| Volume 102 Number 7 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
As a general rule, relatives and beneficiaries of a person who dies do not owe the deceased’s debts. If a debt collector contacts you about paying the debts of a person who dies, tell him to contact the executor of the estate.
For more general information about the law, check out my website.
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GM Recalls 221,558 Vehicles for Fire Risk
The rough stretch for General Motors continues. This weekend, GM announced the recall of 221,558 vehicles for brake problem that could lead to fire. The recall includes 2013 to 2015 Cadillac XTS and 2014 to 2015 Chevrolet Impala sedans. Of the 221,558 vehicles under recall, 205,309 are believed to be in the United States.
According to GM, the parking brake may not fully retract after use. When the brake remains partially engaged, the friction on the rotors can lead to excessive brake heat that may result in fire.
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Meijer Agrees to Pay $2 Million Fine
Popular midwest retailer Meijer has agreed to pay a $2 million civil penalty for continuing to sell recalled products. Announced by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, the penalty settles charges that the company knowingly sold 12 different recalled products, including specific vacuum cleaners, kids toys, high chairs, and fans.
Between April 2010 and April 2011, Meijer sold an estimated 1,700 united of recalled product to consumers.
Federal law prohibits the sale of products after voluntary corrective action (recall). As part of the agreement, Meijer will implement a system to prevent the future sale of products subject to recall.
For a list of recalled items the company sold,
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Apple Releases iPhone 6 to Record Sales
When Apple opened pre-order for the iPhone 6 on Friday, September 12, a record 4 million units sold in the first 24 hours. This weekend, the new model iPhone became publicly available in retail stores. Consumers around the world were camping outside of Apple stores to be among the first to get the iPhone 6. In New York, 1000 people were in line by 9 p.m. Thursday evening. By Sunday, despite dwindling supplies, hundreds of anxious consumers still stood in line at major Apple stores.
Industry analysts believe the heightened consumer interest stems from the increased screen size. With 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch options, Apple has finally caught up with other popular brands like Samsung.
If you're in the market for the new iPhone, but didn't want to brave the lines, you're not out of luck. As production ramps up, the larger iPhones will soon become more readily available. Within the next two months, consumers should be able to purchase the popular new devices without much of a headache.
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Your Money
Should you adjust your payroll withholdings?
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For the Lawyers
Arbitration clause that lacks mutuality is unenforceable.
The Arkansas Supreme Court held that an arbitration clause that required only the consumer to arbitrate was unenforceable.
The court stated,
“This court has been resolute that there is no mutuality of obligation where one party uses an arbitration agreement to shield itself from litigation, while reserving to itself the ability to pursue relief through the court system. As set out above, Alltel clearly reserved to itself the option of pursuing remedies other than arbitration, without the consequence of waiver. Moreover, that reservation and protection was limited solely to Alltel and was not extended to the customer. Succinctly put, Alltel provided itself with an “out” to the required arbitration….”
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