practices, allowing dry sweeping of dust and residue, failing to implement a respiratory protection program, failing to provide hygiene facilities for workers conducting asbestos removal and failing to ensure that employees wore adequate personal protective clothing for asbestos work. The remaining six serious safety violations were cited for lack of fall protection and training as well as electrical hazards.

The citations issued to T2 Construction can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/T2GCLLCdbaT2Construction_315512137_1102_11.pdf*

The citations issued to Gramek Construction can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/GramekConstrcutionInc_315512145_1102_11.pdf*

Each company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

OSHA’s Lubbock District Office began its investigation of the incident on June 11. About five employees were performing drilling operations in the area when the kelly bushing, a device that when fitted into the master bushing transmits torque and simultaneously permits vertical movement to make a hole, came apart and fatally struck two employees working on the drill floor.

One serious violation related to the incident was cited for failing to prevent “struck-by” injuries, which could have been prevented had the employer adhered to industry practices as enforced by OSHA under the general duty clause. The remaining serious violations include failing to provide covers on floor holes to prevent trip hazards, ensure that self-contained breathing apparatus are fully charged, ensure that work surfaces are clean and dry, ensure that stacked materials are blocked to prevent materials from moving when placed on a rack and ensure that flexible cords are used properly. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

The repeat violations include failing to complete the OSHA 301 form; failing to establish a written respiratory protection program and failing to provide strain relief for flexible cords. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. OSHA cited the company for similar violations in 2007 and 2011.

The other-than-serious violations involve failing to properly complete the OSHA 300 logs for recording injuries and illnesses. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

“Two workers lost their lives because Robinson Drilling allowed serious hazards to exist in the workplace,” said Joann Figueroa, OSHA’s area director in El Paso. “It is the employer’s responsibility to follow OSHA standards and ensure that work environments free from all unnecessary hazards.”

Proposed penalties total $93,700. Big Spring, Texas-based Robinson Drilling, which employs about 500 workers nationwide, has 15 business days from receipt of these citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director in El Paso or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Citations can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/RobinsonDrillingofTexas315277541_1108_11.pdf*.

“Fraudulent practices by publicly held corporations have contributed to the economic difficulties currently facing our nation,” said OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels. “The best way to prevent this from happening in the future is to ensure that workers feel free to blow the whistle on corrupt corporate practices without fear of retaliation, and OSHA is committed to protecting the rights of those workers to speak out.”

The whistleblower protection provisions of SOX were amended by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 to clarify that subsidiaries of publicly traded companies are covered employers under the statute, and to add nationally recognized statistical rating organizations as covered employers. The 2010 amendments to SOX also extended the statute of limitations for filing a complaint from 90 to 180 days, among other changes. The new interim final rules implement these changes and aim to improve OSHA’s procedures for handling complaints under SOX.

Among the changes to improve the complaint filing process, the revised rules will allow SOX complainants to file complaints orally and in any language, and enhance the sharing of information between parties throughout the investigation.

“The ability of workers to speak out and exercise their legal rights without fear of retaliation is crucial to many of the legal protections and safeguards that all Americans value,” said Dr. Michaels. “In a continuing effort to improve the Whistleblower Protection Program and make the filing process easier, the rules have been updated to reflect the changes required by the statute.”

The interim final rule can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FEDERAL_REGISTER&p_id=22220. Comments, which must be received by Jan. 3, 2012, may be submitted electronically via the federal e-rulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.gov, or by mail or fax. Faxed submissions, including attachments, must not exceed 10 pages and should be sent to the OSHA Docket Office at 202-693-1648. Comments submitted by mail should be addressed to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. OSHA-2011-0126, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20210.

Called the 5500 SOLiD Sequencer, the device offers researchers the ability to fully sequence malignant lung cell genomes and analyze gene expression in mesothelioma tissue, often in as few as 24 hours.

The practical applications of such a device put it as the forefront of the development of potential mesothelioma treatments.

Mesothelioma is a universally fatal disease, for now

Each year, roughly 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. The vast majority of cases can be attributed to asbestos exposure, even if contact with the mineral was relatively brief and occurred decades ago.

The average survival time beyond diagnosis of mesothelioma is just 15 months, the National Cancer Institute states. Annually, approximately 10,000 deaths can be attributed to asbestosis, mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions, according to the Environmental Working Group.

However, the origins of mesothelioma go beyond mere exposure to toxic asbestos dust. Scientists have found that cell-level changes associated with the substance appear to engender – or at least, increase the risk for – dangerous genetic mutations. It is this damage to the nucleic acids that makes mesothelioma so virulent and, following diagnosis, so fast-growing.

Read the full article by Steven Kazan of Kazan, McClain, Lyons, Greenwood & Harley:

New Gene Sequencer is Poised to Revolutionize Mesothelioma Research

According to a recent article in the National Law Journal, Republicans on Capitol Hill, led by Representative Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), are considering making changes to the trusts. The publication reports that the trusts – of which there are approximately 50 – were created in federal court by companies facing asbestos lawsuits that filed for bankruptcy.

One of the most prominent examples of this kind of trust, according to the Law Journal, is USG Corp., which originally funded its trust with $4 billion with the intention of being able to cover costs of asbestos litigation in the future. Corporations such as USG are not as concerned about their trusts anymore at this stage of the game.

Unlike USG, however, there are still some “solvent co-defendants” that face regular asbestos accusations, and still have a major stake in their trusts. Defendant attorneys for these companies have said that plaintiffs can sue the corporation in state court as well as the trust itself, while the lawyers have difficulty accessing information used in the cases against the trusts, according to the publication.

Read the full article by Steven Kazan of Kazan, McClain, Lyons, Greenwood & Harley:

Congress May Attack Trusts In Asbestos Litigation

A: Rosiglitazone is a thiazolidinedione (TZD) anti-diabetic agent indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Rosiglitazone is sold as a single-ingredient product under the brand name Avandia. It is also available in combination with other diabetes medications. Rosiglitazone combined with metformin is sold under the brand name Avandamet. Rosiglitazone combined with glimepiride is sold under the brand name Avandaryl.

The other TZD drug available in the United States is pioglitazone, or Actos.

Q2. Why is FDA restricting the use of rosiglitazone substantially by requiring a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS)?

A: For several years, there have been concerns about the potential for a cardiovascular ischemic risk associated with rosiglitazone. Cardiovascular ischemia is a deficiency of blood flow to tissue usually due to constriction or an obstruction of a blood vessel. These concerns have arisen from multiple data sources, including various meta-analyses and observational studies.

Meta-analyses combine the results of several studies that address a set of related research questions; for example, combining and evaluating the pooled results of clinical trials of diabetes control to look for outcomes of cardiovascular ischemia.

Observational studies evaluate the effects of treatments on a group of patients where the assignment of subjects into the treatment or control group is out of the researcher’s control; for example, looking at medical charts of patients who had been on rosiglitazone or pioglitazone.

Although the data that show a cardiovascular risk for rosiglitazone have their limitations, no data source exists to refute them. As such, FDA takes the potential cardiovascular safety concerns with rosiglitazone seriously. FDA has decided, in the interest of patient health, to require additional safeguards and restrictions for the use of this drug through a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). This REMS will be designed to assure that the benefits of rosiglitazone continue to outweigh its risks.

Q3: What does FDA’s decision for rosiglitazone mean for patients currently taking this medication?

A: If you are a patient currently taking rosiglitazone, you should continue taking your medication and consult your healthcare professional. Your health care professional and you may choose to select an alternative medication without the concern for cardiovascular ischemia. It is very important that patients with type 2 diabetes continue to control their blood sugar.

The rosiglitazone REMS does not immediately take effect at the time of this announcement; rather, it will take several months to put the REMS in place.

Once the REMS program is in place, current users of rosiglitazone will only be able to continue using the medication if they acknowledge and document that they understand the risks associated with the drug. FDA believes it important for patients to fully understand the risks and benefits associated with their medications.

We will be providing further information on this REMS program in the coming months.

Q4. What does FDA’s decision for rosiglitazone mean for new patients who are considering taking this medication?

A: If you have type 2 diabetes, you should discuss the appropriate treatment with your healthcare professional.

Once the REMS for rosiglitazone is in place, only patients who cannot achieve control of blood sugar on other medications and who decide not to take the alternative medication pioglitazone for medical reasons will be eligible for rosiglitazone.

Q5: What does FDA’s decision for rosiglitazone mean for healthcare professionals with patients currently taking this medication?

A: FDA’s decision allows current users of rosiglitazone to continue using the medication if they appear to be benefiting from it and they acknowledge they understand these risks. However, because of concerns for cardiovascular ischemia, physicians may want to consider switching patients to a different medication.

The rosiglitazone REMS will not immediately take effect at the time of this announcement; rather, it will take several months to put the REMS in place Once the REMS is in place, physicians will need to enroll their patients into the REMS in order for them to continue receiving rosiglitazone.

We will be providing further information on this REMS program in the coming months.

Q6: What does FDA’s decision for rosiglitazone mean for healthcare professionals considering putting a patient taking this medication?

A: .Once the REMS is in place, rosiglitazone will be available to patients not already taking it only if they are unable to achieve glycemic control on other medications and decide not to take pioglitazone for medical reasons. Furthermore, healthcare professionals will have to attest to and document their patient’s eligibility if they believe that their patient is a candidate for rosiglitazone. Patients will have to review statements describing the cardiovascular safety concerns with rosiglitazone.

Q7. Why has FDA not removed rosiglitazone from the U.S. market?

A: Rosiglitazone can effectively control blood sugar, which prevents short-term complications of diabetes and is a reliable marker for lessening long-term complications.

The data underlying the cardiovascular ischemic risks of rosiglitazone are concerning, but they are not definitive. For those patients who cannot effectively control their blood sugar using alternative medications, the benefits of rosiglitazone may exceed these risks. Using rosiglitazone under these circumstances is a judgment that patients should make with their health care professionals.

In addition, there are also individuals currently taking rosiglitazone who, with full knowledge of the potential risk and in consultation with their healthcare providers, may wish to remain on the drug rather than revise their treatment. FDA’s action permits them to do so.

Q8: What are international regulators doing about rosiglitazone?

A: The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has decided to suspend marketing of rosiglitazone. Patients in Europe will be transitioning to alternative medications, and the drug may be brought back into use if additional information becomes available.

There is substantial agreement between EMA and FDA on the interpretation of the scientific data and the assessment of risks. Both agencies have significant concerns about the risk for cardiovascular ischemia. Each agency is managing this risk of rosiglitazone with what it believes is the best risk management tool it has for this circumstance. Those tools are different and reflect the different regulatory environments in Europe and the United States.

Europe has suspended the product while awaiting additional data to help further clarify the benefit-to-risk profile of rosiglitazone. FDA has markedly restricted patient access to the product and introduced new detailed patient information procedures while it awaits additional information to help further clarify the benefit-to-risk profile of the product.

Q9: What additional information on rosiglitazone’s safety does FDA hope to obtain?

A: FDA is requiring a re-adjudication of the RECORD trial. This was a large randomized study of the cardiovascular safety of rosiglitazone. A re-adjudication is a re-evaluation of the data, ultimately resulting in some conclusion or decision about what the data mean.

Q10. FDA is also requiring that the TIDE trial be stopped. What is the TIDE trial and what did it have to do with the safety of rosiglitazone?

A: After the July 2007 FDA Advisory Committee meeting on rosiglitazone, FDA, under its new authorities enacted as part of the FDA Amendments Act of 2007, required that the sponsor of rosiglitazone (GlaxoSmithKline) perform a study comparing the cardiovascular safety of rosiglitazone to pioglitazone. The ‘Thiazolidinedione Intervention With Vitamin D Evaluation” (TIDE) trial was initiated to meet this requirement.

As part of the September 23, 2010, regulatory action on rosiglitazone, FDA has stopped this trial by placing it on clinical hold. Given the current state of the evidence and FDA’s recent actions, for the study to continue, participants would need to be informed of:

• the significant concerns that rosiglitazone may cause more cardiovascular disease than pioglitazone—the other thiazolidinedione (TZD) drug available in the United States
• the restrictions on use of rosiglitazone that will be imposed through the REMS
• that it is unlikely that, outside the study, the patient would receive rosiglitazone.

According to recent recommendations from an Institute of Medicine committee, such an informed consent process might be justified if the study’s outcome could realistically yield a significant benefit to public health. At this point in time, however, FDA does not consider TIDE such a study.

Q11: What is FDA doing to better assess the risk of diabetes medications in the future?

A: FDA has published a guidance for industry describing what types of data the Agency would like to see in order to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of anti-diabetic therapies. This guidance has new requirements for evaluating the cardiovascular risk of type 2 diabetes drugs.