Toxic

Wall Street’s New Bet: Private Equity Dollars Fueling Multibillion-Dollar Toxic Tort Legal Battles

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NEW YORK — Private equity funds are quietly powering some of the most headline-grabbing legal battles in the U.S., trading the familiar turf of Wall Street for risky but potentially lucrative courtroom confrontations. Amid increasingly complex and drawn-out lawsuits involving toxic torts, these investment firms are stepping in to fund costly litigation, betting on huge settlements and court awards. Toxic tort cases, covering damages from substances like asbestos and controversial drugs, can span decades and accrue millions in expenses. Plaintiffs’ attorneys traditionally bear these upfront costs, not receiving payment until a case concludes successfully. This … Read more

Legal Luminary Patti Santelle to Illuminate Key Trends at FETTI’s 30th Anniversary Conference on Environmental and Toxic Tort Law

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Chicago, IL — A beacon in the realm of environmental and toxic tort law, Union League Club of Chicago is set to host a pivotal discussion featuring Patti Santelle, a distinguished attorney with a rich career spanning nearly 35 years in the industry. Santelle, Chair Emeritus and former Managing Partner, will address legal experts and professionals at the annual conference marking the 30th anniversary of the National Forum for Environmental and Toxic Tort Issues (FETTI) on September 26th. Santelle’s session, titled “Coverage Update 2024,” is scheduled to commence at 8 a.m. and will run for … Read more

Toxic Nightmare: Local Community and Schools Struggle with Hazardous Emissions from Chiquita Canyon Landfill

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Val Verde, CA — Amid the rolling hills of Val Verde, a community is grappling with a severe environmental crisis emanating from the Chiquita Canyon Landfill, managed by Waste Connections, Inc. Local residents, backed by legal action from Kruger Law Firm, are ringing alarm bells over myriad health issues and environmental dangers they claim have been caused by inadequate waste containment strategies at the landfill. Jackie Kruger, a prominent attorney representing the affected residents, emphasized the extensive damage inflicted upon the community. “Physical, mental, and economic harm have befallen the residents, severely impacting their daily … Read more

Lithuanian Film ‘Toxic’ Claims Top Prize at Locarno Film Festival 2024, Highlighting Emerging Global Cinema

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Locarno, Switzerland – The 77th Locarno Film Festival culminated in a spectacular celebration of cinematic talent, with Lithuanian director Saulė Bliuvaitė’s feature debut “Akiplėša” (“Toxic”) clinching the prestigious Golden Leopard Award. The film, which delves into the unsettling realities of model agencies and teenage aspirations, stood out among its competitors at this international gathering. “Akiplėša” wasn’t the only Lithuanian film to gain critical acclaim at the festival. Laurynas Bareiša received the Best Director award for his work on “Seses” (“Drowning Dry”), a poignant narrative about two sisters grappling with a life-altering family loss. This film … Read more