Category Archives: Settlements

Pickup a Dismissal

Trucking along

A federal judge has recently dismissed a class action lawsuit that exposed the existence of emissions defeat devices in Ford Super Duty pickup trucks. Originally filed in 2018, the “cheat” devices, which were apparently embedded in the engine control module software of 2011–2017 F-250 and F-350 pickups with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8, have allowed the trucks to pass emissions tests. About 500,000 trucks were impacted and the original lawsuit sought $4.2 billion. Since 2018, over 25 claimants have dropped claims, which likely contributed to the judge’s decision. Continue reading →

Trust Fund Snuffed in MS

Healthcare focus

A 25-year-old case is emerging from the filing cabinet as a point of interest for Mississippians. In 1997, Mike Moore, who served as the state’s Attorney General at that time, announced a national settlement against the tobacco companies. The lawsuit placed restrictions on cigarette advertising to the nation’s youth and allowed funding opportunities for the campaign against tobacco use. Although the impact of the settlement is significant, with the percentage of youth smoking decreasing from 27% to 4% and adult smoking reducing from 30% to 12%, there is a growing problem with the failure to maintain a trust fund in Mississippi. Continue reading →

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 →

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 →

Moving Toward an Agreement

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. Continue reading →