#1 Masuda v. Serve Robotics, Inc.: A New Front in the Gig Economy Wage BattleLos Angeles, CA - Kevin Masuda, an operations manager at Serve Robotics, Inc. from 2021 to 2024, filed a proposed class action lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court on December 3. The lawsuit accuses Serve Robotics, Inc. of violating the California labor code. It cites the autonomous sidewalk delivery company for violating California labor laws by failing to pay employees legally required minimum wages and overtime for all hours worked including off-the-clock tasks. In addition, Serve Robotics allegedly failed to provide mandated meal and rest periods, reimburse expenses, or provide accurate wage statements.
#2 SAG-AFTRA Sues to Enforce Arbitrator’s Award in UFO Pictures CaseLos Angeles, CA - On November 19, SAG-AFTRA, the union that represents over 160,000 media professionals and performers, filed a lawsuit to enforce a 2020 arbitration award that required UFO Pictures to pay roughly $163,000 toward the actors’ salaries and benefits. The sum is due, according to the union, under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement and the federal Labor Management Relations Act rather than the California labor code.
#3 Winkelman v. Whole Foods: A Clash of TitansAustin, TX - On November 13, plaintiffs in Winkleman v. Whole Foods filed a motion for class certification in the Western District of Texas. It’s not just that it was filed in Texas. Everything about this ERISA lawsuit is larger than life.
#4 Agreement to settle nearly 38,000 Bard hernia mesh lawsuitsColumbus, OH - Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD), the parent company of BARD, has agreed to settle about 38,000 hernia mesh lawsuits. Reports indicate that the total payouts could exceed $1 Billion. The mesh lawsuits, some of which go back almost 20 years, allege that Bard designed defective mesh products, failed to adequately test them, and didn’t properly warn users about potential risks.
#5 Common Mistakes in Personal Injury ClaimsDublin, OH - Dublin in Ohio, is a vibrant suburb celebrated for its unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Known for its picturesque parks, top-tier schools, and community events, the city attracts families and professionals alike. Its robust infrastructure and growing business landscape make it one of Ohio's most sought-after areas to live and work. However, amid the city’s thriving community, residents are not immune to accidents and unforeseen events that can lead to personal injury claims.
#6 Nova Southeastern University to Settle ERISA Lawsuit for $1.5 MillionFort Lauderdale, FL - On October 9, Nova Southeastern University agreed to settle a long-running lawsuit in which participants in the Nova University Defined Contribution Plan claimed that the school had mismanaged their retirement savings by paying excessive recordkeeping fees and retaining underperforming investment funds. The plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary approval was unopposed.
#8 ETHEX Patient Suspected of Deliberate OverdoseTampa, FL - Imagine taking your regular prescription for ETHEX corporation drugs and waking up in the hospital, only to be told that you had purposely suffered an ETHEX overdose. Imagine the shock and fear when you are told that you will have to stay in the hospital for observation because you could be a danger to yourself. Imagine trying to survive the ETHEX side effects while trying to figure out how you could possibly have followed your prescription properly only to suffer an overdose.
#9 Apple Faces Unequal Pay LawsuitLos Angeles, CA - A former Apple executive has filed a California labor complaint against Apple and Jay Blahnik, the company's vice president of fitness technologies. Mandana Mofidi accuses Apple of retaliation after she reported sexual harassment and raised concerns about receiving less pay than her male colleagues.
#10 Wells Fargo Settles Disability Discrimination Suit for 22.1 millionCharlotte, NC - A former Wells Fargo Securities supervisor was awarded $22.1 million by a federal court jury in Charlotte in July. Christopher Billesdon’s disability and age discrimination lawsuit accused the San Francisco-based bank of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and wrongful discharge under North Carolina state law. However, the bank asked the court in August to toss the jury’s decision.
