On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern Railway train carrying goods from Illinois to Pennsylvania derailed in East Palestine, about 50 miles northwest of Pittsburgh. The accident caused a massive fire over the length of about 50 cars. No deaths or injuries were reported, but…
A growing number of cheerleaders who claim to have been sexually abused as minors have filed lawsuits against their coaches, gyms, fitness organizations, and more. In December 2022, for instance, a group of 21 cheerleaders filed lawsuits against gyms in 7 states. The plaintiffs claim…
Parking lots: They’re sometimes the cause of an unfortunate ding or scratch on your vehicle, but otherwise they’re not that hazardous. Or are they? According to a recent National Safety Council (NSC) report, parking lots may be a lot more dangerous than you think, for…
Thousands of bike and motorcycle helmets have recently been recalled because they may fail to protect a rider from serious injuries or death in a crash. Sakar International Recalls Helmets for Safety Hazards On January 19, 2023, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced…
A Florida woman, as putative personal representative of the estate of a deceased plaintiff, recently filed a hair relaxer lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The representative claims the plaintiff was seriously injured as a result of her use…
Following the Norfolk Southern Railway train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, hazardous chemicals spilled into the nearby soil and waterways. According to ABC News, as of February 14th, 2023, four tributaries of the Ohio River over a space of 7.5 miles were contaminated. These contaminated…
On February 14, 2023, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro wrote a letter to Norfolk Southern Corporation—the company responsible for the train derailment that took place in East Palestine, Ohio on February 3, 2023. The governor expressed his “serious concerns” regarding the company’s management of the incident,…
A California woman was among the first women to sue cosmetics giant L’Oréal and other hair straightening manufacturers, claiming their products were responsible for her reproductive health issues. Rugieyatu Bhonopha filed her lawsuit in California federal court just days after the release of a U.S.…
By Jason D. Lazarus, J.D., LL.M., CSSC, MSCC Some individuals are “dual eligible” meaning they qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare. In certain cases, a Medicare Set Aside/special needs trust or pooled trust sub-account may be necessary to preserve the client’s dual eligibility. As discussed…
By Jason D. Lazarus, J.D., LL.M., CSSC, MSCC Because most of a lawyer’s malpractice exposure at settlement is related to public benefit preservation, it is important to understand the basics of these benefits. Ethically, a lawyer must be able to explain these matters to the…
