Posted inLawsuits

What’s Going on With WhatsApp

A smartphone displaying its home screen with various app icons including Messages, Photos, Camera, Google Maps, Facebook, and Instagram. The time displayed on the phone is 15:47. The phone is placed on a light-colored surface.
Risking privacy for security

Earlier this year, WhatsApp users were under surveillance.  Almost 1,500 people in 20 countries who downloaded the app were affected.  In response to NSO Group previously installing malware on the cellular devices of the users, the communication app company, WhatsApp has taken legal action.  The lawsuit cites NSO Group as violating the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.  The Israel-based company targeted known journalists, human rights activists, female leaders, and their families, under the guise of protecting citizens and preventing crime and terrorism.  The individuals who were placed under surveillance were not named in the lawsuit.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Zip Lining Toward Legal Action

Two people ziplining through a snow-covered forest, with tall trees dusted in snow all around. The scene is misty, emphasizing the wintry atmosphere.
A costly mistake

Employees have been fired from Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park in Lakeland, FL; but this is not a case of wrongful termination.  Due to the negligence of certain operators, a 10-year-old child fell 20-25 feet while using the park’s zip line in September.  Following an investigation, it was discovered that the ride itself was sound, safe, and up to industry standard.  Video footage shows the young boy was not properly secured in his harness before being allowed to retreat down the zip line.  The family of the child is not taking his injuries lightly and has filed a lawsuit against the entertainment facility.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Housewife Drops Suit Behind Camera

A person crouches on the ground, adjusting a professional video camera equipped with a large lens and an external monitor. The scene is set outdoors, with soft lighting suggesting either sunrise or sunset.
Feud in the OC

Despite her recent demotion within The Real Housewives of OC franchise, Vicki Gunvalson continues to outshine her cohorts as the original Bravo Housewife.  Never one to back down from a fight, Gunvalson filed a lawsuit against former castmate, Kelly Dodd, accusing her of speaking defamatory allegations that could potentially harm her business.  Throughout the pair’s prolonged feud, Dodd supposedly called Gunvalson a fraud and a con who “prey[s] on older people.”  Gunvalson insists Dodd’s statements are untrue and malicious.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Search for an Unknown Well-Wisher

An envelope and a card on a surface. The card has colorful letters and a cat design, while the envelope has heart-shaped stickers with the word "love." Sunlight illuminates the scene.
Surprise in the mail

The thought that we are practically always under surveillance can feel unsettling.  The idea may lead us to second guess our internet searches, our purchases in the grocery store, or our text messages to friends and family.  Hundreds of reported women throughout the country, however, have recently raised concerns about communication they have received that does not necessarily coincide with their everyday patterns and habits.  Their red flags have triggered the search for a “Jenny B” and her reason for sending them coupons, gift cards, and greeting cards.  What is the purpose of this kindness?  According to the cards, it is to congratulate the women on their recent pregnancies.  The disturbing factor in this string of events is that many of the women who have received the gifts are not pregnant.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

No Crying, Or Lawsuits, in Kickball

A young man in a blue sports outfit kicks a soccer ball on a grassy field. There are trees blurred in the background.
Kicked out of a job

A required element of any sport is competition.  There are times, however, that competitiveness can get out of hand, especially in recreational kickball.  On August 6, the South Carolina teams, “Recreational Hazard” and the “Toe Jammers” went toe to toe for a grueling eight innings before the tension rose to an incredible high. A disputed call at home plate resulted in a debate between player, Michael Lockliear and umpire, Graylnn Moran Jr.  A couple of days later, the umpire received a text message from his supervisor, stating that a third party no longer wanted Moran to officiate games, and was therefore terminated from his position. Moran has since filed a lawsuit, claiming slander, conspiracy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and tortious interference with a contract.

2 minutes