Access To Justice

News developments that we’ll be watching at Sokolove Law:

CNN.com reports that Pentagon health officials now say that some troops exposed to military burn pits could develop long-term health problems, in a shift from previous statements on the matter. Military officials say that exposure to burn-pit smoke combined with other factors such as pre-existing conditions or genetic factors could lead to longer-term health effects, according to CNN.com.  Burn pits are used by the military on some bases in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Military contractors will find it difficult to enforce mandatory arbitration clauses in their employment contracts as a result of a provision in a newly signed law, according to a post at The Blog of Legal Times (BLT). BLT says the provision was tucked into the 2009-10 spending bill for the U.S. Department of Defense, which President Barack Obama signed into law last weekend. Contracts and subcontracts under $1 million are exempt from the provision.

Recent recalls

More than 114,000 pounds of shelled hazelnuts have been recalled after the Food and Drug Administration found salmonella during a routine sampling in a nut-processing plant in Oregon, according to an article in The Oregonian. No illnesses have been reported so far, but salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, according to the recall notice. Recalls have been issued by Willamette Shelling, Willamette Filbert Growers, Kunze Farms, Evonuk Oregon Hazelnuts, Whole Foods, and Harry and David.

Have a safe holiday. Count on Sokolove Law to protect your rights.