Judge

Former Scranton Housing Inspector Appeals Dismissal of Retaliation Lawsuit

A former Scranton housing inspector has appealed a federal judge’s ruling that dismissed her political retaliation and gender discrimination lawsuit. Patricia Jennings-Fowler contends U.S. District Judge Malachy Mannion erred when he ruled she failed to present sufficient evidence to support her claims. Ms. Jennings-Fowler had worked for the city in various capacities since 2009.


Pittsburgh-Area Drilling Opponents Have Their Say in Court

It may be spring in Western Pennsylvania, but there’s a new chill in the air in Butler County, where opponents of shale gas drilling and fracking near the Mars School District campus say they feel intimidated by gas leaseholders’ legal efforts to silence them. “Our focus is all about protecting the 3,700 children at the Mars schools, but because of these lawsuits there are already people who …


Minnesota Judge Says Concussion Lawsuit Against NHL Can Proceed

Minnesota Judge says concussion lawsuit against NHL can proceed after refusing to dismiss a lawsuit filed by ex-players accusing the National Hockey League to protect them from head injuries while withholding information about the long-term effects of concussions. Six retired players filed the class-action lawsuit with similar claims as the legal action brought against the National Football …


Six Concussion Suits Are Filed Against Colleges and N.C.A.A.

Several former college football players filed class-action lawsuits Tuesday against their universities, conferences and the N.C.A.A., claiming negligence over their handling of head injuries. The spate of cases — six were filed Tuesday — marks a new effort by athletes seeking financial relief for what they say are the lasting effects from concussions sustained in their college careers. Among …


Ill Attorney Prompts Mistrial in Police Clerk’s Lawsuit

A mistrial has been declared in a civil rights lawsuit brought by a Pittsburgh police officer who clerked for the former chief. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review says U.S. District Judge Joy Flowers Conti granted the mistrial after Officer Tonya Montgomery-Ford said her attorney was too ill to continue. Attorney Sam Cordes reported feeling dizzy Tuesday and wasn’t in …


Judge Rules Uber Can Be Sued for Sexual Assaults Committed by Drivers

A judge in California has ruled that Uber can be sued over sexual assault committed by its drivers, Consumerist reported on Friday. Uber had moved to dismiss two charges of sexual assault filed against the company, arguing that it can’t be held liable for the assaults because of technicalities regarding the employment status of its drivers.


California Federal Judge: Facebook Can Face Privacy Class Actions Under Illinois Biometrics Law

A federal judge has ruled that even though a putative class-action suit against Facebook – which alleges the company lifted users’ biometric information without permission – was moved from Illinois federal court to California federal jurisdiction, Illinois law regarding privacy will apply in the case. The decision was delivered May 5 by California Federal Judge James Donato, who struck down …


Uber Drivers, if Employees, Owed $730 Mln More -U.S. Court Papers

Drivers who worked for ride-hailing service Uber in California and Massachusetts over the past seven years would have been entitled to an estimated $730 million in expense reimbursements had they been employees rather than contractors, according to court documents made public on Monday. Uber and smaller rival Lyft are attempting to settle lawsuits by drivers who contend they …



Judge Refuses to Dismiss Lawsuit Over Crowdfunded ‘Star Trek’ Film

A California federal judge is allowing Paramount Pictures and CBS to boldly go where no Star Trek rights holder has gone before. The two studios are suing over Star Trek: Prelude to Axanar, a short film, as well as Axanar, a proposed feature-length picture that’s been raising money on Kickstarter and other crowdfunding platforms. In response to the lawsuit, Alec Peters’ Axanar Productions …