Federal

Emerging Trends in 2024: AI, Public Nuisance, Right to Repair, PFAS Claims, and Federal Rule of Evidence 702

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WASHINGTON, DC – As we enter a new year, it is essential to keep an eye on emerging trends that could shape the landscape of products liability and mass torts in 2024. These trends have the potential to impact various industries, from technology to consumer goods. Let’s take a closer look at five key developments that could have significant implications. Firstly, the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a potential hotbed for mass tort claims. As AI becomes more prevalent, there may be cases of defective product design or defective code that could lead … Read more

Federal Judge Rules California’s Ammunition Background Checks Violate Constitutional Right to Bear Arms

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SAN DIEGO – A federal judge in San Diego has ruled that California’s law requiring background checks for ammunition purchases is unconstitutional, as it violates the right to bear arms protected by the Second Amendment. U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez argued that the background checks have “no historical pedigree” and treat all citizens as if they have no right to buy ammunition. The judge, who was appointed by former President George W. Bush, also criticized California’s handling of the more than 1 million annual background checks, deeming the 11% rejection rate to be too high. … Read more

U.S. Steel Agrees to $42 Million Settlement for Violating Federal Clean Air Laws

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HARRISBURG, Pa. – U.S. Steel has reached a settlement in a lawsuit that accused the company of violating federal clean air laws. The lawsuit, filed by environmental groups Clean Air Council, PennEnvironment, and the Allegheny County Health Department, alleged that the Pittsburgh-based company operated plants without desulfurization controls for over three months, resulting in the release of sulfurous gas into nearby towns. The settlement, which is now being reviewed by a federal judge, includes provisions for $37 million worth of improvements to U.S. Steel’s pollution control and plant reliability systems at its Mon Valley Works … Read more

Federal Court Awards E. Jean Carroll $83.3 Million in Damages for Donald Trump’s Defamatory Comments, Setting Historic Precedent

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New York – A federal court jury in New York awarded E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million in damages for defamatory comments made by former President Donald Trump. These comments, made in 2019, attacked her character and subsequently led to years of threats and harassment from Trump’s supporters. The majority of the award, $65 million, came in the form of punitive damages after jurors determined that Trump acted maliciously and recklessly towards Carroll following her accusation of sexual assault against him in the 1990s. An additional $18.3 million was awarded to her as compensatory damages. This … Read more