Industries

Emerging Profit-Driven Climate Lawsuits Pose New Risks for U.S. Industries

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Washington, D.C. – A new wave of legal challenges is shifting the landscape for American companies, particularly within the sectors of energy, transportation, and utilities. This shift is not rooted in technological disruptions or competitive market forces, but in a rising trend of for-profit climate change lawsuits. These cases could potentially reshape how businesses approach environmental accountability. For-profit climate litigation refers to lawsuits filed not just to seek justice or environmental remediation but also to yield financial returns. This new legal frontier is leading to an increased frequency of suits targeting companies for their roles … Read more

Rising Tide of For-Profit Climate Change Lawsuits Poses New Challenges for U.S. Industries

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Washington, D.C. — An increasing number of American industries, particularly within the sectors of energy, transportation, and utilities, are confronting a novel and escalating threat that has little to do with market dynamics or technological innovation. The growing phenomenon of for-profit climate change lawsuits is poised to redefine corporate liabilities and environmental accountability. As climate change becomes a central focus for regulatory and public scrutiny, a new frontier in environmental litigation is taking shape. This shift involves private entities and individuals taking legal action against businesses, accusing them of contributing to global warming and environmental … Read more

Future Implications of Key Legal Developments in 2023 Shaping Various Industries: From Rejecting Overly Ambitious PFAS Class Actions to Amendments of Federal Rule 702 on Expert Witness Testimony

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Harriss Beach Attorneys Abbie Eliasberg Fuchs, Daniel R. Strecker, and Alessandra G. Ash have analyzed key judicial holdings and legal developments in federal court and tort hotspots across the country that have impacted the industry in 2023 and may shape the years ahead. They have shared potential implications for future cases in regards to these topics: – The Sixth Circuit has rejected an overly ambitious PFAS class action. – The Hair Relaxer MDL is proceeding. – Illinois now permits punitive damages in wrongful death cases and has increased the availability of expedited trials. – California … Read more