Posted inLawsuits

Sunny News to Share

A vintage typewriter with the word "News" typed on a sheet of paper. The typewriter is black and has a mechanical design, with the paper positioned in the roller at the top.
Actor’s payback against newspaper

Although he has portrayed a wide range of characters that have highlighted his acting talents, Hugh Grant is refusing to allow certain newspaper outlets from tapping into his private life off screen.  In a recent lawsuit filed by the actor, Grant’s legal counsel disparages the journalism tactics that incorporate the invasion of privacy of phone correspondence, breaking and entering, and car bugging.  According to Grant’s claim, these methods were specifically utilized by the newspaper the Sun in crafting gossip articles.  The essential claim in the case centers on the misuse of private information, gathered unlawfully and at the very least, unethically.

2 minutes
Posted inSettlements

Dispute Closes Curtain

Red, plush theater seats are arranged in a row, with the number 23 visible on one. The interior is softly lit, reflecting an elegant and classic theater ambiance.
Theater argument

Standing at 527 North Grand Boulevard in the Grand Center neighborhood of St. Louis, the Fox Theatre has maintained its status and prestige as a city landmark, earning the moniker, the “Fabulous Fox.”  Despite its well renowned history, preservation, and extended use, in 2021, the Fox Theatre became the subject of a land dispute lawsuit involving two parties who claimed ownership of the property.  Given the interesting arrangement of existing ownership percentages, it is arguably natural or at least expected that a legal disagreement would develop.  In the two years since its filing, however, the lawsuit has been settled.  

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Barking for Alternatives

A tabby cat with a red collar sits on the grass, looking to the side, next to a fluffy black and white puppy lying down. The scene is outdoors on a sunny day with green trees in the background.
Generic is not necessarily basic

Pet owners may pause (or paws) to consider the brand of flea-and-tick medications that they administer to their dogs or cats.  In a recent consumer protection-related lawsuit, exclusivity contracts are allegedly to blame for the lack of variety in widespread drug products available to pet owners.  According to the claim, if given the fair opportunity to purchase generic options, consumers of Advantage II and K9 Advantix II topical flea-and-tick treatments could have saved a lot of money.  As the patent guidelines diminished within the appropriate timeframe, generic brands became available to the market about six years ago.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Settlement is a Juul

A person wearing a green hoodie stands in front of a window with blinds. Smoke swirls around, partially obscuring their face. The background shows an out-of-focus building.
E-cigarette marketing mishap

Initially filed in 2019, King County, WA targeted the company that produces and markets Juul e-cigarette products, Juul Labs Inc.  In the lawsuit, the plaintiff claimed that Juul purposefully advertised its flavored vapor devices to teenagers and a younger generation.  Although the e-cigarette company challenged the claims brought against the company, the parties involved have agreed to settle the Washington state lawsuit for $23 million.  While based on the settlement agreement, King County may accumulate an additional $1.8 million, the compensation awarded in the lawsuit will aid in the funding of local tobacco-use prevention programs.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Unsweetened Legal Battle

Close-up of finely chopped dark chocolate pieces scattered on a dark surface. The focus is on irregular chunks and shavings, creating a rich, textured appearance. A blurred background shows hints of a yellow object.
Chocolate factory disaster

A natural gas leak has been identified as the possible determining factor in an explosion that took place in a chocolate factory, located in Berks County, PA.  Although authorities are still investigating the exact reason for the explosion, the impact was so intense that it leveled one of the factory buildings.  The blast caused the deaths of seven employees.  In a new lawsuit filed against the chocolate factory owner, R.M. Palmer Co., the plaintiff is claiming that employees complained about smelling the scent of natural gas on the day of the explosion; however, the owner allegedly ignored their concerns. 

2 minutes