PublicNuisanceWire.com

Product liability may be overkill for large firms responsive to market forces and subject to governmental regulation, say Mitchell Polinsky and Steven Shavell of the National Bureau of Economic Research.

While a number of recent studies suggest that smoking bans cut down on heart attacks, critics argue that the data they rely on have been skewed or misinterpreted.

Novel uses of public nuisance and concerns over contingency arrangements were frequent themes for Public Nuisance Wire in 2009.

Paint litigation was a frequent focus for Public Nuisance Wire in 2009.

Critics say the verdict represents a politically correct determination to vilify tobacco companies and ignore smokers' assumption of risks.

"When state laws allow too many lawsuits that don't have merit, you pay for it through higher taxes to cover the court system's costs," warns the nonprofit group Minnesotans Against Lawsuit Abuse (MALA).

"Too many lawmakers and analysts still stubbornly insist that medical liability lawsuits do not contribute significantly to rising health care costs," notes Tiger Joyce of the American Tort Reform Association.

In recent postings on its website, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) outlines its position on medical malpractice, product liability, and tort reform.

The amicus brief submitted in August by the National Paint & Coatings Association (NPCA) in Pennsylvania v. Janssen Pharmaceutica is an excellent companion piece to Janssen’s January application for extraordinary relief.

In light of subsequent actions against lead paint and asbestos manufacturers, a 2001 commentary by Robert Levy of the Cato Institute on contingency-fee arrangements seems positively prescient.

Janssen’s January application to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for extraordinary relief in the case of Pennsylvania v. Janssen Pharmaceutica makes a compelling argument against contingency arrangements between governments and private attorneys.

As the October 21st date for oral arguments in the notorious case between Janssen Pharmaceutica and the state of Pennsylvania nears, contingency contracts between states and law firms remain a hot button issue.

A petition filed in Adames, et al. v. Beretta USA Corp could reopen the case of a teenager fatally shot by his best friend. Firearms instructor Jeff Dissell argues that the current lawsuit ignores federal law.

RICHMOND, VA. -- Philip Morris USA announced on August 13 that it would appeal a Ft. Lauderdale jury verdict awarding $5.3 million in compensatory damages to the family of a former smoker.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray recently sat down with RightOhio blogger Matt Naugle to discuss public nuisance lawsuits aimed at lead paint manufacturers and other issues facing the Buckeye State's top law enforcement official.

Jim Beck, of counsel at Dechert LLP in the mass torts and product liability group in Philadelphia, spoke to Public Nuisance Wire about changes in product liability and the impact they've had on defendants.

Contingency contracts between law firms and the government are continuing to raise eyebrows, especially when political contributions come into play.

DETROIT, Mi. -- The Foundation for Fair Civil Justice has announced the 2009 winner of its Wacky Warning Label Contest and it comes from a slightly icky place: an off-road commode.