Posted inLawsuits

Figuring out a Virginia Statue Dispute

A tall, intricately carved statue stands in a cemetery under a clear blue sky. The monument features a figure atop a column surrounded by gravestones, with barren trees and a distant view of hills in the background.
Erasing history?

In February 2017, the Charlottesville, VA City Council voted in favor of removing the statues of General Robert E. Lee and General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson from public parks in the city.  Prevalent characters in any American history book, these two men served as leaders of the Confederate military.  For their integral roles in the Civil War, they were honored with statues, erected in Charlottesville public parks in the early 1920’s.  Due to the sensitive nature of what these statues may represent, the Council agreed to have them taken down.  Supporters of preserving the historical significance of the statues, however, disagreed with the Council’s decision, and filed a lawsuit against the city in March 2017.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Patient Has Her Sights on Compensation

Close-up of a person's eye, featuring a vibrant blue iris with a detailed and intricate pattern. The skin around the eye is visible, showing the eyebrow and part of the eyelid.
An eye for an eye

We only get two eyes.  If we lose one, it does not grow back.  If damaged, the optic nerve cannot be transplanted.  When it is necessary to undergo surgery on the eye, or eyes, trust the operating doctor and read all paperwork in its entirety.  In August 2017, Sutton Dryfhout granted her pediatric ophthalmologist permission to operate on her left eye to correct a lazy eye and remove a cyst.  In a lawsuit filed in Cook County, IL recently, Dryfhout claims that her trusted doctor not only operated on the incorrect eye, but also falsified already signed paperwork. Dryfhout now suffers from continuous optical complications, including double vision. 

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Sweet Candy is Leaving Consumers Sour

A top view of a jar filled with colorful jelly beans in shades of red, yellow, blue, and purple on a neutral background.
A sweet settlement?

Movie theaters are notorious for selling overpriced candy, popcorn, and soda.  With a $4 box of candy from the concession counter, one would expect at least a full box of candy.  It is sometimes disappointing to find that only half of the large box is filled.  One California woman finally took a stand against this injustice; and filed a lawsuit against the Bethlehem-based Just Born candy company that manufacturers Mike & Ike’s.

2 minutes
Posted inSettlements

Lawsuit Did Not Sway in Ribeiro’s Favor

Close-up of a ballet dancer's feet in pointe shoes, showing the intricate crossed ribbons and well-worn satin against a neutral background. The dancer is poised on their toes, highlighting the grace and strength required for this position.
Copy that!

Anyone who is a fan of Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is privy to the “Carlton Dance.” Alfonso Ribeiro’s character is responsible for performing the iconic dance move. Despite the dance’s popular recognition, the US Copyright Office has refused to protect the dance move as a copyrighted work of choreography. While Ribeiro does not technically own the move, it did not stop him from taking legal action against the producers of the video games NBA 2K and Fortnite in December 2018. In the games, players are provided the option to have their virtual character perform the “Carlton Dance” as a way of expressing celebration.

2 minutes
Posted inLawsuits

Admission into a College Indictment

A blue graduation cap with a silver tassel and a "2019" charm rests on a dark surface.
Collegiate catastrophe

Dedicated students and athletes commit a majority of their young academic lives to preparing for college. That college diploma, as well as the university listed on their resumes, will play a huge factor into how the rest of their lives will unfold. One would hope the application process is fair and admission would only be granted to the most qualified students. However, when politics and money are involved, fair is not always the winning adjective.

2 minutes