Projected Paraquat Settlement Payouts: Updates on Parkinson’s Lawsuits

Chicago, Illinois – The Paraquat class action lawsuits continue to grow as more plaintiffs come forward alleging that the herbicide caused them to develop Parkinson’s disease. As of January 2023, there are over 2,300 cases pending in the Paraquat multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the federal courts. The litigation has seen a significant increase in the number of new cases filed each month, with an average of over 200 new cases per month in 2022. The plaintiffs in these lawsuits claim that exposure to Paraquat, a popular weed killer, led to their Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. They … Read more

Former Kentucky County Clerk Kim Davis Ordered to Pay $260,000 in Attorney Fees for Denying Gay Couples’ Marriage Licenses

MOREHEAD, Kentucky – Former Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis has been ordered by a federal judge to pay approximately $260,000 in attorney fees and expenses to a same-sex couple she denied a marriage license to in 2015. This comes in addition to the $100,000 she was previously ordered to pay the couple in September. The couple’s attorney, Michael Gartland of DelCotto Law Group, expressed satisfaction with the ruling. Gartland has represented the couple throughout the legal proceedings, but did not comment on the latest ruling. The $260,000 amount includes payment to his law firm. Liberty … Read more

Missouri’s Nonpartisan Circuit Courts Welcome New Lawyer Members for Judicial Candidate Selection Process

City, State – Missouri’s six nonpartisan circuit courts have recently welcomed new lawyer members to their judicial candidate selection bodies. These members were elected through local elections held in November, replacing lawyers whose terms expired at the end of last year. The circuit commissions consist of two elected lawyers, two nonlawyer members appointed by the governor, and the chief judge of the Court of Appeals district associated with the circuit. Among the newly appointed members is Scott Campbell, a criminal defense and family law practitioner based in Platte City. He now joins the 6th Circuit … Read more

Overhauling Absentee Ballot Standards: Dane County Judge Rules Witness Address Requirements Invalid

City, State – In a significant development regarding the standards for a witness’ address on an absentee ballot envelope, a Dane County judge has issued two rulings that will reshape the criteria for these ballots to be counted. The judge’s decisions include dismissing the Elections Commission’s requirement for street number, street name, and municipality on the envelope. Additionally, the judge ruled that clerks cannot reject absentee ballots if witnesses fail to include certain information, such as the ZIP code or municipality. These rulings contradict a previous decision made by a Waukesha County judge in September … Read more