North Carolina Family Calls for Policy Change After Child Suffers Serious Injuries in Dog Attack

HAMPSTEAD, N.C. — In the small community of Hampstead, North Carolina, a family’s sense of safety was shattered over a month ago when a neighborhood dog attacked 7-year-old Cason while he was playing in his front yard. Tracy Smith, Cason’s grandmother, recounted the harrowing moment when the dog, which they were watching for a neighbor, suddenly turned aggressive and targeted Cason, inflicting severe injuries. During the incident, Smith witnessed the dog latch onto the back of Cason’s head, leaving him with seven deep lacerations, four of which were serious enough to expose his skull. “Just … Read more

South Carolina Jury Awards $63.4 Million in Mesothelioma Case Linked to Johnson & Johnson’s Talc Products

Columbia, South Carolina – A South Carolina jury has awarded $63.4 million to Michael Perry, a man who claims his mesothelioma was caused by prolonged use of Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based baby powder. Diagnosed in July 2023, Perry asserted that his cancer stemmed from daily exposure to the product. In addition to Johnson & Johnson, the co-defendant, American International Industries (AII), a cosmetics manufacturer known for its beauty and skincare products, was also found liable by the jury. Throughout the trial, evidence presented by Perry’s legal team suggested that Johnson & Johnson had knowledge of … Read more

North Carolina Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Bars and Restaurants in Landmark COVID-19 Insurance Claim

Raleigh, North Carolina — In a landmark decision, the North Carolina Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of 15 local bars and restaurants in a dispute over COVID-19 insurance coverage with Cincinnati Insurance Company. This unanimous decision underscored the broad interpretation of “direct physical loss” under commercial property insurance policies, including losses stemming from government-mandated shutdowns due to the pandemic. The case, centered around North State Deli and 14 other businesses, has been closely watched for its potential implications on similar insurance disputes nationwide. The court’s interpretation extends coverage to encompass temporary closures and usage … Read more

South Carolina Judge Disqualified from Cases After Son Wins Solicitor Election

Chesterfield County, SC — A significant shake-up in South Carolina’s judicial system was prompted by a recent familial election outcome when the South Carolina Supreme Court issued a ruling to disqualify a circuit judge after the election of his son as a solicitor in the same circuit. The court order, dated December 20, outlined that Judge Paul M. Burch of the 4th Judicial Circuit will no longer preside over criminal cases or any civil proceedings connected to the office held by his newly elected son, Paul Michael “Mike” Burch Jr., who will serve as the … Read more