Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C.

The “Packinghouse Workers Bill of Rights,” passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 2007 as part of an effort to improve safety conditions for workers in the meatpacking industry, has failed to make any improvement, according to a report by Workday Minnesota. A recent survey conducted by the University of Minnesota’s Human Rights Program found that working conditions at meatpacking plants throughout the state actually have grown worse since the bill was passed.

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An injectable form of a popular anti-nausea medication has received a black box warning by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) because of a risk of severe tissue injury, including gangrene, requiring amputation. The drug, Promethazine Hydrochloride Injection, formerly known by the brand name Phenergan, is available by pill, suppository and injection. The recall covers only the injectable form.

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A 50-year-old Pennsylvania man, described by the Philadelphia Daily News as a “Softhearted ex-Marine” and father of two, recently settled a negligence lawsuit mid-trial against his employer and Caterpillar, Inc., the manufacturer of industrial construction equipment, for $16.25 million. Scott Skirpan of Easton, Penn., lost both of his legs at the Northampton County landfill in a grisly accident in May 2006. Skirpan’s injuries were so horrific that he died twice before being resuscitated.

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