John O'Brien News
New Jersey court rejects contractor's claim he was an employee
TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - The New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled against a real estate salesperson who entered into an agreement as an independent contractor but then sued under the theory he was an employee of the company.
SCOTUS, 7-2, rejects challenge to where the CFPB gets its money
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - When Congress kept itself out of the funding for a controversial federal agency, it did not violate the U.S. Constitution.
Asbestos lawyers lose effort to change Vermont rule
MONTPELIER, Vt. (Legal Newsline) - The Vermont Supreme Court won't change the window for asbestos claimants to sue, rejecting a call from a Dallas plaintiffs firm to do so.
Ky. court wipes away $23M defamation verdict for two W.Va. chiropractors suspected of fraud by CSX
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Legal Newsline) - An appeals court has found several problems with a $23 million Kentucky verdict against CSX and its chief medical officer, who were accused of defaming two West Virginia chiropractors they thought were fabricating worker injuries.
Fla. SC answers whether 'surviving spouse' can sue despite 'marriage before injury' rule
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - Spouses who married personal injury plaintiffs after the onset of their injuries can recover damages for the loss of companionship, the Florida Supreme Court has ruled.
CFPB's attempt to cap late fees off to rocky start in court
FORT WORTH, Texas (Legal Newsline) - A Texas federal judge has blocked a controversial rule imposed by a federal agency without Congress' consent that would keep credit card companies from charging late fees over $8.
'Raw' honey lawsuit: Walmart again victorious against class action lawyer
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - A class action lawyer's second chance at suing Walmart over whether it can label its honey as raw has failed.
Med-mal plaintiff lawyers get good news as Minn. SC overturns lower courts on key issue
ST. PAUL, Minn. (Legal Newsline) - Medical malpractice plaintiffs and their lawyers have scored a big win in Minnesota, as the state Supreme Court has ruled their lawsuits are not subject to more stringent requirements than other negligence claims.
Big asbestos law firm accused of cheating its way to billions
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - Fraud drove asbestos lawsuits at the prominent plaintiffs firm Simmons Hanly Conroy, J-M Manufacturing Company is alleging in a new racketeering lawsuit.
Gun seller, maker face jury trial over accidental shooting
TOPEKA, Kan. (Legal Newsline) - A judge was wrong to rule for Bass Pro and Beretta in a gun violence lawsuit, a Kansas appeals court has ruled in sending the case to a jury.
Court affirms death benefits for likely COVID victim who worked during outbreak at nursing home
DENVER, Colo. (Legal Newsline) - Another court has ruled COVID-19 can be considered an occupational disease, clearing the way for Workers' Compensation benefits to be paid to employees who suffered from it.
Lawyers want $9 million for Walmart produce settlement
TAMPA, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - Touting their "skill, experience and efficiency," plaintiff lawyers who sued Walmart over the weight and price of produce are asking a federal judge for $9 million.
Attorneys seeking fees in some insurance cases must show their work
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - Attorneys seeking fees incurred as a result of insurer's not negotiating in good faith will have to give up some of their secrets.
Sexual harassment plaintiffs can speak freely after settlements, New Jersey court rules
TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - Victims of sexual discrimination and harassment are free to tell their stories, even if they signed settlement agreements that stipulated they do not.
American Airlines to ex-flight attendants: You've already lost in court once
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) - American Airlines says it has already defeated claims it tricked flight attendants into retiring early, pointing to their earlier failed lawsuit.
Good intentions enough to protect company from class action lawyers
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) - Businesses have received a measure of relief from the California Supreme Court, which has rejected a call for penalties against a company that thought it was complying with state law.
Tennessee teachers get favorable ruling in challenge to Prohibited Concepts Ban
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Legal Newsline) - Tennessee educators will get to move forward with their challenge to the state's Prohibited Concepts Ban, which they argue will open them to disciplinary proceedings started by disgruntled students and parents.
Ohio AG squares off with social media companies over state's parental consent law
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline) - Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is pointing at addiction statistics as he tries to hold together a state law targeting youth usage of social media websites.
Dental products company can't escape shareholder litigation over disappointing results
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - A federal judge has largely rejected the motion to dismiss a stockholder class action lawsuit against Dentsply, the world's largest producer of professional dental products.
Pickle-eaters score $2 million settlement over preservative in Wahlburgers; Attorneys to ask for $750K
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - The maker of Wahlburgers dill spears and chips is getting itself out of a legal pickle with a $2 million settlement.