Settlements

Breakthrough in Justice: Recent Paraquat Lawsuit Settlements Offer Hope to Affected Families

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San Francisco — Individuals across the U.S. who claim they have been adversely affected by the herbicide paraquat are seeing the progression of litigation that aligns with their pursuits for compensation. Known for its effectiveness as a weed and grass killer, paraquat has become a subject of intense scrutiny due to alleged links to serious health conditions, particularly Parkinson’s disease. As legal battles wage, plaintiffs argue that exposure to paraquat, which is primarily used in agricultural settings, has led to their diagnosing with Parkinson’s, a progressive neurological disorder. Despite being banned in several countries due … Read more

Supreme Court Restricts Bankruptcy Shield, Impacting Opioid Settlements and Beyond

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WASHINGTON — A recent Supreme Court ruling may significantly alter the landscape for using bankruptcy to address widespread litigation. The decision against Purdue Pharma’s bankruptcy settlement highlights a shift in how courts handle claims against parties who haven’t filed for bankruptcy themselves. This change could have broad implications for companies facing mass tort litigation. Bankruptcy courts have traditionally offered several tools to aid organizations in resolving these complex lawsuits, which include cases like the large-scale settlements involving the Catholic dioceses and the Boy Scouts of America. These courts can halt ongoing litigation, providing breathing space … Read more

Supreme Court Decision Reshapes Bankruptcy Strategy, Limits Liability Shields for Non-Debtors in Mass Tort Settlements

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New York — A recent Supreme Court decision has potentially narrowed the utility of bankruptcy as a tactic for resolving extensive lawsuits, impacting strategies employed by large organizations such as the Catholic dioceses, Boy Scouts of America, and opioid manufacturers. The ruling denied the ability of bankruptcy courts to clear legal claims against affiliated parties that have not themselves sought bankruptcy protection, a strategy previously available and frequently utilized in mass tort litigation. Historically, bankruptcy courts have offered valuable tools for entities crushed by substantial legal challenges. These tools include a stay on existing litigation, … Read more

Supreme Court Decision Challenges Traditional Bankruptcy Shields, Shakes Up Mass Tort Settlements

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New York — A recent Supreme Court decision could make bankruptcy a less favorable option for companies looking to settle massive legal battles. This landmark ruling rejected OxyContin manufacturer Purdue Pharma’s Chapter 11 settlement, impacting the way courts handle legal claims against third parties who haven’t filed for bankruptcy themselves. Bankruptcy courts have historically provided several mechanisms that facilitate the resolution of large-scale litigation, such as the ability to halt ongoing lawsuits and force unwilling claimants to adhere to settlements. These tools have been used in a variety of cases, including those involving allegations of … Read more