The Buffalo News reported today that the Town of Amherst last Monday became the first Erie County municipality to pass a law that would prohibit drivers from composing, reading or sending a text message while behind the wheel. Violators face a $150 fine for each offense. It also reported that the Cattaraugus County Legislature passed a similar law in June. Niagara County and Erie County legislatures are expected to vote on similar proposed laws in the coming weeks.

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