Companies seek liability protection for top execs
A growing number of companies in Indiana and elsewhere are hoping to offer new legal protection for top executives following a 2022 change in Delaware’s corporation law
Liability
Articles
3M agrees to pay more than $5.5B over combat earplugs made in Indianapolis
The settlement would avert a potentially much larger liability that 3M sought to curb through a controversial bankruptcy case involving Indianapolis-based Aearo Technologies that ultimately collapsed.
J&J proposes paying $8.9B to settle talcum powder lawsuits
Under a proposal announced Tuesday, a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary will re-file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and seek court approval for a plan that would result in one of the largest product-liability settlements in U.S. history.
Indiana House approves COVID-19 liability protection bill
The House voted 76-20 to approve the bill on Monday. Two Republicans—Reps. John Jacob of Indianapolis and Curt Nisly of Milford—joined 18 Democrats in voting against it.
Indiana Senate passes COVID-19 liability protection bill
Senate Bill 1, authored by Republican Sen. Mark Messmer of Jasper, would shield businesses and individuals from coronavirus civil liability lawsuits unless there was gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct that could be proven with “clear and convincing evidence.”
Indiana Senate committee advances COVID-19 legal immunity bill
The bill would shield businesses and individuals from coronavirus civil liability lawsuits unless there was gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct that could be proven with “clear and convincing evidence.”
GOP state lawmakers file coronavirus legal immunity legislation
Coronavirus immunity legislation is a top priority this year for GOP lawmakers and business organizations. It is also on Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb’s legislative agenda.
Supreme Court lets Sandy Hook shooting lawsuit go forward
The justices rejected an appeal from Remington Arms that argued it should be shielded by a 2005 federal law preventing most lawsuits against firearms manufacturers when their products are used in crimes.
ITT Educational’s CEO, directors scoff at $250M lawsuit
Attorneys for the defendants have asked the court to discuss the case, arguing it falls far short of the standards needed to warrant a full-blown trial.
Court upholds $5M cap on state fair stage-collapse case
Indiana won’t have to pay any more damages from the 2011 deadly Indiana State Fair stage collapse under a decision by the state Supreme Court.
Garage door company on hook for $21M jury award
A Plainfield garage door company has been ordered to pay $21.3 million in damages to an Indianapolis man who suffered permanent, disabling spinal injuries in 2006 due to a malfunctioning garage door.
State not liable for contractor in fair stage collapse
A Marion County judge has denied Mid-America Sound Corp.’s claim that the state is financially responsible for the cost of its defense and any judgments against it over the fatal 2011 Indiana State Fair stage collapse.
Court upholds Indiana’s limit on civil damages
The Indiana Supreme Court has upheld the state law limiting punitive damages awarded in civil lawsuits and directs most of that money to a state victims fund.
National fraternities face more legal risk after court ruling
An Indiana appeals court ruling regarding the death of a Wabash College freshman may force national fraternities to take more responsibility for misconduct at chapter houses.
Lawsuit by fair victims challenges Indiana’s $5M tort cap
An Indiana law that caps the state's liability for damages at $5 million for a single event violates the U.S. and state constitutions and should be thrown out, six plaintiffs suing over the deadly collapse of an Indiana State Fair stage argue in a lawsuit filed Monday.
Sugarland named in notice of stage-collapse suit
The band that was preparing to perform at the Indiana State Fair before a fatal stage collapse has been named as a defendant in a potential lawsuit in a notice sent to the state attorney general.
State Fair victims could receive funds in next few weeks
A State Fair Remembrance Fund now containing more than $800,000 likely will be distributed before the state pays out a maximum $5 million in damages allowed by law, officials said Wednesday afternoon.
Damage cap limits state’s potential losses from concert tragedy
An Indiana law that limits damages paid by state entities likely will prompt lawyers to sue several other parties besides the state fair to try to recover as much as possible for victims of the concert calamity.
Zimmer playing hardball with plaintiffs’ lawyers
The Warsaw-based company has sued seven law firms this year and sent warning letters to at least three more, saying their ads and Internet postings distorted the safety record of its $1.8 billion-a-year knee business.
Intellectual property theft rising quickly
Filching ranges from crude to highly sophisticated, experts say.