John Breslin News
Punitive damages reform top priority of Missouri business leaders
Puntiive damages reform is a top priority of business leaders in Missouri, the state Chamber of Commerce has said.
Two St. Louis law firms spend close to $8 million finding weedkiller plaintiffs: analysis
Two St. Louis law firms have spent an estimated nearly $8 million to attract and sign up plaintiffs to sue multinational conglomerate Bayer over the use of its weedkiller, according to figures released from a media data firm.
More than $20 million disbursed to victims from punitive damages awards fund, Labor Department figures reveal
JEFFERSON CITY – More than $20 million was deposited in funds for legal services and to help victims of accidents unable to collect damages or otherwise be compensated for their injuries over a 15 year period to the end of 2017, according to figures released by the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
Lack of good faith hard to prove against Rams owners, NFL: sports lawyer
Proving a lack of good faith on the part of the NFL over the relocation of the Rams to Los Angeles is going to be a difficult task without written or recorded evidence, according to a leading California sports lawyer.
Senators expected to vote within days on nominee for Missouri Eastern District, confirmation not certain
U.S. Senators are expected to vote within days on whether to confirm a nominee for the federal bench in the Eastern District of Missouri.
Officials, industry ponder problem of cannabis cash, potential clash with federal banking rules
JEFFERSON CITY – State government officials are sifting through submissions on a draft rule drawn up on how taxes, fees and licenses will be paid ahead of the opening of the first medical marijuana dispensaries.
Chamber honors Parson with award, calls him 'champion of economy'
JEFFERSON CITY – Business leaders are honoring Gov. Mike Parson a year out from the gubernatorial election.
Five-year legal battle ends with 8th Circuit Court victory for activist battling lobbyist designation
ST. LOUIS – A five-year legal battle over who is considered a lobbyist in Missouri has ended in victory for a campaigner who claimed he was an individual spreading his own ideas on limited government, not a paid advocate for others.
Lawmakers urged to close loophole allowing law enforcement to reap benefits of cash and asset seizure
Legislators in Missouri should try again to close a loophole that allows Missouri law enforcement to benefit directly from the seizure of cash and property despite a long standing state statute that attempted to curtail the activity, according to advocates for reform.
Defense bar, experts, gather for asbestos conference as figures reveal sharp rise in St. Louis filings
Experts on genetics will speak on the potential link to individuals contracting mesothelioma at a defense bar asbestos litigation conference to be held this week.
Paramedic appeals decision to dismiss discrimination, coercion complaint against union
A St. Louis-area paramedic who claims he was intimidated by a union for posting flyers informing fellow workers they could resign their membership and pay lower dues is appealing a decision by regional labor relations officials.
Schmitt: Moves towards settlement with states and companies blamed for opioid crisis, though tentative, welcome
JEFFERSON CITY – Missourians affected by the opioid crisis and those charged with tackling its impact need help and the state's attorney general's office says recent moves towards possible settlements are welcome.
Legislators may try again at changing consumer protection law MMPA, citing abuses
JEFFERSON CITY – Legislators may take another tilt at changing a law aimed at protecting consumers that those advocating for reform believe has broadened so widely that it is rife with the potential for abuse.
Judge presiding over talc trials was panelist at conference organized by plaintiff lawyers
A St. Louis judge involved in one of the most high profile series of legal actions in the country was a panelist at a Las Vegas conference organized by plaintiff lawyers.
No decision yet on distribution of Missouri share of $116 million pelvic mesh settlement with Johnson & Johnson
ST. LOUIS – No decision has yet been made on how money from a settlement over alleged deceptive practices by the makers of pelvic surgical mesh will be distributed.
Missouri AG, others reach $116 million settlement with Johnson & Johnson over surgical mesh products
ST. LOUIS – Attorneys general from 41 states, including Missouri, have reached a $116.9 million settlement with the makers of a pelvic surgical mesh that allegedly caused serious side effects and damages to some users.
First Monsanto herbicide cancer trial in St. Louis, due to begin next week, postponed
ST. LOUIS – A trial in St. Louis over claims that a key ingredient in an herbicide was linked to cancer in number of people is postponed.
Bayer on reported multibillion-dollar Roundup proposal: No comment on 'rumors or speculation'
ROBINSON TOWNSHIP, Pa. (Legal Newsline) - Bayer will not comment on "rumors and speculation," the company said following a report that it has proposed a multibillion-dollar global settlement over claims that the use of its weedkiller causes cancer.
Missouri tackled venue shopping and is looking at other legal reforms, state rep says
ST. LOUIS – A Republican state representative who helped usher through venue reform legislation this session believes the measure will stop the flow of out-of-state plaintiffs from flooding Missouri courts.
Law professor: Allegations of generic drug price fixing 'as bad as it gets'
JEFFERSON CITY – Drug companies agreeing not to compete and to fix prices of generic prescription medications is as "bad as it" can get under anti-trust rules, according to one legal expert in corporate law.