| Volume 35 Number 3 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
If you are receiving emails that appear to be from Paypal a bank or a credit card company telling you about "a recent charge to your account," ignore them. Do not click on any link to verify your account or dispute the charge. If you want to check with your credit card company, the phone number is on your card. If you think the notice may be real, wait until you receive your credit card bill and then dispute it. These are scams designed to get your private information. Click here for more.
Is Now a Good Time to Lease a Car?
Generally, leasing a car ultimately costs more than buying. However, with the used value of vehicles decreasing, many dealers are scaling back on leases. If you do find a lease you're interested in, remember one thing - negotiate. Just because an ad has one price doesn't mean you can't negotiate for a better rate. Click here for more.
Qualifications for Obama's New Mortgage Plan
President Obama's Foreclosure Prevention Program went in to effect on Wednesday. The $75 billion effort is designed to help more homeowners refinance into new low interest rates and create incentives for lenders restructure your mortgage to more affordable levels. Find out if you qualify! Click here for more.
The Cost of Being Underinsured
While many consumers are without health insurance altogether, those with insurance are struggling too. According to recent polls, insured consumers are having trouble covering the cap between what the insurance company pays and the total amount due. In order to compensate for loss, many hospitals shift the cost to those that can afford to pay. Should you expect your medical bills to increase? Click here for more.
Supreme Court Rejects Limits on Drug-Injury Lawsuits
In Wyeth v. Levine, the United States Supreme Court held that a state law tort claim is not preempted by federal drug labeling law. As a result, the court upheld $6.7 million in damages Diana Levine who had to have her arm amputated after Wyeth's Phenergan anti-nausea drug hit an artery and caused gangrene. Wyeth argued that since they complied with all federal labeling laws, they could not be sued under state tort laws. However, in a 6 to 3 decision, the court determined that drug companies are not immune simply because they complied with federal labeling laws. Click here for more.
Your Money
When buying a house should I pay points to lower the rate? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
A contractual waiver of a jury trial is enforceable. The Texas Supreme Court has held a jury waiver is valid and does not create a presumption against waiver that places the burden on the party seeking enforcement to prove that the opposing party knowingly and voluntarily agreed to waive its constitutional right to a jury trial. Click here for more.