The recent conclusion of a trial in Los Angeles has resulted in a significant $40 million verdict against pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson. The Los Angeles Superior Court jury, after just one day of deliberation, awarded this amount in compensatory damages to two women. They claimed that the company’s talc-based baby powder contributed to their…
In a recent development, a Pennsylvania federal judge has dismissed Hagens Berman’s bid for recusal following a referral to the U.S. Department of Justice. The firm, which is entrenched in a protracted product liability lawsuit, found its request denied on grounds that the claims were deemed “absurd” by the presiding judge. This decision follows closely…
Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani (GRSM), a national law firm, has strengthened its Arizona operations with the addition of Melissa Lin. Lin, known for her extensive experience in complex civil litigation, joins the firm’s Phoenix office, reflecting GRSM’s strategic focus on expanding its footprint in the southwestern United States. Her appointment is part of a broader…
In a recent development that has captured the attention of legal professionals nationwide, a federal judge in Pennsylvania has referred Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP to the U.S. Department of Justice. The recommendation for an investigation comes after a special master determined that the firm engaged in the filing of several product liability cases in…
In a significant move for the pharmaceutical industry, Incyte Corporation has appointed Amanda M. Rose, a distinguished life sciences attorney from Goodwin, as its new General Counsel. This development comes as Incyte continues to expand its drug portfolio and operational capabilities across global markets. Amanda Rose brings with her a wealth of experience in handling…
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit recently expressed skepticism regarding the decision by U.S. District Judge Denise Cote to dismiss the testimony of all five plaintiff experts connecting acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, to autism and ADHD in children. During oral arguments, the panel criticized aspects of Judge Cote’s ruling, suggesting a…
The legal landscape surrounding Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder products is under intense scrutiny as a significant trial commenced in Los Angeles. This trial, featuring plaintiffs Monica Kent and Deborah Schultz, who both developed ovarian cancer, marks a critical moment in a series of coordinated talcum powder lawsuits unfolding within California’s state courts. The implications…
In a significant legal victory, Dykema Gossett successfully defended General Motors against a potential $73 million verdict in a case concerning a vehicle crash. The trial, held in the Eighth Judicial District Court in Las Vegas, involved a claim by Allie Mead, who alleged that a defective lap belt in a Chevrolet pickup truck was…
In a significant development for corporate liability in manufacturing, U.S. District Judge Lindsay C. Jenkins of the Northern District of Illinois has advanced a case involving a New Jersey-based electric cable manufacturer, Wind Turbines and Energy Cables Corp. (WTEC). The litigation centers on alleged faulty products, with potential damages reaching $2.5 million for breach of…
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP has strategically expanded its litigation capabilities by adding Kit Roth, a litigator from Goldfarb & Huck, to its Seattle office. The move reflects Morgan Lewis’s commitment to bolstering its West Coast presence, particularly in complex commercial litigation. Kit Roth, known for his expertise in handling high-stakes cases, brings significant experience…
The evolving landscape of product liability is being tested as digital addiction litigation enters the courtroom. Plaintiffs are increasingly targeting technology companies, alleging that their platforms are engineered to be addictive and detrimental to users’ mental health. This burgeoning legal field signals a pivotal moment for how the law could regulate technologies that permeate daily…
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Joshua D. Dunlap, a partner at Pierce Atwood LLP, to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, marking a significant shift in the court’s composition. The confirmation vote concluded with a 52-46 majority, reflecting a predominantly partisan divide. Dunlap’s appointment fills the vacancy left by Judge William…
As the legal landscape evolves, several key cases are capturing the attention of legal professionals. Among the most significant trends is an escalating focus on litigation concerning charitable donations. The IRS has intensified its scrutiny of charitable contributions, prompting a noticeable uptick in related legal battles. This development stems from efforts to curb abuses in…
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit has revived a critical public nuisance lawsuit, reaffirming that the conditions arising from the over-distribution of opioids can be considered a public nuisance under West Virginia common law. This decision reopens litigation against opioid distributors including those represented by Reed Smith, Williams & Connolly, and Covington…
The recent decision by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to sue the makers of Tylenol—Kenvue and Johnson & Johnson—has sparked widespread debate in the legal and medical communities. Paxton accuses the companies of deceptively marketing Tylenol, asserting it leads to an increased risk of autism and other disorders. This claim has reignited discussions about product…
Greenberg Traurig, a global law firm with deep roots in various practice areas, has announced the strategic addition of litigator Colleen Frost to its New Jersey office. Previously with Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath, Frost brings a wealth of experience in complex commercial litigation to her new role. Her transition is poised to enhance Greenberg…
In a recent ruling, a judge sided with Abbott Laboratories in a case involving claims of product liability related to infant formula. The decision clarified distinctions between fortifiers and formulas under the Louisiana Products Liability Act, setting a significant precedent in the manufacturing of infant nutrition products. The ruling emerged from a lawsuit brought by…
In a significant development for ride-sharing giant Uber, a California jury ruled in favor of the company in a closely monitored sexual assault trial. This verdict marks a notable victory for Uber as it continues to face numerous claims regarding passenger safety and driver misconduct. The trial, often referred to as a “bellwether” case, was…
The recent decision by the Minnesota Appellate Court has significant implications for Samsung SDI in the ongoing litigation concerning exploding e-cigarette batteries. The court ruled that Minnesota courts do hold personal jurisdiction over Samsung SDI, a decision that comes amidst a series of lawsuits filed nationally. These cases involve plaintiffs who claim they suffered severe…
Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP has significantly expanded its Seattle office by adding 17 attorneys, including eight partners, from regional litigation firms Bullivant Houser Bailey PC and Lee Smart PS Inc. This strategic move underscores the firm’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the Pacific Northwest. In October 2023, Wilson Elser opened a…
In the ongoing legal dispute concerning the alleged mishandling of thalidomide lawsuits, plaintiffs firm Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP is contesting sanctions leveled against them. The firm faces allegations of improperly initiating product liability cases, which were subsequently dropped. During a response to a judge’s show cause order, Hagens Berman asserted that it dedicated extensive…
Barnes & Thornburg has expanded its product liability team by hiring Jason Wes as a partner in their Los Angeles office. This strategic addition underscores the firm’s commitment to bolstering its capabilities in complex product liability litigation, particularly on the West Coast. Wes brings a wealth of experience from his previous tenure, having represented clients…
The legal landscape surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) faces a potential shift as a new bill introduced by two United States senators aims to classify AI technologies as products under existing consumer protection laws. This legislative proposal seeks to enable individuals to pursue legal claims against companies when AI systems cause harm, illustrating a growing need…
The United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) convened on September 25, 2025, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, to deliberate on the consolidation and venue selection for various multidistrict litigations (MDLs). This session underscores the Panel’s ongoing commitment to streamlining complex federal cases to enhance judicial efficiency and consistency. Established by Congress in 1968…
Holland & Hart has made a strategic addition to its litigation team by recruiting Colin Graham from Perkins Coie, a move that underscores the firm’s commitment to strengthening its capabilities in Denver. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, firms are looking to bolster their teams with experienced litigators who can navigate complex legal challenges….