News from June 2024
Senior Deputy Medical Examiner Sues Local Mortuary for Negligence After On-the-Job Injury
A Senior Deputy Medical Examiner has filed a lawsuit against a local mortuary service alleging negligence after sustaining injuries while assisting with body transport during an investigation. The plaintiff claims inadequate training led to his injury and seeks damages for physical and emotional harm.
No constitutional right for 'involuntarily homeless' to camp in public spaces, Supreme Court says
The 6-3 ruling tosses out a controversial court decision that blocked communities from enforcing 'anti-camping' rules and hamstrung governments' ability to respond to myriad health and safety problems caused by homeless encampments in parks and on sidewalks and in other public spaces
Former Employee Sues Local Nonprofit Over Illegal Recording Leading to Termination
David Alvarado has filed a lawsuit against Fillmore Girls Softball Inc., alleging illegal recording by board member Christopher Glen Hammond led to his wrongful termination from his job with the City of Fillmore. The case seeks damages under California Penal Code § 632.
California Resident Sues General Motors Over Defective Chevy Silverado
A California resident has filed a lawsuit against General Motors alleging multiple defects in his 2022 Chevy Silverado under consumer protection laws. The plaintiff seeks restitution and civil penalties for what he claims are willful violations by GM.
Farm Worker Sues Multiple Growers Over Wage Violations
A California appellate court has revived a lawsuit filed by Edelmira Ibarra against Chuy & Sons Labor Inc., Infinite Herbs LLC., Baby Root Farms, and G.J.Farms Inc., alleging multiple labor code violations including unpaid wages and inadequate working conditions under PAGA regulations.
Passengers Sue Amtrak and Ventura County Over Train Derailment Injuries
A devastating train derailment has led two injured passengers to file a lawsuit against Amtrak and Ventura County entities alleging negligence contributed to their injuries. Plaintiffs Barbara Ardoin and Douglas Allen Myers seek damages for medical expenses and emotional distress following the December 28th incident.
Former Employee Alleges Privacy Violations Against Agricultural Firm Over COVID-19 Testing
Ryan Owen Frayo has taken legal action against his former employer A&A Organic Farms Corporation alleging wrongful termination due to refusal to undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing citing privacy concerns under California's Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA). Despite appeals challenging lower court rulings dismissing his claims due to procedural deficiencies in meeting statutory requirements under CMIA provisions protecting medical confidentiality.
City of L.A. to pay $300,000 to cover journalist's attorney fees to resolve public records litigation
Los Angeles has tentatively agreed to pay a local journalist $300,000 to cover his legal costs and settle a lawsuit brought by the city attorney that sought to retrieve police officer photos and data released as a result of a public records request.
California Physician Sues State Health Agency Over Medi-Cal Reimbursement Rates
A Southern California anesthesiologist has lost his appeal against the state's health department over alleged failures in setting appropriate Medi-Cal reimbursement rates since 2002.
Former IT Director Sues Medical Lab Company for Retaliation
A former IT director has sued Rheumatology Diagnostics Laboratory alleging retaliation after reporting illegal conduct and refusing to sign false documents supporting company defenses in a shareholder lawsuit. The appellate court reversed an initial ruling favoring the plaintiff citing protections around attorney-client privilege.
Investor’s Decade-Long Legal Battle Ends with Judgment Renewal Against Former Advisor
An investor's prolonged legal battle against her former financial advisor has culminated in a renewed judgment affirming over $135,000 owed since 2012 for costs incurred during an unsuccessful arbitration claim regarding risky investments.
Commercial Tenant Sues Landlord Over Rent Payments During COVID-19 Closures
Fitness International is suing Wedge Office over rent payments made during mandatory COVID-19 closures, arguing their lease should have excused them from such obligations due to lack of reasonable access caused by government orders.
Couple Sues Landscaping Company Over Car Accident Injuries
A Ventura County couple has filed a lawsuit against a local landscaping company following a severe car accident that left one spouse with permanent injuries. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, property damage, and loss of consortium.
Mayer Brown Partner Stephanie Hurst Named a 2024 “top Woman Lawyer” by Daily Journal
Mayer Brown Corporate & Securities partner Stephanie Hurst was selected to the Daily Journal's 2024 “Top Women Lawyers” list, which highlights top-performing women lawyers in California and their high-profile legal work.
Claire Castles named to Los Angeles Business Journal "Women of Influence" list
Claire Castles, a partner in Jones Day's Los Angeles Office in the Health Care & Life Sciences Practice, has been named to the Los Angeles Business Journal's list of "Women of Influence" for 2024.
Lawsuit blaming cops for murder of San Diego woman fails
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) - San Diego has defeated a wrongful death lawsuit that sought to hold it and its police officers liable for the murder of a woman allegedly carried out by a stalker.
Plaintiffs accuse Trustee of mismanaging trust assets amid legal malpractice dispute
In a recent appellate decision dated June 18th, 2024 plaintiffs Kathryn Crooymans & David King successfully overturned lower court rulings awarding attorney fees towards Eric L.Foumbourg amidst complex disputes centering around enforcing judgments linked back prior arbitration wins targeting their late father’s estate planning lawyer Bruce Givenr’s professional misconduct initially...
Doctors allege unfair practices against major healthcare provider over ER on-call panel removal
A group of doctors has filed a lawsuit against HCA Healthcare alleging unfair business practices following their removal from an emergency room on-call panel. The plaintiffs claim they were replaced as part of a scheme involving illegal kickbacks and corporate control over medical practices.
CA lawmakers rushing to pass legislation to codify PAGA reform deal, forestall risk of full PAGA repeal at ballot box
State lawmakers are now on a tight timeline to pass legislation to codify a new agreement worked out by Gov. Gavin Newsom, business groups and labor leaders that reforms the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) in a way that reduces one of the biggest tools for lawsuit abuse in the state
Greenberg Traurig Advises Namib Minerals in Largest DeSPAC for an African Company
Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, P.A. advised Namib Minerals, an established gold-mining producer in the sub-Saharan gold-mining industry with a portfolio of mines in Zimbabwe, in its definitive business combination agreement (deSPAC) with Hennessy Capital Investment Corp.