Posted inLawsuits

Hit Me With a Lawsuit

A smartphone displaying the Facebook login screen rests on a wooden surface. To the right, Scrabble tiles spell out "SOCIAL MEDIA.
Spears strikes back

Jamie Spears is striking back at blogger and “Absolute Britney” website developer, Anthony Elia.  In a lawsuit filed recently, Jamie Spears, who has served as Britney Spears’ conservator since 2008, alleges Elia inflicted malicious intent to defame him. In Elia’s blog, he concocts conspiracy theories about Jamie’s apparent power over Britney.  Two theories include Jamie’s misrepresentation of Britney on her social media accounts to make her appear crazy, and not allowing Britney to regain control over her own life.  The blog has evolved into a “Free Britney” campaign, attracting many followers.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

If the Sandal Was on the Other Foot, You Would Sue Too

A close-up of a person's feet wearing blue flip-flops, standing on a stone pathway above a body of water. The water below is a mix of blue and green hues, and the stone surface has various shades of beige and gray.
Fashion is fierce

Bernardo is a household name for luxury designer footwear.  Currently, this company has made a name for itself as “plaintiff” in several patent infringement lawsuits, centering around the design of their ornamental thong sandals.  Since obtaining the patent in 2008, Bernardo and its parent company JPT Group have filed eleven lawsuits against other shoe and lifestyle brand companies.  Some of the eleven companies Bernardo has taken legal action against are Old Navy, Famous Footwear, Balenciaga, and Pedro Garcia.  Most recently, the company has accused Tory Burch of infringing upon their intellectual property rights.  In particular, the Tory Burch Emmy Pearl Sandal closely resembles the design of the Bernardo thong sandal.  

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

A Chemical Mist Strikes a Small Village in Illinois

A misty forest with dense pine trees partially obscured by fog. The scene conveys a calm and mysterious atmosphere, with the green treetops disappearing into the mist.
Toxic fog

A seemingly unintentional, yet negligent chemical leak in Beach Park, IL sent 37 people to the hospital with reactions to anhydrous ammonia exposure.  Following this April 25 incident, five individuals have moved forward with filing a lawsuit against the driver of the vehicle that seeped the chemical into the atmosphere, as well as the farm that employed the driver. The five individuals include a motorist who drove through the cloud of chemicals, a Lake County sheriff’s deputy, a Beach Park firefighter, and two nearby residents who were in their homes at the time of the leak. 

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Employees Gain Support in Casino Discrimination Claim

A close-up of a poker hand with the Ace and King of spades being revealed. Red and white poker chips are stacked nearby on a green felt table, alongside visible playing cards laid out face-up in the background.
Weighing the evidence

A lawsuit ten years in the making, five former Atlantic City Borgata Casino cocktail waitresses finally have the chance to speak at trial in defense of their gender discrimination claim.  In their argument, the christened “Borgata Babes” faced a hostile work environment, in which they were forced to adhere to certain weight requirements.  In the event of pregnancies or adverse health conditions, the women were either suspended for their weight gain or were pressured into ceasing medications that contributed to the weight gain.  As part of their job, the cocktail waitresses were subjected to routine weigh-ins, and were forbidden to gain more than 7% of their weight from when they started working as a Babe.  While some contend that this policy is discriminatory to women, others believe these employees were fully aware of the policies before commencing employment.  A jury will be left to decide their fate.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Racing for a Win in the Courtroom

Horses with jockeys in colorful uniforms race on a sandy track, leaving a trail of dust. The riders lean forward, urging their horses to run faster as they approach a bend, surrounded by a backdrop of trees and spectators.
They’re not horsing around

In the aftermath of perhaps one of the largest upsets in horse racing history, the owners of the would-be triumphant horse, Maximum Security, filed a lawsuit in the US District Court in Frankfort, KY.  Those who did not tune into the 145th Kentucky Derby on May 4 missed a historically controversial event.  Maximum Security allegedly interfered with other horses during part of the race, and as a result, two jockeys challenged the victory.  After a prolonged and careful review of the entire race, the three stewards decided that Maximum Security did impede the momentum of other horses.  With Maximum Security’s disqualification, the second place finisher, Country House, was announced as the winner of the Derby.  Although this was a heartbreaking loss for the otherwise undefeated Maximum Security, his owners, Gary and Mary West, are not accepting the defeat without a fight.

2 minutes