Douglas County Jury Awards $5 Million to Whistleblower in Disability Discrimination Case Against East Wenatchee Water District

EAST WENATCHEE, Wash. — A jury in Douglas County has awarded $5 million to Brian Kniffen, a dedicated employee of the East Wenatchee Water District, who claimed he was wrongfully dismissed after sustaining a work-related spinal injury. Kniffen worked for nearly 30 years as a utility field inspector. In 2020, Kniffen injured his back while trying to open a stuck water main valve. Following the incident, he sought workplace accommodations to manage his recovery, including restrictions on his ability to lift heavy objects and manually operate valves. These recommendations were backed by the Washington State … Read more

Judge Denies Kroll’s Bid for Defense in East Palestine Derailment Compensation Controversy

Youngstown, Ohio – A federal judge has denied a request from Kroll Settlement Administration, the firm recently dismissed from its role in managing payments to victims of the East Palestine train derailment. The company sought the opportunity to provide its perspective and requested assurances that it would have the ability to defend itself against any future claims. Kroll had been overseeing the compensation process for individuals affected by the incident but was removed amidst concerns about its effectiveness. The derailment, which released hazardous materials, has had profound consequences for the local community, prompting a need … Read more

East Liverpool Gears Up for High-Stakes Jury Trial in Notorious Murder Case

EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio — A jury trial is set to commence in a high-stakes murder case that has captured the attention of the local community. The trial follows the arrest of a suspect accused of fatally shooting another individual in April 2021, an incident that has raised significant concerns about violence in the region. Investigators reported that the alleged victim, 32-year-old Jacob D. Smith, was found with multiple gunshot wounds outside a residence in East Liverpool. Authorities confirmed that the shooting occurred during a confrontation, prompting swift action by law enforcement. Emergency responders attempted to … Read more

East Brandywine Homeowners Win $3.25 Million Verdict Against Builder for Construction Defects

Downingtown, Pennsylvania — A jury in Chester County has awarded $3.25 million to three couples from East Brandywine Township in a case involving serious construction defects in their homes. These homeowners took legal action against Southdown Homes, the builder of their development, after experiencing significant water damage attributed to improper installation of building materials. The plaintiffs purchased their homes for prices ranging from $600,000 to $800,000 at a development known as the Estates at Hideaway Farms. Their lawsuits claimed that issues like water infiltration stemmed from faulty stucco and window installations, leading to substantial damage … Read more