Author Archives: Kristen Ferrigno

Widow of Short Hills Carjacking Victim Sues the Mall

A decrease in mall security may have lead to carjacking, leaving NJ man dead.

The widow of carjacking victim Dustin Friedland is filing suit against The Mall at Short Hills. Her husband was shot and killed during a violent carjacking that took place in the mall parking deck on December 25, 2013. She is alleging that the owners of the upscale shopping mall located in Short Hills, New Jersey put profits ahead of security when they sidelined off duty police officers several years ago. Jamie Schar Friedland is requesting an unspecified amount in damages after the tragic loss of her husband. Also named in the suit are security contractors, the mall’s general manager and first aid squad.

Katherine Heigl Sues Duane Reade over Twitter Photo

Twitter trouble

Actress, Katherine Heigl is suing Duane Reade for using an unauthorized picture of her leaving one of their NYC stores with 2 of the chains large shopping bags in tote. The $6 million dollar suit includes an image taken by paparazzi and mention of the actress on Duane Reads twitter page. It read: “Love a quick #DuaneReade run? Even @KatieHeigl can’t resist shopping #NYC’s favorite drugstore” (Gershman 2014).It is alleged that the act is in violation of the Lanham Act, a federal statute that protects celebrities from deceptive advertising, leading the public to believe they endorse a company and or product.

California Man Blames Casino after Gambling Away Half a Million Dollars

The Drinks Will Cost You!

Mark Johnston is suing a Las Vegas casino after losing $500,000 at a blackjack table. Johnson alleges that employees of the Downtown Grand Las Vegas served him so much alcohol that it caused him to blackout and he was unable to remember what happened. It is said that Johnston was visibly drunk and slurring his words therefore, should not have been allowed to gamble. Johnston believes that he was plied with liquor and victimized, he goes on to say “Just picture a drunk walking the street and he’s drunk, and someone pickpockets and takes his money from him. That’s how I characterize it,” Johnston said. “I feel like it’s the days of old Vegas, the way they’ve been extorting me with letters and attorneys” (Martinez, 2014).

Trouble in Texas for Ricky Bobby Sports Saloon

Lawsuit on tap

Sony pictures is filing a trademark lawsuit against “Ricky Bobby Sports Saloon & Restaurant” in Fort Worth, Texas, where scantily clad waitresses are referred to as “Smokin Hotties”. The restaurant is said to be inspired by the 2006 Will Ferrell Film ‘Talladega Nights’ which causes concern for Sony Pictures. The studio has a number of complaints that include, misleading customers about the source of origin for the Ricky Bobby Saloon. According to the suit Sony was not asked permission and is now demanding that that the restaurant pay up.

Connecticut Man Sues Citi Bike

Bikers beware

Ronald Corwin is suing Citi Bike for $15 million. He currently suffers nerve damage in his brain as a result of a Citi Bike crash in NYC last October. Corwin was injured when he flipped over a bicycle he was riding after his front wheel hit a concrete barrier installed next to the bicycle docking station at E. 56th St. and Madison Ave. As a result of the crash Corwin currently suffers from traumatic nerve palsy that has left him unable to taste and smell. “Everything tastes like cardboard,” says Smiley (Corwin’s lawyer). “It’s terrible. He’s lost the pleasure of tasting food and of literally smelling the roses” (Lazzaro, 2014).