#1 Over $1Billion added to J&J Talc Settlement ProposalNew Brunswick, NJ - Johnson & Johnson boosted its $9 billion proposed settlement to over $10.1 billion to resolve potentially 100,000 talc lawsuits claiming its baby powder caused ovarian and other gynecological cancers. The proposal, which will be paid over 25 years, has created a rift with plaintiffs’ lawyers, one of whom rejected previous proposals to settle the cases through bankruptcy court and now approves.
#2 Tesla Discrimination Class Action to TrialSanta Clara, CA - A racial discrimination class action lawsuit against Tesla filed in 2017 will go to trial in September 2025, said Alameda County Superior Court Judge Noël Wise during a case management conference in August. Noting that the plaintiff filed his California labor complaint in 2017, Judge Wise said that, "everybody, the plaintiffs and the defense, needs to have closure on these issues." It was the third racial discrimination lawsuit filed against Tesla that year and the first to seek class action status.
#3 Sixth Circuit Nixes Arbitration for ERISA ClaimsMemphis, TN - On August 20, the Sixth Circuit refused to force participants in two related 401k plans, the "DRiV Plan" and the "Tenneco Plan,” to arbitrate claims that the plans wasted workers’ retirement money by offering sub-par investment choices. At first blush, Parker v. Tenneco, Inc., looks like one of many cookie-cutter ERISA lawsuits that allege sloppy financial management and the price that working folks pay.
#5 CVS Pharmacy Faces California Labor LawsuitLos Angeles, CA - A class action lawsuit filed under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) in Los Angeles County Superior Court by a former employee claims CVS Pharmacy violated California labor laws, including failure to pay overtime, altering time keeping records and more.
#6 Wells Fargo Settles Disability Discrimination Suit for 22.1 millionCharlotte, NC - A former Wells Fargo Securities supervisor was awarded $22.1 million by a federal court jury in Charlotte last month. Christopher Billesdon’s disability and age discrimination lawsuit accused the San Francisco-based bank of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and wrongful discharge under North Carolina state law.
#7 Lawmakers Pressure FDA to Ban Formaldehyde in Hair RelaxersSanta Clara, CA - Two lawmakers in March 2023 wrote a letter to the FDA, urging it to ban harmful chemicals in hair relaxers. Last month, those lawmakers sent another letter to the agency asking why the proposed ban is still not in place. If not in place this month, the FDA will have missed its date three times. The FDA has already missed two of its hair relaxer formaldehyde bans, and one lawmaker believes another delay could cause more health issues for communities of color.
#8 UFC and Martial Arts Fighters Battle at TrialLas Vegas, NV - Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and parent company TKO Group Holdings Inc. will duke it out during a trial with mixed martial arts fighters who accused the promoter of supressing their wages. Nevada federal Judge B Richard F. Boulware II rejected a $335 settlement because he wanted to see “life-changing” money for the fighters who filed multiple lawsuits a decade ago.
#10 What Legal Actions Can You Take If You're Injured by a Drunk Driver in California?Santa Clara, CA - Being injured by a drunk driver in California can be a traumatic experience with lasting physical and emotional effects. After an accident like this, you might be dealing with high medical bills, lost income, and a lot of pain. Knowing your rights can help you receive the compensation you are owed. California law provides several avenues for pursuing justice after being injured by a drunk driver. Whether you are dealing with the driver’s insurance company or considering a lawsuit, knowing your options can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. This article explains what you can do if a drunk driver in California has injured you.
