| Volume 64 Number 9 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Do not open email attachments you do not expect or do not recognize, especially files that end in "PDF" or "EXE" format. If you receive a notice about your account, or your order, or your bill, and you think it is an error or you may have a problem, go directly to the company's website or call them. If you get an email without a company name, ignore it. Click here for more.
Google+ Reaches 20 Million Users
Just three weeks after its debut, Google+ ("Google Plus") has reached 20 million unique users worldwide. Although the website is still "invitation only" and remains in testing mode, users have been impressed with options not available on Facebook or Twitter. Will the strong start give Facebook cause for concern? Click here for more.
Still No Deal on Debt Ceiling
After another weekend of intense negotiations, Republicans and Democrats still haven't found much in the way of common ground to resolve the issues surrounding the nation's debt ceiling. Both sides continue to develop plans to resolve the nation's most pressing problem, but the major sticking point remains the amount to increase the debt limit. Republicans want a short term increase, making it likely that the issue would come up again before the 2012 election. If the sides don't reach an agreement soon, the Treasury Department has said it will run out of cash to pay the Government's bills on August 2. Will Republicans and Democrats strike a deal before the Government defaults on its obligations? Click here for more.
Airlines Increase Prices After Tax Expires
Several federal taxes on airline tickets expired this weekend, but that doesn't mean consumers will be seeing lower prices next time they book a trip. Instead of passing the savings on the consumers, US Airways and American Airlines increased fares to offset the tax savings. Thus far, United, Continental, Delta, and Virgin haven't changed their prices. Click here for more.
Your Money
What is the value of reducing, postponing or foregoing expenses? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Arbitration provision does not apply to negligence claim against nursing home. The West Virginia Supreme Court held that an arbitration agreement, adopted prior to an occurrence of negligence, did not apply to claim based on that negligent act. “Congress did not intend for arbitration agreements, adopted prior to an occurrence of negligence that results in a personal injury or wrongful death, and which require questions about the negligence be submitted to arbitration, to be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act.” The court held that “as a matter of public policy under West Virginia law, an arbitration clause in a nursing home admission agreement adopted prior to an occurrence of negligence that results in a personal injury or wrongful death, shall not be enforced to compel arbitration of a dispute concerning the negligence.” Click here for more.