Alston & Bird Bolsters Chicago Team with Two New Partners Specializing in Mass Tort and Toxic Tort Litigation

Chicago, IL – Alston & Bird, a prominent law firm known for its robust legal practices, has expanded its capabilities in the field of mass tort and toxic tort litigation with the hiring of two new partners in its Chicago office. Kara McCall and Beth Chiarello, both seasoned attorneys in their respective areas of expertise, have officially joined the firm, marking a significant enhancement of the legal team. McCall brings to the firm an impressive track record of guiding businesses through complex toxic tort and products liability litigation. Her strategic counsel has been pivotal in … Read more

$100 Million Verdict Against Bayer for School PCB Exposure Highlights the Continuing Legacy of Toxic Risks

SEATTLE — A Washington state jury has ordered Bayer AG to pay $100 million in damages to four individuals who allege serious health problems from exposure to chemicals produced by Monsanto Co., a firm Bayer acquired in 2018. The verdict is part of wider legal tribulations tied to Monsanto’s production of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), compounds linked to various adverse health effects. The lawsuit stems from claims that exposure to PCBs, notably in light fixtures in a school near Seattle, resulted in severe ailments, including brain damage. PCBs, formerly prevalent in industrial and electrical applications, were … Read more

$100 Million Verdict in Toxic Exposure Case at Monroe School Raises Alarm on Nationwide Chemical Hazards

SEATTLE — In a significant legal development, a King County jury awarded $100 million in damages on Wednesday to four plaintiffs who claimed harm from chemical exposure at a Monroe educational institution, increasing scrutiny on chemical safety in school environments. The litigation focuses on the Sky Valley Education Center, which was constructed using materials that included polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), known for their toxic health impacts. Numerous former students and teachers have reported severe health issues over the years, ranging from neurological disorders to autoimmune problems. Out of 15 individuals suing for damages, only four received … Read more

Sydney Lawyer Goes Viral with Essential Tips to Recognize Toxic Bosses: Are You Falling for the Dream Job Trap?

Sydney, Australia — Navigating workplace dynamics can be challenging, especially when dealing with leadership that might be less than transparent or supportive. Stefanie Costi, a 34-year-old lawyer from Sydney, has recently highlighted this issue in a LinkedIn post that quickly went viral, shedding light on the traits of a toxic boss. Drawing from her own difficult experiences, Costi listed several warning signs workers should watch for to identify potentially harmful management practices. These indicators include vague job descriptions, unclear reporting structures, frequently changing expectations, and empty promises of career advancement that never materialize. The response … Read more