STRONG, MARTIN &
ASSOCIATES NEWSLETTER
INTRODUCTION
Strong, Martin & Associates
is pleased to bring you this newsletter. It is our hope that this newsletter
will assist you in better understanding the current status of issues
important to us all. It is additionally our opportunity to keep you
better informed about our firm.
Many of you know the law firm of Strong, Martin & Associates because we have represented or currently represent you or a member of your family in litigation against Bayer Corporation for the pharmaceutical Baycol®, or against Merck & Co., the manufacturer of the pharmaceutical Vioxx®, or have been retained by you or a member of your family because of a motor vehicle accident causing serious injury or death, or because of nursing home negligence or abuse. We might have become involved in a case with you in California, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma or any of a number of different states in which we have represented clients.
Regardless of the reasons by which we have become acquainted with one another, this law firm values nothing more highly than the relationships we build with our clients. Accordingly, should you ever have a question concerning personal injury, wrongful death, suspected medical malpractice, nursing home negligence or pharmaceuticals, please do not hesitate to give us a call. Likewise, many of you have referred others to us for questions or issues important to them. We are deeply gratified for your referrals and will always seek to fulfill the confidence you have placed in us. By the way, your call is free at 1-866-859-7500.
CURRENT
TOPICS
The Oklahoma Legislature thankfully ended its session without significant
damage to the legal rights of Oklahoma citizens.
On the other hand, the United States House of Representatives has recently passed H.R.5, a proposal to place draconian restrictions on the rights of patients injured by medical negligence, victims of nursing home abuse, defective medical devices, drug companies and HMO’s. Whether the bill will pass the Senate in its present form will bear watching. However, it seems likely that each year Republicans at the state and federal levels intend to introduce more bills to restrict the average American’s right to receive just compensation for injuries suffered as a result of the negligence or wrongdoing of U.S. and foreign companies doing business in this country.
A guest editorial by Don Strong, a member of this firm, was published in the August 10, 2005 edition of the Daily Oklahoman. The editorial was in response to a previous “Letter to the Editor” which seemingly argued that trial lawyers had no place in American society. Strong argued that the Seventh Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right of all Americans to have their grievances heard by a jury of their peers rather than by a governmental or other agency heavily influenced and financed by pro-business, anti-consumer interests. He further argued that without trial lawyers willing to risk their time and their own financial resources, many consumer products previously proven dangerous to Americans and taken off of the market or redesigned, would still be available today.
CONSUMER
ALERTS
It is likely that in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, automobiles
which suffered significant water damage, even to the point of being
totally submerged in water, will eventually be offered for sale in
Oklahoma and other states. While the automobile industry and certain
state and federal agencies have taken steps to prevent this fraud
on the consumer, unscrupulous individuals seemingly are always able
to find loopholes or disguise their tricks. (Please note that an automobile
which has been submerged in water should be deemed unsalvageable.)
Even though it is fraud, individuals will clean these vehicles, dry
them out, provide clear titles for them, and attempt to sell them
in other states. Regardless, however, of the steps taken to salvage
and repair these vehicles, they can never be expected to perform correctly.
Should you shop for a pre-owned vehicle, please shop at a reputable
dealership and ensure the dealer allows you to review the title history
of the vehicle you wish to purchase before you make your decision.
Remember: these vehicles might not hit the market for months or even
years.
Donations
for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina may be made to the American
Red Cross, the Salvation Army, The United Way for the Greater New
Orleans Area, Catholic Charities USA, Humane Society of the U.S.,
and many more such agencies. Should you wish to make a donation to
an agency not listed above you may find it in the Yellow Pages or
on the internet. If you are contacted by a “charity” soliciting
money for Katrina relief, investigate it thoroughly before making
a donation.
Sincerely,
Don Strong and Stephen Martin
Information provided herein is meant to be informative only, it implies no legal obligation or duty, and is not intended as legal advice.
Toll-free: 1-866-859-7500. OKC #: 405-604-7500.
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