News from April 2020
Two who sued a hog farm over its smell and flies must pay the other side's legal fees
DES MOINES, Iowa (Legal Newsline) – Two Iowa residents who unsuccessfully sued a hog farm for nuisance are now on the hook for the defendant's legal fees, the Iowa Supreme Court has ruled.
Study: Class action lawyers often take more money from settlements than class members
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - A detailed examination of eight years of consumer class actions in federal court found that consumers received only a tiny fraction of the money awarded in those cases while plaintiff lawyers frequently claimed a bigger share of the settlement than their clients.
Nursing home can't compel arbitration in resident's death, Arkansas appeals court rules
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Legal Newsline) – The Arkansas Court of Appeals has upheld a circuit court ruling that denied a nursing home’s attempt to compel arbitration rather than proceed with a jury trial in a wrongful death lawsuit.
Delays cost widow her asbestos lawsuit; Dissenting justices say unfairness is 'substantial'
WILMINGTON, Del. (Legal Newsline) - The Delaware Supreme Court has affirmed a lower court’s decision to dismiss a widow's asbestos exposure lawsuit.
Lawsuit claims Target made misleading statements about hand sanitizer's capabilities
PASADENA, Calif. (Legal Newsline) – According to a class action lawsuit, Target is misleading its customers with false advertising for its hand sanitizer.
Group complains of Kansas' GPS monitoring: Coronavirus 'does not justify warrantless data searches'
TOPEKA, Kan. (Legal Newsline) – The Kansas Department of Health's source for GPS tracking revealed a certain lack of social distancing in the state but also prompted "grave concerns" from a liberty-minded public interest firm.
Two more states pass measures targeting controversial Restatement issued by American Law Institute
PHILADELPHIA – Legislation stating the American Law Institute’s Restatement of the Law of Liability Insurance does not constitute law or public policy if it conflicts with established federal, state or case law recently passed in the states of Utah and Kentucky.
Dem-backed Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate fails to stop TV ads as voters go to polls
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Legal Newsline) – A Wisconsin judge has declined a request by a liberal-leaning candidate seeking to unseat a conservative Wisconsin Supreme Court justice in today's apparently-going-ahead primary election to block political ads she claims falsify her prosecutorial record.
Summary judgment for Steak N Shake reversed in employee's sexual assault claims
On March 27, the Supreme Court of Texas reversed summary judgment for Steak N Shake in a lawsuit stemming from a worker, B.C.’s claims that her boss sexually assaulted her.
Woman who tripped over step in Ohio restaurant despite caution sign loses lawsuit
AKRON, Ohio (Legal Newsline) - Summary judgment against a woman suing after tripping and falling at an Ohio restaurant was affirmed on March 30.
Battered and bruised, teachers' class action against Navient heads toward settlement
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – A “potential series of lawsuits” brought against the nation’s largest student loan servicer is coming to a close with the settlement of a single class action that was severely hobbled by a federal judge last year.
Maryland court employee tests positive for COVID-19; courthouses temporarily closed
An employee from the District Court of Maryland in Prince George’s County has tested positive for COVID-19.
LITTLER MENDELSON PC: Littler Named in the 2020 Latin Lawyer 250 Guide
Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has been recognized as one of Latin America’s leading law firms in the 22nd edition of the Latin Lawyer 250 guide.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION: EEOC Continues to Serve the Public During COVID-19 Crisis
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) wants you to know that we are continuing to enforce the nation's employment non-discrimination laws while ensuring that all of our activities are consistent with public health guidelines.
FAEGRE DRINKER BIDDLE & REATH LLP: 3 Estate and Gift Planning Tips During Uncertain Times
As the COVID-19 pandemic changes financial and life circumstances, here are three estate and gift planning ideas that individuals might want to consider during these uncertain times.
FOLEY & LARDNER LLP: WEBINAR SERIES—COVID19: What Healthcare HR Professionals Need to Know
As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads, our national employment landscape is evolving rapidly, particularly in the healthcare field.
BRADLEY ARANT BOULT CUMMINGS: Nathaniel Greeson Joins Bradley's Government Contracts Practice in Washington
Bradley is pleased to announce that Nathaniel J. Greeson has joined the firm’s Washington, D.C., office as an associate in the Government Contracts Practice Group.
Michigan court tells plaintiff who sued over sudden bus stop she should've worn seatbelt
An appeals court panel upheld a lower-court ruling that dismissed a lawsuit by a woman in a wheelchair injured who on a bus when the driver stopped suddenly at a yellow light.
Judge transfers lawsuit claiming Yeti colsters don't hold beer bottles well enough
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) — A federal judge has transferred a lawsuit against Yeti Coolers to federal court in Texas for lack of personal jurisdiction.
NYC worker fighting his health insurer gets good news from New York's top court
The New York Court of Appeals determined that a plaintiff properly claimed consumer-oriented behavior when alleging damages related to an insurance company falsifying representations made to New York City workers so that it would be selected over other companies.