Families whose loved ones are killed on the job are often devastated emotionally and financially. When an individual willfully kills another person, he may face a life behind bars. But when companies neglect the health and safety of their employees, resulting in tragic loss of life, they may  receive little more than a slap on the wrist. The court system often provides the only recourse for these families to obtain the justice they deserve.

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said a government investigation could not conclusively link Toyota Sudden Unintended Acceleration problems to vehicle electronic control systems. Sudden Unintended Acceleration has resulted in thousands of automobile crashes, and led to the recall of more than 8 million Toyota vehicles of varying makes and models in 2009 and 2010. Beasley Allen attorney Graham Esdale told WSFA News 12 that the study is incomplete. He says there are ongoing tests and studies that have already linked SUA to electrical systems. Toyota claims the problems are the result of mechanical problems such as sticky accelerator pedals or improperly placed floor mats, or even driver error.

Beasley Allen employee Jill Cawley was a special ambassador at a recent proclamation signing by Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange declaring Feb. 4 as “Wear Red Day” in the City of Montgomery. This event is part of a national effort to raise awareness by the American Heart Association, drawing attention to women's heart health. Cawley has visited the nation's capital as an AHA ambassador. She became active in promoting heart health after suffering a heart attack herself. She encourages women to be conscious of making healthy choices to protect their hearts for the long term.

Beasley Allen Shareholder Kendall Dunson was installed as President of the Montgomery County Bar Association on Jan. 27. He is the first African American to hold this position. Dunson talked with WSFA-TV 12 News, saying his goals include raising public awareness of the MCBA, and increasing the organization's commitment to community service. He said he hopes to raise the most money ever with the group's annual Spring fundraiser, which will benefit the One Place Family Justice Center.

Beasley Allen attorney Julia Beasley filed a lawsuit on Dec. 30, 2010, on behalf of a pedestrian hit by a car on the campus of Auburn University. The pedestrian, Frankie Askew Bell, an Auburn-area teacher, was seriously injured in the incident, and another pedestrian was killed. In this video clip, WSFA-TV 12 News reports on the lawsuit.

WAKA CBS-8 News anchor Stephanie Hicks reports on a lawsuit filed by Auburn-area teacher Frankie Askew Bell, who was seriously injured when she and another pedestrian were hit by a car on the campus of Auburn University. The other pedestrian died as a result of the incident. The lawsuit, filed by Beasley Allen attorney Julia Beasley, asserts the driver of the car failed to yield the right-of-way to the two pedestrians.

As one of its many Christmas community outreach projects, Beasley Allen employees once again helped provide a happy holiday for residents at Capitol Hill Healthcare nursing home facility. Our employees were able to sponsor more than 130 residents this year, filling wish lists and delivering gifts and holiday cheer. Beasley Allen employee Tina Blue coordinated the event, and was assisted by "elves" Laurie Weldon, Angela Talley, Carol Thompson, Lauren Thompson, Frannita McCall, Jessica Sutherland and Jackie Johnson.

Beasley Allen recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of a man badly injured when the vehicle he was driving – a Ford Crown Victoria – was struck from behind by another vehicle. The impact caused the Ford's fuel system and gas tank to fail, spilling gasoline, which ignited. The passenger compartment of the car was engulfed in flames in seconds. Fuel tank design and placement is critical to minimize injuries during accidents. Simple shielding of the gas tank can prevent fuel fed fires.

Trucking is a dangerous profession. Driving certain types of rigs, like tankers and flatbeds, is probably among the most dangerous occupations in the country. One of the biggest hazards for drivers is rollover. About 55 percent of all semi-driver fatalities occurs as a result of a rollover accident. As many as 600 drivers per year are killed in highway accidents. A new device now in use in commercial trucks in Europe could help keep American drivers safe. Hopefully, new technology and an emphasis on safety will help professional drivers “keep on trucking.”

Beasley Allen has filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the family of Laura Pullam, a paramedic who was killed on Dec. 15 while working an accident scene on Interstate 65. In this WSFA-12 News story, reporter Melissa McKinney provides details and talks to the firm's founding shareholder, Jere L. Beasley, about the case.