News from July 2024
Former Employee Accused of Defamation by Mental Healthcare Provider
Akua Behavioral Health has filed a lawsuit against its former Regional Director Ariel Place for defamation among other charges in Sacramento's Superior Court on June 28th, 2024. The suit alleges malicious intent behind false statements made about the company's leadership and operations causing significant financial harm.
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.
Local Bar Sued Over Alleged Assault Leading To Severe Injuries
Isaac Robles has filed a lawsuit against Badlands Sacramento alleging severe injuries following an assault by bar employees on May 4th last year.
The case accuses the establishment's management of negligent hiring practices leading up to this incident.
Disabled Resident Sues City Of Sunnyvale And Property Owner For Negligence And Disability Rights Violations
James Hopkins has filed a lawsuit against both the City of Sunnyvale and Kroll Living Trust following an incident where he sustained serious injuries due to a defective sidewalk. The suit includes claims for negligence and violations under disability rights laws.
Santa Clara Woman Sues Walmart Over Slip-and-Fall Incident
Toni Yvonne Lynch has filed a lawsuit against Walmart Inc., alleging negligence after she slipped on water inside one of their stores in Santa Clara. She seeks damages exceeding $35,000 for her injuries and associated costs.
Plaintiffs Allege Dental Malpractice Against Local Dentist
Miriam Castro de Richards and Robert W. Richards have filed a lawsuit against Dr. Leoncio N. Fierro and Infinity Dental Group alleging dental malpractice resulting in severe injuries for Ms. Richards.
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
Sacramento Resident Sues Local Media Outlets for Defamation Over False Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Tommy F. McNeel Jr., a resident of Sacramento County, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Nexstar Media Group Inc., Gannett Company dba ABC10, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department over false accusations broadcasted last year. The plaintiff seeks $4 million in compensatory damages along with punitive damages for reputational harm caused by these allegedly baseless claims.
Plaintiff accuses skilled nursing facility operator of elder abuse
John Darden has filed a lawsuit against S.H.C.C Inc., doing business as Sherwood Healthcare Center, alleging severe mistreatment following hip replacement surgery in June 2022. The complaint includes accusations of elder abuse and negligence leading to permanent physical harm.
QE Wins Appeal - $120 Million Jury Verdict Against Chevron Reinstated
In 2021, Quinn Emanuel achieved a complete trial victory in a lawsuit related to a series of eruptions of steam and oil on Chevron’s property in the Midway Sunset oil field outside Bakersfield, CA.
Plaintiffs Allege Fraud Against Child Protective Services Over Erroneous Records
In a high-stakes legal battle involving allegations against child protective services employees for maintaining erroneous records linking them with abusers, plaintiffs Zuri K. Colbert and Nafisah Timmons seek $500K in damages while challenging government immunity defenses.
Plaintiff alleges County Negligence Led to Brutal Dog Attack
Candis Danielson has filed a lawsuit against Humboldt County alleging negligence in enforcing animal control laws which led to her severe injuries from a dog attack in January 2021.
Former Employee Accused by Tech Company of Misappropriating Trade Secrets
Champ Systems has won a lawsuit against former employee Stewart Fines for misappropriating trade secrets and breaching loyalty duties while still employed at the company. The court awarded $122K in damages but denied punitive damages due to lack of malicious intent.
Plaintiffs Allege Negligence Leading to COVID-19 Deaths at Nursing Facility
Family members have filed a lawsuit against Windsor Redding Care Center following multiple COVID-19 related deaths at the facility in 2020. The plaintiffs allege elder abuse and negligence among other charges while seeking damages for their losses.
Sheppard Mullin Attorneys Named 2024 Northern California Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Eleven Sheppard Mullin attorneys were named 2024 "Northern California Super Lawyers” by Super Lawyers.
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
San Francisco Cyclist Sues Delivery Van Operators Over Negligence
A San Francisco cyclist has filed a lawsuit against three individuals after sustaining severe injuries from colliding with a delivery van door opened negligently while riding his bike last year. The plaintiff seeks both economic and non-economic damages along with additional relief from the court.
Business Partner Accuses Co-Founder of Fraudulent Misrepresentation
A recent case sees Shihadeh K. Kitami accusing his former business partner Waleed Sabrah of fraudulent misrepresentation related to their fast-food restaurant venture. The Marin County court upheld a default judgment awarding Kitami approximately $33k after finding substantial evidence supporting claims of conversion & breach-of-contract among others.
California Resident Sues State Over Alleged Misconduct by Office of Tax Appeals
Sivatharan Natkunanathan’s lawsuit against California seeking $45 billion in damages has been dismissed due to procedural errors and insufficient evidence. Representing himself, he alleged violations under taxpayer protection laws but failed at multiple judicial levels.
Plaintiffs challenge City Council over disputed commercial kitchen zoning
San Pablo Avenue Golden Gate Improvement Association is suing Oakland's City Council over a controversial zoning decision allowing CloudKitchens' facility in an HBX-1 zone classified as light manufacturing.