News from September 2024
Sacramento won't get new chance for ruling stopping judges from blocking city from clearing encampments
A federal appeals court declined again to review a lower court's now-expired 2023 injunctions blocking the city from clearing homeless encampments in the summer. Some appellate judges, however, said the courts must address a misinterpretation of the Constitution that improperly protects encampments
ABA Appoints Shook Partner to Co-Chair Mass Torts Committee
Shook Partner Edward Gaus has been named co-chair of the American Bar Association (ABA) Mass Torts Committee.
Shailika Shah Kotiya and Aaron Marienthal Join McGuireWoods in San Francisco
McGuireWoods continues its West Coast expansion with the addition of former federal prosecutor Shailika Shah Kotiya and former fintech general counsel and accomplished litigator Aaron Marienthal, who join the firm’s Financial Services & Securities Enforcement Department as partners in San Francisco.
23AndMe says $30M data breach settlement in jeopardy from 'mass arbitration' claims
23AndMe has agreed to pay $30 million to settle millions of claims over a 2023 data breach. Attorneys stand to make $7.5 million from the deal. However, the company said other lawyers are threatening the deal with parallel arbitration and state court claims
Inflation in car insurance index continues to outpace overall inflation
The increase in motor vehicle insurance over the month was August was three times faster than the national inflation rate.
Former Employee Alleges Defamation Against Major Healthcare Provider
A former nuclear medicine technologist has filed a lawsuit against Dignity Health dba Mercy San Juan Medical Center for defamation and wrongful termination after being fired over allegedly false accusations regarding his professional conduct.
Neighbor Accused Of Harassment And Defamation In Citrus Heights
A Sacramento couple has filed a lawsuit against their neighbor for harassment and defamation among other claims after enduring years of alleged disruptive behavior including loud noise from racing cars and defamatory statements made via bullhorns.
Restaurant Sued Over Negligence Leading to Severe Burns
Isabella Soileau has filed a lawsuit against Pho Viet 2 LLC alleging negligence after suffering severe burns from hot soup served at unsafe temperatures. The case details multiple layers of alleged negligence involving both business entities and individual employees.
Passenger Alleges Negligence Against Driver and Vehicle Owner Following SR-99 Accident
Ahmad Khalaf has filed a lawsuit against Andre Michael Hillhamiel and Carolyn Mitchell following an accident on SR-99 that left him severely injured. The suit claims negligence on part of Hillhamiel while driving Mitchell's vehicle resulted in lasting physical and financial damage to Khalaf.
Duty to Mitigate Damages in Employment Discrimination and Termination Cases: Challenges at Trial on September 18, 2024
Edward Langhammer will present “Duty to Mitigate Damages in Employment Discrimination and Termination Cases: Challenges at Trial,” a webinar hosted by Strafford. Ed will discuss mitigating damages in employment cases, an often neglected area of employment law that can significantly impact jury verdicts.
Navigating New Pay Transparency Policies on September 18, 2024
Coast to coast, states (and even some cities) have begun to implement pay transparency policies.
Appeals panel: 2020 oil price deal brokered by Trump with Saudis, Russia off limits to court review
A federal appeals panel agreed with oil companies that it needed to shut down a lawsuit accusing energy companies of allegedly colluding to persuade former President Trump to strike an oil production deal with Russia and OPEC to boost the price of oil and gasoline in 2020
Patient Alleges Medical Malpractice Against Chiropractic Clinic Following Severe Injury
Nadira Chouicha has filed a lawsuit against River City Chiropractic and Dr. Placido Castrejon alleging medical malpractice that resulted in severe injury including a broken rib during treatment sessions last year.
Family Sues State Entities Over Dangerous Road Conditions Leading To Severe Car Accident
A California family has filed a lawsuit against state entities alleging negligence over dangerous road conditions leading to their severe car accident last year near I-5 southbound Gaffery Road area causing grave injuries all occupants vehicle demanding jury trial compensation physical emotional damages loss consortium
Former Manager Alleges Pregnancy Discrimination Against Santa Clara Restaurant
Maria Castaneda has filed a lawsuit against a Santa Clara restaurant alleging wrongful termination due to pregnancy discrimination among other claims. The case includes accusations such as gender discrimination and failure to provide reasonable accommodation for medical conditions.
Plaintiff Alleges Negligence Against Multiple Defendants Following Stadium Incident
Donell Miller has filed a lawsuit against several entities including DeBartolo Corporation and Forty Niners Stadium Management Company following an incident where he was injured by an intoxicated patron at Levi's Stadium. The suit alleges negligence on part of stadium personnel leading to significant physical and emotional trauma for Miller.
Former Employee Sues Taqueria Mexico Over Alleged Wage Theft and Labor Violations
A former employee has filed a class action lawsuit against Taqueria Mexico alleging multiple labor violations including unpaid wages and denial of meal breaks. Filed in the Superior Court of California on September 3rd by Fernanda Gomez-Ruiz, the suit seeks various forms of relief including back pay and statutory penalties.
Shook Welcomes Fall Associates Class of 2024
Shook announces the addition of 21 recent law school graduates and associate laterals who form the firm’s 2024 Class of Fall Associates.
Santa Clara Resident Sues Stanford Health Care for Medical Malpractice
Yolanda Martinez has filed a lawsuit against Stanford Health Care and two doctors alleging medical malpractice following a surgery that left her with severe hand injuries due to improper post-operative care. The case seeks damages amounting to no less than $250,000 per cause of action.
Construction Worker Sues General Contractors Over Negligence Leading to Severe Injuries
Jaime Vargas Jr., a construction worker severely injured after falling from an unsafe platform at a Carmel construction site in April 2018, has filed a lawsuit against unnamed general contractors for negligence and breach of duty regarding workplace safety regulations.