Tort Law

Shook Hardy Smokes ‘Em

Tough litigation tactics and low rates make this Kansas City firm the darling of corporate America—and the bête noire of product liability plaintiffs

Oct 1, 2008 9:45 PM CDT

Final Answer for Victim’s Family in Boston ‘Big Dig’ Death: $28M

The family of a 38-year-old woman who was crushed to death in 2006 when a portion of the so-called “Big Dig” tunnel ceiling collapsed in Boston will get $28 million in settlements, after reaching an agreement with the remaining defendants in the wrongful death case. “Milena Del Valle’s family agreed…

Oct 1, 2008 8:06 PM CDT

Sonar, F-Bombs and Public Parks

An eclectic blend of cases and three-a-day arguments are on tap this term

Oct 1, 2008 6:45 PM CDT

Fired for On-the-Job Sex at Neiman’s, Ex-Workers Sue Over Videotape

Two former security employees at a Neiman Marcus department store near Chicago were fired after a video camera allegedly twice caught the “close friends” allegedly involved in “sexual activity” with each other last year in a loss prevention office. Now they are suing the store in Cook County Circuit Court,…

Oct 1, 2008 4:47 PM CDT

Texas Law Firm Takes $840K Plea, Profited from Auto Accident Scheme

A law firm in Dallas has agreed to pay $840,000 restitution in exchange for an agreed sentence of probation in a federal mail and health care fraud conspiracy case. The case was sparked by an alleged scheme to stage auto accidents involving almost 30 defendants, including two legal assistants. Officers…

Oct 1, 2008 3:05 PM CDT

Judge Lifts FDIC’s Oct. 14 Deadline for IndyMac Borrowers to File Claims

A California federal judge has temporarily lifted a federal deadline for borrowers to file federal claims against IndyMac Bank in a lawsuit that claims the plaintiffs were lured into deceptive loans. The Daily Journal (sub. req.) reports on the reasons for the temporary restraining order by U.S. District Judge Alicemarie…

Oct 1, 2008 11:29 AM CDT

Double Trouble for Italian Attorney & Unlicensed Twin

Overwhelmed with work in her law practice and part-time position as a substitute judge, a 54-year-old Italian attorney allegedly exercised an option that isn’t available to most of her colleagues: She apparently sent her twin to cover her defense caseload when she was called in to work as a judge…

Sep 30, 2008 9:39 PM CDT

As Real Estate Market Sank, Legal Malpractice Claims Rose

Although the worst of the mortgage meltdown was then still in the future, a ABA study of legal malpractice claims from 2004 to 2007 showed that related legal malpractice claims rose as the real estate market fell. Such legal malpractice claims are up about four percentage points, according to the…

Sep 30, 2008 8:46 PM CDT

Struggling Ed McMahon Sued Again, Raps to Raise Moola

Another creditor has filed suit against Ed McMahon, claiming that the aging entertainer and his wife haven’t repaid a $100,000 loan. The lawsuit was filed by the Griffin Group, a management company associated with the late entertainer Merv Griffin, in Los Angeles Superior Court earlier this month, reports E! Online.…

Sep 30, 2008 8:10 PM CDT

Florida Family Files Tort Claim Over Delayed Worker’s Comp Benefits

Blinded in a workplace shooting four years ago that killed several others, 34-year-old Jamie Dolan also reportedly suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and panic attacks. He has been awarded $1,300 a month in worker’s compensation benefits, plus medical expenses. But getting the latter has been a struggle, according to the…

Sep 30, 2008 6:35 PM CDT

Judge Says Raisinets, Not Damages, Are Option for Popcorn Plaintiff

Fat and calories aren’t the only hidden risks of movie theater popcorn. The unpopped kernels also post dental dangers, but that doesn’t mean the cinema has to pay for broken teeth, a Manhattan judge has ruled. Judge Matthew Cooper dismissed the suit by an insurance broker who sought more than…

Sep 30, 2008 1:54 PM CDT

Shareholder Suits in Uphill Battle Due to Current Financial Crisis

Despite predictions that the current U.S. economic crisis will bring more business to a number of lawyers, it is also likely to mean more work and less pay for others. Among those for whom the United States financial situation is creating an uphill battle is plaintiffs lawyers in shareholder suits,…

Sep 29, 2008 9:27 PM CDT

Add Ticket Spats to Sign Dispute Sparked By Chicago Cubs’ Success

As fans of the Chicago Cubs eagerly await the playoffs and the team’s possible participation in baseball’s World Series, the situation is testing once-amicable sharing arrangements among groups of season-ticket holders. A lawsuit was filed yesterday in Illinois state court by two business partners who claim an 84-year-old fan reneged…

Sep 26, 2008 5:50 PM CDT

Pennsylvania Law Firm Claims Websites Free-Ride on Its Name

A Pennsylvania law firm has sued a Canadian domain name registry, claiming that it helped create websites that free-ride on the Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn name. The Kingston personal injury firm, which is also known by its HKQ acronym, alleges in the federal suit that Domain Discreet registered website names…

Sep 26, 2008 3:35 PM CDT

Erin Brockovich Signs On With NYC Law Firm

Ever wonder what happened to legal crusader Erin Brockovich after Julia Roberts earned an Oscar for the role in the major Hollywood motion picture named for her? The New York Post reports that Brockovich, who took on PG&E and won, has landed a gig as a consultant with New York’s…

Sep 26, 2008 1:57 PM CDT