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Nonprofits, industry associations file amicus brief in support of upholding Prop 22
On April 3, five organizations - Chamber of Progress, NetChoice, Asian Industry B2B, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and sf.citi - submitted an amicus brief urging the California Supreme Court to uphold Proposition 22. This voter-approved measure from 2020 classifies app-based transportation and delivery drivers as independent contractors.
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Nevada drivers pay more than average for increasing insurance costs
The cost of motor vehicle insurance rose 22.6% over the last year, according to the latest Consumer Price Index summary from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In comparison, the overall rate of inflation for the last year was 3.4%.
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Report finds number of 'nuclear' verdicts increased 27% in 2023
A report published on May 3 by Marathon Strategies, an independent public relations firm, revealed a significant increase in the number of "nuclear" verdicts, or jury verdicts exceeding $10 million. The report showed a rise of 27% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
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Nevada ballot initiative to cap attorney contingency fees withstands legal challenge
Carson City District Court Judge James Russell dismissed arguments against a ballot initiative in Nevada that would cap attorney contingency fees at 20%, ruling that the initiative complies with state requirements. The ruling was disclosed in a May 10 court filing in the First Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada.
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Study finds lawyers concerned about AI
CHARLESTON — A recent study that looked at different careers found that lawyers are the most cautious regarding artificial intelligence technologies.
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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.
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Former Binance CEO's attorney: No defendants in 'remotely similar' cases have 'ever been sentenced to incarceration'
Benjamin Naftalis, a legal representative for Changpeng Zhao, the former CEO of Binance, stated that there is an absence of precedent for defendants sentenced to prison time for violations of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). This statement was made in a court filing ahead of Zhao's sentencing hearing on April 30, where he received a four-month prison sentence.
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W.Va, Tenn. sue U.S. Dept. of Education over Title IX changes
CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is co-leading a six-state group suing the federal Department of Education over what they call its “dangerous overhaul” of Title IX of the Educational Amendments Act.
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Binance co-founder: 'I regret my choices that result in me being before the Court'
Changpeng Zhao, commonly known as CZ, the co-founder and former CEO of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, expressed regret over his failure to implement sufficient anti-money laundering controls during the early stages of Binance. He is currently facing a criminal charge for this oversight. CZ shared these sentiments in a court document filed on April 23, ahead of his sentencing scheduled for April 30.
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Former Binance CEO receives 161 letters of support ahead of April 30 sentencing
A total of 161 individuals submitted letters of support for Changpeng Zhao, the co-founder and former CEO of Binance, in anticipation of his April 30 sentencing for violating the Bank Secrecy Act. These letters were included in an April 23 filing in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
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COVID could be occupational disease, as split Nebraska SC rules for nurse
LINCOLN, Neb. (Legal Newsline) - The Nebraska Supreme Court overturned the denial of a woman’s claim for workers compensation over a COVID-19 infection early in the pandemic, although dissenters including the court’s chief justice said the opinion misinterpreted the law and may not have any legal effect.
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Lawyers miss med-mal deadline but COVID orders keep lawsuit alive
LANSING, Mich. (Legal Newsline) - Tolling orders in the COVID era have saved a medical malpractice lawsuit in Michigan, as a state appeals court has ruled the plaintiff had extra time to file.
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State treasurer announces SMART529 board votes to drop China investments from portfolio
CHARLESTON – West Virginia Treasurer Riley Moore has announced a state program that oversees the SMART529 is adopting his proposal to exclude China-based investments.
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American Tort Reform Association president: California trial lawyers invest in advertising to ‘boost settlements and payouts’
Sherman "Tiger" Joyce, president of the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA), stated that trial attorneys in California "pump significant money" into advertising campaigns to attract "more clients" and secure "larger contingency fees for themselves." Joyce made this statement in a press release dated March 19.
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South Carolina Senate passes citizen only voting amendment
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Senate has passed a resolution that would allow citizens to decide whether only American citizens can vote in state elections.
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W.Va. governor, Senate president want non-citizen voting amendment on special session agenda
CHARLESTON – A resolution that would put a constitutional amendment before voters this fall to ensure non-citizens are unable to vote in West Virginia elections likely will be on the agenda for a planned special session.
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Insurance Information Institute announces excessive litigation is raising car insurance rates
The Insurance Information Institute (III) has released a report suggesting that excessive lawsuits are contributing to rising auto insurance rates. The report outlines how practices such as third-party litigation funding and outsized jury verdicts are increasing costs for businesses and consumers.
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Kentucky voters will see amendment to prevent non-citizen voting; W.Va. measure stalls
FRANKFORT, Kentucky – A bill that would prevent non-citizens from voting in Kentucky has passed the Kentucky General Assembly. Senate Bill 143 passed on a 72-12 vote March 15.
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Realtors to pay $418M to end home seller commission class action; Big changes coming to home sale process
Lawyers who brought the lawsuits could be in for a big payday, as well, potentially claiming $140 million from the deal, plus $69 million from earlier settlements with large real estate brokerages facing similar claims of alleged collusion to boost real estate agent commissions
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Taxpayers Protection Alliance president: ‘At the core of it, the CFPB is just not needed’
David Williams, president of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance (TPA) said the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) “is just not needed” because there are other government agencies “that have existed for years” to deal with fraud.