The AJJ reported today that Los Angeles Times (10/2, Geiger) reported that ” ‘In an effort to curb accidents caused by distracted driving, the Obama administration has banned federal employees from text messaging while driving and said it would consider new restrictions on cellphone use by rail, truck and bus drivers.’ President Obama ‘signed an executive order Wednesday night telling federal employees not to send text messages while driving on the job or in a government-owned vehicle.’ And ‘also Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called on state and local governments to pass laws to discourage distracted driving.’ “

Jury awards punitive damages against manufacturer of surgical mesh
The jury in the first federal trial involving transvaginal mesh returned a verdict of $2 million Thursday. The woman brought suit against C R Bard, Inc., alleging the manufacturer failed to warn about product defects which caused injuries, including bleeding and pain requiring her to undergo two surgeries