Michael Carroll News
Federal insurance litigation in Louisiana tops in U.S., new report finds
In the wake of a series of severe hurricanes and a single law firm’s mass filings, the Western District of Louisiana handled the most insurance cases of any federal district court in the nation during the past three years, according to a report released this week.
Judge opens door to class-action allegations in social media censorship lawsuit
A federal judge has granted a motion to add class-action allegations in a case filed by the Louisiana and Missouri attorneys general alleging federal officials colluded with social media companies to deprive Americans of their First Amendment rights.
New Florida court filings soared to 280,122 in March in runup to signing of tort reforms
A record number of civil cases – 280,122 – were filed in Florida courts in March during the runup to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision to sign a comprehensive tort-reform measure, according to a new tally of civil lawsuits.
Florida governor signs 'watershed' tort-reform bill into law
Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed a comprehensive bill aimed at rooting out excessive, abusive litigation in what the measure’s supporters said was “a watershed moment” in the history of tort reform.
Judge says California gator products ban violates federal law, in win for Louisiana industry
A federal judge has concluded a California law banning the sale of products made from alligators raised in other states, including Louisiana’s wetlands, violates the federal Endangered Species Act, leading Louisiana wildlife officials to claim a legal victory.
DeSantis highlights tort reform priorities in State of the State address
Along with promises of more tax cuts, environmental restoration projects and infrastructure upgrades, Gov. Ron DeSantis in his State of the State address on Tuesday again called for the overhaul of a legal climate that he said is a drag on the Florida economy.
New Florida bill would limit lawsuits against senior-living providers
New constraints would be placed on litigation filed against senior living facilities, including a ban on expert witnesses testifying on a contingency fee basis, under provisions of a bill introduced this week in the Florida Legislature.
Governor, lawmakers launch bid to curb excessive lawsuits, 'predatory' attorneys
A reform drive to reduce excessive litigation and prevent “predatory trial lawyers” from targeting individuals, truckers and small businesses was launched Tuesday by Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Contractor sues Louisiana town after being prosecuted for flying obscene anti-Biden flags on his pickup
A Louisiana contractor who displayed flags on his pickup expressing an graphic opinion of President Joe Biden has sued the town of Grand Isle for repeatedly ticketing him for violations of the state’s obscenity law.
Florida's high court rejects 'excessive' $16 million damages award in wrongful death case
The Florida Supreme Court has struck down a $16 million punitive damages award in a wrongful death case, concluding that the award was out of sync with the jury’s compensatory damages award of just $150,000.
Western District of Louisiana becomes 'go-to' location to file lawsuits challenging federal policies
The Western District of Louisiana has become among the most popular federal courts for Republican attorneys general to file litigation challenging the Biden administration on an array of issues, such as climate change and immigration.
China faulted for coronavirus spread in Florida class-action suit
A Boca Raton law firm has filed a class-action lawsuit against the People’s Republic of China, alleging that its public agencies were negligent for failing to contain the deadly coronavirus outbreak that has caused economic devastation in the U.S.
House passes coronavirus relief bill with limited liability protection for medical mask makers
A coronavirus relief bill passed by the House of Representatives early Saturday morning fell short of what medical mask manufacturers had sought to reduce their liability risks during the crisis.
Democrats pressed to back coronavirus legislation that protects mask-makers from lawsuits
House Democrats have agreed this week to extend some liability protections to manufacturers of masks that can protect health professionals from the coronavirus, Legal Newsline has learned.
Dismissal hearing for Oakland's lawsuit over Raiders' move delayed
SAN FRANCISCO - A federal court hearing on the NFL's attempt to dismiss the city of Oakland’s lawsuit over the relocation of the Raiders has been delayed until April 16, according to one of the attorneys representing the city.
Disabilities lawsuits hit another new high while plaintiffs attorneys find new strategies
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - Lawsuits filed by disabled plaintiffs rose 8.8 percent in 2019 as plaintiffs attorneys continued to churn out novel discrimination complaints, according to the law firm Seyfarth Shaw LLP.
Virginia companies' lawsuit accuses CFPB of regulatory overreach
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – Two Virginia companies are suing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over its investigatory practices, alleging that the federal agency exceeded its authority and engaged in bullying tactics.
Banking industry leaders applaud Senate vote against CFPB arbitration rule
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – Financial institutions and free-market advocates generally applauded the recent U.S. Senate vote striking down a federal rule that would have eliminated mandatory arbitration clauses in consumer credit contracts.
Arbitration ban would boost credit costs 25 percent, federal analysis finds
A rule banning mandatory arbitration in consumer financial agreements would raise the cost of consumer credit by nearly 3.5 percent annually, a newly released federal analysis says.
Federal Circuit to decide on bid to change where patent cases can be filed
PALO ALTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) – Companies that are targets of patent litigation should keep an eye on a case now before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit that could lead to far-reaching changes about where patent lawsuits can be filed across the nation, a Silicon Valley intellectual property attorney said.