An Update from Our Firm about COVID-19
Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Sorrels, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner remains fully operational and committed to serving our clients and colleagues throughout the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. As we follow the CDC guidelines and practice social distancing, we remain available for phone consultations and scheduled in-person meetings with both current and prospective clients and colleagues. Please contact our office by email or by calling 713-222-7211 with any questions. We look forward to hearing from you.
Scooter startup company Bird Rides, Inc. was recently sued in Los Angeles Superior Court for failing to properly maintain its scooters, including critical components such as brakes, wheels, and throttles. Victims of these poorly maintained scooters have experienced uncontrolled crashes or have been unexpectedly thrown off the scooters, resulting in fractures, broken bones, concussions, and chipped teeth, among other injuries.
Apple recently agreed to pay up to $500 million to settle a class action lawsuit regarding batteries in iPhones. The settlement covers models 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus, 7, 7 Plus, and SE devices.
Currently, with the oil industry at a low point, Americans know to expect layoffs and tightening of budgets in a wide variety of offshore companies and companies that support the oil industry. What can also be expected are vessels that may be undermanned or maintained by smaller crews with less resources while facing increasing pressure to save the company time and money during these difficult times. Seamen may be faced with taking on unsafe tasks in order to keep their jobs.
Several California school districts have filed suit against JUUL Labs, Inc., a popular e-cigarette and vape company for what they call an "e-cigarette epidemic" amongst student populations. The lawsuits claim that JUUL created a resurgence in youth nicotine addiction, so much so that it has disrupted learning environments and compromised the overall health of their students in schools across California. As of now, 27 school districts have joined in the litigation against JUUL. Attorneys for the school districts released a statement which states in part, "Vaping on school grounds has negatively impacted student education with some students' GPAs dropping, some getting suspended, and some unable to graduate. JUUL targeted youth customers with their marketing schemes and they should be held accountable for the negative consequences that come with that. JUUL shamelessly solicited and exposed an entire generation of youth to nicotine addiction."
If you own a set of jack stands manufactured by Harbor Freight, check them now. Over 450,000 6-ton jack stands produced between 2013 and 2019, and nearly 1.3 million 3-ton jack stands produced between 2012 and 2020 are being recalled due to a risk of collapsing under load.
Even though the Governor has lifted the stay-at-home order, many people are still working from home or choosing to remain at home in Texas. With community activities mostly cancelled, it's likely that you are still driving less than usual. Have you wondered whether it's worth it to continue paying for car insurance?
If you're one of the 38.6 million people who've filed for unemployment since March, you may be trying to cut costs. However, there are numerous reasons why cancelling your car insurance is not a good idea.
On May 11, 2020, a Harris County resident, and United States Parcel Service Employee ("USPS employee"), filed a complaint in the Harris County District Court against a couple after their dog attacked him. The USPS employee brought a negligence cause of action against the defendants.
A lawsuit seeking class action certification was filed against the popular furniture company, Ikea. The lawsuit alleges Ikea failed to take the proper steps to remove its previously recalled dressers from the homes of consumers.
On November 27, 2019, an explosion rocked the TPC Group, LLC chemical plant in Port Neches, Texas. OSHA opened an investigation after a butadiene finishing tower caught fire and exploded due to vapor that had formed at the base of the tower. This explosion caused several other explosions and fires, resulting in injuries and damages to TPC Group workers, nearby residents, and businesses. Jefferson County Judge, Jeff Branick, issued orders for the surrounding area due to the severity of the explosion and the carcinogenic nature and combustibility of the leaking chemical, butadiene. Benny Agosto, Jr., firm partner of Abraham Watkins, is currently representing injured workers and victims affected by the violent blast.
The firm successfully represented nearly 100 victims who suffered personal injuries and damages to property from a large fire and explosion resulting in a settlement of more than $50 million. The firm served as lead lawyers on the steering committee in this litigation.
The firm successfully represented 270 plaintiffs, taking a lead role in the plaintiffs’ steering committee, who suffered injuries in a large plant explosion resulting in a settlement of nearly $80 million.
The firm successfully represented 45 personal injury victims in a plant fire and explosion, serving on the plaintiffs steering committee, concluding with a settlement of more than $50 million.
The firm prevailed in a personal injury trial for a worksite injury client with the jury returning a verdict and resulting in a judgment of over $22 million for the firm’s client.
The firm successfully achieved a $12 million settlement for the family of a man who died in an 18 wheeler collision.
The firm prevailed on behalf of three burn victims with settlements totaling nearly $30 million.
