News from June 2024
Malibu petitions FAA to reconsider noise impacts of new LAX flight paths
The city of Malibu has petitioned a federal appeals court to rethink a Federal Aviation Administration decision adding new flight paths in and out of Los Angeles International Airport that the city says has increased noise pollution for local residents.
Former employee alleges wrongful termination against real estate investment company
A former employee has accused Christina Development Corporation of wrongful termination after being fired less than two months into his role as Director of Portfolio Management allegedly due to whistleblowing activities.
Neighbors accuse each other over landscaping dispute; appeals court rules against private enforcement
A recent ruling by a California appellate court has determined that private citizens cannot sue for violations of municipal ordinances—a decision stemming from a neighborhood dispute over landscaping in Los Angeles. This landmark judgment could significantly impact how local laws are enforced across the state.
Commercial Warehouse Operator Sues Merchandise Trader Over Lease Breach
In a recent legal battle between two businesses over a warehouse lease agreement gone awry; commercial operator sues trader but ends up paying hefty attorney fees due to findings of willful misconduct involving property retention issues amidst city code violations.
City accuses property owners of regulatory taking over power plant site zoning
The City of Redondo Beach is embroiled in a legal battle with property owners over zoning decisions related to a power plant site acquired in 2020. The plaintiffs allege that restrictive zoning measures constitute a regulatory taking without just compensation.
Bay View Community accuses Marina Coast Water District over water system maintenance
Bay View Community DE has taken legal action against Marina Coast Water District over who should maintain a critical water delivery system serving their mobile home park. Following extensive litigation and an initial ruling favoring Bay View, both parties have now settled with an agreement reversing part of the previous judgment.
Plaintiff alleges negligence against driver in auto collision lawsuit
Jacoby & Meyers Attorneys LLP has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Joanne Huguley against Jack Michael Butterworth following an automobile collision in Moorpark. The plaintiff seeks damages for severe bodily injuries allegedly caused by negligent driving.
Patient Alleges Severe Medical Negligence Against Multiple Healthcare Providers
Yazmin Lopez has filed a lawsuit against several healthcare providers alleging severe medical negligence resulting in permanent injuries following knee injections meant for arthritis treatment. The case was filed on June 4th in Ventura Superior Court by attorney Steven C. Gambardella.
Plaintiffs accuse Castleworks Home Services Company of Negligence and Fraud
Michael Everett and Alexis Schlosser have filed a lawsuit against Castleworks Home Services Company alleging negligence and multiple counts of fraud related to faulty plumbing work at their residence in Simi Valley. They seek various forms of compensation including general damages for property damage as well as punitive damages for intentional misrepresentation by company employees.
Nonprofit Accuses Tech Giant Google LLC Of Breaching Contract Over Animal Abuse Videos
A nonprofit organization has sued Google LLC for allegedly breaching its contract by allowing animal abuse videos on YouTube despite promises otherwise. The lawsuit was dismissed due to Section 230 immunity protections for online platforms against third-party content liability.
Wall Street Journal: ‘Unscrupulous plaintiff attorneys’ causing insurance prices to rise
The Wall Street Journal editorial board stated in a June 9 opinion piece that plaintiff's attorney tactics, such as seeking outsized damages, are driving up car and homeowner insurance costs for policyholders.
Professor Alison Mikkor Elected to Board of Directors for the Association of Legal Writing Directors
University of California, Irvine School of Law Professor of Lawyering Skills Alison Mikkor has been elected to the Board of Directors for the Association of Legal Writing Directors (ALWD).
Appeals court: CA Democrats didn't violate Constitution by tailoring AB5 to target Uber, others
An earlier court had ruled the law unconstitutional because lawmakers had demonstrated 'impermissible animus and political favoritism' in forcing Uber and similar companies to potentially face massive financial risk under a new stringent test to determine if drivers should be treated as contractors or employees, while exempting hosts of others
California taking a lead role in movement to reject 'excited delirium' from testimony, legal proceedings in police force cases
Civil rights attorneys applauded California’s decision to ban the diagnosis of “excited delirium” – often defined as a drug-induced behavioral state characterized by agitation, aggression and elevated strength – from official proceedings in lawsuits accusing police of excessive force. Police say the change makes officers less safe.
Consumer Price Index reports 20.3% increase in car insurance over last year
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’s (BLS) Consumer Price Index (CPI) report shows an increase of 3.3% in the all items index over the last twelve months, with motor vehicle insurance increasing 20.3% during that time.
La-Z-Boy lies about discounts, class action says
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) - Class action lawyers have targeted La-Z-Boy with a false pricing case, claiming discounts for home decor products aren't as big as the company claims.
Duane Morris Intellectual Property Practice Group and Attorneys Recognized in IAM Patent 1000
Duane Morris’ Intellectual Property Practice Group and attorneys have been recognized by IAM Patent 1000: The World’s Leading Patent Professionals 2024.
5 Greenberg Traurig Attorneys Named 2024 BTI Client Service All-Stars
Five attorneys from global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP have been recognized in the 2024 edition of BTI Client Service All-Stars by the BTI Consulting Group.
California to get cut of $700M deal to end states' legal action vs J&J over talc powder marketing
The settlement will end legal actions launched by 43 states accusing Johnson & Johnson of allegedly misleading consumers about the safety of its talc baby powder and body powder products. The company has denied a link between its products and cancer, as alleged in thousands of other lawsuits
Appeals court says lawsuit over LAUSD's former COVID-19 vaccine mandate can go forward
Former employees of the Los Angeles Unified School District can pursue their legal objections to the district’s now-defunct COVID-19 vaccination policy as a result of a federal appeals court ruling handed down last week.