Author: Summers, Rufolo & Rodgers
Marijuana, other drugs often found in traffic fatalities
A new report, Drug-Impaired Driving: Marijuana and Opioids Raise Critical Issues for States, released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) shows that nearly half – 44 percent – of fatally injured, drug-tested drivers had marijuana, opioids or other substances in their system at the time of death. This rate represents a 16 percent rise
Technology may be key to ending the distracted driving epidemic
Some experts think that new technologies that temporarily disable certain smartphone features while a vehicle is running may be key to stemming the tide of the distracted driving epidemic across America. Initially, distracted driving was limited to phone calls and texting. Now, however, drivers are inundated with temptations in the form of social media, sharing
An update on talcum-powder cases
The legal fight against Johnson & Johnson and other companies who have allegedly exposed people to asbestos-laden talc or talc-based products such as baby powder continues to make headway. In this post, we’ll review some of the recent developments. Recent victories In early April, a state court jury in New Jersey awarded $37 million in
The importance of probable cause for a search
A recent Tennessee case proves that police must have demonstrable probable cause to conduct a search when drug-related activity is suspected. In that case, the defendant, Terry Lamont Bowden, was pulled over in Franklin, Tennessee, for a window tint violation. The officer on the scene decided, after pulling him over, to bring in drug-sniffing dogs
Summer water safety: What to do and watch for around the pool
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children. But it’s a surprisingly silent killer; it doesn’t involve people screaming and waving their arms up until they gasp for that last breath. The reality is a lot different. When someone, regardless of age, drowns, the event can be almost without sound. Whether
Asbestos fibers brought home: What is a company’s duty?
Automotive technicians replacing brake pads and workers in manufacturing plants not only worked with asbestos on the job, but often brought the fibers home on their clothing. Even small amounts of asbestos and short periods of exposure can cause mesothelioma. Strange as it might sound, a parent who worked with or around asbestos or asbestos-containing
Highest court to hear asbestos case involving maritime law
The U.S. Supreme Court recently agreed to hear a case involving military members and asbestos exposure. The case involves men who developed lung cancer after working on ships and in shipyards for the Navy. At issue is the liability of equipment manufacturers for replacement parts supplied by others when the replacement parts met specifications established
Tennessee’s DUI laws mean serious penalties, even for first-timers
In recent years, Tennessee’s legislature has really “cracked down” on drunk driving offenders. Our state has, comparatively, some of the toughest DUI laws in the nation. Even a first-time conviction will come with mandatory jail time, fines and more. The penalties only increase for additional or enhanced drunk driving charges. A standard, first-time DUI in Tennessee (for
Landmark DUI fee case headed to TN Supreme Court
A landmark DUI fee case our attorneys have spent years litigating is heading to the Tennessee Supreme Court later this month. The case centers around a $250 “incentive” paid to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) for each successful DUI prosecution in Tennessee in which a blood or breath test was used. Our attorneys argued
Expect sobriety checkpoints this Memorial Day weekend
With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner, it’s important to be aware of stepped-up DUI enforcement. In particular, the Tennessee Highway Patrol will be conducting several sobriety checkpoints throughout Chattanooga from Friday, May 25th through Monday, May 28th. Whether you are a Chattanooga local or just visiting for the holiday, knowing where you may encounter police can