Wyoming Health Watch - Dangerous Products, Litigations and News that Just Might Prevent a Catastroph...

Encounter at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo: Habeas Corpus for Elephants

Dive into this intriguing episode of the Legal Fringe as attorney Jason Oaks explores the complex issue of habeas corpus applied to elephants at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs. Discover the fascinating legal battle launched by the Non-Human Rights Project, which challenged the captivity of five elephants, claiming they were held illegally and should be relocated to a sanctuary.

 

Sackler-Purdue Strike New $7.4B Opioid Settlement

The latest developments in the Sackler Purdue Pharma settlement in the nationwide opioid litigation. The Supreme Court's recent decision to strike down the initial $6 billion settlement has led to a new agreement worth $7.4 billion.  Get up to speed on the details here.

 

Supreme Court Considers Free Speech vs. Protection in Texas Pornography Case

Welcome to today's episode of Legal Fringe, where we delve into the nuanced legal battle surrounding Texas's restrictive law on sexually explicit materials. Join attorney Jason Ochs as he unpacks the arguments presented in the Supreme Court case, Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton.

 

Unveiling the Hidden Risk: Ozempic and Your Eyes

Join attorney Jason Ochs on 'Today's Legal Fringe' as he delves into recent studies suggesting a possible link between the popular weight loss and diabetes medication, Ozempic, and a rare eye condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Discover the symptoms, potential risks, and the significance of regular eye exams for patients taking Ozempic. This episode aims to provide valuable insights while urging listeners to stay informed and consult their healthcare providers.

Unveiling the Plastics Deception: Ford County Sues Petrochemical Giants

In this episode of Legal Fringe, attorney Jason Ochs delves into a groundbreaking lawsuit filed by Ford County, Kansas against leading petrochemical companies. The lawsuit accuses industry giants like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Dow Chemical of misleading the public about the recyclability of plastic. Allegations suggest that these companies have promoted plastic recycling despite knowing that only a small fraction is effectively recycled, exacerbating the plastic waste crisis.

Listeners will learn about the implications of this lawsuit, which aims to hold the defendants accountable for environmental and economic damages inflicted on communities struggling with plastic waste management. The episode discusses potential outcomes, including increased transparency and investment in sustainable alternatives, while also drawing parallels to previous litigation trends.

Unveiling the Risks of Depo-Provera: A Deep Dive into Brain Tumor Links

In this episode of Legal Fringe, attorney Jason Ochs delves into the potential link between the contraceptive Depo-Provera and brain meningiomas, a rare type of tumor. Discover how this long-acting hormonal method, known for its effectiveness and convenience, might pose some risks. Recent findings from the British Medical Journal suggest a possible association with brain tumors, sparking ongoing research and discussions.

Mountain West Recent Census Numbers

We examine the population growth from the last 10 years in the Mountain West states in today's podcast.  

Peloton Should Recall Their Treadmills

Peloton, the billion-dollar fitness company, has come under fire following a child who recently died from one of their treadmills.  We examine the problems and encourage Peloton to initiate an immediate recall in today's podcast. 

Three Tips for Young Lawyers to Gain an Easy Edge in Trial

For young lawyers who went this past year without getting into Court due to COVID restrictions, I provide three tips to easily gain an advantage over your opponent - or at the very least even the playing field - in today's podcast.

Wyoming Votes to Keep Death Penalty at Tremendous Taxpayer Cost

Last month, the Wyoming legislature voted against a bill to repeal the death penalty.  We examine whether such a decision is fiscally sound in today's podcast.

Product Liability Litigation Update for April 2021

In this podcast we detail the latest with 3M earplugs, Paraquat and Opioids all within the past 10 days.  

Defamation 101: A Primer

We outline the basics in proving, and defending against, a defamation claim in today's podcast.

Cryptocurrency: Why The Lucrative Increase Over the Past 12 Months?

Bitcoin has increased by 700% over the past 12 months.  We examine reasons why and anticipate what might continue over the next 12 months in today's off topic podcast.  

Climate Crisis Litigation Update - March 2021

We detail the latest on the climate crisis litigation navigating through both state and federal courts in today's podcast.  

A Primer on the Beovu Vision-Loss Litigation

We detail the latest on the allegations surrounding the drug Beovu, prescribed for wet age-related macular degeneration, and the recent lawsuits that have been filed alleging vision loss and blindness in today's podcast.

Have You Heard of ELF? If not, and your a football fan, tune in.

ELF is launching June 2021 and if you love American football, then the withdrawal you endure during the off season is about to come to a close.  Listen to our podcast here.

Examining Wyoming's Teen Suicide Rate

In today's podcast we examine Wyoming's teen suicide rate that has increased by 40% over the past three years.  Why are we seeing such a jump and will the legislature pass House Bill 175 for teen suicide prevention education?

Avalanche Ski Litigation

In this podcast, we examine a recent wrongful death case filed in California against a popular ski area where a man was killed by an avalanche, inbounds.  We detail the anticipated arguments on both sides, and leave to you to decide who should win.

Paraquat: The Next Weed Killer Litigation?

In today's podcast we detail the data behind the herbicide Paraquat, its toxicity, and allegations that exposure increases risk of Parkinson's disease.  

Examining Class Actions via the Baby Food Toxic Chemical Discovery

In today's podcast we detail Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23 and how the recent class actions filed regarding the discovery of baby food metal toxicity may or may not have stamina.  

The Injury Litigation Arena We Believe Will Dominate the Next 10-20 Years

In today's podcast we detail our predictions for the injury arena that will dominate civil litigation for the next ten years and beyond. 

Lawyer Accused of Stealing Client Funds from Max Jet Settlement

We detail the allegations surrounding Tom Girardi as it relates to the settlement funds from the 737 Boeing Max Jet Crash that occurred in October 2018, killing everyone aboard.  We examine how these allegations may have come about and what lawyers need to always be mindful of in today's podcast. 

More than 70 Pets Dead from Contaminated Dog Food

In today's podcast we report on the latest regarding the Midwestern dog food recalls that have claimed the lives of more than 70 pets.  What is the contamination and what should one do if their pet has been exposed?  Learn here.

Election Fraud Defamation Lawsuits Are Just Beginning

Today Sidney Powell, one of the lawyers at the forefront of the election fraud rhetoric was named in a $1.3B defamation lawsuit filed by Dominion.  We anticipate this lawsuit is only the beginning for many to come in today's podcast.

Ranitidine and Gastrointestinal Cancer

We examine the recent study from the medical journal Cancers relating to the use of Ranitidine (Zantac) and any potential association with gastrointestinal cancer in today's podcast.  

The Top Three Best and Worst Legal Arenas for 2021

As we enter 2021, lawyers are trying to anticipate the legal arenas that will be most lucrative, and those to stay away from, over the next 12 months.  We detail the data and anticipate the areas to watch, and those to avoid, in today's podcast.

Where Do Lawyers and Judges Land on the CDC Vaccine Priority List?

If you are a lawyer, a judge, or someone who works in the legal services industry (clerks, bailiffs, etc) then you may be interested in knowing where your profession falls within the CDC recommendations for vaccine prioritization.  We detail such in today's podcast.  

COVID Death Numbers in Wyoming Following Our Deadliest Week

Today 22 people were reported dead from Coronavirus in our small but great state.  We examine the total numbers to date, and how they compare to the flu and Wyoming's deadly highway numbers in today's podcast. 

Anticipated Litigation Target for 2021: Banking

As COVID creates financial pressures on people and companies, we discuss one industry we anticipate will become a target for litigation, and why, as 2021 approaches in today's podcast.   

Fire Foam Exposure and the Risk of Cancer

Fire foam used to put out large fires, including jet fuel fires, is alleged to have caused numerous cancers in those who have  been regularly exposed.  We detail the data here and the specific cancers to date.

Will the Boy Scouts Survive Beyond their Bankruptcy?

With more than 95,000 claims of molestation having been filed in the Boy Scouts of America bankruptcy, questions have surfaced whether the Boy Scouts can survive the unprecedented tarnish.  We examine the status of the bankruptcy and the question of survival in today's podcast.

What Covid Means for Trial Lawyers

Last week, multiple state Supreme Court's across the country halted jury trials until further notice.  We examine what this means for trial lawyers, clients embroiled in litigation and how to anticipate problems from the delays ahead.  

Supreme Court Grants Cert for Climate Change Lawsuit

Last week the US Supreme Court granted certiorari in an enormous fossil fuel climate change lawsuit brought by the Mayor and City Counsel of Baltimore.  We detail the issue before the Supreme Court and the potential impact upon the litigation in today's podcast.  

Preemption in the Context of Dangerous Drugs

We set out to outline the issue of preemption, a legal doctrine protecting pharmaceutical companies from lawsuits, in today's podcast.

Practice Areas For Lawyers to Watch and Avoid for 2021

We detail the trends we are seeing in federal filings and anticipate the legal practice areas most lucrative for 2021, and those to avoid, in this one-of-a-kind podcast. 

Arizona First State to OK Non-Lawyer's Ownership Interest in Law Firms

Arizona was the first state to do away with ABA Rules of Ethics 5.4, which prohibits non-lawyers from having an ownership interest in law firms.  We examine this decision and anticipate the good, bad and ugly that may flow from it.  

Wyoming Long Term Care Facilities Seeing Rapid Rise in COVID Cases

We detail the latest data from the Wyoming Department of Health concerning the recent COVID outbreaks in long-term facilities and the news is not good.  

Detailing the Last Five Years for Wyoming Highway Fatalities

Having tragically seen a recent uptick in Wyoming highway fatalities we examined the data to determine if 2020 was on record pace or not in today's podcast. 

First Quarter of 2020 Sees Increase in Drug Related Deaths

We detail the recent CDC data on the drug related deaths for the first quarter of 2020 and further highlight those states that have seen a sharp rise, and those who have seen a drop in today's podcast.  

Details Behind the Johnson & Johnson $100M Talcum Powder Settlement Announcement

We detail last week's announcement by Johnson & Johnson that they would be putting aside $100 million to resolve a group of talcum powder / ovarian cancer cases.  The announcement isn't near the resolution needed to resolve the litigation. 

DOJ Lawsuit Against Stephanie Wolkoff and NDA Agreements in Government

We examine the recent DOJ lawsuit filed against Stephanie Wolkoff, a previous employee of Melania Trump, regarding her tell-all book and the likelihood of her forfeiting any profits in today's podcast.

Sixth Circuit Reverses Negotiation Class Decision in Nationwide Opioid Litigation

This past week, the Sixth Circuit, in vote of 2-1, reversed Judge Polster's certification of a "negotiation" class in the nationwide opioid litigation.  We break down the decision and anticipate what it might mean moving forward in this podcast.  

Bard Strikes $60M Settlement with 48 Attorney Generals for Pelvic Mesh False Advertising Lawsuit

C.R. Bard Inc., a medical manufacturer of pelvic mesh struck a $60M settlement with 48 states, including Washington DC last week, and Wyoming, my home state, wasn't included.  We detail the settlement and seek to understand why Wyoming is placing business before public health.  

Climate Crisis Litigation Gaining Steam

With the West Coast on fire, climate crisis litigation and recent filings have hit a second gear with the Connecticut Attorney General filing a lawsuit against Big Oil on September 14th.  Connecticut marks the 21st state and/or municipality seeking redress against Big Oil for climate change.  We detail the strategies and status of the litigation here.

Cancer Risk Updates Regarding Weight-Loss Drug Belviq

We take a look at recent data collection published by the FDA concerning cancer risk with the now recalled weight-loss drug Belviq and detail same here.  

The Litigation Behind Toxic Burn Pits

Earlier this week the Washington Post published an article about Jon Stewart's, host of "The Daily", effort to seek redress of military men and women for lung injuries due to toxic burn pit exposure during the Iraq war.  We detail the failed litigation behind such efforts in this podcast.

Background on the TikTok Data Privacy Litigation

As the data-privacy litigation heats up against Tiktok, we do a deep dive to understand what the allegations are and why they are so concerning in the In RE Tiktok federal multi-district litigation.  If you or a loved one visits Tiktok, you wont want to miss this podcast.

Can Amazon Be Held Responsible for Defective Products?

One of our "cases to watch" we reported on after the first of the year was a California case concerning a battery explosion that badly injured a woman while working on her laptop.  Given the battery was Chinese manufactured, she went after Amazon, and Amazon, having previously been insulated from such lawsuits, found themselves in comfortable waters.  Here we detail the latest on this lawsuit and what it means for consumers across the country.

Background on the Boy Scouts of America Bankruptcy

The Boy Scouts of American (BSA) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February 2020.  Their internal investigation disclosed more than 10,000 credible claims of abuse.  Now the deadline to file for redress is fast approaching.  Listen here for background bankruptcy and deadline dates.

Metformin and NDMA Detection

The widely popular diabetes drug, Metformin, is the latest drug to come under scrutiny by the US FDA for the discovery of NDMA contamination.  NDMA is listed as a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organization.  Listen to our podcast to learn more about this recent discovery and what it means to you or your loved ones who may be diabetic.