Monthly Archives: May 2022

Fire Up a New Claim

Fried

The efficiency and convenience of a relatively new small appliance may not outweigh the potential hazards it poses. First invented in 2010, air fryers have hit the market as a popular item for weekly meal preparations in kitchens across the US and Canada. In addition, consumers have enjoyed the healthier benefits to air frying their food over cooking in oil. Allegedly, consumers may intake fewer calories and fat. The potential downside to cooking with an air fryer is the possibility for the appliance to overheat and cause burn and fire risks. Continue reading →

Engaged in Tragedy

Wrongful death lawsuit

Last summer, news outlets were consumed with the disappearance of Gabby Petito, a 22-year-old woman who mysteriously ceased communication with her family while traveling cross-country with her fiancé, Brian Laundrie. The couple departed from New York in July; and Brian traveled home to his parents’ house in Florida on September 1. Gabby was reported missing on September 11, and about a week later, her body was found in Teton County, Wyoming. Now, more than half a year has passed, and Gabby’s parents have taken measures to seek compensation for their daughter’s strangulation and subsequent death. Continue reading →

Follow the Road to Ownership

Yellow brick lawsuit

Almost fifty years after a dress was gifted to a priest at The Catholic University of America, a relative is challenging the determined ownership of the costume. The significance of the blue and white gingham dress and paired white blouse is legendary. Judy Garland’s acquired costume in the iconic Wizard of Oz is one of four total dresses and one of two dresses with the matching blouse known to still be in existence. Actress Mercedes McCambridge, who died in 2004, gave the costume to Rev. Gilbert Hartke in 1973 as a ‘thank you’ for helping her through her substance use issues. Now, the priest’s niece, Barbara Hartke, contends that the dress belongs to her, as the heir of her uncle’s estate. Continue reading →

City to Paws Influence

Cat code

Lawsuits against pets may not only produce an interesting storyline in local news, but may also result in a high payday for the owner. A recent issue, concerning a house cat roaming freely in a Washington neighborhood, has reached national headlines. Miska, owned by Anna Danieli, has been the subject of a three-year legal battle. Due to allegations that Miska provoked other pets in the neighborhood and trespassed on surrounding properties, Danieli has been required to pay fines in excess of $30,000. The toxicity of the situation escalated to the point of animal control temporarily throwing the cat in feline jail. Continue reading →