Posted inSettlements

Fire Up a New Claim

A white plate filled with golden-brown, seasoned fries is placed against a black background. The fries are evenly arranged and dusted with spices.
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.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Engaged in Tragedy

A wooden gavel rests on a thick green book atop a pile of U.S. hundred-dollar bills, set against a gray background, symbolizing law, justice, and financial matters.
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.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Follow the Road to Ownership

A curved path with flowers on one side and a stone path on the other runs alongside a body of water under an arched bridge. The scene is set on a cloudy day, with misty mountains in the background and greenery lining the path.
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.

2 minutes
Posted inSettlements

City to Paws Influence

A black and white cat with green eyes rests its front paws on a wooden ledge, with a calm expression. The background is a solid green.
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.

2 minutes
Posted inSettlements

Moving Toward an Agreement

Aerial view of a suburban neighborhood in autumn. Rows of houses with dark roofs are surrounded by trees with vibrant fall foliage in shades of red, orange, and yellow. The sun is setting in the cloudy sky.
Neighborhood disputes

New England is home to the country’s most beautiful residential properties, as well as the frivolous lawsuits that stem from neighbor disputes. Some of the more common quarrels shared across America’s neighborhoods involve fence or property lines, noisy pets, mischievous children, and parking or easement rights. While one Massachusetts family’s grievance is ending, a New Hampshire woman’s court battle with her neighbor is in the beginning stages. The common thread between the two issues is the prolonged attempt to resolve the disputes on their own, prior to filing claims in court.

2 minutes