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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

How a Product Liability Lawsuit Is Started

If you have suffered an injury that you believe is due to the defective design, manufacture, or labeling of a consumer product, you may be considering a product liability lawsuit. Don't start this on your own--product liability lawsuits are complicated and require the assistance of a lawyer.

To start your product liability lawsuit, first assemble some basic documentation about the product. You should have the manual, but if you don't, try to get as much identifying information from the product's labeling. Next, contact a lawyer who handles product liability lawsuits. The lawyer will likely ask you for relevant information about your injuries and the product itself. They will let you know whether you are barred from pursuing compensation due to:

• Statute of Limitations: You are only allowed a limited amount of time to seek compensation for your injuries. In most states, this is two years from the date of injury.
• Statute of Repose: Some 19 states have laws that prevent product liability lawsuits if the product has been on the market for a certain number of years.
• Pre-emption: Certain products that are covered by Federal regulations may be protected from product liability lawsuits because Federal agencies have taken on the responsibility of ensuring the products are safe for use. This is a common obstacle to recovery for defective medical devices.

If your lawsuit is not prohibited by these restrictions, you may be able to pursue a product liability lawsuit.

Please contact The Cochran Firm today for a free initial consultation on your rights after a product injury.

posted by Admin at 7:32 AM

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

If I’m charged with a criminal offense, how do I handle my arrest?

When police arrest you for suspicion of a criminal offense, there is nothing you can do that will hurt your case (and possibly your person) more than mishandling the arrest. Here are a few tips on how to handle your arrest.

Follow police instructions. If police believe they have reasonable suspicion to arrest you, they will arrest you by any means necessary. Failing to comply with police instructions in even a minor way can cause police to label you "uncooperative," "argumentative," or other descriptions on the police report. These will be taken out of context by the prosecutor and judge or jury, and can only hurt your case. Sometimes, police may add additional charges for obstruction or resistance or contempt. In some states, disrespect of a police officer is a criminal charge that can be added to other charges. Even if you were completely innocent before, you now have additional charges to fight that may have grounds.

Remain Silent. Unlike the movies, you won't be read your rights during your arrest. Instead, it's up to you to remember what they are, including this one. Don't try to explain the situation. If your words are taken out of context even explaining your innocence can make you look guilty.

The time of your arrest is not the time to start your criminal defense. Instead, wait until you can contact an attorney to begin your defense.

If you have been charged with a crime and want an aggressive defense, please contact The Cochran Firm today.

posted by Admin at 7:29 AM

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The Cochran Firm handles Civil Litigation and Criminal Defense claims for clients throughout the United States of America. The information on this website does not constitute legal advice nor form an attorney-client relationship.Please contact The Cochran Firm today to schedule a free consultation.

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