Liability

Recent Verdicts Shed Light on the Power of Punitive Damages in Product Liability Cases

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Philadelphia, San Diego, and St. Louis – Four separate products liability trials ended with large plaintiff verdicts in October and November 2023, highlighting the potential danger of punitive damages. Three of these verdicts were against Monsanto in Roundup weed killer cases, while the fourth was against Mitsubishi. The bulk of the awards, totaling $3 billion, was punitive damages alone. In Philadelphia, a jury awarded $175 million to a plaintiff who developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using Roundup for over 20 years. The jury found Monsanto liable for negligently designing Roundup and failing to warn consumers about … Read more

Landmark Ruling: Fourth Circuit Determines Indictment Not Considered a ‘Claim’ Under Lawyer’s Liability Policy

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Columbia, MD – In a recent decision, the Fourth Circuit ruled in favor of Wiley’s clients, stating that a federal indictment with a criminal forfeiture allegation does not qualify as a “claim” under a law firm’s professional liability policy. The court argued that a forfeiture allegation does not meet the requirements of a “written demand” as outlined in the policy’s definition of a claim. The case involved an insured attorney who sought coverage for a Department of Justice subpoena and subsequent criminal indictment. The indictment charged the attorney with conspiracy, money laundering, and forfeiture related … Read more

From Journalism to Law: Meet Will, the Creative Problem-Solver Standing up for Mass Tort and Product Liability Victims

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Chicago, IL – Will, an attorney focusing on mass tort and product liability cases, has had a unique journey that led him to his current career path. With a background in journalism and web development, he initially chose a different direction. However, the global impact of COVID-19 prompted him to make a change, recognizing the perfect opportunity for a career shift. Will’s passion for learning and his diverse skill set make him a valuable asset to the Mass Tort & Product Liability team. Growing up in a family with legal professionals, Will was naturally drawn … Read more

5 Emerging Trends in Products Liability & Mass Torts: AI, Public Nuisance, Right to Repair, PFAS Claims, Expert Testimony

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Houston, TX – The landscape of products liability and mass torts is set to undergo significant changes in the coming years. Here are five key trends to watch in this legal arena: Firstly, the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) may lead to the emergence of mass tort claims related to defective product design or defective code. As AI becomes more prevalent in various industries, the potential for legal challenges based on AI-related issues is growing. Secondly, the use of Public Nuisance as a means of assigning liability in mass torts is on the rise. … Read more