Missouri Appeals Court Upholds $177 Million Verdict in Favor of Sheriff’s Deputy Assaulted at Hyatt Regency

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — In a significant reaffirmation of a jury’s verdict, the Missouri Court of Appeals has upheld a $177 million award to Shannon Dugan, a New Jersey sheriff’s deputy who endured a sexual assault by a security guard at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis. The substantial judgment consists of $28 million in compensatory damages linked to Dugan’s suffering and $149 million aimed as a punitive measure against Hyatt for their gross negligence and mishandling in the aftermath of the incident. During the legal proceedings, it became evident that Hyatt had faltered significantly in … Read more

Court Rules in Favor of UVM in Suit Brought by Students for Justice in Palestine

Burlington, VT — A lawsuit filed by the Students for Justice in Palestine against the University of Vermont has been dismissed, a federal judge ruled this week. The lawsuit alleged the university had failed to adequately address antisemitic harassment directed at members of the student group, but the court found insufficient grounds to proceed with the claims. The case, which has been closely followed by legal experts and advocates for campus free speech, highlights the growing tension surrounding the intersection of free speech and campus safety. UVM had been accused of violating civil rights statutes … 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

Jury Rules in Favor of Apple, Awards $250 Million in Smartwatch Patent Dispute Against Masimo

In a significant legal victory, Apple Inc. has been awarded a $250 million jury verdict against Masimo Corp., a medical technology company that had accused the tech giant of infringing on its patents related to smartwatch technology. The decision was reached in Wilmington, Delaware, marking a crucial moment in the ongoing disputes over technology and intellectual property rights in the burgeoning field of wearable devices. The jury found that Apple did not infringe on Masimo’s patents, a decision that underscores the intense competition and high stakes in the market for health-focused technology products. Masimo had … Read more