Author Archives: Bob Kraft

AAJ, Others Point Out Flaws in Chamber’s Lawsuit Abuse List

Written On January 12, 2012 By Bob Kraft

The Jersey Journal reported, “The US Chamber of Commerce’s Institute of Legal Reform published a list of 2011’s most ridiculous lawsuits as compiled by FacesofLawsuitAbuse.org.” The website also features “a poll in which readers were able to vote on the lawsuit they felt was most ridiculous.” However, the Jersey Journal noted, American Association for Justice spokesperson [...]

Posted in Tort Reform

Window Blind Manufacturers Urged to Improve Safety of Products

Written On January 11, 2012 By Bob Kraft

I’ve written many times about the hazards to children of window blinds, and specifically the cords on the blinds. Consumer groups are losing patience with the manufacturers repeated promises to make their products safer, and the inevitable delays in implementing those promises. A story in the Seattle Times goes into detail about the dangers, and [...]

Posted in Consumer Information, Product Liability or Medical Devices

AAJ President Praises New Guidance on Medicare Secondary Payer Program

Written On January 10, 2012 By Bob Kraft

Everyone involved with personal injury claims knows that dealing with Medicare has become a nightmare over the past several years. Without going into detail, following the convoluted process required by Medicare in order to get a verified amount owed (or a statement that nothing is owed) takes months after a settlement is made with the [...]

Posted in Medicare

Study Reveals More Deaths By Poisoning Than Car Crashes

Written On January 9, 2012 By Bob Kraft

Here’s a story that took me by surprise — deaths by poisoning have overtaken deaths by auto collision in the United States. The latest statistics are from 2008, and were reported by the National Center for Health Statistics. The report was detailed in an article in the New York Times. Here are excerpts:
An analysis published [...]

Posted in Prescription Drug Claims, Product Liability or Medical Devices, Vehicle Law or News

Friday Fun

Written On January 6, 2012 By Bob Kraft

This short video of birds flocking is fascinating. It looks choreographed.
Murmuration from Sophie Windsor Clive on Vimeo.

Posted in Friday Fun

FDA Tells Consumers Not to Use ShoulderFlex Massager

Written On January 5, 2012 By Bob Kraft

Here’s a rather alarming story about a massager that could strangle a user. As reported in the Boston Globe, The FDA is telling consumers who own the ShoulderFlex Massager not to use it. Here are details:
If you own a ShoulderFlex Massager, get rid of it, said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The device — [...]

Posted in Consumer Information, Product Liability or Medical Devices

Governor Perry’s Texas Supreme Court Picks Criticized as Too Business-Friendly

Written On January 4, 2012 By Bob Kraft

Anyone in Texas who is involved in consumer rights or plaintiff law has had concerns for years about the makeup and the big-business proclivities of the Texas Supreme Court. So it came as no surprise to us to read a recent article in the Dallas Morning News regarding Governor Rick Perry’s appointments to the Court. [...]

Posted in Political and/or Judicial

Medicare Penalties for Readmissions May Impact Hospitals Serving Low-Income Patients

Written On January 3, 2012 By Bob Kraft

The Washington Post /Kaiser Health News reported, “Medicare is preparing to penalize hospitals with frequent potentially avoidable readmissions,” with the aim of prodding them “to make sure patients get the care they need after discharge. But this new policy is likely to disproportionately affect hospitals that treat the most low-income patients, according to a Kaiser Health [...]

Posted in Medicare

Addictive Painkiller Zohydro Feared to be Next OxyContin

Written On January 2, 2012 By Bob Kraft

This story is alarming to those of us who have had patients or friends who were addicted to painkillers. There are new medications coming out that are possibly stronger than today’s Vicodin. Here are details from an article at NewJerseyNewsroom:
According to federal figures, treatments for the abuse of prescription painkillers has risen 430 percent over [...]

Posted in Prescription Drug Claims

Friday Fun

Written On December 30, 2011 By Bob Kraft

Athletic ability such as this is simply beyond my comprehension:

Posted in Friday Fun

Study: Insurers Often Cry Wolf to Boost Profits

Written On December 29, 2011 By Bob Kraft

To those of us who represent personal injury clients, this story is no surprise at all. It’s all a part of the phony “tort reform” movement that has swept the country in recent years. But the Raleigh News & Observer has an interesting article on the subject. Here are excerpts:
A new study produced by consumer and [...]

Posted in Insurance Company or Government Misconduct, Tort Reform

Insurance Industry Accused of Making Huge Profits by Delaying Claims

Written On December 28, 2011 By Bob Kraft

The Huffington Post reported, “Unlike many other businesses, the insurance industry is bound by law to act in good faith with its customers.” Insurance companies were considered “semi-public-trusts.” Yet, that changed in the 1990s when their focus shifted from service to profit making. Allstate is credited with originating this trend by adopting a plan crafted by [...]

Posted in Insurance Company or Government Misconduct

Your Legal Rights Following A Road Traffic Accident

Written On December 27, 2011 By Bob Kraft

The London law firm of Pannone Solicitors asked if they could submit a guest post to this blog, and I agreed. Their article is interesting and informative, although the comments on property damage are not always correct in American law. I appreciate the post, and invite anyone with relevant material to submit guest posts to [...]

Posted in Vehicle Law or News

Editorial: Hang Up and Drive — Before the Law Makes You

Written On December 26, 2011 By Bob Kraft

I’ve written several times about the dangers of texting while driving and also about the dangers of using a cell phone while driving. The Dallas Morning News recently ran a good editorial urging Texans to stop abusing the privileges we have now, before the government puts a total ban on cell phone usage in cars. [...]

Posted in Vehicle Law or News

Friday Fun

Written On December 23, 2011 By Bob Kraft

Hallelujah, written by Leonard Cohen, is not a religious song, but Christmastime gives me an excuse to mention one of my favorite singer/songwriters. I’ve been a fan of his writing even before his first album was released in 1967. Turn up your speakers to enjoy this beautiful rendition of Hallelujah:

Posted in Friday Fun

Featured Link — FightingForJustice.org

Written On December 22, 2011 By Bob Kraft

Fighting for Justice is the new blog of the American Association for Justice. It is filled with consumer information about defective products and unfair laws. Here is a description from the site:
Fighting for Justice is your resource for the latest news and information about America’s civil justice system.
As the world’s largest trial bar, the American [...]

Posted in Consumer Information, Featured Link, Product Liability or Medical Devices, Tort Reform, Vehicle Law or News

Toy Report: Kids Exposed to Lead, Carcinogens, Choking Hazards

Written On December 21, 2011 By Bob Kraft

Before you let your kids open their Christmas gifts, you need to consider whether there are any hazardous toys under the tree. An Associated Press story recently quoted a report from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group that found over a dozen toys on store shelves that violate federal safety standards for lead and chemicals [...]

Posted in Consumer Information, Safety Tips

Report Says Hybrids Are Safer for Occupants Than Traditional Cars

Written On December 20, 2011 By Bob Kraft

Have you considered buying a hybrid car to save money on gas? There may be another reason — hybrids may be safer in collisions that their gas-powered counterparts. That was the conclusion of an insurance industry report released recently. The story was mentioned in the Washington Post. Here are excerpts:
People who invest in hybrid cars [...]

Posted in Consumer Information, Vehicle Law or News

SSA Extends Spanish Language Online Services

Written On December 19, 2011 By Bob Kraft

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced improvements to its Spanish-language Web site, www.SeguroSocial.gov, with expanded online services available in Spanish. The Web site now includes the ability to apply online for retirement benefits and for Medicare. Those who already receive Medicare also can apply for “Extra Help” for the Medicare prescription drug program. An individual cannot yet file an online application in [...]

Posted in Social Security, Social Security Disability

Friday Fun

Written On December 16, 2011 By Bob Kraft

If you don’t like harmonica music, don’t click on this. If you do enjoy it, here’s four minutes of great playing:

Posted in Friday Fun