All Topics

• Dog Bites on the Rise in Raleigh

  Rick Patterson | February 22, 2008 3:08 PM | 0 CommentsLancaster, CA

  Dog bites are a concern in many cities. Many people feel the current laws do little to protect the public at large. Raleigh, North Carolina is no exception. Raleigh residents in particular have reason for concern, as there has been a steady increase in reported dog bites in their town. In 2007, there were 367 bites reported, which was a 56 percent increase over 2000, and the numbers are still...

• Ving Rhames' Dogs Cleared in Death Case

  Rick Patterson | February 02, 2008 4:14 PM | 0 CommentsLancaster, CA

  You may recall five months ago when actor Ving Rhames left a good friend and caretaker Jacob Adams at his home while he was on a movie shoot. Rhames was subsequently informed that Adams was found dead the lawn of Rhames' Brentwood home and the 4 dogs on the property had been quarantined pending an investigation under suspicion of a dog attack causing the death.That investigation has wrapped up,...

• Plan to Tighten Dangerous Dog Law Abroad

  Rick Patterson | January 24, 2008 5:07 PM | 0 CommentsLancaster, CA

  The safety of people as it pertains to dog bites has long been a concern here in the U.S. and abroad. Recently, in Scotland, a new law to control dogs deemed to be dangerous has been in the Scottish Parliament.Alex Neil, a member of the Scottish Labor Party (SLP) wants courts to impose "dog orders" for dangerous pets. The proposed "dog orders" would ensure dogs were micro-chipped and kept under...

• John Deere Tractors Recalled

  Rick Patterson | January 19, 2008 4:57 PM | 0 CommentsLancaster, CA

  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a product recall on John Deere Compact Utility Tractors, which were manufactured by Deere & Company, of Moline, Ill. In all, 5,400 units are being recalled due to the fact that the forward drive pedal can get stuck, which poses a risk of loss of control and injury to the operator and bystanders alike. Deere & Company has received seven...

• Kentucky Accidents Claim Thirteen Lives

  Rick Patterson | December 07, 2007 11:37 AM | 0 CommentsLancaster, CA

  One would hope at this stage of the game we are all aware of the absolute importance of wearing a seat belt while traveling in a motor vehicle. The difference it makes in an accident cannot be overstated. According to the Kentucky State Police, thirteen people died in thirteen accidents on roadways in thirteen Kentucky counties last week. Out of the thirteen victims, ten were in cars and four of...

• Flour Tortillas Recalled

  Rick Patterson | November 17, 2007 8:05 PM | 0 CommentsLancaster, CA

  Del Rey Tortilleria, Inc. of Chicago announced a recall of its flour tortillas due to health risks. Children in a local school experienced vomiting, nausea and cramps, and it is believed their illness was a result of ingesting contaminated tortillas. These products have been distributed nationwide. State officials have said that they do not believe this involves microbial contamination. Del Rey...

• Protect Yourself from Staged Accident

  Rick Patterson | August 01, 2007 11:23 AM | 0 CommentsLancaster, CA

  It has recently been noted by the Insurance Research Council (IRC) that almost one-fourth of all motor vehicle accident claims may contain fraudulent information. As a result of the amount of fraud, the cost may add approximately $4.5 billion to auto injury settlements each year. Obviously, at the end of the day, we all pay the price for fraud.So, what do you do to protect yourself and your...

• Nursing Home Resident Found Dead

  Rick Patterson | June 18, 2007 4:28 PM | 0 CommentsLancaster, CA

  On April 17, 2004, 74-year-old Julia McCauley died at the hands of the care takers that she put her trust in. The facility, Life Care Centers of America Inc., was charged with manslaughter, abuse, neglect and making a false Medicaid Claim in connection with the elderly resident's death. They now face what amounts to a slap on the hand: A maximum of $16,000 in fines: $1,000 on the manslaughter...

• What's in this Dog Food Anyway?

  Rick Patterson | June 15, 2007 3:56 PM | 0 CommentsLancaster, CA

  It will probably come as no surprise that the pet food industry takes in billions of dollars every year in sales. Many pet owners have given this industry blind trust. At the very least, many consumers probably thought that 'someone' was overseeing this industry. Of late, the eyes of consumers have been opened.It is disturbing to know that the pet food industry is practically self-regulated....

• Meat Recalled - E-coli Contamination Feared

  Rick Patterson | June 14, 2007 4:15 PM | 0 CommentsLancaster, CA

  Ground beef has now been added to the long list of recalled products. It is feared that the beef may be contaminated with E.Coli. Due to the risk of E. Coli, 370,000 pounds of beef have been voluntary recalled in several states. According to Steven Cohen from the Food Safety and Inspection Service " Eleven people have become ill, but the last known case to be possibly linked to this occurred in...