Legal news affects our everyday lives, whether we notice it or not. Here’s a summary of a few of this month’s major cases.
Lawsuit Asks Kroger to Ban Guns in Wake of Louisville Shooting
A woman whose father was shot to death in a Louisville, Kentucky, grocery store has filed a lawsuit seeking a ban on guns. The plaintiff’s 69-year-old father was one of two people killed in a shooting last October in a Kroger grocery store. The civil lawsuit was filed against Kroger and asks the store to ban customers from carrying guns inside stores.
Kentucky Middle Schooler Retaliated Against for Reporting Teacher’s Texts, Alleges Lawsuit
A lawsuit alleges a middle school student from Kentucky was retaliated against after she reported that a para-educator sent her sexual messages through Snapchat. The lawsuit alleges the CMS student was sent to an alternative program after she reported an educator sent her explicit messages. He was charged with “the felonious use of an electronic means to induce minor to engage in sexual activities,” states the lawsuit. Named as defendants in the lawsuit are the para-educator, a superintendent and others.
South Carolina Family Files Wrongful Death Suit Against Lyft
Lyft is facing a lawsuit filed by the family of a passenger who died in a crash in Charleston, South Carolina. According to the lawsuit, the Lyft driver failed to yield to the right of way in an intersection and crashed into another car. As a result, the passenger sustained “severe bodily injuries,” which ultimately caused his death. This is the first wrongful death suit against Lyft in Charleston County.
Facebook Sued Over Collection of User Biometric Data
Facebook will face a lawsuit alleging it illegally collected and stored biometric data for millions of its users. On Thursday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decided that Facebook violated user rights by storing the data without their permission. The social media giant is currently involved in a number of other legal battles. Last month they agreed to pay $5 billion to settle a Federal Trade Commission data privacy probe.
Opioid Distributors Propose $10 Billion Settlement of State Lawsuits
Opioid distributors have proposed a $10 billion settlement of state lawsuits over their alleged role in the opioid epidemic. McKesson Corp., Cardinal Health Inc., and AmerisourceBergen Corp., which deliver the majority of prescription medications to pharmacies across the country, have made the first move toward a settlement. The National Association of Attorneys General is negotiating the settlement on behalf of over 35 states and countered the offer with a proposed $45 billion to cover costs associated with the public health crisis.
Boy Scouts of America Accused of Cover Up of Rampant Abuse in Lawsuit
A new lawsuit filed against the Boy Scouts of America accuses the organization of covering up rampant sexual abuse and identifies 350 previously unknown adult scoutmasters or members as abusers. The lawsuit accuses the organization of facilitating “a continuing and serious conspiracy to conceal and cover up” sexual assaults against children within their organization. The lawsuit was filed following an investigation that began in February.
Our attorneys at McCoy, Hiestand & Smith strive to keep our community informed so check back with us monthly for a Legal News Update!
