News from August 2024
Kern County judge questions legality of California farmworker unionization bill
A new California law streamlining the unionization process for farmworkers is likely unconstitutional and defective, depriving agricultural employers of property and due process rights, a Kern County Superior Court judge concluded last month.
Partner Judy Suwatanapongched Named Co-Leader of Sheppard Mullin's Diversity & Inclusion Attorney Network
Sheppard Mullin is pleased to announce that Business Trial partner Judy Suwatanapongched has been named co-leader of the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion Attorney Network (DIAN).
Medical clinic lawsuit: Bonta attacking women's right to obtain abortion pill reversal
A Southern California Catholic medical clinic has filed a countersuit against the state’s attorney general, accusing Rob Bonta of unlawfully prohibiting advocacy groups from informing women about a procedure called abortion pill reversal (APR).
Plaintiffs accuse neighbor over negligence leading to destructive house fire
Julie and Gavin Maxwell have successfully sued their neighbor Sara West after an illegal rental conversion led to a devastating fire destroying both residences. The court ruled in favor of plaintiffs citing significant building code violations by West as direct contributors to their loss.
Homeowners Accuse City of Failing to Manage Sand Accumulation Causing Property Damage
A group of homeowners has filed a lawsuit against the City of San Buenaventura for failing to manage sand accumulation that has caused extensive property damage and blocked public beach access. They seek a permanent injunction requiring the city to address this ongoing issue.
Greenberg Traurig Advises Meaningful Partners in Acquisition of Second-Largest Crunch Fitness Franchisee
Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP advised investment firm Meaningful Partners, a California-based private equity fund, in its acquisition of Fitness Ventures LLC, the second-largest Crunch Fitness franchisee worldwide.
J&J attorney: Judge was right to call for re-examination of 'junk science' in talc litigation
Johnson and Johnson remains hopeful that a recently amended rule on expert testimony and new scientific approaches will lead to a weakening of plaintiff attorneys’ argument that the use of J&J’s talc powder increases cancer risks.
Regional Medical Center Sues County Over Unpaid Emergency Services
The Regional Medical Center of San Jose has taken legal action against Santa Clara County over alleged failures to reimburse emergency healthcare services provided through Valley Health Plan (VHP). Following a key Supreme Court ruling clarifying public entity immunities under contract law, both parties have agreed to revisit their dispute in court.
Tenant Sues Landlord Over Negligence Leading To Severe Injury
Michele R., a tenant from Carmel Valley is suing landlord Alexander Henson for negligence after fracturing her ankle due to an improperly maintained deck at her rental unit leading to an award of approximately $90k.
Plaintiff Alleges Health Care Service Plan Negligence Led To Daughter's Death
Shooshanik Charkhchian has filed a lawsuit against Blue Cross California alleging their failure to authorize necessary medical transport led to her daughter's death from untreated renal disease complications in November 2015. The case highlights issues around healthcare service obligations and procedural failures resulting in tragic outcomes.
Hotel Chain Accused of Inadequate Accessibility Information Wins Frivolous Lawsuit Case
Orlando Garcia's lawsuit against Zarco Hotels Incorporated has been dismissed as frivolous by a California court resulting in a hefty penalty for Garcia who claimed insufficient accessibility information on the hotel's website violated ADA regulations.
Former City Official Accused Of Embezzlement And Fraud
A former elected official from South Gate has been ordered to pay over $4 million after being found guilty of embezzling funds through kickback schemes involving city contracts.
Condo Owner Accuses Homeowners Association of Breach Amid Foreclosure Dispute
Teresija Sigmund has taken legal action against Darlington Villas Homeowners Association over alleged breaches related to condo maintenance issues and financial mismanagement amid foreclosure proceedings initiated due to unpaid dues.
Plaintiff accuses Defendant real estate contractor of wrongful foreclosure
A failed real estate venture has led Rosa Cojulun to file a lawsuit against Javier Perez for wrongful foreclosure among other claims in Los Angeles County Superior Court on July 30th, 2024.
Software Developer Accuses Former Contractor of Fraudulent Billing Practices
LFG Payments has filed a lawsuit against Christian Smith alleging fraudulent billing practices during his tenure as a technical writer contracted through Gun.io staffing agency.
The case highlights issues surrounding timesheet falsification and seeks restitution for nearly $100K allegedly paid for unperformed work.
Daughter Alleges State Ombudsman Failed To Investigate Nursing Home Abuse
A daughter's lawsuit against state ombudsman services highlights alleged failures in investigating nursing home abuse during COVID-19 but faces dismissal due to procedural hurdles and discretionary powers granted under California law.
Former Tenants Allege Harassment by Landlords Amidst Eviction Moratorium
A new court filing reveals serious allegations against landlords accused of harassing tenants in an attempt to bypass local rent control laws during the pandemic. The case involves claims ranging from fraudulent notices to shutting off utilities and changing security codes without notice.
Falconers can continue suing California over permit requiring them to submit to warrantless inspections
A federal appeals panel says a lower court judge was wrong to toss a lawsuit from a group of falconers accusing the state of violating the Fourth Amendment protections against illegal property searches by requiring falconers to agree to "unannounced warrantless inspections" as a condition of their state license
California high court: Prop 22 gig-worker measure doesn't conflict with state Constitution
California’s high court has upheld Prop 22, a voter-approved initiative that allows certain gig workers to remain independent contractors rather than become traditional employees. Unions sought to overturn Prop 22, in part, because it blunts their ability to force rideshare companies to unionize
Reed Smith advises Adagio Medical on closing of business combination with ARYA Sciences Acquisition Corp IV
Global law firm Reed Smith announced that it served as legal counsel to its long-time client Adagio Medical, a leading innovator in catheter ablation technologies for treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, on the completion of its business combination with ARYA Sciences Acquisition Corp IV, a special purpose acquisition company.