News from May 2020
Companies have ammo if they want to make Utah opioid lawsuits cheaper to defend
SALT LAKE CITY (Legal Newsline) – Companies facing opioid litigation in Utah should be encouraged by a recent state Supreme Court decision that allowed the transfer of one of the cases – a sign that defendants might not have to fight more than 10 fronts in the state.
Boyhood friendship doesn't stop litigation funder from suing N.J. personal injury lawyer for $18M
NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - A litigation finance company whose colorful history includes a federal criminal investigation and a multiyear battle over millions of dollars in legal fees stemming from a Siberian plane crash has sued a prominent New Jersey personal injury lawyer for repayment of loans that have allegedly ballooned to more than $18 million with compound interest.
South Carolina survey shows businesses worried about coronavirus lawsuits
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Legal Newsline) – As Congress prepares for a debate on whether to shield reopened businesses from coronavirus lawsuits, the results of a South Carolina survey show companies are concerned with liability issues.
South by Southwest Festival organizers face suit over refusal to issue refunds after COVID-19 cancellation
AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) — The organizers of the South by Southwest Festival are facing a lawsuit for allegedly refusing to give refunds after the event's cancellation due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Maryland Judiciary adapts problem-solving courts amid COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges for the Maryland Judiciary, particularly its Problem-Solving Courts.
Students seek refunds from California State University system over coronavirus closing
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — A Sonoma State University student is claiming the California State University system should refund students' tuition from the more than $350 million in federal stimulus money it has received due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
University of Miami student's lawsuit claims COVID-19 online learning is ineffective for her major
MIAMI (Legal Newsline) — A University of Miami architecture student has filed a class action against the school alleging the online curriculum she was forced to take due to the COVID-19 outbreak is ineffective for her major.
Democrat governors and voters favor coronavirus lawsuit protections, but what about Dems in Congress?
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – Democratic leaders in states like North Carolina and New York have embraced the idea that giving companies a measure of protection from coronavirus lawsuits is in the best idea of their constituents, but it remains to be seen if the U.S. House of Representatives feels the same.
Poll: Congress should safeguard businesses from coronavirus lawsuits
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – Americans favor protections from coronavirus lawsuits for businesses, according to poll results released by a national legal reform group.
Maryland Judiciary leaders to discuss court operations amid COVID-19
Top officials from the Maryland Judiciary, along with criminal justice partners, are set to participate in a virtual briefing on the impact of COVID-19 on courts and the criminal justice system.
$10M for cancer researcher whose project was abandoned
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - The Massachusetts Supreme Court has affirmed a multimillion-dollar verdict in favor of a cancer researcher who filed a lawsuit after Steward Health Care System cut the cord on her project.
Delaware judge can't tell who plaintiff worked for, so silica lawsuit continues
WILMINGTON, Del. (Legal Newsline) - A Delaware Superior Court judge ruled in April that she cannot yet determine if Noramco is immune from a pharmaceutical manufacturer worker's claims that he was exposed to silica dust and toluene.
CLARK HILL PLC: Clark Hill Attorney Maria Dwyer Presents Webinar With Detroit Regional Chamber
Clark Hill attorney Maria Dwyer recently presented a webinar with Tammy Carnrike, Chief Operating Officer for the Detroit Regional Chamber, on the transition back to work once Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe, Save Lives” order is lifted.
BRADLEY ARANT BOULT CUMMINGS: Jessica Sparhawk Joins Bradley's Montgomery Office as Litigation Associate
Bradley is pleased to announce that Jessica Sparhawk has joined the firm’s Montgomery office as an associate in the Litigation Practice Group.
BRADLEY ARANT BOULT CUMMINGS: Bradley Attorneys Receive 2020 JD Supra Readers' Choice Awards
Bradley attorneys Aron Beezley and Thomas Richie were recognized by JD Supra in its 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards, which identify top authors and firms for their thought leadership in key topics during 2019.
FOLEY & LARDNER LLP: Morabito Named to ABI Board of Directors
Partner Erika Morabito was named to the board of directors of the American Bankruptcy Institute.
FOLEY & LARDNER LLP: Intellectual Asset Management Recognizes Foley Attorneys in 2020 Patent 1000 Guide
Intellectual Asset Management (IAM) has recognized 14 Foley attorneys in the 9th edition of its Patent 1000 – The World’s Leading Patent Professionals guide.
Alabama Supreme Court: Caterer not liable for fatal accident
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Legal Newsline) - Summary judgment for a catering company accused of serving a man alcohol before he caused a fatal accident was affirmed in the Supreme Court of Alabama on April 24.
Landlords win challenge of Oakland garbage franchise fees
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — A California appeals court in March ruled in favor of Oakland landlords challenging the legality of garbage collection franchise fees paid to the city by private companies.
Baltimore police department must pay settlement on behalf of officers who planted guns, falsified reports
BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) - The city of Baltimore and its police department are being held liable for a settlement between five former members of the department’s Gun Trace Task Force, the estate of William James and Ivan Potts, according to an April 24 court filing.