Highlights of the latest product liability cases from around the country.

Until recently American manufacturers were not likely to be sued in Europe. Now, however, with legislation enacted by European Union Member States, an American manufacturer may be found strictly liable for a defective product.

In order to recover for any injury caused by a product, the product must be proven to have been defective. Yet many product injuries are caused by defects that are not readily ascertainable. Does that mean you should reject the case or discontinue?

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If you are involved in litigation concerning a substance regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the agency has a Web site where you can review dockets and documents: <i>http://cascade.epa.gov/RightSite/dk_public_home.htm.</i> EPA Dockets (EDOCKET) is an online public docket and comment system designed to expand access to documents in the EPA's major dockets. Dockets contain Federal Register notices, support documents, and public comments for regulations the Agency publishes and various nonregulatory activities.

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Psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed social workers routinely testify as experts in both criminal and civil cases in which the mental condition of an individual is at issue. While the credentials and qualifications of such experts may not always be subject to challenge, the reliability and relevance of their proffered testimony should be examined closely. Regardless of the conclusion generated, the inquiry into a mental health professional's opinion must be one that looks to the principles and methods used, not the ultimate conclusion reached. <i>Daubert v. Merrill Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,</i> 509 U.S. 579, 595 (1993).

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In a Sept. 25, 2003, opinion, the Florida Supreme Court held that a claim under the Florida Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act (FUFTA) does not need to be stayed until a judgment is obtained against the alleged fraudulent transferor. <i>Friedman v. Heart Institute of Port St. Lucie, Inc.,</i> 2003 WL 22208004 (Fla. 2003).

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A Missouri bankruptcy court has permitted a creditor to take possession of spare aircraft parts and equipment from a debtor despite the fact that the creditor failed to perfect its security interest in the equipment. In an issue of first impression in the Sixth Circuit, the court held that under the plain language of Section 1110 of the Bankruptcy Code, a creditor, as a conditional vendor, had a right to take possession of the collateral pursuant to its agreement with the debtor, and that this right was not limited or otherwise affected by any other section of the Code (including Section 544) or by any power of the court. <i>Vanguard Airlines, Inc. v. International Aero Components, Inc.,</i> 295 B.R. 908 (Bkrtcy.W.D.Mo.,2003).

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The Association of Consumer Vehicle Lessors (ACVL) of Nashville, TN has released its "New York Vicarious Liability Survey," which casts an ominous cloud over the future of consumer vehicle leasing in New York State. The survey, conducted in September 2003, details the magnitude and effects of vicarious liability suits against ACVL member companies in New York from Jan. 1, 2000 to June 30, 2003. The results evidence the enormity of the vicarious liability claims filed against New York consumer vehicle lessors and explain why some ACVL member lessors have suspended their leasing programs in New York altogether while others have imposed special fees for leases written in New York.