Settles

Newport City Council Settles ACLU Lawsuit Over Controversial Trespass Order, Upholding Public Access Rights

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NEWPORT, Vt. — The Newport City Council has reached a settlement in a lawsuit involving a former city employee, Andrew Cappello, who faced a controversial no trespass order issued in August 2021. The order prohibited Cappello from accessing city property for a year, a decision that raised significant legal and civil rights concerns. Cappello was employed by the City of Newport from 2009 until his resignation in June 2021, where he served in various capacities within the parks and recreation department. Tensions escalated between him and the Public Works Director, Tom Bernier, eventually leading to … Read more

Ford Motor Co. Settles $2.5 Billion Lawsuit Following Tragic Super Duty Truck Fatalities in Georgia

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Metro Atlanta—Ford Motor Co. has recently settled two significant lawsuits in Georgia that resulted in landmark jury verdicts of $1.7 billion and $2.5 billion, respectively. These cases stemmed from tragic incidents involving the deaths of two couples, Herman and Debra Mills, and Voncile and Melvin Hill, which centered around allegations of inadequate roof strength in the company’s Super Duty trucks. The legal disputes date back over a decade, during which the plaintiffs sought justice for the fatalities that occurred during rollover accidents. The Mills, who died in a crash in August 2022, prompted a jury … Read more

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

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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

Philadelphia Settles $2.9 Million Lawsuit After Police Pursuit Injures Pedestrians

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Philadelphia — The city has reached a settlement of $2.9 million with the family of two individuals seriously injured during a police chase involving an illegal dirt bike in 2017. The incident occurred near the 69th Street Terminal when officers pursued a dirt bike, which ultimately struck a 6-year-old girl and her great aunt, both of whom sustained critical injuries but survived. Legal representatives for the victims argued in court that the officer involved in the pursuit failed to adhere to the Philadelphia Police Department’s established policy against high-speed chases. This directive is intended to … Read more