SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

WASHINGTON – In an annual report of “Judicial Hellholes” released today by the American Tort Reform Association, Philadelphia has claimed the No. 1 ranking – in part due to a historic $8 billion punitive damages verdict rendered this year in litigation connected to Johnson & Johnson’s anti-psychotic drug Risperdal.

AUSTIN, Texas – New records show that the American Law Institute has hired lobby assistance to oppose legislation filed by Texas lawmakers to discourage the Restatement of the Law of Liability Insurance from being relied upon by courts.

PHILADELPHIA – State opposition to the American Law Institute’s Restatement of the Law of Liability Insurance continues to accumulate, as North Dakota recently passed a law striking down the document and Arkansas introduced similar legislation in its state senate.

PHILADELPHIA – Minnesota-based 3M finds itself the target of litigation from U.S. military veterans nationwide, who claim the company’s Combat-Arms Earplugs, worn by troops from 2003-2015, were the proximate cause of hearing damage and deafness to countless military service members.

AUSTIN, Texas – In response to the controversial passage of the American Law Institute’s Restatement of the Law of Liability Insurance last year, legislation has recently been filed by Texas lawmakers to discourage its being relied upon by courts.

PHILADELPHIA – It's curious that a group of lawyers and scholars that traditionally sought to help judges by restating existing laws - but has since been accused of trying to create its own - is involving federal judges as it explains itself, attorneys feel.

PHILADELPHIA – Companies facing million-dollar lawsuits in Philadelphia can celebrate today, as what would have been the first talc-related asbestos trial held in the city has seen a judge cut off the plaintiff’s case before it could ever get to a jury.

PHILADELPHIA – If the National Football League has their way, sanctions will be issued and a special investigator will be appointed to the NFL’s $1 billion Concussion Settlement program, as the league alleges an independent claims administrator determined that 23 percent of the claims submitted to it were fraudulent.