Disney Settles Gender Pay Discrimination Claims for $43 Million, Paving the Way for Future Equity Audits

LOS ANGELES — Walt Disney Co. has agreed to pay $43 million to resolve pay discrimination allegations from a group of female employees, following a ruling by a California state judge on Monday. The settlement addresses claims that the company paid female employees significantly less than their male colleagues for comparable work. Judge Elihu Berle commended the legal representation for the plaintiffs, awarding $14 million in attorneys’ fees. He described their work as “outstanding” in navigating the complex legal landscape these cases often present. This settlement concludes a protracted legal battle that has unfolded over … Read more

Justice Served: Jury Awards $60 Million to Man Wrongfully Charged by Disgraced Michigan Prosecutor

DETROIT — In a significant ruling, a jury awarded nearly $60 million to Sean MacMaster, who claimed that a former Michigan prosecutor and a police officer violated his rights in an alleged sexual abuse case that was ultimately dismissed. The jury found that Brian Kolodziej and state police Lt. David Busacca acted with “intentional disregard for the truth” as they pursued charges against MacMaster. The jury’s award included $33 million to address lost wages, emotional distress, and damage to MacMaster’s reputation, along with an additional $25 million in punitive damages due to the “malicious” nature … Read more

Jury Awards $2.2 Million to Protester Shot in the Face by LAPD During 2020 Police Brutality Demonstration

LOS ANGELES — A jury has awarded over $2.2 million to a protester injured during a demonstration against police brutality in 2020, after he was struck in the face by a less-lethal projectile fired by a sheriff’s deputy. The jury’s ruling came last week, determining that Los Angeles County was responsible for the injuries sustained by Cellin Gluck, a filmmaker known for works such as “Oba: The Last Samurai.” Gluck’s damages were estimated at $3.5 million, while an additional $300,000 was granted to his daughter for the emotional distress she experienced during the incident. However, … Read more

Long Beach Man Awarded $5.19 Million After Tree Branch Incident: A Warning on Urban Tree Maintenance

LONG BEACH, Calif. — A jury recently awarded $5.19 million to a man who sustained serious injuries when a tree branch fell on him in El Dorado Park, highlighting concerns over city tree maintenance. Joseph Robinson, 68, was walking his dog, Cookie, when a 200-pound branch knocked him unconscious. Cookie escaped unharmed and ran for help, while bystanders worked to free Robinson, who was subsequently rushed to the hospital. Robinson’s attorney, Brian Breiter, described the injuries his client suffered as life-altering. Robinson experienced spinal damage requiring surgical intervention to fuse two parts of his spine, … Read more