The U.S. Supreme Court began its 2012 term hearing a case that could clarify whether floating structures qualify as vessels under federal maritime law. The determination of this issue could have a serious impact on floating homes and floating businesses. In Lozman v. Riviera Beach, Fane Lozman, a Florida man…
Two U.S. senators asked the Food and Drug Administration to eliminate regulatory loopholes that permit energy-drink manufacturers to sell drinks without disclosing high levels of caffeine last week. This request follows after the agency released findings from its investigation into five deaths that were allegedly linked to the consumption of…
A helicopter carrying 19 men to an oil rig in the North Sea was forced to ditch when mechanical issues were reported by the pilot. The investigation of the ditching is ongoing, but a failed gear-box is believed to be a factor. A nearby tanker and helicopter offered assistance and…
Two Texas school buses crashed into each other in San Antonio Monday morning near the entrance of a Texas high school. One bus driver died in the accident, and five student passengers suffered injuries. The cause of the accident remains under investigation. School bus crashes are uncommon. However, when these…
A federal judge gave final approval to a $37.5 million settlement between the manufacturers of FEMA trailers and storm victims who used the trailers following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This class of 55,000 plaintiffs claimed they were exposed to formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, while living in the trailers. In a…
A fire started on a W&T Offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico last week about 30 miles off the coast of Louisiana. The company evacuated the platform and extinguished the fire. One worker reported minor injuries. The Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA)…
An 18-wheeler truck struck a pedestrian in Iberia Parish last week. The pedestrian died at the scene of the accident. The 18-wheeler driver was not injured. State police are investigating the cause of the accident. Pedestrian accidents involving 18-wheelers are especially deadly because of the heavy weight of these large…
A search is underway for a 60 year old Monroe man who went missing after a boating accident on the Ouachita River. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries confirmed that the man’s boat was found on the river. By law, boat owners and boat operators have to exercise extreme care…
Florida A&M University suspended its dance team after university officials received a complaint alleging an off-campus hazing incident involving the team. The university is currently investigating the incident. Florida A&M adopted a no-tolerance hazing policy after its drum major was tragically killed last year during a band hazing ritual. Hazing-related…
Ford Motor Co. issued an international recall of nearly 500,000 Escape SUVs after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration received 68 complaints. These complaints included reports of 13 accidents and one fatality. The recall includes the 2001 to 2004 model year Escapes. The NHTSA says the problem is linked to…