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Lawsuit Filed Over Injuries Related to Apple Watch Battery Defects

Posted by David Brown 
· December 21, 2021 

Apple is synonymous with technology, and a lot of people have purchased the Apple Watch. There are multiple generations that have been released, but all of them could have a serious defect with the battery. Recently, a problem was discovered with the battery that could cause it to swell. If the battery swells inside the device, it can lead to operational failures and serious injuries. For example, broken screens could cause injuries to the forearm, and a recent class-action lawsuit has been filed against the technology giant.

According to claims made by the plaintiff in the lawsuit, Apple has made serious mistakes during its manufacturing processes. The lawsuit alleges that Apple’s manufacturing processes cause the battery to come into direct contact with the screen. Therefore, in situations where the battery might as well, the display screen could pop out. If it cracks, it could lead to serious injuries.

For example, when the display pops out of the battery, there are razor-sharp edges that could lead to significant harm. The watch face could crack or shatter, leading to injuries that are not the fault of the individual using the watch.

There was one specific example cited in the lawsuit. An individual saw the screen detach from the battery more than three years after he originally purchased the device. When the screen popped out, it mangled a vein on the bottom of his forearm. This could lead to serious bleeding, which might lead to major medical complications. The lawsuit also included an image of the severe laceration along with vivid descriptions of what happened.

Unfortunately, it is possible that every generation of Apple watches could be impacted by this battery defect. The lawsuit also alleges that the manufacturing issue causes an unreasonable risk of injury and harm to consumers. The lawsuit also claims that a lot of people have already suffered injuries.

Furthermore, this is not the first time that Apple has had to deal with a lawsuit related to its batteries. In 2019, Apple faced a lawsuit claiming that the tech company had engaged in fraudulent business practices. Even though the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, it will be interesting to see where the lawsuit related to the batteries heads this time.

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Lawsuit Underway in Opioid Epidemic Trial in Washington

Posted by David Brown 
· December 16, 2021 

The opioid epidemic has been a significant issue facing the entire country for the past several years. Recently, the opioid epidemic was put on display in Washington, as a major case went to trial against three major opioid distributors. The companies are accused of filing hundreds of thousands of suspect orders for drugs, and the state alleges that many of these orders ended up in the hands of drug dealers, who were then able to distribute them to people on the street. As a result, some people may have gotten their hands on opioid medications without a prescription, leading to opioid hospitalizations and deaths.

The three major drug manufacturers involved in the case include Cardinal Health, McKesson, and AmerisourceBergen. The allegations are that the companies shipped more than 250,000 orders to the state of Washington over an eight-year period despite having a legal obligation not to fill any orders that would likely end up in the hands of drug dealers.

By law, drug distributors are required to monitor the orders they receive. If they appear suspicious, they are required by law to report them to the drug enforcement agency. Furthermore, distributors are required to investigate any orders that look suspicious, making sure they do not end up on the black market.

To win the case, the state will have to prove that the companies either knew or should have known that many of these orders were suspicious. Then, the state will also have to prove that many of these suspicious orders ended up in the hands of drug dealers. The state is seeking a transformative amount of money that will help the region heal.

Of note, before the case went to trial, the defendants rejected a settlement offer of more than $527 million. If the distributors lose at trial, it would not be surprising if the penalty was even higher than that. If the state receives money from these companies as a result of the lawsuit, the money will go toward funding the state’s opioid response plan. The goal of the plan is to help those who have been impacted by the opioid epidemic while also putting new measures in place that will make it harder to distribute opioids illegally throughout Washington.

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Amazon Settles Pesticide Lawsuit for $2.5 Million

Posted by David Brown 
· December 14, 2021 

Amazon will pay $2.5 million in a settlement agreed upon in November 2021. The Washington State Attorney General’s office alleges that the company allowed vendors to sell industrial-grade pesticides on its platform. The case involves pesticides bought between 2013 and 2020, according to Bizjournal.com.

Pesticides Sold Online

Under Washington state law, these pesticides were highly regulated, and members of the general public cannot purchase them through regular channels. In fact, the state requires sellers to hold the appropriate licenses. Sellers must also record information about buyers at the point of sale. Some of the pesticides also require buyers to hold a license due to the hazardous nature of the pesticides. In those cases, buyers need a pesticide applicator license.

EPA Investigation

The Environmental Protection Agency ordered Amazon to stop sales of the pesticides and won a settlement for $1.2 million in 2018. During the time frame in question, the tech giant sold high-strength pesticides in thousands of sales. Product descriptions for the pesticides did not warn customers that they were meant for industrial and agricultural use.

Therefore, it is possible that people bought them without knowing that they were any different from other products for sale to homeowners and individuals.

Possible Neurological Damage

Some people purchasing the pesticides probably didn’t know about the potential dangers, which include the risk of neurological damage if used improperly. Additionally, these pesticides may have contaminated groundwater, putting numerous endangered species at further risk. Species potentially impacted by the unregulated sale include Orcas and Chinook salmon.

According to news stories on several outlets, no allegations of harm have yet been made regarding customers or threatened wildlife.

Amazon Will Need a License to Continue Sales

Besides paying the $2.5 million settlement, Amazon must get a license in order to sell the pesticides in the future. The online seller will also have to make a number of changes to block unqualified buyers from purchasing the pesticides, intentionally or otherwise. Thus far, Amazon has cooperated with the state’s request for records related to the case.

It’s possible that some customers bought the pesticides without understanding the risks involved. Customers who bought pesticides on Amazon between 2013 and 2020 should contact Amazon directly.

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Jury Reaches a Verdict Regarding the Lawsuit Filed Against Craig Wright, Man Who Claims To Be Satoshi

Posted by David Brown 
· December 9, 2021 

Bitcoin has completely changed the way people look at the economy; however, the creator of the cryptocurrency is still unknown, going only by the name Satoshi. Recently, an Australian computer scientist who claims to have invented Bitcoin was informed by a jury in the United States that he needs to pay more than $100 million in damages due to claims that he cheated a friend, now deceased, over intellectual property related to the digital currency.

Taking place in federal court in Miami, the jury took more than a week to reach a verdict. The verdict came after a trial that lasted more than three weeks. Even though the jury rejected those claims made against Craig Wright, the Australian computer scientist, the jury still decided that the computer scientist owed the plaintiff more than $100 million. Of note, this trial does not settle the debate over the creator of the renowned cryptocurrency.

The lawsuit was brought by the brother of Dave Kleiman, who is a cybersecurity expert who passed away in 2013. The lawsuit alleged that Kleiman worked with Wright during the early years of Bitcoin, seeking to mine the cryptocurrency during its early phases. The lawsuit alleges that Wright did not give Kleiman his fair share of the mined Bitcoin, meaning that he was shorted hundreds of millions of dollars, given the rapid growth of Bitcoin during the past decade.

Even though Craig Wright feels that the verdict proves he is the creator of Bitcoin, most other people disagree. A lot of investors in Bitcoin view Craig Wright as a fake, and the result of the trial has done little to convince the public that this man is the true creator of Bitcoin itself.

Even though the verdict and settlement amount can be staggering in the eyes of a lot of people, Bitcoin has appreciated significantly since the time of the alleged incident, meaning that Wright could have billions of dollars in Bitcoin to his name. This could be the reason why he is not going to appeal the verdict. On the other hand, an attorney representing Kleiman hailed the verdict as marking a new precedent in the history of cryptocurrency.

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Juries Award Multimillion Dollar Verdicts in Lawsuits Against Walmart

Posted by David Brown 
· December 7, 2021 

When people take a trip to the grocery store, they usually expect to grab a shopping cart, find what they need, and check out without issue. Unfortunately, for a woman located in South Carolina, her trip to Walmart in 2015 took an unusual turn.

When she set foot inside the Walmart, she felt a sharp pain in the bottom of her foot. She looked down and found that a rusty nail had gone right through her shoe. It has locked itself in her foot, and she went to the hospital as quickly as possible to get the wound treated. Unfortunately, the area got infected, and she needed to go through multiple operations to have most of her right leg amputated. Initially, it was just her toe; however, the infection continued to spread through her foot. Several months later, she needed to have her leg amputated above the knee as well.

Since that time, her life has been altered tremendously. She spends much of her time in a wheelchair, and she is unable to live the life she once did. In 2017, she filed a lawsuit against Walmart, alleging that Walmart was negligent in leaving a rusty nail on the floor. She and her attorney took the case to trial, where a jury awarded her $10 million as a result of her injuries. Her attorney says that this money is going to be used to make her home more handicapped accessible, purchase prosthetic limbs to allow her to restore some degree of mobility, and cover a wide variety of medical expenses, including those she will incur during the rest of her life.

Even though Walmart appreciates the services of the jury, they do not agree with the verdict; however, April Jones is not the only person to be awarded a significant amount of money by a jury following an incident in the store.

More than $2 million in damages were awarded to an individual in Mobile County, AL after they were falsely accused of stealing groceries. The individual went through the self-checkout lane, paid for all the groceries, but was then accused of stealing them by a local Walmart. Following the false accusations, this individual filed a lawsuit and won the case as well.

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Costco Fighting Legal Battle in Washington State

Posted by David Brown 
· November 30, 2021 

Major grocery retailer Costco is facing a legal challenge in its home state of Washington. Residents of Lake Stevens, WA (a town about 45 miles north of their central headquarters) have filed a lawsuit to prevent the chain from opening a new retail location in their town. The group, called Livable Lake Stevens, has a history of fighting against Costco’s expansion into their neighborhood. This lawsuit is one of several similar suits the residents have filed over the past three years with the express purpose of denying Costco the opportunity to build on land that they own. The resident group has also held multiple protests at city council meetings trying to stop development at the site.

This time, the residents filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Army Corps of Engineers. The 40 acre plot was recently allowed to start fill dirt operations, despite the fact that the property contains wetland areas. The plaintiffs believe that the process to gain proper permitting to fill wetlands at the site was rushed. Several experts, however, have remarked that the lawsuit is likely the last attempt that can be made to prevent the store from starting construction.

Many of the residents are concerned about an increase in traffic through their neighborhoods. In fact, one study estimated a nearly 50% increase in traffic on major roads within a one mile radius of the store. Members of Livable Lake Stevens point to this study as the main reason why the store should not be built in their area.

There are, however, many residents in Lake Stevens, Wa who want to see the Costco open in their neighborhood. Costco has a reputation for high wages, and the company’s press releases regarding the expansion are quick to point out their $24 an hour average salaries. These retail positions also come with benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. With a typical store bringing approximately 275 new jobs to an area, there are many people in Lake Stevens who want to see the store open as soon as possible.

For now, everyone will have to wait and see what the courts decide in the federal lawsuit.

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The Most Common Injuries at Construction Sites

Posted by David Brown 
· November 23, 2021 

Construction jobs are fulfilling, but they can also be dangerous. Sadly, there are hundreds of thousands of serious injuries that construction workers sustain every year. A lot of construction workers who are hurt on the job are eligible for workers’ compensation. This compensation can cover lost wages, medical expenses, and other costs stemming directly from the injury. It is critical to work with a personal injury lawyer who has experience in construction law. A personal injury claim could be filed on behalf of the individual to seek additional compensation.

There are several examples of injuries that take place on construction sites. For example, falls from great heights can lead to serious injuries. Someone could fall from heavy machinery, scaffolding, or a roof. Proper safety equipment is important for reducing the risk of falls.

Some people slip and fall in a construction zone as well. There are lots of trip hazards at construction sites, including heavy machinery. If someone trips over a heavy object, they could fall, potentially breaking a bone.

Transportation accidents can also take place during construction projects. A lot of people drive trailers, tractors, and trucks from place to place. If an accident takes place, someone could suffer serious injuries. They might even require emergency surgery to repair the issue.

Electrical injuries are also serious concerns in construction sites. Many workers use powerful machinery, electrical wiring, and generators. All of these increase the risk of electrocution injuries, leading to serious burns.

Finally, many people overlook the risk of trench collapses at construction sites. Trenches are important in constructing new buildings. On the other hand, if the trench collapses, it can lead to serious injuries. This could include chest injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Every trench has to have the right safety equipment to minimize the risk of a trench collapse.

Every construction worker has to take the appropriate safety precautions to minimize the chances of suffering an injury. Unfortunately, some construction injuries still take place. It is important for workers to explore their eligibility for workers’ compensation. This could help them cover the costs related to the injury. Then, any construction worker who has been injured should reach out to a personal injury attorney to make sure their rights are protected.

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Lawsuit Filed Against the First Long-Term Care Insurance Program in the Country

Posted by David Brown 
· November 18, 2021 

Long-term care insurance has been a significant issue in the healthcare industry for some time, with significant expenses being incurred at the end of someone’s life. Recently, Washington State created the nation’s first long-term care insurance program. Now, it is heading to court, as a group of workers and employers has filed a lawsuit against the state in an effort to overturn the law.

The lawsuit alleges that the long-term care insurance program violates the United States Constitution, State insurance regulations, and the Employee Income Security Act, also known as ERISA. While the governor was already considering revisions to the plan, this lawsuit is likely to accelerate them.

The main argument of a lawsuit is that the new public long-term care insurance program violates ERISA’s guarantees and protections against non-forfeiture. What this means is that workers cannot be denied benefits after they have paid into a specific benefit program. Under the long-term care insurance program, employees must pay a 0.58 percent payroll tax in return for long-term care insurance; however, the law also requires workers to contribute for 10 years before they can be eligible for benefits from the program. Furthermore, the benefits only apply to individuals who live in Washington State. The lawsuit alleges that because some individuals might pay into the program without receiving benefits, it violates ERISA.

Furthermore, the program alleges that age discrimination is taking place. The program charges higher-income workers higher premiums even though the state shouldn’t have any interest in the rate differences. Older workers tend to make more than younger workers, so the lawsuit claims that the new program violates multiple laws put into place to protect older workers against age discrimination. This falls under the Equal Protection clause, which is the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution.

As the lawsuit heads to court, a number of important questions will be answered. Is the program subject to regulation by ERISA? Are employers acting as agents of the state if they collect and remit a tax premium related to the program? Does the payment into the program qualify as a premium or a tax? These questions will be answered as the lawsuit plays out in court.

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4 Situations That May Need The Assistance Of A Personal Injury Lawyer

Posted by David Brown 
· November 16, 2021 

A personal injury lawyer can be of assistance during many trying situations, ranging from the difficulties that surround an accident on the road to issues surrounding medical malpractice. In certain circumstances, someone might have a legitimate claim for recourse or compensation against another party. It’s important to understand which avenues must be explored in these types of circumstances.

4 Situations That May Need The Assistance Of A Personal Injury Lawyer

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Whether this entails being hit by a car or another type of vehicle, such as a tractor or trailer, it could be possible to seek compensation for damages. If the accident was caused by negligence on another party’s part, a personal injury lawyer can fight for your rights to ensure you’re compensated for your losses.

Medical Malpractice

Some people have had to deal with medical malpractice. It occurs when a person has been exposed to more risks during treatment because of any act, neglect, or lack of skill by a doctor or another medical professional. A qualified personal injury attorney can help seek compensation for medical bill payments or other costs associated with the incident.

Product Liability

A personal injury lawyer can also help when it is believed that one has been subjected to product-related injury. This can encompass anything from a defective drug to a poorly designed product, whether it is faulty equipment or an item that is deemed dangerous. This could include anything from machinery to household appliances.

Workers Compensation

When working, you need to be aware of what is happening around you and ensure that your safety during your shift will be taken care of. If a person works in a place that involves heavy machinery or equipment, they should be protected at all times to avoid accidents. When an accident happens that causes injury to a worker, they may need to file an injury case with their employer to get fully compensated.

If you find yourself in any of these situations, it is wise to seek the help of a personal injury lawyer who will listen to your story with compassion and understanding before giving you legal advice. They are there for one reason only- to help you get the justice and compensation that you deserve for any losses.

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Washington State Coach Nick Rolovich Files Lawsuit Over Termination Related to Vaccination Status

Posted by David Brown 
· November 11, 2021 

The Coronavirus pandemic has completely changed the world in which we live during the past two years. Recently, a lot of vaccines have been given full approval by the FDA, opening the doors to employers who might want to require their employees to be fully vaccinated. Some employees have even been fired because of their unvaccinated status. One of the recent high-profile examples is Nick Rolovich, who was the head coach of the Washington State football team. He was also one of the highest-paid employees by the state of Washington, as Washington state is a public school.

His situation has received a significant amount of attention during the past few months because of the high-profile nature of PAC-12 football. When Washington State decided to require all of its employees to be vaccinated, many were wondering how coach Rolovich would react. He still decided to remain unvaccinated, and was subsequently fired by the athletic director. The school also announced that he would be fired for cause, meaning that he would no longer be paid by the university.

Now, he is filing a wrongful termination against the school, claiming his firing was unlawful. It will be interesting to see how the case unfolds. The claim the former coach is making in the lawsuit is that he decided not to get vaccinated because of his steadfast Catholic faith. Of note, the Pope has encouraged everyone to get vaccinated as a way to overcome the pandemic. Right now, it is unclear if politics had any role in the coach’s decision to remain unvaccinated, but if he can prove that his vaccination status is directly related to his religious beliefs, he may claim that his firing is a violation of his first amendment rights giving him freedom of religion. The coach would have to prove that his vaccination status is related to his religious beliefs and show how he practices these religious beliefs in his everyday life.

Washington State is also a public institution, which could play a role in the legality of the lawsuit and the school’s regulations as the case moves forward. Of note, several other assistant coaches were also terminated by the university due to their refusal to get vaccinated.

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