#1 Navy Federal to Settle Overdraft Fees Lawsuit for $16 MillionAlexandria, VA The Eastern District of Virginia appears poised to approve a proposed settlement in a class action bank overdraft fees lawsuit originally filed against Navy Federal Credit Union in 2019. Under the terms of the proposed settlement, checking account customers at Navy Federal who were overcharged will have a common fund of $16 million to divide among themselves. The settlement is notable because class members need not file claims to receive compensation. The settlement fund will be automatically allocated among them according to a distribution plan set out in the agreement.
#2 Hernia Mesh Lawsuits Tangled in DelaysConcord, MA Hernia mesh lawsuits filed against three medical device manufacturers have been delayed mainly because of the coronavirus pandemic, and bellwether trials have been delayed a few times already. Nearly 15,000 hernia mesh claims pending in the federal court system have been consolidated in three multi-district litigations (MDLs).
#3 Bayer Essure Settlement a Victory for Thousands of Essure Victims and E-SistersSanta Clara, CA On the ”Essure Problems” Facebook Page, which was started in 2011, Angie Firmalino advises about 44,000 women, called E-sisters, not to discuss their settlement as it comes with a confidentiality agreement that includes “restrictions about discussing your settlement online… discussing your settlement will jeopardize it.” Ms. Firmalino, who started the group, is referring to the $1.6 billion Bayer is paying to thousands of women who said they have suffered severe, long-term health problems from Bayer’s Essure birth control implant.
#4 Is Dynamex Ruling Retroactive?Santa Clara, CA Just as the polls closed on Proposition 22—a ruling that allows companies to hire app-based drivers as independent contractors instead of employees—the California Supreme Court heard arguments in Vazquez v. Jan-Pro Franchising Int’l, Inc. At issue is the Dynamex ruling and whether it should be retroactive to worker misclassification lawsuits filed before it was decided.
#5 More Injectafer Lawsuits Alleging Hypophosphatemia – a Serious Health RiskConshohocken, PA Another Injectafer lawsuit filed in October 2020 joins numerous others filed since 2019, all claiming Vifor Pharma, Ltd., Daiichi Sankyo and its subsidiaries Luitpold Pharmaceuticals and American Regent failed to warn users about the risk of hypophosphatemia—a severe side effect whereby low phosphorous levels are caused by the multiple Injectafer injections.
#6 PFAS & PFOA Water Contamination and Firefighter Lawsuits on the RiseSanta Clara, CA Townships and municipalities nationwide are filing environmental lawsuits against manufacturers such as Raytheon Technologies, Chemours, DuPont and 3M Co. for adding PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) into the water supply. These chemicals are allegedly toxic and have been linked to certain cancers. As well, former firefighters continue to file lawsuits against makers of AFFF firefighting foams, alleging a link to cancer.
#7 Third Circuit Revives Oil Workers’ Donning and Doffing LawsuitPhiladelphia, PA On October 26, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals revived a wage & hour lawsuit originally filed by oil rig workers in 2011. At its heart, Tyger v. Precision Drilling Corp. is a “donning and doffing” lawsuit. Rodney Tyger, Shawn Wadsworth and approximately 1,000 other rig hands seek to recover unpaid overtime, allegedly due under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). It’s not over yet; the Third Circuit remanded the lawsuit back to the District Court for further proceedings.
#8 Lisinopril—Hidden DangersLas Vegas, NV Many prescription drugs are as common as aspirin; it's no wonder that many consumers don't read warning labels or consider that a medication could be associated with side effects. Take Lisinopril, for instance. It is one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the US, and it also has the potential to harm a lot of people.
#9 Aftermath of a Horrific Amusement Park AccidentLouisville, KY It is not only a parent's worst nightmare but anyone's worst nightmare??"in this case an Amusement Park Accident at a popular theme park that resulted in a 13-year-old girl having both of her feet severed above the ankle. Kaitlyn Lasitter survived, and doctors were able to re-attach her right foot. But they could not save her left, and Kaitlyn now walks with a prosthesis.
