All Topics

• Alcohol, Driving and Punitive Damages

  Staff Writer | April 11, 2007 12:25 PM | 0 CommentsPhoenix, AZ

  In Arizona if you are impaired by drugs or alcohol but still make a conscious decision to drive and later cause an accident, did you know that you not only will face criminal charges and jail time but you also will likely face civil penalties which are non-dischargeable in bankruptcy? In other words, making stupid decisions can cost you. In addition to facing jail time, you will likely face a...

• Phoenix Receives Failing Grade for Driver Safety

  Staff Writer | April 07, 2007 9:30 AM | 0 CommentsPhoenix, AZ

  Men's Health Magazine just published its rankings for the safest and most dangerous drivers in the country. It based its rankings on the rate of fatal accidents, as well as the deaths caused specifically by speeding, both from the National Highway traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In addition, we pulled city statistics on accident frequency from Allstate Insurance. And then we used...

• Internal Revenue Service Misplaces Over 500 Laptop Computers

  Staff Writer | April 05, 2007 4:39 PM | 0 CommentsPhoenix, AZ

  According to the United States Treasury Department Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service has had some problems protecting sensitive taxpayer information. Apparently between 2003 and 2006, almost 500 laptop computers belonging to the Internal Revenue Service were lost or stolen which may have exposed personal information of approximately 6000 taxpayers to identity thieves. Amazingly,...

• Consumer Product Safety Commission and Product Recalls

  Staff Writer | April 03, 2007 11:19 AM | 0 CommentsPhoenix, AZ

  Have you ever been concerned that a product you have been using may be defective? Does an appliance seem to run hotter than it should? Does a baby carrier you purchased contain loose straps? Have you ever been concerned that a bike you purchased seems flimsy? Well the Consumer Product Safety Commission provides information about product defects and safety recalls. The Consumer Product Safety...

• Carnival Safety in Arizona

  Staff Writer | March 31, 2007 2:42 PM | 0 CommentsPhoenix, AZ

  Have you been to the State Fair? The Renaissance Festival in Casa Grande? Have you ever gone to any makeshift carnivals anywhere throughout the valley? If you have, then chances are great that you saw and rode on some temporary carnival rides. Have you ever wondered about the safety of these rides? Well you are not alone. According to a recent article discussing carnival ride safety in the...

• Auto Accidents, Medical Liens, Workers Compensation and Other Important Matters

  Staff Writer | March 27, 2007 6:06 PM | 0 CommentsPhoenix, AZ

  You have suffered injuries in an automobile collision through no fault of your own and have health insurance, medical payments coverage under your own insurance policy and your employer has workers compensation insurance. What do you do? Who should provide coverage for you in this time of loss? Should you submit healthcare expenses to your health insurance policy? Shouldn't the responsible...

• Your Identity Could Cost Just Fourteen Dollars

  Staff Writer | March 26, 2007 10:13 AM | 0 CommentsPhoenix, AZ

  I just learned from an article in the on-line publication Infoworld that your identity and all sorts of personal information associated with it may be available for purchase on the internet for just fourteen dollars. A research report generated by the Symantec Corporation suggests that identity theft criminals can purchase confidential personal information as follows:U.S.-based credit cards...

• Would You Feed Your Dog or Cat Rat Poison?

  Staff Writer | March 23, 2007 3:41 PM | 0 CommentsPhoenix, AZ

  According to the Associated Press, scientists have found rat poison in recalled dog and cat pet food manufactured by the Menu Foods Corporation. Recently, the Menu Foods Corporation issued a product recall of certain dog and cat food because something in the pet food had been causing kidney failure or worse. Now we have been informed that a derivative of rat poison has been found in these...

• Should Arizona Ban Drivers from Using Cellphones?

  Staff Writer | March 22, 2007 11:13 PM | 0 CommentsPhoenix, AZ

  According to an article in today's Arizona Daily Star a citizens group wants to place on the next election ballot an initiative to outlaw cellphone use while driving in order to lower risks of automobile accidents: An initiative drive launched Wednesday would make it illegal for drivers to talk on their phones unless they are using a hand-free headset. Violators would be subject to a $100 fine;...

• Protecting Access to Public Records

  Staff Writer | March 18, 2007 1:14 PM | 0 CommentsPhoenix, AZ

  An opinion article in today's edition of the Arizona Republic caught my attention when it discussed access to public records. Various public records maintained by local, state and federal governments can affect corporate and individual acountability for the safety of products and services offered to consumers. Our local, state and national governments collect lots of information about many...