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PAGA Decision Protects Employers: PAGA Claimants Do Not Have Standing to Intervene or Appeal Settlements of Other PAGA Claims
Lyft, Inc., the popular rideshare app that connects passengers in need of a ride to drivers who are willing to provide a ride, was recently hauled into court by three drivers, who filed separate actions alleging misclassification as independent contractors rather than employees. The case entitled Turrieta v. Lyft, Inc., NO. B304701, 2021 Cal. App. LEXIS 815 (Ct. App. Sep. 30, 2021) was brought pursuant to California's Private Attorney General Act of 2004, commonly known as PAGA. PAGA authorizes aggrieved employees to file lawsuits to recover civil penalties on behalf of themselves, other employees, and the State of California for Labor Code Violations.
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- Tried over 1,000 cases to verdict; internationally recognized for exceptionally high rate of success
- #3 ranking on The American Lawyer’s 2020 Diversity Scorecard, which records the average number of minority attorneys at Am Law 200 and NLJ 250 law firms
- Recognized as one of the top 10 law firms in the nation for inclusiveness of women lawyers in the National Law Journal’s 2020 Women in Law Scorecard
- Named a "Go-To Law Firm" in ALM's annual edition of In-House Law Departments at the Top 500 Companies
- Top 150 ranking on the National Law Journal’s 2020 NLJ 500, an annual survey of the 500 largest law firms in the U.S.
- Top 200 ranking on Law360's 400 2019 list of largest U.S. law firms
Slaying the Reptile: Los Angeles Jury Returns Favorable Verdict
In a closely watched trial, a Los Angeles County jury rejected the plaintiff’s demand for approximately $20 million in damages for a case involving allegations of traumatic brain injury, spinal injuries, and injuries to the cranial nerves of an eye caused as a result of a car accident. After deliberating for approximately 11 hours, the jury awarded $252,049.47. Noted by trial attorney Fred Vasquez, this amount was appreciably less than the policy limits demanded during the pendency of this case.
Update: Mind the Gap: California Assembly Bill 2756 Amends Insurance Code to Bridge Gaps in Coverage
Recent legislative reforms are working to bridge perceived gaps in coverage – particularly for the peril of fire – following the past few years of catastrophic wildfires in California. One such measure is California Assembly Bill 2756, which requires an insurer to obtain a signed acknowledgement from an applicant or insured if the insurer issues a residential property insurance policy on or after July 1, 2021, that does not provide coverage for the peril of fire.
Update: Expanded Protections in the California Insurance Code Amidst Wildfire Property Loss in California
Wildfire season in California is not yet over. This update on recent California legislative reforms provides practical information for insurers offering residential insurance in California, in light of the current severe drought, anticipated La Nina weather pattern this winter and what is proving to be another season of devastating wildfires. California Senate Bill 872 is a significant piece of consumer-friendly legislation that has been incorporated into the California Insurance Code. It has expanded protections for insureds following loss of a primary residence caused by catastrophic events as follows.
Virtual Building Inspections: Timesaver or Liability Trap?
COVID-19 opened the door to virtual building inspections in Florida. The pandemic caused a backlog of requests for inspections and Legislators hope to streamline the inspection process to help building officials catch up. In a new bill that took effect on July 1st of this year, SB 1382 requires building authorities to allow requests for inspections be submitted electronically and allows building authorities to perform most building inspections remotely. While each jurisdiction may still differ slightly, this new option allows building department officials to make headway through the backup. Although growing pains can be expected as building authorities and stakeholders adapt to the new systems, electronic inspection requests and virtual inspections will help promote a faster and more efficient process of obtaining inspections and building permits.