Of interest to class action lawyers is the case of Campbell-Ewald Company v. Gomez currently pending before the United States Supreme Court.

The issues presented are: whether a case becomes moot when the plaintiff receives an offer of complete relief on his or her claim; whether the answer to the first question is different if the case is a putative class action; and, whether the doctrine of derivative sovereign immunity for government contractors is restricted to property damage arising out of a public works project.

By legal definition, Defamation is emotional or financial harm caused by a false statement or communications made to other individuals about another person. Harm may come emotionally or financially and can impact an individual or business’ reputation and character. Statements accusing or questioning a professional status can be considered damaging and is recoverable even without definitive proof of damages. However, winning a defamation case involves careful attention to details and a quick and timely response. Riley Williams & Piatt possesses the expertise to represent your interests in these matters properly.

Defamation can occur through defamatory statements made either orally or in print in a newspaper, magazine or other printed source. Internet defamation transpires when a statement considered defamation is made when posted online. Within the State of Indiana, the State Constitution protects your reputation against all types of defamation.

The FDA said certain lab-developed tests (LDTs) may be producing erroneous results. LDTs are produced and performed in a single hospital and do not utilize standard diagnostic equipment. LDTs can involve prenatal tests, ovarian cancer, whooping cough and human papillomavirus. William Riley, of Riley Williams & Piatt, LLC, stated, “It is important for the FDA to step in and regulate these tests under existing medical device law. Some laboratories are marketing this service on a national basis and these test results are too important to patients to leave in an unregulated Wild West environment.” For more information please visit: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/ucm407296.htm

Corporate America has a new shield: forced arbitration. Most every time you buy a cell phone, subscribe to a cable television service, or place a loved one in a nursing home, corporate America is requiring you to give up your rights. Buried in each of these contracts is often found a forced arbitration clause and a waiver of your right to protect yourself in a class action. But, why?

Class actions filed in courts are often times the only thing that can hold a corporation responsible for its misconduct. When a cellular service provider sneaks an illegal $50.00 charge onto every customer's bill, it reaps enormous gain. But no one person has the time or resources to challenge an illegal practice for $50.00. Only when a customer can challenge the practice on behalf of all customers can someone afford to challenge the nearly endless resources of a large corporation.

Workplace injuries are inevitable and while preventable, occur frequently, especially in industries where the workforce performs manual labor. Industries or jobs requiring employees to operate heavy machinery or equipment pose a greater risk to employee safety. Equipment failure, negligence and faulty infrastructure are some of the common factors causing on injuries on the job.

While this is so, a workplace injury can occur anywhere and once liability is determined, the employee is entitled to compensation for their injuries as well as coverage for lost wages in the event they are unable to perform their job duties or in some cases, continue their career.