Results for: Lawsuits

Stephen Moore, co-founder of the Committee to Unleash Prosperity, criticizes the growing trend of lawsuits targeting fossil fuel companies and states for their use of energy. He argues these lawsuits, often driven by environmental groups and trial lawyers, threaten to abolish fossil fuels through the courts, ignoring the devastating economic and social consequences. Moore emphasizes the life-saving and economic benefits of fossil fuels, while questioning the validity of claims about their negative environmental impact.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) has announced a settlement of $6.475 billion to resolve lawsuits related to ovarian cancer caused by cosmetic talc. The plan includes a three-month period for ovarian cancer claimants to vote on the settlement terms. If approved by 75% of claimants, the company will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to ensure the settlement’s confirmation. Johnson & Johnson has previously settled 95% of mesothelioma lawsuits related to talc exposure and allocated $11 billion to cover talc-related settlements.

Philips, a Dutch medical device manufacturer, has reached a settlement agreement worth $1.1 billion to resolve lawsuits related to its defective sleep apnea machines. The settlement covers claims filed in US courts and aims to address the uncertainty associated with the ongoing litigation. Philips maintains that the settlement does not imply admission of fault or liability, and the payments are expected to be made in 2025.

A major development project in Portland’s Bayside neighborhood has been stalled for over a decade due to a complex web of lawsuits between the city and the developer, Federated Cos. The proposed ‘Midtown’ project, which aimed to transform vacant lots into mixed-use space with apartments, retail, and parking, was scaled down and eventually halted after disputes over project size and approvals. Now, the lots remain empty and have become a symbol of the ongoing legal battle, while the neighborhood faces a growing homelessness crisis. The city and Federated continue to exchange accusations and countersuits, with no clear resolution in sight. Meanwhile, other development projects in Bayside are moving forward, raising questions about the future of the former ‘Midtown’ site.

A judge has declined to dismiss hundreds of lawsuits filed against rapper Travis Scott stemming from the deadly 2021 Astroworld festival, where 10 people died in a crowd surge. The judge’s order denies Scott’s request to remove himself and his touring company from the case. Scott’s attorneys argue that he was not responsible for safety planning at the concert, while plaintiffs’ attorneys allege he had a “conscious disregard for safety.” The lawsuit filed by the family of one of the victims, Madison Dubiski, is set to go to trial in May.

State District Judge Kristen Hawkins has denied Scott’s request to dismiss hundreds of lawsuits filed against him and his company, XX Global, over the deadly 2021 Astroworld festival. The lawsuits allege that Scott was responsible for safety planning and watching for possible dangers at the concert, which resulted in the deaths of 10 people. Scott’s attorneys had argued that he was not responsible for these aspects of the festival, but the families of the victims claim that he had a “conscious disregard for safety.” The case is set to go to trial on May 6.

A judge has rejected Travis Scott’s request to dismiss lawsuits against him stemming from the deadly 2021 Astroworld festival, where 10 people were killed in a crowd surge. The ruling allows hundreds of lawsuits filed by families of the deceased and injured victims to proceed, with the first trial set to begin on May 6.

A bill that aims to protect Bayer from costly lawsuits over its weedkiller Roundup has passed the Missouri House of Representatives. The legislation, which now moves to the Senate, would declare that federally approved pesticide labeling is sufficient to satisfy any requirement for a cancer warning label. Bayer, which acquired Roundup’s original producer Monsanto, faces thousands of lawsuits alleging that the product’s key ingredient, glyphosate, causes non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. While some studies suggest a link between glyphosate and cancer, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maintains that it is not likely to be carcinogenic when used as directed. Bayer has set aside $16 billion to settle claims but continues to dispute the allegations. Supporters of the legislation argue that it is necessary to protect Bayer and ensure the availability of Roundup for farmers. Opponents contend that the bill prioritizes corporate interests over public health.

Homer Laffoon, son of late actress Anne Heche, reported to the court that her estate is unable to pay off her debts. Despite the estate consisting of assets like a modest bank account, royalty payments, and business arrangements, it is insufficient to cover the lawsuits filed against it. Notable creditors include the victims of the car crash in which Heche died, her ex-husband, and creditors related to her career and podcast.

Valisure, a private laboratory notorious for questionable scientific methods, is behind the latest wave of lawsuits against American manufacturers, targeting the $5 billion acne medication industry. Despite its discredited claims, Valisure has secured a lucrative contract from the Department of Defense and enjoys the support of Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. Experts and regulators warn that such junk science erodes public trust, overburdens the legal system, and undermines the integrity of the civil justice system.