Mississippi Attorneys

Reglan Claims Have Merit

2010-02-14T13:44:00.003-05:00

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit denied a Reglan manufacturer's argument that federal law prohibits consumers from filing failure-to-warn claims. The decision, handed down on January 8, 2010, is a big win for patients injured by Reglan.

Actavis, Inc., a manufacturer of a generic Reglan, argued that users of a specific generic Reglan (metoclopramide) had no legal right to file claims. The court disagreed and dismissed the case, finding the claim has merit. The injured patient in that case suffers from tardive dyskinesia, a disorder that causes involuntary and repetitive movements.

Click here to read the court's opinion.

-DLF

Clinton Still Has It

2009-08-05T11:06:00.000-04:00

The plane carrying Former President Bill Clinton returned to California this morning. Thankfully, it returned with two additional passengers, Laura Ling and Euna Lee.

It’s been a constant struggle to bring these two journalists home, as North Korea tried, convicted and sentenced them each to 12 years in prison for entering the country to conduct a supposed smear campaign. With the country and part of the world watching, Clinton flew into Pyongyang to negotiate the release of the two American citizens. He succeeded.

He’s an impressive statesman and continues to play an important role in not only the United States, but also the world.

-DLF

Chinese Court: Death Penalty for Drunk Driver

2009-07-24T13:54:00.004-04:00

Wow! It’s a first for China, but I’m still shocked at the idea. For a brief rundown of the situation, a 30-year-old man, driving without a license, sped through one of the busiest provinces in China. During his time behind the wheel, he managed to hit four cars, killing four people and seriously injuring another. He endangered public safety, yes, but should he be sentenced to death for it?

This may not surprise some people though, as China has a reputation for imposing capital punishment. Amnesty International published statistics that noted that China put over 1,700 people to death last year. If you don’t think that’s a lot, then you should know that last year, the United States imposed the death penalty on 37 individuals.

Regardless of your feelings on capital punishment, it remains a global issue.

- DLF

Social Sites Make Splash

2009-07-23T14:57:00.000-04:00

With the developments of social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, the world has become an even smaller place. These sites offer people an opportunity to experience others in a more personal way than ever before.

People feel a connection with others when they join and post content. Last night I was on a webinar, which I believe is the new classroom for those embracing technology, and the hosts mentioned that Facebook is now at 355 million subscribers! And it’s growing at a rate of 350 thousand people per day. What’s the fastest age group joining this site . . . 50+ years old. I can’t tell you how many people have come up to me and said that their parents and grandparents have jumped on the bandwagon. It’s an amazing phenomenon.

Twitter has also taken fire and is estimated to be at 50 million users by Christmas. Even celebrities are spending time on this site. Fans are on the edge of their seats, waiting for their celebs to enter a short tweet, sometimes just alerting others as to what they had for lunch.

YouTube rounds out this trifecta of social sites. Currently, there are over 750 million videos on that site, and your video could be next! It’s ease of use allows even the average joe to become a film maker.

With all of this action, it’s no wonder that in a time where newspapers are going broke and shutting down, internet advertising is up 300%! Ages 18-34, which is the target market for most products and services in this country, is the fastest growing population to join these sites, with that group spending 40% of its free time on social media.

- DLF

Mac Attack

2009-07-22T11:21:00.000-04:00

I would consider our law firm tech savvy. We are attempting to stay plugged-in to the cutting edge of technological advancements.

For me personally, I purchased the new iPhone, which has been a real tool. Having all of the iPhone applications at my fingertips has enabled me to become more efficient with my schedule and has enabled me to become more efficient.

But I’m not the only one to purchase Apple products. The company has reported record Q3 earnings, up nearly 12% year over year. Mac sales topped off at 2.6 million units, and iPhone sales climbed to 5.24 million units.

The Mac sales are of interest, because I am considering purchasing another Mac. It offers the creativity I am looking for, and I think Apple’s support is the best in the business. I would like to hear what you think about your experiences with Apple.

Please offer your thoughts.

- Joey Diaz

Electronic Filing in Mississippi Courts

2009-07-09T14:06:00.001-04:00

We just returned from a CLE lunch hosted by the Madison County Bar Association. Today, we had the pleasure of hearing Chief Justice Bill Waller and company speak about the coming of e-filing in the Madison County Chancery Court.

If you're unfamiliar with e-filing, then don't worry. It's not here yet. But it's coming soon. As of July 22, we'll be running "hot" here in Madison County, with hopes of starting similar programs in Scott and Warren Counties in the coming months.

Much like in federal court, where they currently have the system in place, the e-filing system will bring a court to the forefront of technology. Mississippi is on the cutting edge of this technological wave. While some people consider this state a laggard in most realms, I can tell you that's not the case. In fact, with regards to this topic, it's currently the only state in the country utilizing the system for anything but federal cases.

I applaud the state of Mississippi and the Mississippi Supreme Court for doing their part to create positive change in the legal system.

- Tripp Segars

1964 Civil Rights Case Filed

2009-07-01T17:40:00.000-04:00

We're very proud of Dennis Sweet for his work and having the opportunity to move forward with a 1964 civil rights case. It's a landmark case that deals with the brutal murder of two, young African American teenagers -- Henry Hezekiah Dee and Charles Eddie Moore. Since the action took place in 1964, there was an issue with the statute of limitations. However, U.S. District Court Judge Tom Lee, citing a 5th Circuit case, tolled the statue of limitations, as plaintiffs weren't in possession of "crucial facts" in the case until the 2007 trial of Klansmen James Seale.

These "crucial facts" related to then-Franklin County Sheriff Wayne Hutto and Deputy Kirby Shell conspiring with the Klan to commit these crimes, refusing to investigate afterwards and then covering up their deeds. The families of the young teenagers didn't know about this until Seale's trial.

In their complaint, the families allege these killing were part of a 1964 campaign of unlawful violence in Franklin County aimed at deterring African Americans from voting and further civil participation.

We wish the families the best as they continue to advocate for justice.

- Joey Diaz

Bing!

2009-07-01T12:32:00.000-04:00

We're pleased with the recent growth of the Madison, MS area. It's growing so quickly that both Google Maps and Bing Maps are unable to capture recent additions . . . namely our office! If we can help you, then please call us at 601-607-3456. Thanks.

- Joey Diaz

Welcome!

2009-06-29T18:17:00.000-04:00

Thank you for visiting. Through this blog, we plan to update consumers about their rights, share our many experiences in the legal field, and even have a little fun! We hope you'll continue to visit, send us your thoughts, and become an active participant. This blog's for you.

- Joey Diaz