By

Joseph F. Rich
The first known fatal accident involving a vehicle operating in a type of autopilot mode occurred in Williston, Florida on May 7, 2016. The accident involved a Tesla Model S electric car that was engaged in Autopilot mode. The driver was killed when the Tesla crashed into a large 18-wheel tractor-trailer. The National Highway Traffic...
On July 6, 2016, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a recall for more than 500,000 hoverboards due to fire hazards. The recall involves ten manufacturers, retailers, online retailers and/or US importers, with over half involving the popular Swagway model. The basis for the recall is: “The lithium-ion battery packs in the self-balancing scooters/hoverboards...
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania recently held that exculpatory clauses that relieve a party of liability for “recklessness” are invalid as against public policy. Tayar v. Camelback Ski Corp. Inc., 2012 WL 2913750,* 10 ___ A.3d ___ (July 18, 2012). After a detailed analysis and discussion of the law applicable to exculpatory clauses, the Supreme Court concluded...
Recovery professionals handling claims in Arbitration Forums, Inc.’s Property Arbitration Forum should be aware that, as of March 1, 2012, Arbitration Forums will be implementing new rules for hearings. Rule 3-7 now states that the written Contentions and supporting evidence submitted are all that is to be considered by an arbitrator, and that a party...
Defendants often claim that the negligent work they are being sued for was done by “an independent contractor”—thus attempting to alleviate their responsibility. This defense is often raised in cases where construction is being performed. However, it can also be raised when one party contracts with another for a specific type of installation or delivery...
On April 21, 2011, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”) announced a recall of about 1.2 million Marineland “Stealth” and “Stealth Pro” aquarium heaters. The subject aquarium heaters are Marineland “Stealth” brand heaters of various model numbers and wattages, sold through their parent company, United Pet Group. The heaters were sold at pet stores...