#1 The Gig is Up for California Car WashSacramento, CA MobileWash Inc. is the first gig company hit with a misclassification lawsuit under Assembly Bill 5 – a law making it illegal for companies to hire independent contractors and has violated the California labor code. The California Labor Commissioner’s Office targeted Mobile Wash because it allegedly “made a calculated business decision to misclassify” car washers who perform services arranged through the company’s app as independent contractors, rather than employees.
#3 Victory for Women with Ovarian Cancer linked to Johnson & Johnson’s Talc in Missouri Court of AppealsSt. Louis, MO A panel of three judges with the Missouri Appeals Court has found Johnson & Johnson “Outrageous because of Evil Motive or Reckless Indifference” and upheld an award of over $2 billion in damages: $500 million in compensatory damages, plus another $1.62 billion in punitive damages. This group of 22 ovarian cancer victims-- all of whom developed ovarian cancer from J&J’s baby powder-- has now received the sixth largest award in U.S. legal history.
#4 TD Bank Hit with Excessive Bank Overdraft Fees LawsuitCamden, NJ On June 24, Judith Jimenez filed a class action bank overdraft fees lawsuit claiming that TD Bank, NA re-opened her checking account, which the bank had previously closed, for the express purpose of charging her an overdraft fee. Mission accomplished, the bank then closed her account again – all without her authorization. The lawsuit further claims that TD Bank had a routine practice of opening accounts in the names of consumers without lawful authority. If this sounds familiar, it should.
#5 Lisinopril—Hidden DangersLas Vegas, NV Many prescription drugs are as common as aspirin; it's no wonder that many consumers don't read warning labels or consider that a medication could be associated with side effects. Take Lisinopril, for instance. It is one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the US, and it also has the potential to harm a lot of people.
#6 Aftermath of a Horrific Amusement Park AccidentLouisville, KY It is not only a parent's worst nightmare but anyone's worst nightmare??"in this case an Amusement Park Accident at a popular theme park that resulted in a 13-year-old girl having both of her feet severed above the ankle. Kaitlyn Lasitter survived, and doctors were able to re-attach her right foot. But they could not save her left, and Kaitlyn now walks with a prosthesis.
#7 American Home Shield Lawsuit Alleges Improper DenialsMontgomery, AL Customers of home warranty companies, such as American Home Shield can take heart that some previous home warranty lawsuits have resulted in settlements. One American Home Shield lawsuit resulted in a settlement, although the company did not admit any wrongdoing or liability in the settlement.
#8 Texas Employment Law: Don't Wait to Take Your PTOHouston, TX Pete did his company a service by not taking Paid Time Off (PTO) in over four years of employment. Yesterday was his last day of work. He has accrued 150 hours of PTO, but Texas Employment law does not require that employers pay workers for earned but unused vacation upon termination, unless the employer has a written policy or past practice of doing so.
#9 Seroquel Side Effects for the ElderlyPearblossom, CA Seroquel is a neuroleptic indicated for the treatment of bipolar disorder—and like most drugs carries a host of Seroquel side effects, including diabetes, tardive dyskinesia and even birth defects. However, there is a little-known use for Seroquel off-label that concerned the daughter of one Alzheimer's patient for whom she was caring.
#10 California Excessive Bank Overdraft Fee Lawsuit Gets Second WindSan Diego, CA For months, the law firms that represent banks and other big businesses have worried that the Ninth Circuit’s 2019 decision in Blair v. Rent-A-Center shows plaintiffs how to side-step mandatory arbitration provisions that include class action waivers. Defense counsel’s worst fear is realized in the motion for reconsideration filed in McGovern v. U.S. Bank, a California bank overdraft fees lawsuit.