Tort

Indiana Appeals Court Rulings: Key Defamation Case Reversed, Commitment Upheld, and Mass Tort Dismissed

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Indiana’s Court of Appeals recently issued several noteworthy rulings, impacting numerous cases that address issues ranging from defamation to jurisdictional challenges. These decisions come after rigorous evaluations by the court, shedding light on both civil and criminal matters in the state. In the case of Judy Lammons and EDCO Environmental Services, the appeals court overturned a previous ruling by Lake Superior Court Judge Bruce Parent. The court determined that Lammons’ statements on the matter—a defamation suit brought by the company—reflected her genuine opinion rather than asserting any provably false facts. This finding indicated that the … Read more

Texas Bankruptcy Case Heats Up as Mass Tort Attorney Faces Off Against Major Litigation Funder

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Mass tort attorney Truett Akin IV is facing scrutiny in his bankruptcy proceedings in Texas, with his largest creditor, an affiliate of Virage Capital Management LP, intensifying its pursuit this week. This legal action raises significant questions about Akin’s financial management and the challenges he faces in this high-stakes arena. Akin, who has amassed a reputation in the legal field as a formidable advocate for plaintiffs, now finds himself in a precarious position. The claims against him highlight the potentially complicated relationship between lawyers and litigation funders, especially in mass tort cases that can incur … Read more

Seana Azad Elevates Legal Landscape as New Partner in Environmental and Toxic Tort Practice at Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani

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Walnut Creek, Calif. — Seana Azad has joined the law firm Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani as a partner in its environmental and toxic tort practice, the firm announced on Monday. In her new role, Azad will utilize her expertise in a variety of legal areas, including civil litigation, employment law, and product liability. She has built a reputation for representing clients in intricate toxic tort and product liability matters in both California state and federal courts. Azad’s practice encompasses a broad range of disputes, including mass tort litigation, contract disputes, construction defects, and employment and … Read more

Legal Eagle Mike Papantonio Declares War on Ultra-Processed Foods: The Next Mass Tort Movement Begins

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LAS VEGAS—In a fervent address at the Mass Torts Made Perfect (MTMP) Spring 2025 conference, prominent attorney Mike Papantonio rallied legal professionals nationwide to confront the ultra-processed food (UPF) industry. Papantonio, known for successful campaigns against major corporations like Big Tobacco and opioid manufacturers, labeled UPFs as “the next tobacco,” emphasizing their potential to cause widespread harm. Papantonio urged attendees to recognize the parallels between the current UPF crisis and past public health battles. “These are not mere foods; they are chemical concoctions designed to foster addiction,” he stated, targeting an industry worth over $300 … Read more