June ’19 Legal News Recap

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.

Bayer Seeks Reversal of $2 Billion Roundup Verdict

Bayer is asking for the reversal of a $2 billion verdict in a lawsuit over the company’s glyphosate-based Roundup weed killer. The lawsuit was filed by a couple who allege the product caused their cancer. The lawsuit was filed in Alameda County Superior Court in Oakland, California. Bayer is currently facing Roundup cancer lawsuits by more than 13,400 plaintiffs across the United States.

Class Claims Filed Against Humane Milk Producer Over Deceptive Marketing

Premium humane milk producer Fairlife LLC was served with proposed class claims in federal court in the Northern District of Illinois claiming that the company engages in deceptive marketing tactics. In the complaint, plaintiffs argue that Fairlife intentionally deceives customers into believing that the company treats its cows humanely in order to charge consumers a premium price for the product.

Purdue Facing More Opioid Suits

A judge has ruled that the owners of Purdue Pharma LP must face a lawsuit in New York alleging the company triggered the opioid epidemic. The judge denied the defendants request to dismiss the lawsuit. Purdue will now face lawsuits by various counties and cities in New York seeking to recoup billions of dollars. The ruling was handed down in Suffolk County on Long Island.

$8.2 Million Settlement Reached in Target Debit Card Class Actions

This month, an $8.2 million settlement was proposed to California federal court Judge M. James Lorenz for preliminary approval, bringing an end to class claims that superstore chain Target Corp. (“Target”) engaged in deceptive marketing practices in the promotion of its Target REDCard. Named plaintiff James Walters originally filed suit on June 29, 2016. In the complaint, Walters alleges that Target processes its debit card transactions unlike traditional bank-issued debit cards.

Woman Files Suit Over Injuries in Cruise Ship Fall

A Texas woman has filed suit alleging she was injured in a fall on a cruise ship. The plaintiff alleges she sustained “severe and lasting” injuries by falling on the slippery floor of a cruise ship casino. As alleged in the lawsuit, the floor surface was slippery due to a “build up of moisture” and a “lack of suitable non-slip coating,” causing her to fall and suffer injuries. The lawsuit was filed against cruise operator Cruises to Nowhere and seeks between $200,000 and $1 million in damages.

Ninth Circuit Upholds $210 Million Settlement in Hyundai MDL

A $210 million settlement brought a close to a multidistrict litigation (“MDL”) between Hyundai Motor America Inc. and a nationwide class of consumers who alleged that Hyundai, and its affiliate Kia Motors America, misrepresented the fuel economy on certain 2011, 2012, and 2013 vehicles including the popular Elantra and Sonata, was affirmed by an 8-3 en banc Ninth Circuit decision.

All Charges Dropped in Flint Water Case

Pending charges against officials accused in connection with the leaching of lead into the Flint water supply have all been dropped. Problems with the investigation were cited as the reason. A new, expanded investigation has been launched.

Our attorneys at McCoy, Hiestand & Smith strive to keep our community informed so check back with us monthly for a Legal News Update!