Inside the McDonald’s Hot Coffee Case.

Here is a clip from Adam Ruins Everything.  If you ever had a pre-conceived notion about the historic McDonald’s Hot Coffee Case this could change your perspective forever.

Back in the 1990’s the victim Stella Liebeck was widely criticized and parodied on late night television about her supposedly “frivolous” law suit.  We were bombarded with speculation and half-truths about the incident.  In the long run (a quarter century later) people still have strong opinions not only about the case, but its implications on the judicial system.

After you have viewed this three minute video clip you will probably have more knowledge about the case than you have ever had.  The bottom line is this…Ken Wagner of the Wagner Law Firm located in Albuquerque NM was one of the attorneys who won Mrs. Liebeck’s case.  Now that you know more of the facts it is very comforting to know that this courageous attorney still serves the Great Southwest.  If you have a possible personal injury claim call his office at (505) 242-6300.

Slow Down…It’s Holiday Time.

Come on, relax.  It’s time to slow down and enjoy the season.  Are you pointing your car north toward Colorado or Utah?  Be prepared for winter driving.  How about Texas?  The weather could be nicer, but changing rapidly.  Maybe you are headed west to Las Vegas…lucky you!  Wherever you are traveling in the Great Southwest slow down and enjoy the ride.

Holiday roads can be tricky with sudden snow storms and black ice.  Statistics from The National Safety Council show that Christmas and New Years are two of the ten most dangerous driving days in the United States every year.  They are both coming up, so be forever vigilant of the guy driving next to you or in front or behind you.

As we approach 2017 one thing is as true as it was 40 years ago and even longer.  The lead attorney who has protected residents of Albuquerque and the Great Southwest in personal injury claims is stronger than ever.  He is Ken Wagner.  Ken and his staff wish you a wonderful holiday season, and if you happen to need us in the New Year, call (505) 242-6300.

Some Holiday Toys That Could Hurt Your Kids.

No one wants to take the joy out of the holiday season, but it pays to be cautious when buying Christmas presents that may be hazardous to your children.  Did you know, for example, that McDonalds issued a toy in its Happy Meal a couple of years ago that had to be recalled?  It was called the “Hello Kitty Whistle”.  Two kids choked on parts of it that came loose before it was recalled!

The Ace Bayou Bean Bag Chair claimed the life of a 10 year old boy in Texas and a 3 year old girl in Kentucky when they suffocated within it.  Have you ever heard of the Cannondale Tandem Bicycle?  A problem with the fork of this particular bicycle has caused riders to lose control.  Consumer Reports tells us that 5000 Americans a year die in bicycle accidents.

 

Just be vigilant this holiday season.  Give gifts that are age appropriate.  When you do, monitor the use of those toys and games by your children.  If you ever discover a defective product, contact Attorney Kenneth Wagner.  The winner of the McDonalds Hot Coffee Case has been protecting people in the Great Southwest from defective products for decades from his Albuquerque office at (505) 242-6300. 

The McDonald’s Hot Coffee Case.

Even though it has been two decades the McDonald’s Hot Coffee case lives on in history.  If you mention it even today it conjures up all sorts of different opinions.  If you are not familiar with it, it was the product liability case of Stella Liebeck vs. McDonalds, the fast food giant.  This occurred after she spilled hot coffee in her lap.

Interestingly, Esquire Magazine has just picked up the mantle and written a fascinating article on the nearly 25-year old case.  Please check out the September addition of Esquire.  In it you will find a well-crafted retrospective entitled, “What you don’t know about the McDonald’s Hot Coffee burn case”.  If you have the opportunity, give it a careful reading.

Some quarter century later the man who successfully represented Mrs. Liebeck is still practicing in Albuquerque, New Mexico where the incident occurred.  His name is Kenneth Wagner.  Attorney Wagner and his staff are important people to have on your side if you have a personal injury case in the Great Southwest.  Call the office at (505) 242-6300. 

There are Dangerous Doctors Out There!

Truly bad doctors, thank heaven, are few and far between.  Make no mistake about it however, they do exist in every city in the United States.  Recently one US state combed the entire database of doctors on probation.  The results were sobering.  They found several hundred doctors had been disciplined, but often NOT barred from practice.

Blatant negligence, practicing while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, even engaging in sexual misconduct with patients happens daily in this country.  Some doctors are just simply incompetent.  As skills diminish in older practitioners complications arise.  Patients are readmitted to the hospital for the same malady and some even die!

We want to help you, not scare you.  Please be aware that all medical treatment is not the same.  If you feel that a doctor has made things worse for you or a loved one, please contact Albuquerque medical malpractice attorney Ken Wagner.  Attorney Wagner and his staff have been helping people of the Great Southwest combat bad medical care for decades.  Call today at (505) 242-6300.

Dia De Los Muertos Parade and Celebration!

24th Annual South Valley Dia De Los Muertos Marigold Parade and Celebration

 (Follow the link above for more information)

Sunday, November 6th, 2016 

 

"The parade starts 2pm at the Bernalillo Sheriff"s Substation at Centro Familiar and Isleta. Music, altars, food and art vendors to follow the parade at the Westside Community Center 1250 Isleta Blvd SW. Come in your best calavera attire!" 

 

What to do after a Car Accident.

It is the most common personal injury lawsuit.  Do not think that because you and your loved ones were able to walk away from a car crash that everything is fine.  There are over 2 million vehicle accidents per year in the US that result in an injury to one or more people.  The most important thing to do in this confusing, stressful situation is NOT to drive away from the scene.

You need to contact the police immediately.  While you await their arrival set up flares around the scene to avoid further collisions.  In today’s world there is little or no excuse for not taking pictures with your phone of all aspects of the crash.  Get all of the other driver’s information such as license, insurance, and phone number.

Too many Americans take a laissez-faire attitude and find out later when pain and obvious injuries begin to manifest themselves that they should have been more proactive.  Getting into a car accident is no sin.  What you do afterwards may affect the rest of your life.  Call Ken Wagner as soon as you can.  Attorney Wagner and his staff are the auto accident personal injury attorneys you seek in Albuquerque and the Great Southwest.  Know this phone number - (505) 242-6300. 

Are You Getting the Right Drug?

Among all preventative health care mistakes adverse reaction to an improperly prescribed drug is near or at the top.  Every time that you are prescribed a certain drug there are multiple steps along the way where errors can occur.  Ordering the right medication in the right amount for your body is not an exact science.  Even passing the proper information from doctor to pharmacist can go horribly wrong.

Did you know that drug missteps lead to nearly three-quarters of a million emergency room visits per year?  Well over 100,000 people a year are even hospitalized by the improper administration of a prescription drug!  A study was done last year that found nearly HALF of the drugs administered during or after surgery resulted in some snafu.

While most of these drug mishaps are preventable they still continue every day in this nation of advanced medicine.  When you feel that you or a loved one has been harmed by poor management of prescription drugs call Ken Wagner.  From his Albuquerque office he will put his 40 years and his team’s medical malpractice experience to work for you.  Anywhere in the great Southwest make the call to the Wagner Law Office today for a free consultation at (505) 242-6300. 

Medical Malpractice and its Intricacies.

So many times people believe that they have a legitimate medical malpractice case - and they do.  What they may fail to recognize is that the “other side” has deep pockets and is heavily “lawyered up”.  Therefore, the journey to recover damages from a legitimate malpractice case tends to bog down because the plaintiff (YOU) does not have the right attorney to fight all the way to the finish line.

What are some examples of medical malpractice?  Here are some that may fit your situation –

1.  Prescription error.  Did you get the correct medication in the proper dose?

2.  Injury or even death at the hospital during a birth.

3.  Misdiagnosis.  It happens more than you can imagine.

4.  An infection in the hospital.  The medical centers of this country are not as clean as you think.

5.  Failure of a medical product.  You took it or used it in good faith with disastrous results.

If you or a loved one feel that you have a decent case call Ken Wagner.  He is the Great Southwest’s medical malpractice champion.  From his office located in Albuquerque he will put his 40 years and his great staff to work to win your case.  Call the Wagner Law Office today for a free consultation at (505) 242-6300.  Consult with the best, the winner of the McDonald’s Hot Coffee Case Ken Wagner.

Professional Negligence.

Haven’t we all suffered from this before?  You hire someone or some company to do a job and the level of service and professionalism is far below what we expected.  How many of us just take it and move on?  We either tolerate the inferiority or we go through the process of finding another professional.  There is another alternative.  Seek compensation for damages!

There are many professions that have been guilty of misconduct which may take different forms-

1.  Insurance agents have often misrepresented themselves or their product.

2.  Doctors and nurses under the general heading of malpractice.

3.  Accountants - cooking the books can land you in jail.

4.  Physical therapists making unwanted advances.

5.  Priests - too often have we heard these horror stories.

Professional negligence is rampant and takes on many forms.  If you feel that you have been abused, or misrepresented by a professional agent call Ken Wagner.  Attorney Kenneth Wagner has been the Great Southwest’s defender of abuse for dozens of years out of his Albuquerque office.  Consider your options, but at least give him a call for a free consultation at (505) 242-6300.

This Labor Day Celebrate Your State!

New Mexico True Fest 2016

(Follow the link above for more information)

This Labor Day weekend, celebrate everything you love about New Mexico at the first-ever New Mexico True Fest on the state fairgrounds in Albuquerque over September 3 and 4!

 

Your Rights against Defective Products.

It seems like hardly a week goes by that we don’t hear about a “product recall”.  Items that seem perfectly safe upon purchase may cause serious injury or even death to some Americans.  Right now you or a loved one is still reeling from the mishap that was caused.  Now you need to find out if you have a possible personal injury claim.

There are three main types of product defects.  They are…

1.  A defect in the design.  Even though these items may have been tested and re-tested some of these products have been sold to the public and ARE defective.

2.  Defects at the head-end.  A mistake is made at the manufacturing level that is not caught in time.

3.  Defects in the warning labels.  This may be the worst because an inadequate warning gives you a false sense of security.

Hopefully neither you nor your family will be affected by any of this.  But if you reside in Albuquerque, New Mexico, or anywhere in the Great Southwest the man who won the McDonald’s Hot Coffee Case is ready to listen to your case.  That’s right, defective product attorney Ken Wagner.  Without hesitation call Attorney Ken Wagner now at (505) 242-6300.

Burn Accidents.

More than one million Americans per year suffer burns of different types and degrees.  Those statistics are provided by the Center for Disease Control.  Half of these burn victims are children who are under 4 years of age.  That means a half million of our preschoolers are suffering every year.  Burns result from a myriad of events such as direct sun, chemicals, fire, explosion, hot liquids, etc.

Commonly, we see severe burns occur as the result of an automobile accident.  In addition, when gas or fuel explodes burns will most often result.  Electrical and industrial accidents lead to damaging burns as well.  And many of us have suffered when scalding hot liquid has been spilled on our person causing varying degrees of burns.

If, heaven forbid, a severe burn has occurred to you or a loved one and you feel that you are entitled to compensation act quickly.  It would be nice to know that in Albuquerque and the Great Southwest the man who won the McDonald’s Hot Coffee Case is at your service.  How about that!  Pick up the phone and call Attorney Ken Wagner at (505) 242-6300.

Bad Restaurant Food.

This time of year we find ourselves dining out more often.  Who wants to cook in the summer when the kids are out of school?  Well if you are going to eat at the local diner, mom may be getting a break, but you may be subjected to a variety of health issues from the grub you are consuming from potential carelessness from the wait staff and even other diners.

It may be totally without malice.  It may even occur in the restaurant parking lot, but if something happens that injures or sickens a member of your family during what should have been a pleasant experience you need to be compensated.  Don’t take a bad restaurant visit lying down.  Someone in your family may be entitled to compensation.

Should that be the case, would you like to be represented by the man who won the famous McDonald’s Hot Coffee Case?  I sure would!  That man is New Mexico restaurant lawsuit attorney Kenneth Wagner.  If you have a serious case against a dining establishment in the Great Southwest let Ken and his staff put their half-century of experience to work for you.  Give them a call at (505) 242-6300.

 

Summertime Brings More Car Accidents.

First of all, Happy Birthday America!  We hope you have a wonderful and safe 4th of July weekend.  Are you about to head out on that greatly anticipated summer vacation?  Remember, people from throughout the Great Southwest have the same thing in mind.  Make sure that your car is roadworthy for that trip to the Rockies or wherever.

Now the practical side.  IF an accident of any type happens on the road this summer your first order of business is to get out of your vehicle if you are able and check to see that everyone is okay.  In this era of cell phones take copious pictures and call the police immediately.  Make sure that you get a copy of the police report.  Too many people fail to do this because they are not thinking clearly.

In New Mexico and the Great Southwest the next thing that you need to do when the “dust settles” is contact a law firm that specializes in personal injuries.  If you or a loved one has been involved in a summer vehicle mishap immediately contact New Mexico vehicle accident attorney Kenneth Wagner.  He will put his decades of experience and his energetic team to work for you to secure the maximum settlement that you deserve.  Call him today at (505) 242-6300.

Freedom Fourth Fireworks

Freedom 4th - City of Albuquerque

 

"Come be “Amazed” by the biggest firework show in the state as we celebrate the 240th birthday of our great country... Choose from one of more than 30 different food vendors, check out the car show, and have fun with the many free kids’ activities. Enjoy a local beer in the Microbrew Garden or relax with a great view of all the festivities from the exclusive Firecracker Café. Join us from 3 to 10 p.m. on July 4, 2016, at the Balloon Fiesta Park to celebrate this special day."  (Follow the link above for more information)

 

 

Dangerous Motorcyclists on Summer Roads.

Quickly…what do you think is the leading cause of accidental death in this country to people between ages 6 and 35?  It is motorcycle accidents!  Over 3000 people a year are killed in motorcycle mishaps and countless thousands have their lives turned upside down because of them.  Statistically speaking, the driver of a “safer” mode of transportation is usually responsible for a motorcycle accident.

If a car and a motorcycle get into an accident who do you think is the likely victim?  Motorcycle riders are more than 15 times more likely to die if a death occurs in this collision.  It is no surprise that head injury is the major cause of death in a motorcycle crash.  When a motorcycle is involved insurance issues become much more complicated.

In New Mexico and the Great Southwest you need a law firm to successfully pursue a fair and full settlement.  If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle mishap immediately contact New Mexico motorcycle accident attorney Kenneth Wagner.  He will put his decades of experience to work for you to secure the maximum amount you deserve.  Call him today at (505) 242-6300.

Defective Products Come in all Types.

Were you aware that in February Johnson and Johnson was found guilty in a 72 million dollar lawsuit for failing to warn its users about the potential risk of cancer caused by its powders?  Yes, we are talking about baby and bath powders!  For 30 years there has been a study linking the possibility of ovarian cancer in women who use talcum powder on sanitary napkins.

In this particular 75 million dollar case, the jurors awarded the money to the St. Louis family of a woman who died of ovarian cancer.  The American Cancer Society has issued a statement saying that those who are concerned about the use of talc may use a cornstarch-based powder instead.  This case simply illustrates that seemingly innocent products can sometimes be harmful.

No one wants to come looking for trouble, but if it arrives on your doorstep you need to act quickly.  In New Mexico and the Great Southwest you have one of the best defective product attorneys in all of the land at your disposal.  Attorney Kenneth Wagner successfully won the famous McDonald’s Hot Coffee Case.  Call him today at his Albuquerque office at (505) 242-6300 if you feel that you might have a defective product issue.

Movies on the plaza - Fridays at dusk, all summer long!

Movies on the Plaza

Movies on the Plaza is an open-air series of family friendly movies in the heart of the city. It starts on May 13 and continues every week through the end of September. All the movies are free and open to all residents of the city. Movies on the Plaza features one of the largest outdoors screens in Albuquerque and is an open-air series of family friendly movies in the heart of the city. 

  

Time: 8:10pm-Starts right after sunset, at dusk.

• Recurrence: Every Wednesday, Friday
• Admission: Free
• Location: Civic Plaza
• 401 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102

 

The Dangers of Summer Driving.

According to the insurance institute for highway safety, summertime has a higher instance of vehicle accidents of any other time of year.  You would think that in the dead of winter in the Great Southwest driving would be MORE hazardous.  Think again, summertime is auto accident time for various reasons.  Here are some of them.

1.  More teens are on the road.  When school is out the teens hit the road.

2.  Vacationers add to traffic congestion on the highways.

3.  Hot weather causes more tires to blow out.

4.  Summertime is road construction time adding to drivers’ angst.

5.  More bicycles and motorcycles are on the road.

If you are involved in a vehicle accident in the Great Southwest retain an attorney with decades of expertise.  That would be New Mexico auto accident defense attorney Ken Wagner.  He has successfully defended victims of car, truck, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents for dozens of years.  Call the office of Kenneth Wagner immediately at (505) 242-6300.

The Horrible Consequences of Burn Injuries.

Did you know that every year more than one million people are burned by accident in the United States?  And here are a couple of statistics that may surprise you.  Burn injuries rank in the top five of leading causes of accidental death according to the CDC.  Also, about half of all US burn victims are under the age of four years!

If you have never been a victim thank heaven, but there are so many ways that your life can change.

1.  The results of a serious car accident

2.  Accidents at industrial sites

3.  Mishaps with electricity

4.  Dangerously hot products and drinks

5.  And a particularly dangerous one for small children - scalding hot water

If you ever need representation in the Great Southwest wouldn’t it be comforting to retain the attorney who won arguably the most important burn case in American history?  That would be New Mexico burn defense attorney Ken Wagner.  He successfully argued in favor of the victim in the McDonald’s Hot Coffee Case!  Call the office of Kenneth Wagner immediately at (505) 242-6300.

33rd Annual Gathering of the Nations Powwow

Gathering of the Nations Pow Wow
<click link above to follow to website for more information>

Construction Season is Back.

It’s that time of year again.  No, not spring…construction season!  With heavy construction comes heavy-duty potential danger.  If a construction accident happens to you or a loved one you need experienced council.  You must seek the services of someone with plenty of background in construction accidents.  It must be determined if the individual was a victim of negligence.

Construction accidents come in all types such as…

1.  Accidents involving cranes and forklifts

2.  Falling from an insecure scaffold

3.  Exposure to noxious gases

4.  Objects that may fall from great heights

5.  Heavy machinery that causes injury…and much more.

If the horror of a construction accident befalls you or your family, reach out for the right attorney.  New Mexico construction accident attorney Ken Wagner will put his team on the case to get you every bit of compensation you are entitled to.  Whether it is in New Mexico or anywhere throughout the great Southwest contact attorney Ken Wagner’s office in Albuquerque at (505) 242-6300.

Nursing Home Abuse in New Mexico.

Have you ever thought about the number of people who live their daily lives in a nursing home?  That number is well over a million and a half and with the aging Baby Boomers it will continue to grow.  Over the next 30 years that number is expected to quadruple!  Many factors contribute to nursing home abuse.  Underfunding, ill-trained staff, and easy access to medicines, etc. are contributing factors.

Always look carefully at your loved ones for cuts or bruises that may be physical manifestations of nursing home abuse.  It is not quite so easy to spot mood changes in the patient.  You must separate a bad day from chronic abuse.  If you see physical, emotional, or mental changes in this very important person in your life it is time to take action.

Albuquerque nursing home abuse attorney Kenneth Wagner will pursue your case with sensitivity, but aggressiveness.  Nursing homes are often owned by large corporations with deep pockets.  They must be held accountable for the behavior of their employees.  Whether the suspected abuse has occurred in New Mexico or anywhere throughout the great Southwest contact attorney Ken Wagner’s office at (505) 242-6300.

Fiestas de Albuquerque

Fiestas de Albuquerque

• April 16, 2016
• Time: 12-5pm
• Admission: Free

"Happy Birthday Albuquerque! Celebrate the eras of Albuquerque's history as our beautiful city turns 310 years old. Mayor Richard J. Berry invites you to enjoy a day of family fun in Historic Old Town with free children's activities, artist demonstrations, local food, and shopping. Dance the afternoon away with live music in the gazebo featuring local bands and ending the afternoon with the Freddie Chavez Foundation."

What to Do if You Are Harmed by a Defective Product.

Here is how you must proceed to identify all of the defendants in a potential case if you are harmed by a defective product.  If you wish to sue anyone who might be responsible for your injury, you must identify the people and/or companies that you deem to be at fault.  Identifying all of the parties that may be liable is often a difficult matter.

There is a phrase known as “the chain of distribution”.  This is the path that the product takes on its journey from manufacturer to distributor and finally to you the consumer.  If the defective product is part and parcel of a larger product you should include both the manufacturer of the part and of the entire product. 

New Mexico Defective Product Attorney Kenneth Wagner will vigorously pursue justice for citizens against defective products.  After all, he was the lead attorney who successfully prosecuted the famous McDonald’s Hot Coffee Case.  At Ken Wager Law your defective product case is in the most capable hands.  Call his office today to make an appointment at (505) 242-6300.

A Lesson about Defective or Unsafe Products.

Every day most of us encounter a defective product.  We all have blind faith that the products we purchase are safe and will not cause us injury.  There is a term that you have certainly heard called “product liability”.  This law is designed to protect the public from irresponsible manufacturers, distributors, and retailers from selling us goods that cause injury or even death.

There are so many different types of products that may be hazardous to your health.  Look at this list…

1.)           Vehicles

2.)           Shuttle buses

3.)           Tires

4.)           Medicine

5.)           Medical products and devices

6.)           Children’s toys

7.)           Common household products

New Mexico Product Liability Attorney Kenneth Wagner has vigorously defended victimized citizens against these and many other defective products.  He was the lead attorney who successfully prosecuted the McDonald’s Hot Coffee Case.  At Ken Wager Law your product liability case is in the most capable hands.  Call his office today to make an appointment at (505) 242-6300.

Don't Miss the Hottest Show on Earth!

National Fiery Foods & Barbeque Show

 

THE HOTTEST SHOW ON EARTH!! 

March 4-6, 2016

Sandia Resort and Casino, Albuquerque, NM

What is Medical Malpractice?

To know if you have a good Med Mal case, as it is known in the industry, it is important to know what constitutes medical malpractice.  We often hear about it in the news and from others, but there are very specific guidelines that constitute a case. 

In the state of New Mexico medical malpractice may include…

1.)           Misdiagnosis or a complete failure to diagnose a medical problem

2.)           Mistakes that occur in hospitals and especially during medical procedures

3.)           Injury or death during birth

4.)           Infections that come from the hospital environment

5.)           Cancer that is improperly diagnosed or missed altogether

6.)           Errors that occur at the hospital or any pharmacy

7.)           Any mistake in prescriptions

8.)           The failure of a medical product

You or someone that you love may have been a victim of medical malpractice in New Mexico.  It is important to start with a lawyer who has had decades of experience dealing with med mal cases in the state.  You will also need a health care provider who is willing to stand up in court and verify your claim.  When you contact Ken Wagner Law in Albuquerque you have the team that you need to aggressively pursue your case.  Call them today at (505) 242-6300.

How the McDonald's Hot Coffee Case Began

STELLA WAS THE PASSENGER

Plaintiff Stella Liebeck was born on December 14, 1912, and was 79 years old on the morning of February 27, 1992, when her grandson drove her to a McDonald's driveup window in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to get a cup of coffee. 

THE VEHICLE WAS AT A DEAD STOP

They purchased the coffee and parked in the McDonald's parking lot.  Stella began taking the lid off of the coffee cup to add sugar and cream and spilled the coffee in her lap.  She was in excruciating pain.

THIRD DEGREE BURNS

Stella suffered second and third degree burns on her perineum, upper inner thighs, buttocks, genital areas and lower abdominal wall including the left groin.  The burns were so severe that they required painful debridement and skin grafting.  She suffered enormously.

This eventually led to New Mexico personal injury attorney Ken Wagner becoming involved.  Attorney Wagner wants you to become informed about the history of this historic case.  We will share more information in the near future.  If you feel that you may have a personal injury or medical malpractice case in the State of New Mexico or elsewhere, please call the law office of Kenneth Wagner in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at (505) 242-6300.