Some thoughts Most readers are familiar, at least to some extent, with the jury’s verdict earlier this year in Lanzo v. Johnson & Johnson. In that case, a New Jersey state court jury awarded $117 million in compensatory and punitive damages against J&J and Imerys after concluding that asbestos-contaminated talc, supplied by Imerys and used to make Johnson’s Baby … [Read more...] about Avoiding the Next Lanzo: Some Thoughts
Toxic Torts
Lanzo v. Johnson & Johnson, et al. Is this the Beginning or the End?
Recently, while on a family vacation, I drove past the Yellowstone Imerys talc-mining operations in Montana near Yellowstone National Park. The operation is set against a beautiful backdrop in one of the most naturally stunning areas of the country. The tranquil setting stands in stark contrast to the company’s current turmoil as a defendant in one of the highest profile mass … [Read more...] about Lanzo v. Johnson & Johnson, et al. Is this the Beginning or the End?
Cue the Mediator: Hiring a Mediator to Save Costs in Superfund Cases
In almost 40 years of dealing with CERCLA liability claims, we have learned a thing or two. In November of last year, A.M. Best opined that environmental exposures were “97% funded” at $41 billion in reserves. This is good news compared to 2003, when A.M. Best viewed environmental losses as underfunded by 45% based on a projected ultimate loss of $56 billion. But then, as now, … [Read more...] about Cue the Mediator: Hiring a Mediator to Save Costs in Superfund Cases
Hydraulic Fracturing: A Retrospective of Key Legal Disputes in 2014 and Predictions for the Future
In 2014, hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) remained a hot national topic. Often making headlines, fracking also made its mark in litigation where key battles wound their way through the courts. Reviewing just some legal developments confirms the industry faces unique, sometimes prejudicial, challenges despite continued growth. For example, the Eighth Circuit’s decision in … [Read more...] about Hydraulic Fracturing: A Retrospective of Key Legal Disputes in 2014 and Predictions for the Future
