Orders

Jury Orders $24.2 Million Payout to Former Port of Seattle Police Chief for Unlawful Termination

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Seattle, WA — In a landmark decision, a jury awarded Colleen Wilson, the former police chief of the Port of Seattle, a stunning $24.2 million over claims she was wrongfully terminated for raising ethical and safety concerns about the port’s operations. The verdict marks a significant moment asserting the rights of whistleblowers within the highly competitive, and often secretive, realm of public safety and security sectors. Wilson was removed from her role in 2019 under circumstances she claimed were retaliatory after she reported potential violations of law by port officials, along with various safety lapses … Read more

Judge Orders ACLU to Reinstate Worker Terminated Over Use of Controversial Language

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Washington — A federal judge has ordered the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to reinstate a former employee who was dismissed for using offensive language during a webinar. The decision, rendered on Thursday, underscores a complex issue of balancing workplace conduct standards with the principles of free speech, particularly within organizations devoted to the defense of civil liberties. The case arose when the employee, a noted civil rights advocate whose identity remains undisclosed due to the sensitivity of the termination process, used a racially charged term during a discussion on racial equality. This incident, which … Read more

Jury Orders Abbott to Pay $495 Million Over Premature Infant Formula Claims

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Chicago — A federal jury has ordered health care company Abbott to pay $495 million in damages after finding that the company’s infant formula products were linked to premature infants developing a serious gastrointestinal disease. This landmark case has cast a spotlight on the safety standards and regulatory oversight of products intended for some of society’s most vulnerable individuals—premature babies. The jury’s verdict concluded that Abbott was responsible for the widespread distribution of formulas that allegedly contributed to infants developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a dangerous condition predominantly affecting premature infants. This condition can lead to … Read more

Jury Orders Exxon Mobil to Pay $725.5 Million for Cancer Claims Linked to Benzene Exposure

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Philadelphia — A Philadelphia jury has ordered Exxon Mobil Corp. to pay $725.5 million in damages to a former mechanic who argued that his exposure to benzene in the company’s petroleum products led to his cancer diagnosis. The decision came after Paul Gill, who worked at a Mobil service station from 1975 to 1980, accused Exxon of not adequately warning him about the carcinogenic risks associated with benzene found in gasoline and other solvents. The verdict marks a significant victory for workers seeking accountability from large corporations over health and safety disclosures. According to Patrick … Read more