The number of victims of motor vehicle defects before a safety recall is issued is hard to calculate. Everyday, Missouri men and women count on their vehicle to transport them safely to and from their destinations. However, when an air bag fails to deploy or a seat belt latch breaks, a minor collision can become a catastrophic event resulting in serious injury or death. Over the years, there has been an increase in Toyota Camry and Prius lawsuits due to defective motor vehicle operation. In one related event, a man recently got into an accident after his Toyota Camry supposedly accelerated voluntarily while his foot was on the brakes.
ENDA passes Senate vote
Some LGBT employees in Missouri may be following a federal bill that would grant the community new protection in the workplace. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act has passed the United States Senate with a vote of 64 to 32. If the act successfully passes the United States House of Representatives, workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity would be prohibited.
Cancer misdiagnosis leads to tragedy
For many Americans, receiving a cancer diagnosis is a life-altering experience that takes patients and loved ones on an emotional rollercoaster. If treatment is an option for Missouri men and women, it is usually chosen immediately to curb the growth and increase chances of survival. In the event of misdiagnosis, however, a different course of action and treatment may be necessary, although it may be too late.
High-end retailer faces discrimination lawsuit
Missouri readers may be interested in the following account of a discrimination lawsuit that was filed on Nov. 6 against a New York City boutique. The complainant alleges that a female employee endured an ongoing barrage offensive comments from her supervisor that were based on her national origin and race.
Confusion remains over background checks
People seeking jobs in Kansas might be interested in knowing more about what is permissible concerning employee background checks. Experts on labor and employment law say there are some instances in which employers routinely violate clear guidelines on what is allowed. The federal rules are there to prevent employment discrimination. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is the agency responsible for enforcing federal discrimination laws. Several lawyers with expertise in that area gave clarification of the law at a Nov. 7 American Bar Association meeting. An EEOC lawyer said the enforcement guidelines allow using criminal background checks on employees and prospective employees. However, it doesn't allow using someone's prior arrest record in a discriminatory way. Nevertheless, employers often violate the law by ignoring EEOC guidance that prohibits using arrest records when making hiring decisions, a lawyer with a community legal services firm told attendees.
Motorcycle accidents: heavier vehicles pose greatest threat
If a motorcyclist crashes due to another driver's negligence, the victim may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. Although such incidents happen often, Missouri motorcycle accidents on the road create pain, suffering and financial burdens that can sometimes last a lifetime. Recently, a study noted that passenger vehicles have become heavier, creating more danger in the event of an accident.
What should you say after a car accident?
Getting into a car accident can be a very scary experience. Car crashes are never expected and can cause serious injuries to those involved as well as extensive damage to your vehicle. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent all car accidents so drivers should be prepared and know that to do after being in an accident on the road.
Missouri city's building commissioner sues municipality
The former building commissioner of a town in Missouri filed a lawsuit against the town, claiming that she was wrongfully terminated from her job because of gender discrimination and as retaliation for acting as a whistleblower on some problems related to construction. The federal suit alleging the violations of her employee rights seeks reinstatement of her job, back pay, compensation for emotional damages and punitive damages in the amount of $2 million.
Employment Non-Discrimination Act passes in the Senate
Missouri residents who belong to the LBGT community are likely to be pleased to hear that the United States Senate has voted to approve the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. The goal of the act is to make workplace discrimination against LBGT individuals illegal. If the bill becomes law, sexual orientation and gender identity will be protected, along with age, disability, gender, nationality, race and sex. Only 11 states have laws that protect individuals against discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and Missouri is not one of them.
Drunk driving accidents in Missouri change families forever
Far too often, people injured in car accidents are innocent people who are caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Unfortunately, it only takes one inattentive or reckless driver to permanently change someone's life or shatter a family forever. Drunk driving accidents are the leading cause of automobile accidents in the U.S. Recently, a father admitted his guilt after being responsible for the death of his son in a drunk driving accident in Missouri nearly a year earlier.
New York Post harassment lawsuit goes to trial
Missouri business owners and employees may want to take notice of the sexual harassment case involving the New York Post brought by a former editor. A district court ruled that the newspaper and its editor-in-chief will have to answer to the charges of unlawful termination and sexual harassment in court. The 38-page complaint was filed in 2009.
Gay rights bill vote in Senate again
The U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced that the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, known as ENDA, will be voted on before Thanksgiving. ENDA is intended to ban workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in Missouri and nationally. This bill has been introduced in almost every Congress since 1994, and it missed passing by one vote in 1996. The House did pass a version of the bill in 2007, but it languished in the Senate and faced a certain veto from then President George W. Bush.
