Certain Verizon Charges Illegal and Cost Cell Phone Customers Millions

Class Action Suit Alleges Certain Verizon Charges Are Illegal and Cost California Cell Phone Customers Millions

Lawsuit seeks to end Verizon's practice of charging minimum late fees to California customers; claims such fees are illegal under consumer protection statutes that prohibit late fees that exceed actual damages caused by the late payment.

Oakland, CA (PRWEB) June 14, 2007 -- Cellular customers are accustomed to getting hit with extra fees, but a new class action lawsuit alleges that Verizon Wireless's late payment policy takes this too far. When Cathy Gellis paid her $131 cell phone bill a few days late, Verizon Wireless tacked on an additional $5 minimum late fee, resulting in a 154% annual interest rate charge for a payment that turned out to be about nine days late. A class action lawsuit filed June 12 in Alameda Superior Court alleges that such late fees are well in excess of what California law allows.

Marin-based plaintiff's firms Brayton Purcell LLP and Chavez & Gertler LLP are jointly representing Ms. Gellis and the proposed class of affected Verizon Wireless customers in the case titled Catherine Gellis v. Verizon Communications, Inc., Verizon Wireless and Cellco Partnership (Alameda Superior Court, RG 07330354).

"As far as consumer contracts like this are concerned, companies are only allowed to use late payment fees to recoup the actual costs associated with the late payments. We believe that these late fees are wildy inflated relative to that standard, with the intent and effect of having the fees operate as a profit center, charging California users millions in extra penalties in order to pad Verizon Wireless's bottom line," said Brayton Purcell attorney Peter Fredman.

Verizon Wireless imposes the late charges pursuant to a provision of its standard Customer Terms & Conditions that allows for a late charge of 18 percent annually, or a flat $5 fee, whichever is greater. The lawsuit alleges that this provision is in violation of California law, which permits a company to charge preset fees of this type only when it is "impracticable" or "extremely difficult" to ascertain the actual damage.

"It is clear that Verizon does not incur anywhere near a $5 cost for the late payments to which it applies this minimum charge. The company is simply taking advantage of fine print in the contract, the inability of individual customers to bargain for their rights, and the fact that consumers are locked into these contracts for 1-2 years and have no choice but to pay," said Mark Chavez, of the class action firm Chavez & Gertler. "Fortunately, California law protects consumers against this unconscionable use of late fees."

According to the complaint, the actual carrying costs that Verizon Wireless incurs in connection with a late payment are well known to Verizon, and the $5 minimum fees are applied automatically by billing software. "Verizon Wireless may be entitled to charge a fair interest rate for the period of time the payment is late," Mr. Fredman explains, "but that's all they can charge in situations like this, where the fee is imposed without any human action at no discernible cost to Verizon". The complaint alleges that "the $5 minimum late fee drastically exceeds the actual cost to Verizon Wireless in every instance in which it is applied."

Mr. Fredman also noted the fundamental unfairness of these late fee practices because they result in disproportionately higher late charges to customers with lower bills without corresponding expense. For example, Verizon Wireless charges the same $5 late fee to a customer who pays a $40 bill five days past the due date as they would charge to a customer who pays a $300 bill 30 days past the due date.

Current or former Verizon Wireless customers can contact Peter Fredman, Esq. at 415-898-1555.

About Brayton Purcell
For over 24 years, Brayton Purcell has helped clients protect their legal rights in the face of losses such as illness, injuries, and harm to family members. The law firm enjoys a national reputation for the high quality of its personal injury and product liability work. For more information about Brayton Purcell's legal practice, call 1-415-898-1555 or visit the firm's web site at http://www.braytonlaw.com

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Press Contact: Peter Fredman
Company Name: Brayton Purcell
Phone: 415 898-1555
Website: http://www.braytonlaw.com

Acomplia (rimonobant) May Result in Depression and Suicidal

World Renowned Scientist Dr. Kenneth Blum Explains Why Acomplia (rimonobant) May Result in Greater Depression and Suicidal Thoughts

Salugen, Inc. Gene Pioneer Professor Ken Blum explains how Reward Deficiency Syndrome may be worsened by Acomplia (rimonabant) and how GenoTrim may be used as an alternative.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) June 21, 2007 -- Salugen, Inc. Gene Pioneer Professor Ken Blum explains how Reward Deficiency Syndrome may be worsened by Acomplia (rimonabant) and how GenoTrim may be used as an alternative.

First, he discovered the alcoholism gene 10 years before publication of the Human Genome Project. Next, he explained how the "pleasure" system works in the brain through the Brain Reward Cascade. Then, he explained why 1/3rd of people have a gene deficiency that drives them to overcome their chemical imbalance by consuming excess alcohol, sugar, carbohydrates, illegal drugs, prescription pain killers, or other compulsive behaviors. With this understanding of how the brain governs our cravings, Wake Forest University School of Medicine Professor and Salugen, Inc. Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Kenneth Blum, now explains why Acomplia (rimonabant) may result in greater depression and suicidal thoughts in people who take it.

Most recently the US FDA rejected Acomplia/Zimulti (rimonabant) as an anti-obesity agent for sale in the U.S. (http://en.sanofi-aventis.com/Images/20070613_Rimonabant_AD_Comm_EN_tcm24-16868.pdf). However it is currently sold in 18 countries in Europe with sales upward of 20 million for 2007 and over 130,000 users. The unanimous decision of the US FDA was based on the drug's potential ability to induce depression and suicidal ideation in humans. In two independent studies, participants have withdrawn due to episodes of depression and suicidal thoughts iin spite of anti-depressant effects observed in animal studies (http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/07/briefing/2007-4306b1-fda-backgrounder.pdf).

"According to early studies, a prolonged period of treatment with Acomplia likely results in a blockade of dopamine neuronal release in the brain's reward center. By reducing the body's ability to receive dopamine, the body then begins to feel less of the benefits from dopamine or what has been called the "pleasure molecule". Having less of this pleasure molecule reduces the brain's ability to experience pleasure, happiness, and wellbeing. Persons with less dopamine have greater incidence of depression, addictions, and other neurological problems. It should come as no surprise that a person taking Acomplia may be more likely to be depressed and thinking about suicide. And when such a drug is combined with those persons who already have a genetic predisposition for less dopamine, then there is a potential recipe for real problems" states Dr. Blum.

Dr. Blum goes onto explain, "while the consensus of the literature tends to support the use of dopamine release blockade as a way of preventing reinforcement, common sense would argue its wisdom. Our laboratory and others from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) have challenged this concept. We have advocated using agonist therapy for treating addiction rather than antagonist therapy as induced by Acomplia."

The NIDA scientists have concluded that Dopamine and Serotonin (5-HT) releasers might be useful therapeutic adjuncts for the treatment of reward deficiency syndrome subtypes, such as cocaine and alcohol addiction, obesity, and even attention deficit disorder and depression (http://rewarddeficiencysyndrome.blogspot.com). This is so because, it has been shown that pharmacological manipulations that increase extracellular Serotonin (5-HT) attenuate stimulant effects produced by dopamine release, such as locomotor stimulation and self-administration behavior.

Dr. Kenneth Blum is also the Chief Scientific Officer of Salugen, Inc. (www.salugen.com), a leading personalized health and wellness company, based in San Diego, CA. Salugen, through its partner, DNA Services of America (www.dnasoa.com), will be introducing GenoTrim, a DNA-customized nutritional solution for weight management (www.genotrim.com) later in 2007. GenoTrim contains a proprietary ingredient complex from Salugen called synaptamine which is a dopamine agonist. This ingredient is customized in GenoTrim based upon a DNA analysis conducted first, including the dopamine D2 receptor gene and serotonin (5-HT) 2A receptor gene. Synaptamine's mechanism of action is likely an increase of dopamine release at the nucleus acumbens by virtue of gabaergic inhibition. This is potentially brought about by the use of d-phenylalanine, a known enkephalinase inhibitor thereby inducing enkephalinergic inhibition of GABA firing at the substania-nigra causing disinhibition and increased neuronal dopamine release.

In a clinical study, the administration of GenoTrim over an average of 80 days significantly increased the feelings of happiness and weight reduction. In another clinical study recently published, study participants experienced stress and weight reduction, improved sleep and energy, and an improved sense of wellbeing.

"With GenoTrim, we have demonstrated in repeated studies that you can reduce weight and increase feelings of happiness and wellbeing, rather than increasing depression and suicidal thoughts like Acomplia," states Dr. Blum. "For the millions of Americans who are disappointed to learn that Acomplia was rejected by the U.S. FDA, they should feel comforted in the decision of these experts."

As an alternative to prescription Acomplia and over the county Alli, the next innovation in weight management technology is DNA-customized GenoTrim to support weight loss efforts without the negative side effects.*

About GenoTrim
GenoTrim is a DNA-customized nutritional solution for weight management. Based upon an analysis of five important genes effecting weight, GenoTrim ingredients and dosages are genetically-guided to address the underlying genetic factors involved in hormones and metabolism that Harvard Medical Experts suggest influence 70% to 80% of overweight cases. By addressing genetic factors that make individuals prone to weight problems, GenoTrim has demonstrated in studies to help reduce weight, appetite, sugar cravings, snacking, and late-night eating, as well as help support improved sleep, mood, and energy levels which results in sustainable weight loss. GenoTrim will be available in the United States through DNA Services of America (www.dnasoa.com) later in 2007. For more information on GenoTrim, please visit www.genotrim.com.

About Salugen
Salugen, Inc., a leading personalized health and wellness company, engages in the discovery, development and commercialization of patent-protected genetic tests and companion DNA-customized therapeutics worldwide. With over 30 years of research conducted on the genetic causes and pharmacology of many healthcare concerns, Salugen is a pioneer and leader in delivering personalized medicine. Currently, the Company commercializes nutrigenomic technologies where genetic analysis guides the formulation and delivery of nutritional solutions that are customized to the individual. The company has headquarters in San Diego, CA, with its high-complexity CLIA-certified laboratory services in Los Angeles, CA. For additional information about the company, please visit http://www.salugen.com.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Press Contact: Florina Crews
Company Name: Salugen, Inc.
Phone: 6193155081
Website: www.salugen.com

Search Coverage of Unfolding Avandia Safety Concerns

LegalView.com Continues Coverage of Unfolding Avandia Safety Concerns

With media coverage continuing to raise serious safety questions about the diabetes drug Avandia, LegalView.com is proud to remind readers that it maintains a comprehensive collection of important legal information for concerned patients.

Denver, CO (PRWEB) June 20, 2007 -- With media coverage continuing to raise serious safety questions about the diabetes drug Avandia, LegalView.com is proud to remind readers that it maintains a comprehensive collection of important legal information for concerned patients at their Avandia attorney information portal.

Avandia (Rosiglitazone) is a prescription medication intended to help patients with Type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels. However, a study published in the June 14th issue of the New England Journal of Medicine showed that using Avandia raised patients' risk of heart attack by up to 43 percent, and their risk of heart-disease-related death by up to 64 percent. In response, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called for a strong "black box" warning on Avandia's label, and Congress has called for an inquiry into the drug's approval.

These concerns about heart disease are not new; CBS News reports that the drug's own maker, GlaxoSmithKline, submitted information to the FDA last year suggesting a similar rate of heart problems in Avandia users. Diabetes patients and their doctors are especially concerned about this side effect because diabetes itself increases a patient's risk of serious heart disease; the American Diabetes Association says two out of three diabetics die of heart disease or stroke.

Patients and their loved ones with questions about Avandia are invited to visit LegalView.com's Avandia lawyer information portal to browse LegalView.com's extensive collection of original informational articles on Avandia. From there, they can easily navigate to LegalView.com's collection of Avandia news articles, government safety warnings, glossary of Avandia terms and an original Avandia blog. As the investigation into Avandia's safety continues, LegalView.com's team of attorneys, writers and editors will respond with frequent updates of this free portal of Avandia information.

The Avandia portal takes its place among LegalView.com's growing online collection of comprehensive information on legal topics important to Americans. Anyone who is considering birth injury litigation, needs an auto accident attorney, or is seeking out a traumatic brain injury attorney is invited to visit LegalView.com's completely free collections of factual information on these important topics.

The information available on these portal sites includes fast facts, easy-to-understand articles outlining the issue, feeds of news articles and information from public safety authorities, legal glossaries as well as encyclopedia entries and blogs that track the issues as they unfold.

As always, LegalView.com is a free public service brought to you by Legal WebTV Network, LLC, a Limited Liability Corporation created by a group of respected law firms: Anapol Schwartz; Brent Coon and Associates; Burg Simpson; Cohen, Placitella and Roth; James F. Humphhreys and Associates; Lopez McHugh; and Thornton and Naumes. For more information on LegalView.com's distinguished law firm sponsors and their accomplishments, or to get in touch with LegalView.com's attorneys, visit http://www.legalview.com/.

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Press Contact: Peter Kent
Company Name: LegalView.com
Phone: (720)771-3246
Website: http://www.legalview.com

Whistleblower Case For Drug Switching in Nursing Homes

Inspector General Highlights $49.5 Million Recovery in Whistleblower Case Against Omnicare Pharmacy for Alleged Drug Switching in Nursing Homes

The Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services recognized a significant whistleblower action against the nationwide pharmacy Omnicare, Inc. as one of the top recent national recoveries for fraud against Federal health care programs. Omnicare, the nation's largest pharmacy for nursing homes, was charged with switching drugs to garner huge profits by evading federal and state price limits. This case was pursued for over five years by Illinois pharmacist Bernard Lisitza and his Chicago attorney Michael I. Behn, of Behn & Wyetzner, Chartered, under federal and state False Claims Acts.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) June 18, 2006 -- The Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services report to Congress spotlighted Behn & Wyetzner's significant whistleblower case against Omnicare, Inc. (01-CV-07433). Omnicare, which calls itself "the nation's leading provider of pharmaceutical care for seniors," paid $49.5 million to settle charges that it illegally switched the drugs of senior citizens in nursing homes and other facilities. The charges primarily involved the generic forms of the popular drugs Zantac® and Prozac®.

Omnicare was charged with switching dosage forms -- which are different drugs -- to garner huge profits by evading federal and state price limits. Ranitidine, the generic form of Zantac®, typically came in tablets. Given its popularity, the government set maximum prices that Medicaid would pay for the tablets. Ranitidine capsules were infrequently prescribed, and had no maximum prices. Allegedly, Omnicare switched patients' prescriptions for ranitidine tablets to the expensive capsules -- costing taxpayers up to four times as much. For Prozac®, Omnicare allegedly switched prescribed capsules to tablets.

This case was pursued for over five years by Illinois pharmacist Bernard Lisitza and his Chicago attorney Michael I. Behn, under federal and state False Claims Acts. "Bernie's your old-fashioned corner pharmacist, who was shocked by a profits over patients approach," said Behn. As the Inspector General recognized, the authority of his office to pursue False Claims Act violations "were critical in resolving" the case.

"This was the first case targeting generic drug switching under the False Claims Act, to help protect both patients and taxpayers," Behn added. "The switching covered by this settlement affected the most vulnerable segment of our population -- the elderly, the sick and the poor. Doctors should be selecting their medications, not a Fortune 500 company."

"This case underscores the new era of joint state and federal prosecutions of healthcare cases," said Behn. "The feds and the states worked together fist in glove. These prosecutors wrote the book on how it should be done."

This is yet another successful whistleblower case brought by Behn. Last year, he represented the plaintiffs in the largest settlement in Illinois and the largest whistleblower case ever in Chicago, which resulted in Northrop Grumman paying $134 million to resolve claims involving the B-2 "Stealth" bomber. (89-CV-6111) Behn also represented the American Association of Retired Persons in upholding the constitutionality of Illinois' False Claims Act before the state Supreme Court. (Ill. No. 97023)

Federal and state False Claims Acts allows private citizens with knowledge of fraud to help the Government recover ill-gotten gains and additional civil penalties. These statutes allows the government to collect up to three times the amount it was defrauded, in addition to civil penalties of $5,500 to $11,000 per false claim. Behn noted that whistleblowers can receive between 15 and 30 percent of the governments' recovery.

Further information concerning the False Claims Act and Behn's achievements can be found at his website, www.whistlebloweraction.com.

The settlement was achieved through the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda A. Wawzenski, Deputy Chief of the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois; Assistant Attorney General Patrick Keenan, Director of the Illinois Medicaid Fraud Bureau; John Guthrie, Chief Deputy Attorney General in charge of the Criminal Justice Division for the State of Ohio, and several other state prosecutors working with the National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units.

In executing the Settlement Agreement, Omnicare denied liability, wrongdoing or improper conduct.

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Press Contact: Michael Behn
Company Name: Behn & Wyetzner, Chartered
Phone: 847 926 4603
Website: www.WhistleblowerAction.com

Mesothelioma Deaths Increase

Increase In Mesothelioma Deaths

10th, May 2007 - New statistics unveiled by the Health and Safety Executive show an increase in the number of people who have died from mesothelioma. The figures released this week show more than 2,000 North East people died from the disease from 1985 to 2004. The figure is increased from 1701 deaths from 1981 to 2000.

Additionally the statistics from the Mesothelioma Register show more women than ever are affected by the disease, with 251 deaths during the period compared to 216.

Ian McFall, head of asbestos policy at Thompsons Solicitors, said: "These figures once again highlight the devastation asbestos has inflicted on people in the North East. Many of those affected worked in shipyards, factories or building sites and were given no protection or warning about the risks of asbestos exposure despite their employers being fully aware of the dangers.

"Although shocking, these figures come as no surprise given the widespread use of asbestos in the past. Sadly, the number of people who will die from this disease will continue to rise until 2020."

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The drugs the NHS won't give you

Last Updated: 12/05/2007

Suninitib (Sutent) For kidney cancer. Licensed, but the Department of Health has yet to refer it to Nice for a recommendation. John Quance, 57 The former fireman was told he could not have the drug Sutent because the NHS would not pay for it. Mr Quance, who has been diagnosed with kidney cancer, cashed in his pension and remortgaged his house to pay for it privately, but fears that he may have to sell his home unless the NHS steps in. Cornwall Primary Care Trust said it was not prepared to pay the £22,000-a-year cost of the drug until it was approved by Nice. Mr Quance said: "I have worked all my life, I have been in the forces, the prison service and the fire service for 30-odd years and I feel a little bit abandoned. "The staff and the hospital have been excellent but it is a little disappointing not to get funding when it has been proved [the drug] is working." Bevacizumab (Avastin) For bowel cancer. Licensed for colon cancer in January 2005, but turned down on the grounds of cost-effectiveness in January. Victoria Otley, 56 Miss Otley was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the end of 2005. She had complained of being in pain but doctors told her that it was nothing to worry about. By the time her cancer was diagnosed it had spread. She took other drugs and later asked about getting Avastin after her sister read about it on the internet. Yesterday, Miss Otley, a former hairdresser from Dagenham, said: "I asked my consultant but he said it wasn't available on the NHS." She and her sister paid £15,000 for a course of Avastin and the cancer shrunk, however they cannot afford to pay for any more. "You work all your life and pay your taxes and this is what you get. I think it's disgusting." Cetuximab (Erbitux) For bowel cancer. Licensed in June 2004 and turned down by Nice in January this year. Ian MacDonald The former bridge inspector's doctor told him that he would have liked to have prescribed Erbitux, but that he could not because it was not available on the NHS. Mr Macdonald has tried various drugs and radiotherapy since being diagnosed with bowel cancer in the year 2000. His wife Catherine, who has given up work to care for him full-time, said yesterday: "My husband has worked all his life in this country and never had a day off sick and yet he is refused a drug that might stabilise or shrink his tumour. "I can't understand why it is not available here but it is in other countries. It's awful." Erlotinib (Tarceva) For non-small cell lung cancer. Licensed in Sept 2005, approved by the Scottish Medicines Consortium in June last year and rejected by Nice in March on the grounds that it was not clinically or cost effective. Manufacturers Roche are appealing against the decision. Susan Allen, 43 She was told she had ten months to live after being diagnosed with lung cancer in December 2005. A non-smoker, whose hobbies include cycling and running, the mother-of-one underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy and was prescribed Tarceva by her oncologist in October last year. She had to pay for the daily pills herself initially, at a cost of £70 per day, until her local health authority eventually changed its mind. She said: "Denying the drug is condemning patients to death." (Bortezomib) Velcade For bone marrow cancer patients who have had at least one earlier therapy or are unsuitable for a bone marrow transplant. Nice has agreed to review its rejection of the drug in March. Patients in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been able to get it since last year. George King, 57 Mr King, who is terminally ill with bone marrow cancer was forced to consider moving to Scotland to get access to Velcade in an attempt to prolong his life. Mr King, an electrical engineer from Teesside, said earlier this year: "People with terminal illnesses shouldn't have to fight for treatment. It's so frustrating. This drug is available not only in Europe, but just a few miles north of where I live. I don't have any option but to move away from my family, friends and the people who have helped me through the cancer until now." Pemetrexed (Alimta) For mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, and small-cell lung cancer. Patient groups are waiting for the results of an appeal against Nice's rejection of the treatment in February for lung cancer. A decision on funding for mesothelioma is expected in September. Bernard Hoyland The retired mechanical fitter spent the last years of his life fighting to make Alimta available for patients in his area. After he was diagnosed with mesothelioma he was told his primary care trust would not pay for him to receive Alimta because it was too expensive. He launched a legal attempt for compensation against his former employers, began travelling to London every three weeks to receive cancer treatment and joined a campaign to force NHS bosses in Teesside to fund Alimta. Six months after funding was agreed, Nice ruled that it was too costly. Mr Hoyland, who called the decision "simply unacceptable", died last November. His son Paul said: "He ended up having to travel to central London after finding he could get the chemotherapy down there. He was a victim of the postcode lottery."

Recall of Moisture Plus Contact Lens Solution

LegalView.com Continues to Monitor Recall of Moisture Plus Contact Lens Solution

LegalView.com, your comprehensive portal on the Web for all things legal, continues to closely watch the developing situation of the AMO Moisture Plus Contact Solution recall through its information portal at http://moistureplus.legalview.com/. As the solution's maker, Advanced Medical Optics, and health authorities investigate how Moisture Plus became contaminated, LegalView.com will keep its readers up to date with its free, comprehensive collection of original articles, news, government releases and more.

Denver, CO (PRWEB) June 14, 2007 -- As the recall and investigation into Advanced Medical Optics Moisture Plus contact solution continues, LegalView.com, your comprehensive portal on the Web for all things legal, continues to closely watch the developing situation through its Moisture Plus recall information portal. Moisture Plus was recalled earlier this year by its manufacturer after a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) connected it with an outbreak of serious and potentially blinding eye infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis. As the solution's maker, Advanced Medical Optics, and health authorities investigate how Moisture Plus became contaminated, LegalView.com will keep its readers up to date with its free, comprehensive collection of original articles, news, government releases and more.

Acanthamoeba keratitis is an infection of the eye caused by exposure to tiny waterborne parasites. Its symptoms include redness, pain, excessive tears, discharge and blurry or double vision. If left untreated, the infection could scar or tear the cornea, causing total or partial blindness. While Acanthamoeba keratitis is normally very rare, the CDC received reports of a sharp upswing in cases of the infection as early as 2005. In the investigation that followed, the agency concluded that infected contact lens wearers were seven times more likely to have used AMO Moisture Plus than healthy lens wearers. In response, AMO voluntarily recalled the solution May 25th. Public health authorities continue to investigate, but have called on lens wearers to discard Moisture Plus and any lenses or contact lens containers the contact lens solution may have touched.

Concerned contact lens wearers and their loved ones can follow the situation as it unfolds at moistureplus.legalview.com. There, LegalView.com has collected extensive information on the recall and the infection that caused it. Visitors may browse LegalView.com's collection of original, informational articles, FDA alerts on Moisture Plus, frequently updated news feeds, and a glossary of technical terms related to the Moisture Plus recall. And as always, visitors seeking a skilled Moisture Plus attorney from their area to address their concerns about Moisture Plus can take advantage of LegalView's free nationwide attorney referral service.

The portal on Moisture Plus is just part of LegalView's collection of free, comprehensive information on common contemporary legal issues. Visitors may also browse other portals on LegalView.com to help them find information on any future diabetic drug Avandia lawsuit or to find an automobile accident lawyer or traumatic brain injury attorney as well as many other topics. Visitors can also look through LegalView.com's comprehensive glossary of legal terms, state-by-state directory of legal resources, frequently updated blogs on hot-button topics, as well as their directory of attorneys experienced in many specific legal areas of concern. And of course, there is never any charge to use these or any other part of LegalView.com's extensive legal resources.

LegalView.com was developed as a public service by Legal WebTV Network, LLC, a Limited Liability Corporation created by a national group of distinguished law firms: Anapol Schwartz; Brent Coon and Associates; Burg Simpson; Cohen, Placitella and Roth; James F. Humphreys and Associates; Lopez McHugh; and Thornton and Naumes. For more information on the accomplishments and track records of LegalView.com's sponsoring law firms and to get in touch with LegalView.com attorneys, go to http://www.legalview.com/.

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Press Contact: Alan Haburchak
Company Name: LegalView.com
Phone: 720-226-6613
Website: http://www.legalview.com

Continuing Education Documentary Targets Drug Industry

Prescribers Turn the Table on Big Pharma; Pfizer Flips the Bill

Unique Continuing Education Documentary Targets Drug Industry Influence

Boston, MA (PRWEB) June 16, 2007 -- Frustrated by the pervasive pharmaceutical marketing in health care and related conflicts of interest that exist, Elissa Ladd, PhD, APRN, and Clinical Assistant Professor at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, is heading up a new program which showcases a documentary entitled: PERx: Prescribing Evidence-Based Therapies. The film, featuring expert commentary from renowned medical opinion leaders, and accompanying interactive website (www.perxinfo.org) will be launched on Monday, June 18.

The only nurse practitioner to receive a grant as part of the Attorney General Consumer and Prescriber Education Grant Program, Ladd was awarded $399,400 to develop PERx and educate prescribers about the various levels of drug industry influence. The program is funded through the 2004 multi-state settlement resolving allegations that Warner-Lambert (a division of Pfizer, Inc.) violated state consumer protection laws when it promoted the epilepsy drug Neurontin for uses not covered under the drug's FDA approval.

PERx will illustrate how pharmaceutical industry influence affects the prescribing behaviors of clinicians, emphasize the ethical implications of these practices and offer strategies to enhance evidence-based practice.

"I believe that all prescribers should be keenly aware of how pharmaceutical marketing can lead to unnecessary prescribing of expensive brand name drugs," said Ladd. "The overuse of these high cost medications is putting an undue burden on our already stressed health care system."

The MGH Institute selected filmmaker and consumer health advocate Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau, a leader in raising awareness about the questionable tactics of the pharmaceutical industry, to produce the educational documentary. Slattery-Moschkau's previous films, Side Effects (starring Katherine Heigl) and Money Talks: Profits Before Patient Safety have also been used as an important resource for consumers, health organizations, doctors and medical schools across the country.

"With billions being spent on drug promotion, the ability to distinguish good marketing from good science plays a critical role in public health and the affordability of health care overall," said Slattery-Moschkau. "PERx provides the health care community with access to unbiased information and the tools they need to better serve their patients."

About the MGH Institute of Health Professions
The MGH Institute of Health Professions (www.mghihp.edu), an academic affiliate of Massachusetts General Hospital, is an innovative and independent post-baccalaureate school that operates within the framework of Partners HealthCare System. A progressive leader in developing comprehensive models of health care education, the MGH Institute prepares advanced practice professionals in the fields of nursing, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, medical imaging and clinical investigation through a distinctive combination of academic study, clinical practice and research. An average of nearly 800 students are enrolled in graduate level degree and certificate programs, with an increasing number of courses available online. The Institute is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Editors: Our style preference is to not spell out 'MGH' on a first reference to our name, as it incorrectly implies the Institute is a department within the hospital. Alternately, we recommend, "The MGH Institute of Health Professions, an academic affiliate of Massachusetts General Hospital…"

About Filmmaker and Consumer Health Advocate Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau:
Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau has taken a unique journey from working for the pharmaceutical industry to becoming a filmmaker and consumer health advocate who educates people through entertainment. Her work has prompted people to ask better questions about prescription drugs and think more about what they put into their bodies.

News organizations like the New York Times, NBC Nightly News, CBS News, CNN, USA Today, The Economist, and Atlantic Monthly, as well as more than 100 other media outlets worldwide have turned to her for real advice on how people can become better consumers of prescription drugs and take control of their health.

PERx Documentary Featured Interviewees
*Elissa Ladd, PhD, APRN, Clinical Assistant Professor at the MGH Institute of Health Professions
*Jerry Avorn, MD, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School
*David Blumenthal, MD, MPP, Director of MGH Institute for Health Policy; IOM Report Committee Member
*Sidney M. Wolfe, MD, Director, Public Citizen's Health Research Group
*Nancy Crigger, Ph.D, MA, ARNP, Associate Professor of Nursing at William Jewel College
*Joel Lexchin, MD, World Health Organization Consultant
*Susan Reverby, Ph.D, Professor at Wellesley College, Former FDA Panelist
*Bradley Lewis, MD, Ph.D, New York University
*Ken Kaitin, Ph.D, Director, Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development
*Shannon BrownLee, investigative journalist and fellow at the New American Foundation
*Gene Carbona, Executive Director of Marketing and Sales for The Medical Letter

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Press Contact: CARI REISINGER
Company Name: The MGH Institute
Phone: 608-441-5310
Website: www.perxinfo.org

Supreme Court Rules in Two Arizona Automobile Warranty Cases

Arizona Supreme Court Rules in Two Automobile Warranty Cases

The Arizona Supreme Court deals with automobile warranties, service contracts and lemon law issues in recent legal decisions.

(PRWEB) October 10, 2006 -- The Arizona Supreme Court recently decided two cases involving motor vehicle warranty issues. In the first, Parrot v. DaimlerChrysler Corporation, 130 P.3d 530; 473 Ariz. Adv. Rep. 32, the questions revolved around an automobile lease situation, the Arizona Lemon law and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. The second case, Johnson v. Earnhardt's Gilbert Dodge, Inc., 132 P.3d 825; 476 Ariz. Adv. Rep. 33, also involved the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act as well as a service contract issue.

A.   Parrot v. DaimlerChrysler (full text of case available at http://www.wilcoxlegal.com)

In denying Mr. Parrot relief under both the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (hereinafter the "Warranty Act") and the Arizona Motor Vehicle Warranties Act (commonly referred to as Arizona's Lemon Law), the Arizona Supreme Court wrestled with two primary issues, including whether Mr. Parrot was a consumer as defined by the Warranty Act and whether the limited relief available to consumers under Arizona's Lemon Law was available to him. In overturning the Arizona Court of Appeals decision that favored Mr. Parrot, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that neither the federal Warranty Act nor the state Lemon Law allowed Mr. Parrot the relief he sought.

1.   Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act ((15 U.S.C. §§ 2301-2312)

Unfortunately for Mr. Parrot, the Arizona Supreme Court found that Mr. Parrot was not a consumer under the Warranty Act because Mr. Parrot's lessee status prevented him from qualifying as a consumer for purposes of applying the Warranty Act to his vehicle dispute. No qualifying sale to him was made and that meant the Warranty Act did not provide him relief. Upon disposing of the Warranty Act claims brought by Mr. Parrot, the court turned to the Arizona Lemon Law.

2.   Arizona Motor Vehicle Warranties Act

As it did with its analysis under the Warranty Act, the Arizona Supreme Court decided against Mr. Parrot essentially because of his status as a lessee and not an owner. Although the court noted that the definition of consumer under the Lemon Law was different than under the Warranty Act, the court decided against Mr. Parrot on other grounds.

Under the Arizona Lemon Law, two remedies are available: (a) a consumer may return the vehicle to the manufacturer, or (b) the consumer may have the vehicle replaced. However, the court noted that these remedies only apply if the consumer is the owner of the vehicle. Mr. Parrot leased the vehicle and did not own it; therefore, the Lemon Law provided him no relief.

B.   Johnson v. Earnhardt's Gilbert Dodge   (full text of case available at http://www.wilcoxlegal.com)

One month after the Parrot case, above, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled on another case involving the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, DaimlerChrysler and an allegedly malfunctioning automobile. However, in this case, the car was purchased, not leased, as it was in Parrot. In addition, although the vehicle purchased was a Kia, Ms. Johnson purchased a service contract from DaimlerChrysler for the vehicle through the Chrysler dealership from which she bought the car. The Arizona Supreme Court reviewed the case after the trial court granted Earnhardt's Motion for Summary Judgment and the Arizona Court of Appeals reversed the trial court in favor of Johnson. Two key issues were presented to the Arizona Supreme Court.

1.   Service Contract

The Arizona Supreme Court examined the issue of whether Earnhardt had entered into a service contract with Ms. Johnson or if the service contract was only with DaimlerChrysler since they were the entity that provided the service contract.

The court found that the circumstances surrounding the service contract were ambiguous and that a grant of summary judgment was inappropriate on that basis. Some of the ambiguous facts included that Earnhardt, the dealer, had sold the contract and was to provide repair services under the contract as signed by the dealership. In addition, simply put, the language of the contract itself was confusing and conflicting as were the statements of the witnesses. For example, the language of the contract variously states that DaimlerChrysler is the responsible party but also that Earnhardt had responsibility under the contract, too, while Ms. Johnson stated in her affidavit that she was told it was a joint warranty agreement with the dealership and DaimlerChrysler being responsible. The dealership, on the other hand, denied it was a party to the service contract. The conflict facts meant that the case had to be remanded to the trial court to determine whether Earnhardt was a party to the service contract.

2.   Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 2301-2312)

After concluding that the evidence surrounding the service contract created a question of fact allowing that issue to survive summary judgment, the Arizona Supreme Court next turned to the issue of whether the service contract was a warranty as defined by the Warranty Act. Although the Arizona Court of Appeals concluded that the service contract was such a warranty, the Supreme Court disagreed reasoning that the separate consideration paid for the service contract means that the service contract cannot also be a written warranty under the definition contained within the Warranty Act.
  
Thus, the Arizona Supreme Court remanded the Johnson case back to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with its reasoning.

Wilcox Legal Group, P.C.
Visit Our Site
602.631.9555

Another Mesothelioma Resource Website Launches

Mesothelioma Resource Website Launch

The attorneys at Williams Kherkher discuss recent Asbestos issues in Baltimore and launch resource web site.

Houston, TX (PRWEB) June 15, 2007 -- In reaction to the ever-growing body of news regarding asbestos exposure and the effects it can have on those who come into contact with this harmful substance, the law firm of Williams Kherkher of Houston, Texas has launched a Mesothelioma Legal Resource website, http://www.mesolawsuit.com/. This Web site is intended to be a resource for those who have come into contact with asbestos or been diagnosed with any of the medical conditions linked to asbestos exposure. Williams Bailey is led by Attorneys John Eddy Williams and Steve Kherkerk, and has 26 attorneys and over 120 support staff and has worked in the area of asbestos-related litigation since 1983.

Asbestos is a substance that was used commonly during the 20th Century in buildings and structures, as it was seen as a useful insulation material given its flame-retardant qualities. However, studies began to show that exposure to asbestos lead to serious medical consequences, including mesothelioma, asbestosis and several forms of cancer.

Traditionally, most patients suffering from asbestos-related diseases were adults, but recent news has shown that children could also be at risk. In a news article published on June 7, 2007 in the Baltimore Sun, it was reported that Violetville Elementary School was shut down after it was discovered that the floor tiles in the 3300 square-foot recreation center near the cafeteria contained asbestos.

The area was closed off and will remain so until the tiles are replaced. Even though officials claimed that these tiles did not pose an immediate health risk, the city of Baltimore has made replacing the tiles a priority.

Although most involved with this situation claim that there is no immediate danger as a result of the exposure, several studies and resources prove that the opposite is potentially true. Many cases of mesothelioma, asbestosis and cancer of the respiratory system can take years and even decades to fully appear inside a patient's body, and any exposure to this substance creates a potential risk, even in children. Bonnie Vogel, a local mother with four children who attend the school, is rightfully concerned.

"I don't really trust her going back in there," she said. "I'm a little leery sending her to school now because of all the problems they've been having."

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Press Contact: Joe Devine
Company Name: Williams Kherkher
Phone: 5125734183
Website: www.mesolawsuit.com

Botnet Cyber Crime Has Million Of Potential Victims

Over 1 Million Potential Victims of Botnet Cyber Crime

On June 13, 2007 the Department of Justice and FBI announced the results of an ongoing cyber crime initiative to disrupt and dismantle "botherders" and elevate the public's cyber security awareness of botnets. OPERATION BOT ROAST is a national initiative and ongoing investigations have identified over 1 million victim computer IP addresses. The FBI is working with our industry partners, including the CERT Coordination Center at Carnegie Mellon University, to notify the victim owners of the computers. Through this process the FBI may uncover additional incidents in which botnets have been used to facilitate other criminal activity.

A botnet is a collection of compromised computers under the remote command and control of a criminal "botherder." Most owners of the compromised computers are unknowing and unwitting victims. They have unintentionally allowed unauthorized access and use of their computers as a vehicle to facilitate other crimes, such as identity theft, denial of service attacks, phishing, click fraud, and the mass distribution of spam and spyware. Because of their widely distributed capabilities, botnets are a growing threat to national security, the national information infrastructure, and the economy.

"The majority of victims are not even aware that their computer has been compromised or their personal information exploited," said FBI Assistant Director for the Cyber Division James Finch. "An attacker gains control by infecting the computer with a virus or other malicious code and the computer continues to operate normally. Citizens can protect themselves from botnets and the associated schemes by practicing strong computer security habits to reduce the risk that your computer will be compromised."

The FBI also wants to thank our industry partners, such as the Microsoft Corporation and the Botnet Task Force, in referring criminal botnet activity to law enforcement.

Cyber security tips include updating anti-virus software, installing a firewall, using strong passwords, practicing good email and web security practices. Although this will not necessarily identify or remove a botnet currently on the system, this can help to prevent future botnet attacks. More information on botnets and tips for cyber crime prevention can be found online at www.fbi.gov.

The FBI will not contact you online and request your personal information so be wary of fraud schemes that request this type of information, especially via unsolicited emails. To report fraudulent activity or financial scams, contact the nearest FBI office or police department, and file a complaint online with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, www.ic3.gov.

To date, the following subjects have been charged or arrested in this operation with computer fraud and abuse in violation of Title 18 USC 1030, including:

    * James C. Brewer of Arlington, Texas, is alleged to have operated a botnet that infected Chicago area hospitals. This botnet infected tens of thousands of computers worldwide. (FBI Chicago);

    * Jason Michael Downey of Covington, Kentucky, is charged with an Information with using botnets to send a high volume of traffic to intended recipients to cause damage by impairing the availability of such systems. (FBI Detroit); and

    * Robert Alan Soloway of Seattle, Washington, is alleged to have used a large botnet network and spammed tens of millions of unsolicited email messages to advertise his website from which he offered services and products. (FBI Seattle)

The FBI will continue to aggressively investigate individuals that conduct cyber criminal acts.

    Washington D.C.
    FBI National Press Office
    (202) 324-3691

Hearings on FDA's Handling of Avandia

Congressional Hearings Focus on FDA's Handling of Avandia

Press release from: The Lanier Law Firm

(openPR) - At a June 6, 2007, congressional hearing, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was questioned on its handling of the dangers associated with GlaxoSmithKline's diabetes drug Avandia.

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, accused the FDA of being to lax in monitoring the safety of Avandia. He said the FDA never completed a required post-market study of the drug, constituting "a major failure of our system."

"It's about time someone recognizes the flaws in our drug approval and monitoring processes," says W. Mark Lanier of The Lanier Law Firm in Houston. "It is far too easy for dangerous drugs to stay on the market simply because they are profitable."

The hearings were prompted by a recent New England Journal of Medicine article suggesting that Avandia significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular death. The article analyzed several clinical trials comparing patients taking Avandia with those not using the drug. The results indicated Avandia increased patients' chances of heart attack by 43 percent and cardiac-related death by 64 percent.

In response to the article, the FDA issued a Safety Alert advising patients to talk with their doctor about Avandia's risks. Nearly seven million people worldwide have taken Avandia.

The Lanier Law Firm is currently investigating claims against Avandia and its manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline. The firm's Pharmaceutical Liability Practice Group has decades of experience representing clients who have been injured by dangerous drugs.

With offices in Houston and New York, The Lanier Law Firm is committed to addressing client concerns with effective and innovative solutions. The firm is composed of outstanding trial attorneys with decades of experience handling cases involving pharmaceutical liability, asbestos exposure, business fraud, serious personal injuries, product liability, and toxic exposure.

The Lanier Law Firm
www.lanierlawfirm.com

Houston Law Office
6810 FM 1960 West
Houston, Texas 77069
(713) 659-5200
(713) 659-2204 - Fax

New York Law Office
Lanier Law Firm, PLLC
Tower 56
126 East 56th Street, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10022
(212) 421-2800
(212) 421-2878 - Fax

Press contact:
Alan Bentrup
800-559-4534

New Threat for GlaxoSmithKline: Avandia Spammers (GSK)

New Threat for GlaxoSmithKline: Avandia Spammers (GSK)
24/7 Wall St. - New York,NY,USA
The news slowed AVANDIA sales down to a crawl after the published reports showed greatly increased risks of heart attack and death. ...

Avandia Black Box Warning Comes too Late
Lawyers and Settlements - Vancouver,BC,Canada
Knoxville, TN: "I'm not at all surprised that Avandia has been given a black box warning considering what it has done to me," says Helen H, pausing to catch ...

Amid Avandia questions, diabetics consider alternatives
Philadelphia Inquirer - Philadelphia,PA,USA
After he started on the drug Januvia, rival to beleaguered Avandia, "I was feeling awful." Like many diabetics, pharmacist Ben Briggs was eager to see his ...

GlaxoSmithKline: trouble over Avandia increases
Pharmaceutical Business Review - USA
By Alistair Sinclair US shareholders have filed a lawsuit against GSK, claiming that the UK drugmaker misled investors over Avandia's safety. ...

Investors to sue over Avandia
Guardian Unlimited - UK
GlaxoSmithKline faces an investor class action lawsuit in the US claiming the group issued a series of "false and misleading statements" regarding Avandia, ...

New Threat for GlaxoSmithKline: Avandia Spammers (GSK)
24/7 Wall St. - New York,NY,USA
The news slowed AVANDIA sales down to a crawl after the published reports showed greatly increased risks of heart attack and death. ...

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Avandia Search Engine Launched
New search engine only indexes sites that have legal or medical information on the GSK diabetes drug,
Avandia. Visitor swarms nearly crashed the site the day after ...

Ex-Attorney Teaches Russians American Legal System

 

Former Attorney Teaches American Legal System to Russian Law Students

John Ritter has recently written and released the 4th book in his "You Be the Judge" series of court case summaries. This book is in both Russian and English because Ritter plans to use the book when he teaches The American Legal System to Russian law students in the fall of 2007. The book consists of shortened versions of American appeals court cases, which, in the Anglo-American common law system, serves as the source of law for future cases on similar issues. Ritter will lecture to Russians on the differences between common law and civil law which is the system Russians borrowed from Europe and are now using.

Miami, Florida (PRWEB) June 13, 2007 -- Former attorney John Ritter specializes in condominium, real estate (for over 20 years), title, and municipal law in Florida. For three years, he served as City Attorney of Miami Beach and currently manages a top-rated seven-member law firm.

John Ritter is the most successful writer of the "You Be the Judge" court summaries in America. His columns have appeared in Reader's Digest, the St. Petersburg Times, Saturday Evening Post, and the National Enquirer. His first best-selling "You Be the Judge" book was reprinted in Reader's Digest and is now available through this website (http://www.johnaritter.com). In addition to the "You Be the Judge" books, Ritter writes monthly "You Be the Judge" and "Lawyer Viewpoint" columns for subscribers. Free samples of each are furnished on his website at the "You Be the Judge" and "Lawyer Viewpoint" links. Both columns have been listed in Editor's & Publisher's Syndicate Directory for over 25 years.

John Ritter has recently written and released the 4th book in his "You Be the Judge" series of court case summaries. This book is in both Russian and English because Ritter plans to use the book when he teaches The American Legal System to Russian law students in the fall of 2007. The book consists of shortened versions of American appeals court cases, which, in the Anglo-American common law system, serves as the source of law for future cases on similar issues. Ritter will lecture to Russians on the differences between common law and civil law which is the system Russians borrowed from Europe and are now using.

For more information on any of John's columns or publications, send an email to jar @ rzllaw.com.

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Press Contact: John Ritter
Company Name:
Phone: (305) 704-8245
Website: http://www.johnaritter.com

Avandia Information Portal with the Latest FDA Warnings

LegalView.com Launches Avandia Information Portal with Information on the Latest FDA Warnings

LegalView.com, your resource for everything legal, has launched a new online resource for information on the diabetes drug Avandia located at http://avandia.legalview.com, with details on FDA warnings and recent medical studies.

(PRWEB) June 11, 2007 -- LegalView, your resource on the Web for everything legal, is proud to introduce its new web site on Avandia (rosiglitazone maleate), in response to recent concerns about the drug's safety, at http://avandia.legalview.com. This new legal resource is intended to be a free, comprehensive collection of information for anyone concerned about the drastically increased risk of heart attacks and other serious cardiac events that has been linked to Avandia, a drug prescribed to control Type 2 diabetes. The site joins LegalView's existing collection of information on more than 40 other unsafe drugs, defective medical devices and other hot-button legal topics.

Although FDA warnings released over the last several years had already linked Avandia with a number of serious side effects, patient concerns were drastically heightened May 21st, when The New England Journal of Medicine announced a study showing Avandia increases patients' risk of heart attack by 43 percent. This is especially alarming because these patients are already at serious risk for heart problems -- two-thirds of diabetics die of heart or blood vessel diseases, according to the American Heart Association. These new side effects join existing, known side effects including liver damage, edema and heart problems due to fluid buildup. As a result of this latest study, the FDA has issued a warning suggesting that Avandia patients talk to their doctors to determine whether the drug is still their best option. Congress has also held hearings on how the drug came to be approved.

Patients, their loved ones and any other visitors concerned about these findings can browse LegalView's collection of original articles on Avandia, news, FDA announcements and encyclopedia articles. As results of ongoing studies and news articles on Avandia continue to arrive, LegalView.com's Avandia information portal will be updated to provide the public with timely information on this important topic.

The new Avandia Web portal joins LegalView's large collection of information on more than 30 medications thought or known to be unsafe, as well as comprehensive portals on other legal topics important to Americans -- birth injuries, car and truck accidents, unsafe consumer products and many more. Visitors are invited to browse an extensive collection of informational articles, news feeds, legal blogs and local legal resources. And those looking for an experienced attorney in their areas can always take advantage of LegalView's fast, free online lawyer referral service.

LegalView.com is a free public service brought to you by Legal WebTV Network, LLC, a Limited Liability Corporation created by a national group of distinguished law firms: Anapol Schwartz; Brent Coon and Associates; Burg Simpson; Cohen, Placitella and Roth; James F. Humphreys and Associates; Lopez Hodes; and Thornton and Naumes. For more information on the accomplishments and track records of LegalView.com's sponsoring law firms and to get in touch with LegalView attorneys, visit LegalView at www.Legalview.com.

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Press Contact: Peter Kent
Company Name: LegalView.com
Phone: 720-771-3246
Website: http://www.legalview.com

Last Will and Testament To Secure Your Family's Future

Secure Your Family's Future with a Last Will and Testament

LawDepot.com's newly revised Last Will and Testament form helps Americans plan for the future.

Desert Hot Springs (PRWEB) June 6, 2007 -- It is reported that up to 70% of Americans do not have a will. Though a majority of Americans don't have a will, few would argue the importance of having such a document. While there are a number of reasons why most Americans don't have a will--including the obvious discomfort of thinking about one's own death--the fact that creating a will is an expensive and time consuming process is a strong factor. LawDepot.com's newly revised Last Will and Testament form makes drafting a will quick and inexpensive.

People simply do not want to spend long hours in a lawyer's office drafting a will. Hiring a lawyer is expensive. On top of that, many Americans already report feeling pressed for time, so finding the time to draft a will may be difficult. LawDepot.com's Last Will and Testament form allows users to quickly and easily draft their will from any computer with internet-access

LawDepot.com's Last Will and Testament form uses a simple, step-by-step process to create a complex legal document in a short period of time. By filling out a questionnaire, users are able to determine how their estate will be divided. The user is able to identify any specific gifts that he or she would like to grant, and specify who will receive the residue of the estate.

While a will is typically used to determine how a person's money and property will be distributed after her death, it can also be used to appoint a guardian for any minor children the person may have. This is a feature that many people don't think of when they draft a last will and testament; but for parents of minor children, stating who will take care of their children in the event of their death may be the most important decision they make.

Few Americans would argue the importance of having a will to ensure their families continued security in the event of their death. LawDepot.com's Last Will and Testament form allows those without a will to make sure their estate is divided according to their wishes, while avoiding a long and costly visit with a lawyer.

For more information about the news that is the subject of this release (or for a sample, copy or demo), contact David Pettitt or visit http://www.lawdepot.com/contracts/last-will-and-testament/.

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Press Contact: DAVID PETTITT
Company Name: LawDepot.com
Phone: 1-866-608-1020
Website: http://www.lawdepot.com/contracts/last-will-and-testament/

Resource Website On GlaxoSmithKline Avandia

Avandia Resource Website

Avandia Lawyers Williams Bailey launch an Avandia Resource Website

Houston, TX (PRWEB) June 5, 2007 -- In reaction to a study (Effect of Rosiglitazone on the Risk of Myocardial Infarction and Death from Cardiovascular Causes-Published at frequently asked questions in regards to Avandia intended to be a resource for frequently asked questions related to Avandia. Williams Bailey is led by Attorneys John Eddy Williams and Steve Kherkerk, and has 26 attorneys and over 120 support staff and has worked in the area pharmaceutical litigation for over 24 years.

Avandia (rosiglitazone) is made by GlaxoSmithKline and is prescribed as a treatment for Type 2 Diabetes for those who do not take daily insulin injections. Avandia was approved by the FDA in 1999 over the past 8 years over 60 million prescriptions have been written for the drug. According to the study by Dr. Steven Nissen and Kathy Wolksi who evaluated 42 studies that looked at 28,000 patients of whom were 15,560 were taking Avandia. The researchers found the risk of a heart attack increased 43 percent among those taking Avandia. The researches also found that there is a 64 percent increased risk of dying from cardiovascular causes while taking the drug. The findings of the study that will appear in the June 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, but because of the serious implications of the study the New England Journal of Health released the findings early. The FDA reported that Avandia is the same class as Rezulin which in rare cases has been associated with serious liver injury including liver failure or death. The FDA also reports that there is a risk associated with Avandia of blood sugar becoming dangerously low. Paul Diggle a pharmaceutical analyst at Nomura Code Securities based in London commented, "Unless this can be refuted, which I rather doubt, then this is going to seriously damage one of the cornerstones of Glaxo going forward."

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Press Contact: Rodney Organ
Company Name: The Search Engine Guys
Phone: 5125734183
Website: http://www.thesearchengineguys.com

Court Reporting Firm Admires Peers In Scott Peterson & Laci Peterson Trial

Court Reporting Firm Todd Olivas & Associates Awards Peers In Scott, Laci Peterson Trial

Todd Olivas & Associates, Inc., a California-based court reporting firm, applauds its fellow court reporters Laron Johnson, Valerie Cathey and Linda Swanner -- three of the court reporters who worked on the Scott, Laci Peterson trial.

Newport Beach, CA (PRWEB) June 1, 2007 -- Scott Peterson was found guilty in the trial for the murder of his wife, Laci, and their unborn son. The trial produced over 23,000 pages of transcript. "The court reporters who made it all happen behind the scenes are to be applauded," says Todd Olivas of California court reporting agency, Todd Olivas & Associates, Inc.

"In this high-profile case," says Todd Olivas, a California court reporter himself, "the court reporters transcribed about 200 pages of text each day. That's a lot of pages. The stress and burden of managing such a task is extraordinary. My hats off to the three court reporters who did such a fine job representing not only their courtroom but the field of court reporting in general."

A court reporter is trained to take down dictation at speeds in excess of 200 words per minute. The court reporter must be able to accurately transcribe dictation within a high degree of accuracy. "I know when I or one of my court reporters is taking testimony down for depositions," says the court reporting agency owner, "we rely on years of court reporter training to be able to get all the testimony down on paper and produce a clean transcript. It's not easy, but California court reporters are the best of the best! I should know because I'm lucky enough to work with some of the best court reporters in California through my firm, Todd Olivas & Associates, a court reporting agency."

In a media-rich society, the court reporter's job expands beyond the court room. "The court reporters who worked on the Scott Peterson case also had to manage media relations. There's a story about how the lead court reporter received a call from a reporter for a national morning talk show and how the reporter wanted a transcript in advance of when the court reporter normally produced it. The court reporter told the media reporter 'Our duty is to the court, not to the media.'"

"That's the kind of mentality that a court reporter must have," says Olivas. "We are impartial, neutral and third party to everything. Our sole job is to produce a verbatim transcript in accordance with our duty as licensed certified shorthand reporters -- nothing else."

As a gesture of appreciation to the three court reporters who worked on the Scott, Laci trial, Todd Olivas has created a court reporting industry recognition award, the Todd Olivas Excellence In Court Reporting award. "There are so many untold tales of how court reporters are helping the legal process, that I thought it was my duty to create something that would shine a spotlight on excellent court reporters in our field. It is my privilege to award the Todd Olivas Excellence in Court Reporting award to Laron Johnson, Valerie Cathey and Linda Swanner."

About Todd Olivas & Associates, Inc.:
Todd Olivas & Associates - Court Reporting was founded in 2003 by Certified Shorthand Reporter, Todd Olivas, CSR #12237. Providing attorneys with court reporters, interpreters and videographers, the firm has gained an impeccable reputation throughout California. With a passion for court reporting and excellent customer service, the California court reporting firm hopes to continue to grow into other southwestern states and eventually nationwide by 2008.

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Press Contact: Todd Olivas
Company Name: Todd Olivas & Associates
Phone: 888-566-0253
Website: http://www.ToddOlivas.com