Legal

Stay informed about Texas and national legal developments shaping personal rights and justice. From courtroom updates and civil verdicts to new legislation, The Cochran Firm Texas Legal Examiner provides context and clarity on the cases and laws that matter most.

Nonfatal Injuries and Illnesses Continue to Decline in the Workplace

According to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report, private employers reported 48,000 fewer nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2015 as compared to 2014. The rate reflects a pattern of annual decline present for the last 13 years, except in 2012. Six of 19…

By Bryan Pope

/ 10 Jul 2017

Nonfatal Injuries and Illnesses Continue to Decline in the Workplace

DOT Again Delays Effective Date for Truck Driver Training

Congress, various safety groups, as well as the families of crash victims have been working for more than 20 years to get the U.S. Department of Transportation to act on a basic commercial driver’s license entry level training rule. Regulatory review has had the mandate on…

By Bryan Pope

/ 30 Jun 2017

DOT Again Delays Effective Date for Truck Driver Training

Legislation to End Vehicle Inspections in Texas Stalls Out

Texas is currently one of only 15 states that still require safety inspections for vehicles, but Senate Bill 1588 would have eliminated that process, saving drivers valuable time as well as $7 per vehicle per year. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Don Huffines (R-Dallas),…

By Bryan Pope

/ 20 Jun 2017

Legislation to End Vehicle Inspections in Texas Stalls Out

Study Says Most Drive Unsafe when Phones Are Along for the Ride

Many people use their phones to text, talk, or surf while they drive—whether or not they choose to admit it. When averting one’s eyes for just seconds could result in a life-changing accident, U.S. drivers are reported to spend a staggering average of 3.5 minutes…

By Bryan Pope

/ 28 Apr 2017

Study Says Most Drive Unsafe when Phones Are Along for the Ride

Is Texas Finally Ready to Ban Texting While Driving?

On March 31 along a state highway in south Texas, the driver of a pickup truck ran head-on into a church bus traveling in the opposite direction—killing 13 senior members of the First Baptist Church in New Braunfels. Video prior to the accident showed the truck to be…

By Bryan Pope

/ 11 Apr 2017

Is Texas Finally Ready to Ban Texting While Driving?

Texas Lawmakers Consider Removing Red-Light Cameras

At a time when red-light camera tickets are increasing in Texas, two red-light camera bills could reach the state senate for consideration soon. One such bill would ban red-light cameras statewide, while the other would prevent county and state officials from withholding vehicle registration due…

By Bryan Pope

/ 27 Mar 2017

Texas Lawmakers Consider Removing Red-Light Cameras

I’ve Been Injured in a Construction Accident: Now What?

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one out of 10 construction workers are injured at work sites each year, most often from falls, which are the leading cause of deaths in the construction industry. If you’re a construction worker who suffered…

By Bryan Pope

/ 21 Mar 2017

I’ve Been Injured in a Construction Accident: Now What?

If I’m Injured at Work, Can I Sue My Employer in Texas?

As a general rule, employers have a legal duty to keep the workplace safe and free from the threat of injury. This duty includes an obligation to provide the proper equipment to get the job done safely. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also…

By Bryan Pope

/ 20 Mar 2017

If I’m Injured at Work, Can I Sue My Employer in Texas?

Traffic Deaths in U.S. Climb for Second Year in a Row

Despite safety innovations and public campaigns warning drivers about the dangers of drunk and distracted driving, 40,200 people died in traffic accidents in the U.S. in 2016, a six percent increase. The estimates, which come from the National Safety Council, indicate that it is the…

By Bryan Pope

/ 16 Mar 2017

Traffic Deaths in U.S. Climb for Second Year in a Row

Truck Crashes Increasing, Says FMCSA

According to data compiled by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the number of crashes involving large trucks or buses decreased steadily from 95,000 in 2004 to 60,000 in 2009, a decline of 37 percent. However, this decline was followed by an increase of…

By Bryan Pope

/ 15 Mar 2017

Fatal Dallas Bus Crash Puts Focus on Bus Safety

Tragically, a charter tour bus crashed this morning just outside of Dallas resulting in two deaths and numerous serious injuries. The tour bus was packed with senior citizens on their way from…

By Bryan Pope

/ 11 Apr 2013

Fatal Dallas Bus Crash Puts Focus on Bus Safety

Will Texas Continue to Look The Other Way to The Danger of Distracted Driving?

A bill was filed in the Texas House this week aimed at creating criminal penalties for people who choose to text and drive. Former Speaker of the House, Tom Craddick (R) from Midland called this…

By Bryan Pope

/ 1 Mar 2013

Will Texas Continue to Look The Other Way to The Danger of Distracted Driving?