Michael Carroll News
Court dismisses Azerbaijani lawyer's $500 million lawsuit against businesses, Armenian groups
A federal judge in San Diego has closed out a lawsuit filed by an Azerbaijani attorney who sought $500 million in general damages from more than 30 defendants accused of conspiring to mischaracterize the plaintiffs’ words and ruin her reputation.
Salinas produce supplier facing lawsuits over November E. coli outbreak; Company emphatically says its lettuce 'WAS NOT' source of outbreak
Plaintiffs in the Midwest who claim they were sickened by E. coli-contaminated lettuce are suing a California grower, alleging that the grower’s produce was the cause of the outbreak even though federal investigators never publicly named a culprit. Company says federal investigation confirmed it was not source of outbreak
Insurance commissioner sued over policyholder surcharges resulting from January's wildfire damage
A Los Angeles consumer group is suing Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara over his decision to allow California insurers to raise charges to policyholders to cover California FAIR Plan assessments in the wake of January’s wildfires.
State Bar tells San Francisco DA to enter diversion program after ethics complaints from political opponents
The California State Bar has ordered San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins to enter a confidential diversion program in the wake of ethics complaints filed by a former Los Angeles County Superior Court judge and others who had supported former SF DA Chesa Boudin. Jenkins had helped lead the effort to oust Boudin from office
2 lawsuits allege insurers conspired to limit fire coverage in Palisades, Altadena
Palisades and Altadena-area residents who lost their homes in the January wildfires are suing scores of top insurers for allegedly conspiring to cancel their existing property policies and to force homeowners into low-coverage California FAIR Plan policies.
Environment California, Port of L.A. settle lawsuit over discharge of untreated wastewater
The Port of Los Angeles and Environment California have tentatively agreed to a consent decree to resolve litigation alleging the port violated the federal Clean Water Act by releasing untreated wastewater into San Pedro Bay since 2019.
Southern California craft distillery sues NY officials over state law that restricts direct customer sales
A Southern California craft distillery that produces about 75,000 gallons of spirits annually is suing New York state officials over a new law that restricts out-of-state distilleries’ ability to sell their products directly to New York consumers.
Former Girardi law firm attorney accused of concealing details of $53 million settlement for pipeline blast
The State Bar of California has filed disciplinary charges against a Los Angeles-area trial attorney for allegedly mishandling millions of dollars in settlement funds for a client who was burned over 90% of his body following a 2010 gas-line explosion.
State Bar disciplinary hearing for former L.A. chief deputy city attorney gets under way
The counsel for a former Los Angeles chief deputy city attorney accused of four disciplinary charges involving misconduct and collusion defended her client as a lawyer with an exemplary record who was being railroaded by the testimony of a convicted felon.
Altadena, Palisades residents sue California FAIR Plan, alleging illegal wildfire claim denials, underpayments
Homeowners who sustained damage in the Palisades and Eaton wildfires have filed a lawsuit against California’s property insurer of last resort, the FAIR Plan, alleging that their smoke damage and fire claims were inappropriately denied or underpaid.
California federal judge allows litigation alleging heavy metals in baby food to go forward
A federal judge in California who is overseeing more than 100 cases alleging that major baby food brands contain excessive amounts of heavy metals such as arsenic rejected the defendants’ combined motion to dismiss the litigation earlier this month.
Los Angeles County to pay $4 billion to settle nearly 7,000 child sexual abuse claims
Los Angeles County said last week it has reached a tentative agreement to settle more than 6,800 child sexual abuse cases by providing $4 billion to resolve the claims dating back to 1959.
Family of man who died after riding X2 roller coaster sues Six Flags Magic Mountain for wrongful death
The family of a 22-year-old man who collapsed and died after riding the X2 roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia is suing the theme park and the designers of the ride, accusing the defendants of “despicable” conduct, malice and wrongful death.
Kern County hairdresser sues cosmetics manufacturers, alleging hair dye exposure led to her bladder cancer
Two plaintiffs who spent decades working in hair salons have filed separate lawsuits in Los Angeles Superior Courts against cosmetics companies, alleging that exposure to hair dye products caused them to develop bladder cancer.
Audit accuses L.A. city, county of wasting money, mismanaging homeless programs
An advocacy group has concluded that the city and county of Los Angeles have failed to make adequate progress on getting homeless people off the streets and into permanent housing, despite a 2022 settlement agreement in the wake of a federal lawsuit.
L.A. city attorney files $62 million lawsuit against rental housing providers, alleging price gouging after wildfires
The Los Angeles city attorney has filed a $62 million civil lawsuit against rental housing suppliers who allegedly engaged in price-gouging activities in the wake of January’s deadly wildfires in the L.A. region.
17 attorneys endorse bid to disqualify L.A. judge who was allegedly abusive to attorneys, jurors, witnesses
Seventeen attorneys, from both the trial and defense bars, have called for the disqualification of a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge who they say has a long record of abusive conduct toward attorneys, witnesses, court staffs and jurors.
Palisades plaintiffs: Los Angeles DWP engaged in 'massive coverup' about fire's ignition
Several plaintiffs whose homes were destroyed in the deadly Palisades fire in January are suing the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), accusing the utility of contributing to the conflagration via downed power lines and an empty reservoir.
Attorney John Eastman appeals disbarment recommendation during California State Bar review hearing
A judicial panel last week heard an appeal of a recommendation to disbar California attorney John Eastman, whose counsel argued that his activities challenging the legality of the 2020 presidential election were protected by the First Amendment.
Tort-reform supporters urge passage of California bill to limit accessibility lawsuits against small firms
Tort-reform supporters told lawmakers at the California’s State Capitol earlier this month that one of their top legislative priorities would be the passage of Senate Bill 84, which aims to limit construction-related accessibility lawsuits against small businesses.