Lawyer Central is pleased to announce that it now offers a Free Legal Consultation to all site visitors who are in need of legal help. With Lawyer Central, you can find an attorney in your area and get the legal advice you need quickly and confidentially. Take the first step toward resolving your legal issues by completing the Free Case Evaluation form today.

Lawyer Central connects individuals who need legal help to attorneys who practice in the following areas of law: Injury, Dangerous Products, Bankruptcy, Real Estate, Disability, Employment, and Toxic Torts. Detailed informational articles and videos featuring attorneys who practice in these specific areas of law are also available for those who wish to research legal issues on their own. A Free Legal Advice forum is also available for those who wish to share their thoughts, concerns, and opinions on various areas of law with other forum members.

If you are seeking assistance with a potential legal claim, please visit Lawyer Central today and fill out the details of your case in the Free Legal Consultation form. After reviewing your information, Lawyer Central will find a lawyer in your area who can assist you with your claim. Then, your attorney will contact you to discuss your case and explain your legal options. Speaking with an attorney can help you understand your legal rights. In addition, your lawyer can provide guidance and advice during what is often a challenging and stressful time.

Many legal claims are restricted by a time limit, known as the statute of limitations. The statute of limitations varies from state to state and depends on the type of lawsuit that is being filed. If the statute of limitations expires before your suit is filed, you will be unable to recover compensation. If you believe you may have a case, it is important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible so that you can be sure your rights will be protected.

About Lawyer Central

The Lawyer Central Network is an exclusive nationwide network of attorneys highly dedicated to their unique areas of practice. Lawyer Central is emerging as the leading public relations and mixed media marketing organization for fast-growing law firms and forward-thinking attorneys. Lawyer Central membership includes a variety of media exposure ranging from practice area video filming, through interviews and complete public relations and internet relations management.

Insight from attorney Scott Weinstein of Morgan & Morgan, PA was featured in a recent article on Bloomberg.com entitled "China Drywall Emits Gas; No Tie to Illness, U.S. Says (Update 3)." The article, written by Mark Drajem, summarizes the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's recent findings on Chinese drywall, which has been linked to sulfur odors and damage to wires and air conditioning units. The CPSC investigators found elevated sulfur emissions in the Chinese drywall they tested, but did not find sufficient evidence that it causes the headaches, asthma, and nosebleeds that many homeowners have experienced.

In response to the large number of defective Chinese drywall claims being filed throughout the country, the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued an order centralizing In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2047, in June. The MDL consolidated Chinese drywall lawsuits in the Eastern District of Louisiana before Judge Eldon E. Fallon. Scott Weinstein, who has been named to the Plaintiff's Steering Committee for the Chinese drywall MDL, explains in the article that plummeting housing prices have left many homeowners unable to sell homes that have been contaminated by Chinese drywall.

Compounding the complicated issues surrounding Chinese drywall is that fact that it may prove difficult for U.S. courts to hold Chinese manufacturers accountable for this defective product. In the article, Weinstein states that Knauf Gips KG and Beijing New Building Materials Plc are two of the major Chinese drywall suppliers. During a recent visit to China, CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum asked Chinese suppliers to pay for the damage caused to homes built with the defective drywall. However, whether these suppliers will cooperate with U.S. requests remains to be seen.

To read "China Drywall Emits Gas; No Tie to Illness, U.S. Says (Update 3)" on Bloomberg.com, please visit: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=afNV0nTV7y_k.

If you are interested in learning more about Chinese drywall, visit Morgan & Morgan's Defective Chinese Drywall Resource Center. Informational articles about the signs and causes of defective Chinese drywall, potential health risks, property damage issues, and more are available on this webpage for consumers to review. If you believe your home may have been built with Chinese drywall, complete the Free Case Evaluation form to have your potential claim reviewed by a Chinese drywall attorney.

About Morgan & Morgan

Morgan & Morgan is one of the largest Personal Injury law firms in the country with offices nationwide. The firm handles product liability cases, personal injury cases, and medical malpractice cases, as well as claims against drug and medical device manufacturers. Visit ForThePeople.com for a free case evaluation and information about your legal rights.

Lawyer Central is pleased to announce that an updated Mesothelioma Resource Center is now available for patients suffering from mesothelioma cancer and victims of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma articles and videos are available on this site as an informative resource for individuals who have received a mesothelioma diagnosis, as well as family members and friends who want to learn more about this form of cancer.

Visitors to the Mesothelioma Resource Center have access to a comprehensive collection of free legal and medical information about mesothelioma cancer. The mesothelioma video library features over 100 videos, and each clip offers insight and information from an experienced mesothelioma attorney. Topics covered in the videos range from the uses of asbestos and corporate knowledge of asbestos dangers, to hiring a mesothelioma lawyer and proving asbestos exposure. Detailed articles providing answers and information about mesothelioma and an explanation of the symptoms and treatment of mesothelioma are also available. An additional section of articles covers the types of mesothelioma, as well as its causes.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, please visit Lawyer Central's Mesothelioma Resource Center today.

To learn more about your legal rights, complete the form on the page to receive a free legal consultation from a mesothelioma lawyer or asbestos exposure attorney. An experienced lawyer can determine if you are entitled to compensation from a mesothelioma lawsuit and can provide legal guidance to your family during this difficult time. There is no cost and no obligation for this free case review.

About Lawyer Central

The Lawyer Central Network is an exclusive nationwide network of attorneys highly dedicated to their unique areas of practice, including overtime litigation. Lawyer Central is emerging as the leading public relations and mixed media marketing organization for fast-growing law firms and forward-thinking attorneys. Lawyer Central membership includes a variety of media exposure ranging from practice area video filming, through interviews and complete public relations and internet relations management.

The unpaid overtime attorneys at Lawyer Central are committed to helping victims of overtime scams receive the overtime pay they deserve. In order to help workers understand their overtime pay rights and the ways in which employers may try to violate them, Lawyer Central offers free articles and information about overtime law. The recently updated Overtime Legal Resource Center covers a variety of overtime topics, including overtime scams.

In order to prevent workers from receiving the overtime pay they deserve, some employers use overtime scams, such as forcing employees to work off the clock. This can occur when an employer requires a worker to clock out and then stay in order to complete a task. Shortchanging hours is another common overtime scam. Failing to pay workers for the time they spend on short breaks (between five and twenty minutes), forcing employees to work through unpaid lunch breaks, or refusing to pay employees for on call time that cannot be used for the employee's own personal use are among the ways that employers can shortchange hours.

Other overtime scams include intentionally misclassifying employees as exempt from overtime pay, paying at the normal pay rate instead of time-and-a-half for hours worked over forty, and offering employees comp time instead of overtime. Victims of overtime scams may be able to file an overtime lawsuit. If the overtime lawsuit is successful, workers who have been wrongfully denied overtime pay may be able to recover double their unpaid overtime wages. Punitive damages can also be awarded in some cases. Overtime class action lawsuits can be filed if a large number of employees in the same company were denied overtime compensation.

If you feel that you have been victimized by an overtime scam, visit Lawyer Central's Unpaid Overtime Resource Center today. Enter the details of your case into the Free Legal Advice form to have an overtime attorney review your claim at no cost. Lawyer Central also offers articles on numerous aspects of overtime pay and the rights of workers under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to help you gain a better understanding of overtime laws.

About Lawyer Central

The Lawyer Central Network is an exclusive nationwide network of attorneys highly dedicated to their unique areas of practice, including overtime litigation. Lawyer Central is emerging as the leading public relations and mixed media marketing organization for fast-growing law firms and forward-thinking attorneys. Lawyer Central membership includes a variety of media exposure ranging from practice area video filming, through interviews and complete public relations and internet relations management.

New developments in the case of the fatal boating accident that occurred in Seaford, New York in early October suggest that the driver of the boat was legally intoxicated at the time of the accident. Attorneys Stephen J. Murphy and S. Joseph Donahue of the New York personal injury law firm Block O'Toole & Murphy are representing two passengers who survived the boating accident. Both of these survivors sustained serious injuries.

Despite efforts to increase public awareness as to the dangers of alcohol consumption by operators of motor vehicles and recreational boats, the devastating effects of accidents caused by drunk driving and boating continues to tear apart the lives of families throughout our country. Time and time again, televisions and newspapers are filled with the images of twisted steel and metal, and grieving families, as a result of senseless accidents involving intoxicated drivers.

Unfortunately, it appears as though alcohol may have once again contributed to a tragic accident. On October 4, 2009, three persons were killed and three persons were critically injured when a 40 foot speed boat ran aground on Goose Island during a nighttime boating trip. The investigation into the causes of the accident has revealed that the operator of the boat, George Canni, had a blood alcohol level of 0.08, meaning he was legally intoxicated under the Laws of the State of New York. The investigation continues to determine the existence of other factors that may have contributed to the happening of the accident.

The law firm of Block O'Toole & Murphy, LLP, specializing in catastrophic personal injury cases, represents two of the critically injured passengers, a husband and wife from Massapequa, New York. "The intoxication of Mr. Canni certainly is an important development in the investigation as to the causes of the accident, but the investigation is far from over," said trial lawyer Stephen Murphy. "Until all of the evidence has been gathered and carefully analyzed, the investigation is not complete. It is vital that we obtain all of the available information concerning the circumstances of the accident so that we can protect the rights of our clients and afford them the justice they deserve," added attorney Joseph Donahue.

About Block O'Toole & Murphy

Block O'Toole & Murphy is a firm that is committed to fighting for justice on behalf of their clients. The lawyers of the firm utilize their decades of trial experience to ensure that victims are provided legal representation characterized by determination, hard work and excellence.

Block O'Toole & Murphy accepts referrals from other lawyers and law firms for catastrophic injury cases.

Please feel free to contact the attorneys at Block O'Toole & Murphy for a free consultation at any time. Visit BlockOToole.com or call 212.736.5300 or 888.889.1021 (toll free).

The overtime lawyers at Lawyer Central are dedicated to protecting workers' rights to overtime pay. In order to help workers understand their rights and the ways in which employers may try to violate them, Lawyer Central offers free articles and information about overtime law. The recently updated Overtime Legal Resource Center covers a variety of overtime topics, including exemptions.

Under Fair Labor Standards Act, many workers have the right to recover overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a given workweek. In order to determine whether you are entitled to overtime pay, you must figure out if you are an exempt or non-exempt worker. Exempt workers are not eligible to receive overtime pay. There are several exemption categories, including the executive exemption, administrative exemption, professional exemption, computer employee exemption, and outside sales exemption. Your job duties will determine whether or not you fall into one of these exemption categories.

When employers fail to pay their workers for the overtime hours they work, employees may participate in an overtime lawsuit to recover double their unpaid overtime wages. In some cases, punitive damages are also awarded. Federal law prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who participate in an overtime lawsuit. Prohibited retaliatory acts include firing or blacklisting an employee who made an unpaid overtime claim, reducing job responsibilities, and refusing a raise that is regularly given.

If you are interested in learning more about overtime pay laws and the rights of exempt and non-exempt workers, visit Lawyer Central's Overtime Law Resource Center today. To discuss your case with an overtime lawyer or wage and hour attorney, simply fill out the details of your potential overtime claim in the Free Legal Advice form.

If you were wrongfully denied overtime pay, you may be able to recover compensation. In addition, if numerous employees in your company were not receiving the proper overtime compensation, a class action lawsuit may be filed against your employer. It is important to contact an overtime attorney as soon as possible if you feel that you are a victim of overtime violations in order to ensure that the statute of limitations on your case doesn't expire.

About Lawyer Central

The Lawyer Central Network is an exclusive nationwide network of attorneys highly dedicated to their unique areas of practice, including overtime litigation. Lawyer Central is emerging as the leading public relations and mixed media marketing organization for fast-growing law firms and forward-thinking attorneys. Lawyer Central membership includes a variety of media exposure ranging from practice area video filming, through interviews and complete public relations and internet relations management.

On Sunday October 4, 2009, the lives of a Long Island family were turned upside down as a result of a senseless and catastrophic boating accident in the Great Island Channel, in Seaford, New York. Two of the victims, a mother and father of four children, were passengers on a 40 foot Hustler speed boat called "The Uncanni", that ran aground on Goose Island. At the time of the accident, the boat was being operated by George Canni. The boat was returning to the Canni residence in Copiague after picking up food at a local restaurant, with all on board planning to enjoy a quiet Sunday dinner. The other occupants of the boat included Canni's wife and three other passengers.

Upon impact, all occupants were violently ejected from the boat, and landed on Goose Island. The investigation thus far is focused on determining the causes of the incident, including Canni's possible negligent operation of the boat. There are initial indications that the boat was being operated at an excessive rate of speed. However, the investigation is ongoing to uncover other factors that may have contributed to the happening of the accident, as well as other responsible parties.

The accident prompted a massive land, air and sea rescue operation involving the United States Coast Guard, New York City Police Department, Nassau County Police Department and Wantagh Fire Department, in addition to several privately owned vessels. Unfortunately, it took nearly an hour for emergency personnel to reach scene, leaving the critically injured victims waiting for assistance in agonizing pain.

The victims were airlifted to Nassau County University Medical Center with severe trauma. The husband sustained severe and potentially life threatening injuries, including multiple fractures to his neck. He remains hospitalized, confined to bed and in a full body brace. The wife also sustained catastrophic injuries, including fractures to the pelvis, ribs, scapular and sacrum. She too remains hospitalized in serious condition. Tragically, George Canni and two other passengers were killed in the accident.

The surviving husband and wife have retained the New York catastrophic personal injury law firm of Block O'Toole & Murphy, LLP to represent them and protect their rights. New York personal injury trial lawyers Stephen Murphy and Joseph Donahue, of Block O'Toole & Murphy, are committed to conducting a complete and thorough investigation. Mr. Murphy notes that, "These are truly wonderful people who have suffered devastating permanent injuries. Their family faces enormous challenges and an uncertain future. We will work tirelessly to protect their rights and pursue every avenue available under the law to compensate them." Added Mr. Donahue, "Our goal is to gather all the facts and examine them from every angle, so that the causes of this deadly incident are determined and the responsible parties held accountable. We will leave no stone unturned."

About Block O'Toole & Murphy

Block O'Toole & Murphy is one of the premier personal injury law firms in New York City. Their experienced team of trial lawyers is devoted to truly caring for and fighting for the rights of their clients. As with every case it handles, the firm will not rest until justice is done. Block O'Toole & Murphy handles referrals of catastrophic injury cases on behalf of other lawyers and law firms. If you have been injured, you can contact the experienced trial lawyers at Block O'Toole & Murphy at any time for a free consultation. Visit http://www.blockotoole.com or call 212-736-5300 or 888.889.1021 (toll free).

An upcoming 48 Hours Mystery episode covering the disappearance and death of Caylee Anthony will feature Attorney John Morgan of Morgan & Morgan. Mr. Morgan is currently representing Zenaida Gonzalez, who was falsely accused of kidnapping Caylee Anthony, in a defamation suit against Casey Anthony. He has conducted an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Caylee's disappearance in order to clear his client's name and will share his knowledge of the case on 48 Hours Mystery on October 17, 2009.

In June 2008, 3-year-old Caylee Anthony, a resident of Orange County, Florida, went missing. Her mother, Casey Anthony, told authorities that she disappeared while in the custody her babysitter, Zenaida Gonzalez. However, as the investigation continued, authorities began to suspect that Casey was the person responsible for Caylee's disappearance. She was charged with first degree murder in October 2008. Two months later, Caylee's remains were found near her home.

When Zenaida Gonzalez was wrongfully accused of kidnapping Caylee Anthony, it turned her life upside down. She lost her job, received threatening phone calls, and suffered physically and emotionally from the stress caused by this situation. Now, John Morgan is seeking to clear her name from the false charges made against her by Casey Anthony and uncover the truth about who was responsible for Caylee's death.

The 48 Hours episode featuring John Morgan will air on CBS on Saturday, October 17, 2009. Please check your local listings for the time.

If you are interested in following the progress of the Zenaida Gonzalez V. Casey Anthony case, please visit Case Spotlight: Gonzalez v. Anthony. Case updates, highlights, videos, and depositions are featured on this webpage.

About Morgan & Morgan

Morgan & Morgan is one of the largest Personal Injury law firms in the country with offices nationwide. The firm handles product liability cases, personal injury cases, and medical malpractice cases, as well as claims against drug and medical device manufacturers. Visit ForThePeople.com for a free case evaluation and information about your legal rights.

WHO: An upcoming episode of 48 Hours Mystery covering the disappearance and death of Caylee Anthony will feature Attorney John Morgan of Morgan & Morgan. Mr. Morgan is currently representing Zenaida Gonzalez, the woman falsely accused of kidnapping Caylee Anthony, in a defamation suit against Caylee's mother, Casey Anthony.

WHAT: When Casey Anthony reported that her 3-year-old daughter Caylee was missing, she told authorities that Caylee was in the custody of her babysitter Zenaida Gonzalez (or "Zanny the Nanny") at the time of her disappearance. However, as the investigation into Caylee's alleged kidnapping unfolded, authorities began to suspect Casey herself was the person responsible for her daughter's disappearance. In October 2008, Casey Anthony was charged with first degree murder and several additional charges related to Caylee's disappearance. Caylee's death was confirmed in December 2008 when her remains were found near her home.

WHEN and WHERE: The 48 Hours mystery episode featuring John Morgan will air on Saturday, October 17, 2009 on CBS. Please check your local listings for the time.

WHY: As a result of the false allegations against her, Zenaida Gonzalez lost her job and has suffered both physically and emotionally. In an effort to clear Ms. Gonzalez's name, Mr. Morgan has been conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Caylee Anthony's disappearance and death. On 48 Hours, he will share his insights into the case and describe his efforts to find out who is really responsible for Caylee Anthony's death.

For additional information about the Zenaida Gonzalez v. Casey Anthony case, please visit Case Spotlight: Gonzalez v. Anthony.

About Morgan & Morgan

Morgan & Morgan is one of the largest Personal Injury law firms in the country with offices nationwide. The firm handles product liability cases, personal injury cases, and medical malpractice cases, as well as claims against drug and medical device manufacturers. Visit ForThePeople.com for a free case evaluation and information about your legal rights.

Lawyer Central is pleased to announce that it has recently updated its Unpaid Overtime Law Resource Center, a comprehensive source of legal information for workers who have been denied the overtime pay they deserve. According to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), non-exempt employees should receive time-and-a-half pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Lawyer Central is dedicated to helping workers make sure they are properly paid for all overtime hours worked.

The FLSA states that exempt workers are not eligible to receive overtime pay. However, workers should be aware that it is their job duties, not job title, that determines whether they are exempt or non-exempt. Some employers intentionally misclassify their employees as exempt under the executive exemption, administrative exemption, professional exemption, computer employee exemption, or outside sales exemption in order to avoid paying them for their overtime hours. If you have been misclassified, an overtime attorney from Lawyer Central can help you recover the overtime pay you have earned.

Lawyer Central's Unpaid Overtime Law Resource Center now features an Answers and Information section that addresses the basics of the Fair Labor Standards Act and overtime law. An overview of the overtime exemptions and a description of the scams used by employers to cheat their employees out of the overtime pay they have earned are also featured. These overtime scams include forcing employees to work off the clock, misclassifying employees as exempt from overtime pay, and short changing hours. A fourth section provides legal information for workers with unpaid overtime claims, including information about overtime lawsuits, damages that can be recovered, and protection from employer retaliation.

If you believe that you have been denied the overtime pay to which you are entitled, visit Lawyer Central's Unpaid Overtime Law Resource Center today, and complete the Free Legal Advice form to find out if you have a valid claim for unpaid overtime wages. An experienced overtime lawyer may be able to help you recover double your unpaid wages. There is a statute of limitations that restricts the amount of time you have to file an overtime claim, so it is important to act promptly in order to ensure that your rights to overtime pay are protected.

About Lawyer Central

The Lawyer Central Network is an exclusive nationwide network of attorneys highly dedicated to their unique areas of practice, including overtime litigation. Lawyer Central is emerging as the leading public relations and mixed media marketing organization for fast-growing law firms and forward-thinking attorneys. Lawyer Central membership includes a variety of media exposure ranging from practice area video filming, through interviews and complete public relations and internet relations management.

John Morgan, the attorney representing Zenaida Gonzalez in a defamation suit against Casey Anthony, will be appearing on 48 Hours Mystery on October 17, 2009. Mr. Morgan will be sharing insight into the investigation he has conducted on Zenaida Gonzalez's behalf. He is seeking to clear her name from the false allegations made by Casey Anthony that she was responsible for the disappearance and death of Casey's daughter, Caylee Anthony.

After 3-year-old Caylee Anthony went missing in June 2008, her mother falsely named Zenaida Gonzalez as Caylee's babysitter, referring to her as "Zanny the Nanny." She also stated that Caylee was in Ms. Gonzalez's custody at the time of her disappearance. However, numerous inconsistencies in Casey Anthony's story, as well as physical evidence against her, have made her the prime suspect in Caylee's disappearance and death. Casey has been charged with first-degree murder and faces the possibility of life in prison. Caylee's remains were found near her home in Orange County, Florida in December 2008.

Zenaida Gonzalez, a mother of six with no criminal record, maintains that she never babysat for Caylee Anthony. In fact, she never even met Casey or Caylee Anthony. As a result of these false allegations against her, she lost her job and has suffered both physically and emotionally. John Morgan of Morgan & Morgan is representing her in a defamation lawsuit that seeks to clear her name and restore her reputation. While gathering evidence to support Zenaida Gonzalez's innocence, he has interviewed several people close to Casey Anthony, including George and Cindy Anthony. He will discuss his knowledge of the case and the individuals involved on the upcoming episode of 48 Hours Mystery.

The 48 Hours Mystery episode featuring John Morgan will air on CBS on Saturday, October 17, 2009. Please check your local listings for the time. Individuals who are interested in following the case can visit Morgan & Morgan's Case Spotlight: Gonzalez v. Anthony page for additional updates, highlights, videos, and depositions.

About Morgan & Morgan

Morgan & Morgan is one of the largest Personal Injury law firms in the country with offices nationwide. The firm handles product liability cases, personal injury cases, and medical malpractice cases, as well as claims against drug and medical device manufacturers. Visit ForThePeople.com for a free case evaluation and information about your legal rights.

The ClassAction.org consumer fraud team is currently investigating claims that many of the nation's largest banks have instituted unfair and deceptive overdraft protection policies. These policies affect consumers who make debit card purchases or write checks with insufficient funds in their accounts. By charging costly overdraft fees on each transaction made with insufficient funds and reordering customers' transactions in order to maximize the number of overdraft fees that can be incurred, banks are using these policies as a way to generate profits while victimizing their customers.

With overdraft protection plans, banks will not refuse a check or debit card transaction for insufficient funds. Instead, they intentionally allow consumers to continue using their debit cards even when they have a negative balance. They are then able to charge an overdraft fee (usually around $35.00) on each transaction. If a customer makes several transactions in one day, these charges can add up quickly and create an overwhelming financial burden. In addition, the overdraft fee is sometimes far greater than the cost of the transaction, such as when a $35.00 overdraft fee is incurred for a $5.00 purchase.

Many of the country's largest banks have had complaints filed against them alleging that these overdraft protection practices are unfair and deceptive. In addition, the complaints allege that some banks reorder the transactions in a customer's account so that they can maximize the amount of overdraft protection fees owed. For example, if a series of debits comes into the bank on a given day, the bank will process the largest debit first no matter when it occurred that day. Although some banks have decided to alter their overdraft protection policies in response to the suits filed against them, others are continuing to carry out these practices.

If you believe that you have been the victim of unfair overdraft practices, visit the ClassAction.org Unfair Overdraft Protection Fees page now. A No Cost, No Obligation Case Evaluation form is available on this page for consumers who are interested in learning more about their legal rights. Please complete the form with the details of your experience. ClassAction.org is dedicated to helping consumer fraud victims obtain the justice and compensation they deserve.

About ClassAction.org

ClassAction.org is dedicated to protecting consumers and investors in class actions and complex litigation throughout the United States. ClassAction.org keeps consumers informed about product alerts, recalls, and emerging litigation and helps them take action against the manufacturers of defective products, drugs, and medical devices. Information about consumer fraud issues and environmental hazards is also available on the site. Visit ClassAction.org today for a no cost, no obligation case evaluation and information about your consumer rights.

Insight from attorney Scott Weinstein of Morgan & Morgan, PA was featured in a recent AP article about the potential health risks associated with denture cream use. The article relates the story of one of Mr. Weinstein's clients, a Florida resident named Ronald Beaver. Mr. Beaver had ill fitting dentures and often used large amounts of PoliGrip denture cream to secure them. Unfortunately, the high levels of zinc he ingested from the denture cream made his copper levels drop, causing weakness and a serious blood disorder.

Zinc is a common ingredient in denture creams because it helps improve the cream's adhesive power. However, a study published in the medical journal Neurology in 2008 linked denture cream use to high zinc levels. In turn, toxic zinc levels can lead to zinc poisoning, copper depletion, and a neurological condition known as neuropathy. However, neither the denture cream manufacturers nor the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have issued warnings about these possible side effects.

Now, Mr. Beaver and hundreds of other denture cream users from around the country who suffered similar problems are suing GlaxoSmithKline (manufacturer of PoliGrip) and Proctor & Gamble Co. (manufacturer of Fixodent). In June, at least 18 individual cases were consolidated in a multidistrict litigation (MDL) before U.S. District Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga in the Southern District of Florida. Mr. Weinstein, who is the Managing Partner of Morgan & Morgan's nationwide Mass Tort & Class Action Department, has been appointed both Co-Lead counsel and Plaintiff's liaison counsel in the denture cream zinc poisoning MDL.

As Co-Lead Counsel, Mr. Weinstein is responsible for representing Ronald Beaver and all of the other MDL plaintiffs in the pre-trial proceedings. This includes responding to inquiries from the court, submitting and arguing motions, examining witnesses at hearings, and negotiating potential settlements. Andy Alonso of Parker Waichman & Alonso LLP, who was also named Co-Lead Counsel, and the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee (PSC) will assist in conducting discovery and other work for the benefit for all plaintiffs.

The denture cream attorneys at Morgan & Morgan offer a Free Case Review for denture cream users who believe they may be suffering from zinc poisoning. If you need additional information about the potential health risks associated with denture cream use and the legal rights of individuals affected by denture cream zinc poisoning, please visit Morgan & Morgan's Denture Cream Zinc Poisoning Resource Center.

About Morgan & Morgan

Morgan & Morgan is one of the largest Personal Injury law firms in the country with offices nationwide. The firm handles product liability cases, personal injury cases, and medical malpractice cases, as well as claims against drug and medical device manufacturers. Visit ForThePeople.com for a free case evaluation and information about your legal rights.

Attorney Scott Weinstein of Morgan & Morgan, PA has been named to the Chinese drywall Plaintiffs' Steering Committee (PSC). Weinstein and the other members of the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee were appointed by Judge Eldon E. Fallon, who is presiding over the Chinese drywall multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Eastern District of Louisiana. All Chinese drywall lawsuits pending in federal court have been consolidated at this venue for pretrial proceedings.

Members of the Chinese drywall PSC are responsible for conducting and coordinating the discovery stage of the case, examining witnesses and introducing evidence at hearings, and acting as a spokesperson for all plaintiffs at pretrial proceedings. In addition, the Committee will negotiate with the defendants and explore settlement options. Appointments to the Chinese drywall PSC were based on four main criteria: a willingness to commit to a time consuming project, the ability to cooperate with others, professional experience in this type of litigation, and a willingness to commit the resources necessary to pursue this matter. Mr. Weinstein has served in leadership positions in many consumer class actions around the country, making him well qualified for this role. Appointments to the PSC expire one year from the date of Judge Fallon's order, but appointees may apply to be reappointed when their term expires.

All of the cases in the Chinese drywall MDL involve claims that defective drywall imported from China emits a strong sulfurous smell and corrodes electrical wiring. This makes living conditions unpleasant for residents and results in extensive damage to air conditioning units and other electrical appliances. In addition, there are concerns that exposure to the fumes emitted by the drywall may cause health problems, including headache, cough, and difficulty breathing. However, authorities are still investigating whether Chinese drywall can be definitively linked to any adverse medical conditions. If these Chinese drywall cases do not settle during the pretrial proceedings, they will be sent back to the district where they were originally filed for trial.

To learn more about defective Chinese drywall, visit Morgan & Morgan's Chinese Drywall Resource Center. A comprehensive collection of articles related to Chinese drywall is available on this webpage for consumers to review. Topics include signs of defective drywall, Chinese drywall class action lawsuits, Chinese drywall health risks, and a frequently asked questions section. If you believe that your home was built with Chinese drywall, complete the Free Case Evaluation form to learn more about your legal rights.

About Morgan & Morgan

Morgan & Morgan is one of the largest Personal Injury law firms in the country with offices nationwide. The firm handles product liability cases, personal injury cases, and medical malpractice cases, as well as claims against drug and medical device manufacturers. Visit ForThePeople.com for a free case evaluation and information about your legal rights.

Attorney Scott Weinstein of Morgan & Morgan, PA has been featured in Thomas Brom's article, "Great Drywall of China," which ran in the August issue of California Lawyer. The article recalls a scene in which Weinstein brought a sample of defective Chinese drywall to a litigation conference. As the sample was passed around the room, the sulfur fumes became strong and some attendees were reluctant to even touch the sample. Throughout the rest of the piece, quotes and insights from Weinstein reveal the struggles faced by homeowners whose homes were built with Chinese drywall, as well the challenges faced by the attorneys who are trying to recover compensation for them.

If you are interested in reading the full article, visit this link: "Great Drywall of China".

The Chinese drywall problem began during the housing boom of 2004-2007. U.S. drywall suppliers could not keep up with demand during this period, so thousands of homes across the country were built with wallboard imported from China. Studies have shown that the Chinese wallboard contains various sulfur compounds and ten times the amount of strontium that is found in drywall produced domestically. As a result, the drywall emits a strong sulfurous smell, similar to the smell of rotten eggs. It has also been alleged that the sulfurous gases corrode wiring, causing damage to air conditioning units and other electrical appliances.

The first Chinese drywall lawsuit was filed in February 2009, and hundreds more were filed in the following months. In June 2009, the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation issued an order centralizing In re: Chinese-Manufactured Drywall Products Liability Litigation, MDL 2047. The MDL consolidated at least ten Chinese drywall lawsuits in the Eastern District of Louisiana before Judge Eldon E. Fallon. Scott Weinstein has been named to the Plaintiffs' Steering Committee for the Chinese drywall MDL.

If you are interested in learning more about Chinese drywall, visit Morgan & Morgan's Defective Chinese Drywall Resource Center. Informational articles about the signs and causes of defective Chinese drywall, health risks, property damage issues, class action lawsuits, and more are available on this webpage for consumers to review. If you believe defective drywall may have been used in the construction of your home, fill out the Free Case Evaluation form to learn more about your rights and legal options.

About Morgan & Morgan

Morgan & Morgan is one of the largest Personal Injury law firms in the country with offices nationwide. The firm handles product liability cases, personal injury cases, and medical malpractice cases, as well as claims against drug and medical device manufacturers. Visit ForThePeople.com for a free case evaluation and information about your legal rights.