New Development in Toyota Case May Impact Future Lawsuits

Still reeling from the first wave of personal injury lawsuits filed in response to revelations of defective design issues in several of its vehicles, Toyota is now facing yet another legal challenge. According to recent reports, the office of the Orange County District Attorney in California has filed charges against the company, claiming that the automaker negligently sold defective products and knowingly engaged in deceptive business practices.

Although some have claimed that the Orange County charges may be premature, legal experts are watching developments in the case closely. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for the ever-expanding number of personal injury lawsuits that are being filed against the company.

Have you or a loved one been harmed by a defective product? If so, we can walk you through your legal options. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Maryland Mining Fatalities Result in Lawsuit

In a month that has delivered several of the most severe mining safety breaches on record, the families of several miners killed in a 2007 incident have filed wrongful death suits. Dale Jones and Michael Wilt were working in a surface mine in western Maryland when a rock retaining wall at the site collapsed. The men were crushed by thousands of tons of rubble and killed instantly. The suit claims that insufficient site studies and poor design practices contributed to the collapse. Each of the families is asking for $4 million in the case.

Has a corporation’s unsafe practices put you or a loved one in harm’s way? If so, we can help. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

$657 Million Settlement Offered to World Trade Center Workers

The first responders, laborers, and work crews who contributed to rescue efforts and clean-up details at the World Trade Center compound in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks have been widely – and rightly – lauded as heroes. Unfortunately, many of these selfless workers got much more than they bargained for when answering the call to serve – a large proportion of them have developed serious illnesses and health problems that are believed to be linked to the toxic conditions that existed at the site in the days and weeks following the attacks.

It was recently announced that a package settlement of $657 million had been offered to the workers involved in a class-action lawsuit against the insurance group set up by Congress to handle such claims. However, unless at least 95% of the more than 10,000 plaintiffs agree to the settlement, the proffered sum will be rescinded. If the settlement is disbursed, most of the funds awarded in the case will be drawn from a $1 billion grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).


If you or a family member has been harmed in a crisis or catastrophic incident, we can help. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Injury Lawsuit Stemming from Vaccine Controversy to Reach Supreme Court

The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 was instituted to protect vaccine manufacturers from the threat of lawsuits that could make it financially unfeasible for the companies to continue manufacturing the treatments. However, critics of the law argue that it goes too far in shielding the manufacturers and offers little in the way of protections to children who have been adversely impacted by vaccines.

A case debating the merits of the law is currently on its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. It is based on a challenge brought by the parents of a young girl who developed a rare seizure disorder after receiving a standard diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine at six months of age. The girl, who is now an adolescent, requires round-the-clock care and has been rendered unable to care for herself due to profound developmental delays.


The case, which will likely be heard by the Supreme Court later this year, could have significant implications for the ongoing debate over the safety of childhood vaccines.


Have you or a loved one developed problems after receiving medical treatment? If so, we can help you understand your legal options. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

Boston’s “Big Dig” at Center of Another Lawsuit

The “Big Dig” is a massive public works project in Boston that rerouted one of the city’s major traffic arteries to a 3.5-mile underground tunnel. Since its inception, the project has been plagued by quality concerns and safety issues. The latest round of claims centers on the handrails that line an above-ground thoroughfare that is part of the project. In recent years, seven motorists have died in fatal crashes that have involved the pedestrian railings, including an on-duty motorcycle cop, State Trooper Vincent Cila.

In many of the incidents, the guardrails have been linked to disproportionately severe injuries, including dismemberment. Now, a lawsuit filed by Cila’s widow claims that the design of the rails is defective and may pose an inherent risk to drivers. A final determination is still pending in the case.

Has a defective design issue harmed you or a loved one? If so, we can help you assess your legal options. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.

First Wave of Lawsuits Filed in Toyota Recall Incident

In a massive recall that has shaken the global automotive market to its core, carmaker Toyota recently stopped selling eight of its most popular North American models, and has also recalled more than 8 million existing vehicles for repairs. The issue at hand is a problem with the vehicles’ pedals and/or floor mats that can potentially lead to unintended acceleration.

Across the United States, lawsuits are already being filed linking Toyota’s defective components to recent deaths, injuries, and damages. According to some industry experts, the dollar amount of Toyota’s liability in the matter could run into the billions. Affected consumers have already begun to petition for class-action status in the case, allowing groups of Toyota owners to band together to file a lawsuit.

Have you or a loved one been harmed by a defective product? You need the advice of a qualified team of personal injury attorneys. Contact the attorneys at The Heller Law Firm for a free consultation, or call us direct at 866-461-5791. You will hear from us either the same day or within 24 hours.