News from 2021
Louisiana high court slashes $1.9M verdict to man who bear-hugged a huge, out-of-control fire extinguisher
The Louisiana Supreme Court slashed a judge’s award of $1.9 million in damages to a man who “bear-hugged” a 245-pound fire extinguisher cylinder and accidentally caused it to discharge, creating a spinning menace that left him with extensive injuries and psychological trauma.
'Mini Soros' critique of risk assessment tool creator leads to heated response
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - When former Trump campaign adviser Steve Cortes slammed the "leftist billionaire" who created a bail risk assessment tool used to release the Waukesha massacre suspect Darrell Brooks, attorney David Safavian, who worked in the George W. Bush administration, took offense.
Anne Arundel County Drug/DUI Treatment Court celebrates new graduates
Ten individuals are set to graduate from the Anne Arundel County District Court Drug and DUI Treatment Court on Thursday, December 16.
SEC can't avoid court in constitutional challenge to its structure
NEW ORLEANS (Legal Newsline) - The Securities and Exchange Commission can’t prevent a federal court from hearing a constitutional challenge to how it operates, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled, in a strong rebuke to the concept of “independent” administrative agencies that are insulated from political pressure as well as judicial oversight.
Biden's DOJ fights Trump's lawsuit against YouTube
OAKLAND, Calif. (Legal Newsline) – The federal government he once commanded is now fighting President Donald Trump in his effort to sue YouTube.
Ancestry.com will have to face Illinois class action lawsuit
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) – One of three class action claims against Ancestry.com will continue as a result of a federal judge’s recent ruling.
Delaware Supreme Court breathes new life into fight over Biden documents
DOVER, Del. (Legal Newsline) - The Delaware Supreme Court gave two conservative watchdog groups another chance at gaining access to a trove of documents detailing President Joseph Biden’s 36-year career in the U.S. Senate, ruling state officials improperly denied a Freedom of Information Act Request.
Merchant Marine Academy sued over COVID vaccine mandate
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) - Six plaintiffs filed a federal class action lawsuit on Nov. 19 in the Eastern District of New York against the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Superintendent Joachim Buono, the United States Maritime Administration and the United States Department of Transportation. The lawsuit alleges violation of the Due Process Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Morrisey-led coalition files opening brief in energy case against EPA
CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is leading a coalition of 19 states have filed an opening brief in its landmark case against the Environmental Protection Agency at the U.S. Supreme Court.
Lawsuit questions whether Oreos have real fudge on them
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - Christopher Leonard filed a federal class action lawsuit on Nov. 28 in the Southern District of New York against Mondelēz Global over the fudge in some of its Oreos.
Student's lawsuit fails to hold school accountable for drainage pipes
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Legal Newsline) – A Wyoming school district isn’t liable for the brain injury suffered by a student when he allegedly fell and struck his head on PVC pipe an elementary school had placed across a walkway to divert water.
Online order agreement helps Domino's get class action lawsuit out of court
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – A lawsuit filed by a Domino’s customer who was angry sales tax was added to the price on a coupon was kicked out of court earlier this year.
Biden Admin asked to offer its opinion on massive Roundup weedkiller litigation
In a hopeful sign for Bayer as it fights tens of thousands of lawsuits over Roundup weedkiller, the U.S. Supreme Court has asked for the government’s opinion on a $25 million jury verdict the chemical company says should have been preempted by federal law.
Manchin has 'productive' talk with Biden about rising inflation, soaring Build Back Better cost estimates
WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden is continuing his efforts to get U.S. Senator Joe Manchin on board with his Build Back Better legislation.
Holman joins Cozen O'Connor Public Strategies' Chicago, Illinois practices
Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies welcomed Sydney Corryn Holman to its growing City of Chicago and State of Illinois practices. Holman joins the firm from Governor J.B. Pritzker’s office, where she was Deputy Director – Legislative Affairs and House Liaison – Legislative Affairs.
Weyerhaeuser escapes $15 million jury verdict over smelly joists
DENVER (Legal Newsline) - A Colorado appeals court reversed a $15 million jury verdict against Weyerhaeuser over wood trusses that smelled of formaldehyde, finding a home building company wasn’t entitled to extra damages beyond what were provided under warranty, citing the economic loss doctrine preventing double recoveries.
Plaintiff lawyers fail to make products liability claim stick against hospital
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) – Hospitals have avoided a theory of liability pushed recently in Connecticut that sought to hold them accountable for defective products used in medical procedures.
Amazon sued over 'buy' option on movies, shows and music
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - Mary Baron, Calhea Johnson, Malika McLean and Tony Watson filed a federal class-action lawsuit on Nov. 19 in the Southern District of New York against Amazon, Inc. for violation of the New York General Business Law Section 349 and 350 and unjust enrichment.
Memory improvement supplement company sued for fraudulent labeling
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) - Brent Scarpo filed a federal class action lawsuit on Nov. 22 in the Central District of California against Natrol LLC for violation of the unfair competition law, violation of the consumer legal remedies act and breach of express warranty.
Former U.S. Department of Justice Attorney Moves to Shook
Former U.S. Department of Justice Attorney Moves to Shook.