Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. - April 2024

The Rise and Fall of the Stanley Cup

IS LEAD LURKING IN YOUR STANLEY?

For years, when people talked about the Stanley Cup, they meant the men’s hockey championship trophy. Today, the Stanley Cup means more than that; it’s a wildly popular insulated cup made famous through TikTok. These metal cups are unmistakable, with their giant cupholder-friendly shape and long straw. They are available in various colors, giving them an extra edge for photographability. Millions bought them this past year, but Stanley’s reign may end due to a lawsuit. Like the Yeti before it, the Stanley Cup is durable and heat resistant. In one viral video, one even survived an intense car fire — as did the ice (the company bought a replacement car and thanked the video’s poster for her marketing service). For those wondering the secret trick to the Stanley Cup’s extreme heat resistance, it’s simple: vacuum insulation using lead.

steel surrounds it, so lead never contacts the outside. Damage can pop it out, but stainless steel cups are so durable that the risk is negligible. Many experts tested the trendy vessel and found them to be completely safe. That hasn’t stopped countless social media users from panicking. The same frenzy that drove the cup’s popularity may cause its downfall. TikTok is filled with freaked-out influencers, with some even buying lead testing kits. HydroFlask, Owala, and other lead-free cup producers took advantage of the situation, boldly claiming that their drinking vessels are insulated and lead-free. To make matters worse for Stanley Cups, a class-action lawsuit was filed against the company. The plaintiffs, seeking refunds and punitive damages, argue that the company failed to tell consumers about the lead in their cups. Regardless of the truth, the lawsuit likely fed the flames of social media fear. One thing is clear: The end of the Stanley Cup craze is on the horizon. It’s anyone’s guess what the next trending cup will be, but it likely won’t be a spin-off like a lead-lined Stanley Quencher. It couldn’t have come sooner for trend buckers and the company’s competitors.

Like many other stainless steel cups, the tumbler’s base has a sealant containing lead. However, stainless

Third-Party Liability vs. Workers’ Compensation How to Secure Full Compensation for Work-Related Injuries

Anyone who has suffered an injury at work must understand the difference between a third-party liability claim and a workers’ compensation claim in order to know which route best suits their unique situation. While both claim types aim to bring justice for injured employees, they operate under different premises and work toward entirely different goals.

Third-Party Liability Claims: Beyond Employer Compensation Third-party liability claims come into play when an injury at work is caused, wholly or in part, by an entity other than the employer — such as equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, or another driver in a work- related vehicle accident. Unlike workers’ compensation, pursuing a third-party liability claim requires proving that the third party’s negligence directly contributed to the injury. However, successful third-party claims can result in compensation for damages not covered by workers’ compensation, such as pain and suffering and full compensation for lost wages, offering a broader scope of financial recovery. Never Navigate the Law Alone Understanding when and how to pursue a third-party liability claim alongside or replacing a workers’ compensation claim can be complicated. The strategic decision to file a third-party claim depends on the specific circumstances of the injury and requires a comprehensive legal analysis.

Workers’ Compensation: A No-Fault System Workers’ compensation is a no-fault

insurance program mandated by state law, designed to provide benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. The key feature of this system is that it allows injured workers to receive medical treatment, wage replacement, and rehabilitation services without the need to prove their employer was at fault for their injury. While this ensures prompt support for recovery and financial stability, accepting workers’ compensation benefits often means you waive the right to sue your employer for the injury, with a few exceptions.

Consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney is vital for those navigating the aftermath of a workplace injury. Our law firm is committed to providing expert guidance and will help injured workers explore all avenues of compensation to secure the justice and financial support they deserve. If you’ve been injured on the job and suspect a third party’s negligence played a role, contact our team at (229) 888-0888. We can assess your situation and pursue the appropriate claims to maximize your recovery.

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