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Litigation Funding Blog

Clothing and Footwear Manufacturers Should Pay Attention to Child Safety More

January 27, 2012

In yet another choking hazard recall, thousands of kid’s slippers have been recalled.

When today’s older Americans were kids, they certainly did not have as many toys made that were a serious choking hazard. Not to say that there may not have been a toy or two that had some issues, but by and large, when we grew up, we did not have to be afraid of chewing our slippers and choking. Every time you turn around, there is yet another recall for something that could either seriously harm a child or kill them. There is something very wrong with that picture, and usually it relates to money.

Manufacturers are in such a rush to get toys and clothing to market to rake in cash, that the safety of the end user often falls by the wayside. If the individuals who designed some of this stuff stopped and honestly thought about what they were doing, they would get it that you do not make toys or clothing with items that detach and can choke and kill.

Take this latest recall for example. Who in their right mind would make kids’ slippers with detachable rolly eyes? Of course a kid is going to put that into their mouths. Everything goes into a kid’s mouth, whether it is a slipper or something else that catches their eye. If the clothing industry wants to put eyes on slippers, why don’t they just embroider them onto the existing fabric, and not attach them with a couple of loops of flimsy thread?

The nationwide voluntary recall was for roughly 16,000 Kidgets® Animal Sock Top Slippers. Not so surprisingly, it was discovered that the animal’s eyes pose a choking hazard for young children. The dogs, lions and duck slippers were to be returned to any of the stores they were purchased from to get a full refund, which is a nice gesture. However, here is the problem. Not everyone will hear about this recall.

Someone may even get a pair of these things for the holidays or see them in a bargain bin where someone tossed them without thinking. If a child chokes on these eyes, the company that made them is liable. It is just that simple. Any family faced with a child with serious injuries from choking on a toy eye, or inhaling it and shutting down their airway causing death will likely want to file a wrongful death, defective product lawsuit. While waiting for their case to be decided, the family will need cash to pay their bills.

The family might apply for litigation funding, also known as pre-settlement funding or a lawsuit cash advance. This is money paid in advance of a court verdict or settlement. Litigation funding lets a plaintiff pay all of their bills and then wait for justice. They apply online or by phone, discuss case details, get their case assessed and approved.

The lawsuit loan is wired into their bank accounts, usually within 24 to 48 hours and although they may use the money for pretty much anything they like, they realize it is a smart move to pay their pressing medical bills right away and deal with other expenses too. Lawsuit funding helps plaintiffs get back on their feet when they need help the most.

Daren Monroe writes for Litigation Funding Corp. To learn more about lawsuit funding and litigation funding, visit Litigationfundingcorp.com.

Truck Hauling Kegs Runs Over Three Women and Causes Wrongful Death

January 13, 2012

This horror story took place at a football game when a truck hauling beer ran over three women.

This has got to be one of the most bizarre cases we have ever heard about. A U-Haul truck was moving around in the tailgating area at the Yale Bowl, hauling beer. Nothing was really out of the ordinary there, but for the fact that the truck ran over a woman, killing her. For some unknown reason, the truck suddenly accelerated, rolling over the hapless victim and two others, and subsequently smashing into other U-Haul vans in the same lot.

The 30-year-old woman received CPR from emergency responders, and was taken to the nearest hospital for care. Unfortunately, she died shortly after arriving. Both other injured women, hit by the same truck, were also taken to hospital. One victim sustained broken bones and was listed in serious, but stable condition. The third person was treated and released.

Police at the scene administered a field sobriety test to the U-Haul driver and discovered that he was not under the influence of alcohol. Whether he had been texting, talking on a cell phone, not paying attention to where he was going, or the vehicle had a mechanical glitch remains to be seen as the investigation proceeds.

Do the victims have causes of action? Yes. The dead woman’s family may wish to file a wrongful death lawsuit, and the two other victims might want to file personal injury lawsuits. In any of these scenarios, those filing a lawsuit will be cash strapped and wondering what they are going to do to pay their medical and other bills.

It is not unusual for the family of a deceased victim or those injured in an accident to find themselves facing a serious gap in their financial situation. Being without funds is indeed a tremendous financial hardship. Furthermore, waiting for a lawsuit to reach a settlement or conclude in a court verdict may take many months, if not years, making the financial situation even more dismal. The good news is that litigation funding can help.

A litigation funding company offers lawsuit funding. It is a cash advance for the plaintiff that they may apply for, and once approved, receive in advance of a pending settlement or jury verdict. With pre-settlement funding in the bank, the victim can pay medical expenses, therapy, medications and any other financial obligations. There is no need to suffer financial hardship when lawsuit loans are available.

Daren Monroe writes for Litigation Funding Corp. To learn more about lawsuit funding and litigation funding, visit Litigationfundingcorp.com.

Motorists at Risk of Serious or Fatal Accident During Deer Season

January 4, 2012

A 19-year-old Wisconsin driver was transported to the hospital with undetermined injuries following a one-vehicle rollover accident at approximately 5:20 p.m. on December 28. Although the accident is still under investigation, it appears that the driver lost control of his vehicle when he swerved to avoid hitting a deer. His Plymouth Neo flipped several times before landing in a ditch.

As roads are built through rural areas, wildlife habitat decreases and automobile travel increases. When this happens, the risk of deer-auto accidents increases; many result in serious injuries even death to drivers and passengers. Typically, deer-auto accidents occur between October and December, with most accidents between dusk and dawn.

It is hard to imagine yourself or someone you love being seriously injured or killed in a deer-auto accident, but they can, and do happen. As in any situation, attentive driving is the best way to avoid an auto accident with a deer. Additionally, motorists can minimize the risk of a serious or fatal accident by staying alert and being especially watchful in areas near woods and water. Remember that if you see one deer, there are probably others nearby. Pay particular attention at dusk and dawn. Maintaining a safe speed will also increase your chances of avoiding an auto accident with a deer.

Drivers should never swerve to avoid hitting a deer. If you think you have time to avoid hitting an animal, reduce speed, tap the brakes to warn drivers behind you, and sound your horn. Swerving to miss a deer can potentially put you at risk for hitting another vehicle or losing control of your own car. Your odds of surviving an accident are better hitting an animal than another vehicle. And, don’t forget to always wear your seatbelt. Reports show that 60% of fatal accidents with deer were the result of people not wearing a seatbelt.

Litigation Funding Corp. strongly encourages motorists to buckle up, stay alert of your surroundings, and avoid driver distractions especially throughout the winter months.

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