Our News Library

Ascension Michigan Data Breach Lawsuits

Recently, Ascension Michigan notified patients that an unauthorized individual was able to gain access to the company’s electronic health record system, resulting in personally identifiable information (PII) being compromised. Ascension Michigan detected “suspicious activity” in the organization’s Electronic Health Record (EHR), and on November 30, the hospital system’s investigation revealed that an unauthorized individual had inappropriately accessed patient data.

National Math and Science Initiative Data Breach Lawsuits

On February 7, 2022, the National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) sent notifications to 191,255 people, alerting them of a data security incident that exposed personally identifiable information (PPI).

The Opioid Settlement: The Hardest-Hit Communities Might See Funds as Early as May

The opioid epidemic has killed hundreds of thousands of people and wounded an entire generation. But now there’s a glimmer of good news for U.S. communities crippled by the crisis that’s been cutting short lives, tearing apart families, and otherwise wreaking havoc for decades: Help is finally on the way.

Florida Politician Cheat Sheet

We elect our Senators and Representatives to act as our eyes, ears, and voices when important decisions affect our well-being—whether it’s economic, social, physical, or emotional. Do not hesitate to let these elected officials know what you think, need, and want.

We’ve put together a cheat-sheet of contact information for all the Florida Senators, Congressmen, and Congresswomen. It’s time to reach out and let them know how the “FPL Hustle” has affected you—and what you expect them to do about it.

LPR Partner Virginia Buchanan Appointed to Plaintiffs Leadership Team in Philips CPAP MDL

Levin Papantonio Rafferty congratulates Attorney Virginia Marie Buchanan, a partner with the law firm, for her appointment to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee (PSC) in the Philips CPAP, Bi-Level PAP, and Mechanical Ventilator Products Litigation (MDL No. 3014).

Attorney Buchanan said she looks forward to bringing justice to those who have suffered from the defective medical devices.

Thousands of U.S. communities to receive opioid recovery funds from $26 billion global settlements as soon as May 2022

Washington, D.C. (February 25, 2022) – Today, the National Prescription Opiate Litigation Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee confirmed participation of over 90% of litigating local governments nationwide in the $26 billion global opioid settlements finalized with the “Big Three” drug distributors - AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson - and opioid manufacturer Johnson & Johnson.

Court Denies MindGeek's Motion to Dismiss in a Case Involving Two Sex Trafficking Survivors

An Alabama federal judge has denied MindGeek’s Motion to Dismiss the complaint brought on behalf of two sex trafficking survivors (Case 7:21-cv-00220-LSC). Lawyers for the Plaintiffs are also seeking injunctive relief for the class members, which would put in place additional verification and protective measures on the website.

The Ethics and Roles of Hotels and Motels That Facilitate Sex Trafficking

A February 2022 study digs deep into the hospitality industry, uncovering disturbing trends and practices that mark how sex trafficking is happening right under our noses—all in the name of profit.

Discussions about sex trafficking typically conjure images of smarmy criminals running their rackets in seedy surroundings. In reality, modern traffickers count on corporate enablers—sometimes even business allies—to keep their operations running and profitable.

FPL Citizens’ Letters

The letters from incensed, confused, and frustrated Florida residents continue to stream into the Levin Papantonio Rafferty office. We are posting them here as a living log of the voices of the people.

Please feel free to add your voice.

You should be heard.

From: Bob H.

Date: February 10, 2022, at 6:37:36 AM CST

What You Need to Know About NextEra’s Role in Your Increased Utility Bill (There’s A Lot)

The last few months have seen a lot of focus on Florida Power & Light (FPL). However, local residents might want to shift their gaze a little higher up the corporate chain—all the way up to FP&L’s parent company, NextEra Energy—if they want real answers to the baffling blow of Florida’s explosive utility rates.

90 Percent of Eligible Local Governments Join $26 Billion Opioid Settlement

It looks like a $26 billion proposed settlement could move full steam ahead after 90% of 6,000 U.S. cities and counties gave their nod of approval, Reuters reported. The deal would resolve local governments’ lawsuits alleging that top drug distributors Johnson & Johnson, McKesson Corp., AmerisourceBergen Corp., and Cardinal Health Inc. powered the nation’s opioid epidemic.

LPR Associate Attorney Madeline Pendley Is Named an Inweekly “Rising Star”

Inweekly has recognized Madeline Pendley, an associate attorney at Levin Papantonio Rafferty (LPR) law firm, as a “Rising Star” in Florida. She is listed in the 2022 edition of the well-respected publication, which strives to recognize young leaders throughout the Pensacola area.

NYU Must Face Campus Fees COVID Claims

New York University (NYU) won a battle but still has more fighting to do after a federal judge rejected a motion to dismiss a proposed class action against the institution.

LPR’s Tim O’Brien Will Try Second Bellwether Trial in Bard Hernia Mesh MDL in March

Levin Papantonio Rafferty (LPR) Attorney Tim O’Brien will be serving as Co-Lead Counsel for the Plaintiffs in the second bellwether trial for the Bard hernia mesh multidistrict litigation (MDL). The trial will commence on March 21, 2022.

EPA Is Sued Over “Secrecy Loopholes” in PFAS Reporting Requirements

Last week, advocacy groups (Union of Concerned Scientists, Sierra Club, and National PFAS Contamination Coalition) slapped the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with a lawsuit alleging that the agency crafted exemptions that help manufacturers dodge the EPA’s toxics release inventory (TRI) reporting requirements.

Plaintiffs in Baby Formula NEC Lawsuits Want to Consolidate Cases

Attorneys representing plaintiffs in more than 30 lawsuits against the makers of Enfamil and Similac filed a motion with the Illinois Supreme Court to consolidate the lawsuits in Madison County, Illinois, according to Reuters. Eighty-five infants are represented in the claims. Defendants—which include Abbott Laboratories, Mead Johnson & Co LLC, and Mead Johnson Nutrition Co.—are all based in Illinois.

Bankruptcy judge to determine Johnson & Johnson’s protections in talc lawsuit

After Johnson & Johnson executed a divisional merger and filed for bankruptcy in October 2021, the company received protection from litigation related to its talcum powder lawsuits. Recently, the federal judge overseeing talcum litigation in New Jersey ruled that a bankruptcy judge must now determine how to proceed with the company’s current shield from lawsuits.

Slashed Aduhelm Prices Reflect Troubled Times for Biogen's Alzheimer's Drug

Biogen’s much-criticized pricing of its controversial Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm took a nosedive from $56,000 to $28,200. The late December change in pricing strategy represents only the latest in multiple problems for the drug manufacturer.

Florida Attacks Human Trafficking by Targeting Buyers and Businesses

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and Floridians are giving far more than lip service to the occasion. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of this movement? Florida is targeting sex buyers, as well as the businesses that enable these purchases.

“Forever chemicals” in anti-fogging products may be harming mask and face shield wearers

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many mask and face shield wearers turned to anti-fogging sprays and cloths to manage condensation on their eyeglasses and face shields. However, recent studies show that these sprays could contain dangerously high levels of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals”.

Levin Papantonio Rafferty - Personal Injury Law Firm