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.
Kentucky Coroner Accused of Inappropriate Touching and Vulgar Comments
A Kentucky coroner has been accused in a lawsuit of sexual harassment. The lawsuit was filed by a former deputy coroner who alleges Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn touched her inappropriately and made vulgar comments to her. The plaintiff filed suit in September alleging Ginn subjected her “to constant and inappropriate behavior and comments.” The lawsuit seeks an unspecified amount of damages.
LaCroix Accused of Using Dangerous Artificial Ingredients in “All Natural” Water
A class action lawsuit has been filed against the makers of LaCroix sparkling water alleging the drink contains artificial ingredients, including an ingredient in cockroach insecticide. According to the lawsuit, testing revealed the sparkling water contains chemicals, negating the company’s claim that the drink is “all natural.” As stated in the lawsuit, “These chemicals include limonene, which can cause kidney toxicity and tumors; linalool propionate, which is used to treat cancer; and linalool, which is used in cockroach insecticide.”
Trump Administration Asks Again for Dismissal of Teens’ Climate Change Lawsuit
The Trump administration is against asking to have a climate change lawsuit filed against it by a group of teenage activists to be dismissed. The Justice Department has asked the Supreme Court for a second time to dismiss the lawsuit, which takes issue with the government’s lack of action toward preventing climate change. The lawsuit states, “through the government’s affirmative actions that cause climate change, it has violated the youngest generation’s constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property, as well as failed to protect essential public trust resources.” Both the Obama and Trump administrations have failed to dismiss the lawsuit.
$10,000 Awarded to Woman in Cyberbullying Case
A jury has awarded $10,000 to an Alabama woman who alleged she was bullied on social media. The woman from Tuscaloosa filed suit alleging that two individuals called her a murderer, a Satan worshiper, and a member of a sex trafficking ring on social media. According to the complaint, the posts caused the plaintiff to fear for her safety and suffer mental distress that required medical treatment. The plaintiff sought $1 million in compensatory and punitive damages.
$2.3 Million Settlement Awaiting Approval in Shampoo Class Action
On October 19, 2018, a proposed class of consumers who purchased Sexy Hair Concepts shampoos from Ulta Beauty stores asked Massachusetts Judge F. Dennis Saylor to grant approval for a $2.3 million settlement. Named plaintiff, Molly Crane, originally filed the suit in Massachusetts federal court on February 23, 2017. In the complaint, Plaintiff alleged that defendants Ulta Beauty and Sexy Hair Concepts LLC intentionally mislead consumers by promoting the product to be sulfate- and salt-free, when in reality the shampoos contain both ingredients.
Our attorneys at McCoy, Hiestand & Smith strive to keep our community informed so check back with us monthly for a Legal News Update!
