John O'Brien News
There are bigger problems than PFAS, group for clean water says as Senate attempts regulation
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – Last week, a U.S. Senate committee strengthened one of the many bills that attempt to regulate chemicals known as PFAS, as critics continue to fight the idea that enough is known about them to pass legislation.
Is Congress' rush to regulate PFAS part of 'hysteria' fed by plaintiffs lawyers?
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – They have a catchy, sinister-sounding nickname and have caught the attention of lawyers and politicians. But what these “forever chemicals” don’t have is a known toxicity level.
'Easy grandstanding': Congress backs trial lawyers' effort to condemn chemicals, win lawsuits while science debated
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – As Congress vilifies chemicals known as PFAS, some question whether the research upon which lawmakers – and trial lawyers – are relying shows that anyone has actually been harmed by them.
Blame the criminals, pharmacies facing opioid lawsuits say
CLEVELAND (Legal Newsline) – Large pharmacy chains are asking why they are being sued by hundreds of cities and counties over the opioid crisis instead of the criminals who pushed drugs to addicts.
States against climate change lawsuits ask for dismissal of NYC's
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – The top lawyers of 15 states are again asking a federal judge to reject the legal strategy used by public officials and the private attorneys with whom they’ve teamed to sue the energy industry over alleged effects of climate change.
As Boulder sues, 15 states - including Colorado - oppose global warming lawsuits
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – Two days after local officials in the Boulder, Colo., area filed a lawsuit that attempts to hold large energy companies liable for the alleged effects of global warming, the state’s top lawyer showed that she disagrees with their legal argument by voicing her opposition to similar lawsuits in California.
CFPB's new rule 'large gift for class action lawyers'; Court challenges coming
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – As the director of a federal consumer protection agency seemingly fights for his job, he has gone forth with plans to finalize a controversial rule – and a court challenge seems imminent.
Asbestos/class action reform bill passes U.S. House
WASHINGTON – Under threat of a presidential veto, the U.S. House of Representatives on Jan. 8 passed a bill that targets class action lawsuits and the asbestos injury compensation system. H.R. 1927 combines the Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act and the Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act, or FACT Act. After hours of debate and the rejection of several Democrat-proposed amendments, the Republican-controlled House passed the bill in a 211-188.
Purdue Pharma says plaintiffs attorney fed info to new whistleblowers after first suit failed
BECKLEY – In demanding two whistleblowers in what it feels was a frivolous lawsuit pay its legal fees, the maker of the painkiller OxyContin says a Virginia attorney supplied the information that the two were blowing the whistle on.
Former WVU recruit sues NCAA
SAN FRANCISCO – Three former college athletes are the latest to file a class action lawsuit against the National Collegiate Athletic Association, claiming it and 11 athletic conferences have created a monopsony over college athletes.
App block calls, evaluates Telephone Consumer Protection Act claims
STAMFORD, Conn. – A prolific-filing law firm specializing in debt collection harassment cases has helped develop an app that it says could help those who download it make up to $1,500 per robocall or debt collection call.
General Electric agrees to $500K settlement with children injured after standing on oven door
BECKLEY – Two children who suffered burns when they stood on the door of a General Electric oven will receive nearly $500,000 from the company from a recently approved settlement.
Holzer Clinic wins lawsuit brought by former employee who alleged discrimination
HUNTINGTON – Holzer Clinic of West Virginia has been awarded summary judgment in a lawsuit brought by a former employee who claimed violations of the Family Medical Leave Act and age discrimination.
Pa. couple settle suit against Walmart, alleged metal spikes split husband's head open
WHEELING – Just before a trial could start, a Pennsylvania couple have settled their lawsuit against Wal-Mart Stores.
Case alleging fire starter gel exploded, caused severe burns to child settled
ELKINS – The parents of a then-7-year-old child who burned himself when he allegedly attempted to use fire starter gel left near a fireplace at their Randolph County home have settled their claims.
Man loses suit against U.S. over arm surgery that gave him ill-fitting prosthesis
The Sidney L. Christie Federal Building in Huntington
Trial lawyers argue against RICO claims over baseless lawsuits
RICHMOND, Va. – A national association representing the interests of trial lawyers has filed a brief that argues against corporate defendants’ use of racketeering laws in lawsuits against plaintiffs attorneys alleged to have committed fraud.