Legal news affects our everyday lives, whether we notice it or not. Here’s a summary of this month’s major cases.
Kentucky Files Suit Against Walgreens Over Opioid Medications
Kentucky’s attorney general filed a lawsuit against Walgreens, alleging the pharmacy has given out opioid medications at an “alarming” rate. The complaint alleges that Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. has played a significant role in the nationwide opioid epidemic through its position as a pharmacy chain and wholesale drug distributor. This is the sixth lawsuit filed by Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear seeking to hold companies accountable for the epidemic.
Dollywood Facing Lawsuit Over Spinal Cord Injury On Water Ride
A personal injury lawsuit has been filed against Dolly Parton’s Dollywood theme park over a spinal cord injury suffered by a woman on a ride. While on the water ride, the woman was propelled off her seat and fell down into the raft striking her spine on the hard surface. The woman “was unable to feel or move her legs at the end of the ride.” The park has been accused in the $2 million lawsuit of negligence and failure to properly warn of the dangers of the ride.
Ikea Faces Another Wrongful Death Suit Over Toddler’s Death by Dresser
The family of a toddler who was crushed to death by an Ikea dresser has filed a lawsuit against the retailer. The child was killed last year when a dresser fell on top of him. According to the family’s attorney, “Ikea clearly was familiar with a stability issue with its products for years and took no effective measures to deal with it.” Last year, Ikea settled three similar lawsuits for a total of $50 million.
Class Action Suit Filed Over Toddlers’ Injuries From Potty Training Seat
A class action lawsuit has been filed by the family of a toddler whose genitals were lacerated by a potty training device. The family filed suit alleging their son and more than 15 other boys were injured when their genitals became stuck to the seat. As alleged in the lawsuit, the WeePOD training seats were sold at Target stores despite safety complaints dating back to 2012. The lawsuit seeks damages and injunctive relief.
$5.25 Million Settlement Reached in Dr. Oz-Promoted “Miracle” Diet Supplement
Well-known television personality Dr. Mehmet Oz, along with the producers of his hit television show, ZoCo Productions LLC and Harpo Productions Inc., agreed to a $5.25 million settlement to end class claims alleging that Dr. Oz made misrepresentations regarding the quality, effectiveness and sponsorship of weight-loss supplements featured on The Doctor Oz Show.
Lawsuit: 12-Year-Old Committed Suicide After School Forced Her to Hug Bullies
The family of a 12-year-old girl from New Jersey who committed suicide has filed suit against the child’s school. According to the complaint, filed against Rockaway Township Board of Education and the township, school officials forced the girl to hug her bullies. The lawsuit states that the other children tormented the girl with texts, Instagram posts, and Snapchat messages prior to her committing suicide. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants failed in their responsibility to ensure the safety of children in local schools.
Family of Parkland Shooting Victim Seeks Access to Suspect’s Mental Health Records
The family of a victim of the shooting in Parkland, Florida earlier this year has filed a lawsuit seeking to obtain mental health records of shooting suspect Nikolas Cruz. The lawsuit was filed by the parents of a 17-year-old girl who was among 16 people killed in the shooting. Attorneys for the family are seeking the records in preparation for a possible malpractice or wrongful death case. The lawsuit was filed on Friday.
Walgreens to Face Lawsuit Over Customer’s Seizure Death
The family of a teenager who died of an epileptic seizure has filed suit against Walgreens alleging the pharmacy’s negligence caused the seizure death of the 19-year-old woman. The young woman died of a seizure after the pharmacy would not fill her prescription medication without authorization from her insurance carrier. The Supreme Judicial Court ruled that Walgreens must face the family’s lawsuit, reversing a lower court ruling.
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