Explore our legal content, spanning diverse legal topics, court decisions, legislative changes, and expert analysis, as we bring you the pulse of the legal world in a succinct and informative format.
When the Negligent Party is Immune from Liability
What happens in New Hampshire if one of the people at fault for someone’s injuries is “immune” from liability? An “immune” person or business is one that cannot, by law, be sued for negligence under certain circumstances. The New Hampshire Supreme Court just recently addressed this question in the case of Alfred Ocasio v. Federal Express Corporation in which the plaintiff sued Fed Ex when his leg was crushed by a rolling air can when it was trapped between a...Read More
Merck Penalized for Vioxx
The pharmaceutical company Merck announced today that it would pay approximately $950 million in civil damages and criminal fines to resolve a longstanding problem with its medication called “Vioxx.” The drug was already taken off the market for safety reasons, but Merck has been accused of making false statements about the drugs cardiovascular safety and promoted the drug for unapproved uses. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more people die every year in the United States from...Read More
Sandra Griffin Killed by Alzheizmer Brother Jeffrey Cook
The tragic death of Sandra Griffin allegedly by her brother Jeffrey Cook, who was suffering from Alzheimer, underscores how difficult it is for family, as well as medical professionals, to deal with this disease. While this sudden tragedy may not have been preventable, Alzheimer is an unpredictable disease which can take control of its victims. With an aging baby boomer population Alzheimer and other dementia will most likely become more prevalent. All the more reason for families to plan ahead...Read More
Collaborative Law and Mediation
One of the latest trends in family law is Collaborative Law. It is an alternative to litigation.The idea of Collaborative law is not new but it has yet to grow in popularity. Collaborative Law allows the parties to keep control of the outcome. The parties hire attorneys committed to a process of including the parties and use group meetings in all negotiations and discussions. The goal is to resolve the matter without going to court. To keep things fair, the Collaborative...Read More
Dale Collinge of Pembroke, NH Charged in Shooting
Allegations of domestic violence are treated very seriously in NH. The case against Dale Collings in the shooting of a female friend in Pembroke NH as reported in the Concord Monitor today is but one example. While NH Family and Superior judges can and will issue domestic violence (DVP) restraining orders if a credible threat of violence is made, our NH Supreme Court has recently held that the threat to be “credible” it must be immediate and serious. Having a...Read More
Social Networking and Your Legal Case
Not many have heard of the recent New York divorce case of B.M. v. D.M.. In this case the wife alleged that she could not work and was seeking a lifetime award of alimony because of back injuries she suffered in a car accident at some time during the marriage. In support of her request for alimony, the wife called her treating physician to testify that she was not physically capable of employment. During cross-examination her husband produced copies of...Read More
Student Loans and Drug Possession
A student is ineligible to receive federal student loans for a certain period of time following a conviction for a drug offense as explained below. It should be noted that illegal alcohol possession does not apply: (1) Possession. If a student has been convicted of possession of controlled drugs— – A one time for possession of illegal drugs, the student is ineligible to receive program funds (student loans) for one year after the date of conviction; – Two times for...Read More
Divorce and the Holidays
For families that were once whole and now living in separate houses, due to divorce or separation, the holiday season can bring forth varied emotions from grief to extreme happiness. Parents are sometimes so happy to start their new life that they forget that the children may be grieving there old one for at least a few years. It is important for both parents to take the children’s feelings into consideration when making holiday plans and exclaiming relief/sadness in front...Read More
First Amendment Decision by Judge Tenney Goffstown District Court
In SIMON GLIK vs CITY OF BOSTON the 1st Circuit Federal Court decided on 8/26/11 that what goes around comes around and since our government is free to film and record what citizens do in public places that we likewise are free to film and record them. It goes to our fundamental right to expect the best from our public servants. This line from the ruling wraps it up nicely… “Gathering information about government officials in a form that can...Read More
Bradford Town Hall Mold Issues
Mold leaves Bradford Town Hall unusable. My opinion is that this was not a new problem that developed in the building overnight. When buildings get wet, or roofs are neglected, small leaks seen in the basement, all these can lead to worse things, like mold. Mold is dangerous and can be nasty. Even in perfectly healthy people, mold can cause breathing difficulties, head aches and various other sickness. If you already have asthma or other breathing difficulties, watch out. Sometimes...Read More