In a case brought by newspaper carriers against the Sacramento Bee, the court ruled that they were not automatically classified as independent contractors, even though their contract clearly stated such and the agreement met many, if not all of the criteria required to establish independent contractor status....

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....

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. ...