News from July 2024
Business groups express relief as Newsom signs PAGA reforms into law
Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed newly passed legislation that aims to reform the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), which business groups have long criticized as a vehicle for rampant lawsuit abuse that offers little in the way of worker protections.
Defendant accused of motor vehicle negligence
In a significant turn of events within a motor vehicle negligence case filed by Mary Ramos and Antonio Baker against Brett M.Oros,the California appellate court has reversed an earlier decision to vacate a default judgment due to improper application of procedural law.The plaintiffs allege that Oros ran a red light causing a collision,and seek damages amounting to $212447.
Race Participant Accuses Event Promoter Over Defense Obligations
Morgan Langley has filed a writ challenging a lower court ruling requiring him to defend event promoter Promote Mexico LLC after an off-road racing incident involving a Monster Energy spokesmodel at the Baja 1000 race in 2018.The case hinges on interpretations of an indemnity agreement signed before the event.
Disney Accused Of Breach Of Contract By 'Bill Nye The Science Guy' Over Profit Discrepancies
William S. Nye has taken legal action against The Walt Disney Company over allegations that Disney failed to properly account for profits from 'Bill Nye the Science Guy.' Filed on June 28th in California's Second Appellate District Court, this case delves into claims dating back fifteen years involving millions in allegedly underreported revenue.
Plaintiff Appeals Jury Verdict Awarding Damages But None For Future Pain And Suffering
In an appeal filed on June 24th in Ventura County Superior Court by Matthew S. Moir against Ventura Locksmiths Inc., questions arise over inconsistent jury verdicts awarding economic but no noneconomic damages following a motor vehicle collision case dating back to July 2017.
Judge tosses class action vs Google over Youtube's kids' data collection
Plaintiffs still have work to do to show the practice of using tracking cookies to collect data from kids under the age of 13 was actually harmful and why they should get paid, in part because the parents need to show how their kids' information had any economic value to them
Plaintiffs Allege Bad Faith Handling by Fire Insurance Exchange Following Home Fire
In a contentious legal dispute involving allegations of bad faith handling of an insurance claim following a home fire incident in December 2014, the California Court of Appeal has upheld terminating sanctions against two plaintiffs for non-compliance with discovery orders.
Homeowners' Association sues Local Government Over Beach Walkway Construction Dispute
The Casa Blanca Beach Estates Owners’ Association has taken legal action against local government entities over a long-standing dispute regarding beach access walkway construction obligations dating back several decades.
Plaintiffs Allege Hotel Negligence Led to Bedbug Infestation
Korlese Moreno and Gabriel Moreno have filed a lawsuit against Travelers Beach Inn alleging severe bedbug bites during their stay due to hotel negligence in maintaining sanitary conditions despite prior knowledge of infestations.
Probationary Police Officer Accuses City Government of Disability Discrimination
Thomas Lim’s lawsuit against the City of Downey for alleged wrongful termination has been dismissed by both trial and appellate courts who found no evidence supporting his claims under FEHA.
Family Trustee Accused Of Mismanaging Estate Assets And Breaching Fiduciary Duties
A family dispute over a revocable trust has led to significant legal repercussions after allegations surfaced regarding improper asset management by one sibling acting as trustee.
Theresa Stephenson-Cocke filed a complaint against her brother alleging breaches in fiduciary duties resulting in financial losses.
Commercial Real Estate Company Wins Breach-of-Contract Suit Against Property Owner
A California appellate court has ruled in favor of Pacifica Commercial Central Coast Inc., awarding them $139k plus attorney fees after property owner renegotiated a lease without paying agreed commissions.
Healthcare System Accused of Misclassifying Worker Under Employment Laws
Constanze Rayhrer has filed a lawsuit against Community Memorial Health System alleging misclassification as an independent contractor along with gender-based discrimination and wrongful termination under FEHA and Labor Code statutes.
Six Greenberg Traurig Attorneys Named 2024 World Trademark Review Global Leaders
Six shareholders from global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP have been recognized as World Trademark Review (WTR) 2024 Global Leaders.
Attorney General Bonta: Today’s SCOTUS Decision Holds the Sackler Family Accountable for Their Role in Fueling the Opioid Epidemic
California Attorney General Rob Bonta released the following statement after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down confirmation of Purdue Pharma L.P.’s (Purdue) bankruptcy plan in Harrington v. Purdue Pharma, finding that nonconsensual third-party releases are not authorized under the Bankruptcy Code.
Saisruthi Paspulati and Simone Riley Named to Super Lawyers: Rising Stars of California 2024
Shareholder Simone Riley of the Los Angeles office and Associate Saisruthi Paspulati of the San Francisco office have been named to Thomson Reuters' Super Lawyers Rising Stars of California 2024 list.
Non-criminal DUI records aren't protected by California's right to privacy, appeals court says
A California state appeals panel has ruled that privacy rights established under the California state constitution and the state's labor laws don't stop the DMV from disclosing information about DUI-related license suspensions to employers, insurers and others
Aytan Dahukey and Jordan Hamburger Named 2024 Leaders of Influence: Private Equity, Investors & Advisors
Sheppard Mullin partners Aytan Dahukey and Jordan Hamburger were included among the Los Angeles Business Journal’s 2024 list of “Leaders of Influence: Private Equity, Investors & Advisors.”
L.A. trial attorney faces charges of attempting to hack into judge's email account
The California State Bar has accused a Los Angeles-area attorney of attempting to recruit Israeli hackers to steal personal emails and text messages belonging to a local judge and a California consumer lawyer. A lawyer for the accused attorney calls the accusations "absurd" and baseless.
Holland & Knight Advises Joby Aviation on Acquisition of Xwing Autonomy Division
Holland & Knight represented Joby Aviation Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), a leading electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft manufacturer, on its acquisition of the autonomy division of Xwing Inc., an industry leader in developing autonomous aviation application software.