Personal Injury News: Pick Of Last Month: July-2025
Colorado Springs Settles Taser Death Case for $3.2M
The City of Colorado Springs has agreed to pay $3.2 million to settle a lawsuit over the 2018 death of a man who was repeatedly struck with a Taser while resisting being handcuffed.
City councilors discussed the matter in a closed session before voting 6-2 in favor of the settlement during a brief public meeting. The amount was confirmed by the Deputy City Council Administrator and announced by attorneys for the victim’s family.
Case Linked to Broader Investigation on Police Use of Force
The victim’s death was among cases examined in a 2024 Associated Press investigation into incidents where hundreds of people died despite officers using force intended to be non-lethal. The review found many fatalities involved techniques that restricted breathing or excessive Taser deployments.
Officer Testimony Highlights Training Gaps
One of the two Colorado Springs officers involved testified that he was unaware of the dangers of administering more than three Taser shocks. Both officers fired a total of eight times. At the time, the department’s policy permitted continued Taser use until the individual’s behavior changed. Internal reviews concluded the officers acted within policy.
City Maintains Settlement Is Not an Admission of Wrongdoing
The Colorado Springs Police Department stated the settlement decision was made by the city’s insurance provider, not by the department itself. Officials emphasized that the payout does not reflect an acknowledgment of inadequate training or misconduct.
“While CSPD respects the contractual authority of our insurance carrier to force a settlement in this case, which they did, we do not agree with that decision and were prepared to proceed with a trial,” the statement read.
Alaska Airlines Door Plug Lawsuit Settled
Three passengers who sued Alaska Airlines and Boeing after a door plug detached mid-flight have reached an out-of-court settlement. The incident occurred on January 5, 2024, aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 from Portland, Oregon, to Ontario, California, when the door plug on a Boeing 737 Max blew off at 16,000 feet. The passengers had sought $1 billion in damages but settled earlier this month.
Lawsuit Dismissed With Prejudice
Court records show the lawsuit was dismissed on July 7 with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled. Attorneys for the passengers declined to disclose the settlement amount, citing the confidentiality terms of the agreement.
NTSB Investigation Finds Boeing at Fault
In June, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) concluded that Boeing was responsible for the incident. Investigators found that four bolts securing the door plug were missing, allowing it to gradually loosen over more than 100 flights before detaching.
Boeing Responds to Safety Concerns
In a public statement, Boeing expressed regret over the accident and pledged to strengthen safety and quality standards across its operations. The company reiterated its commitment to preventing similar failures in the future.
Passengers Describe Harrowing Experience
The 174 passengers on board escaped without injury, thanks in part to the flight crew’s swift response. However, many described the experience as terrifying. The sudden decompression created a strong vacuum that pulled personal items from the cabin, and one passenger reported that the force tore the shirt from his back.
NTSB Chairwoman Calls Event a Preventable Tragedy
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy called the outcome “a miracle,” noting that no one was killed. She emphasized that the accident should never have happened, pointing to “multiple system failures” rather than the mistakes of individual employees. Homendy stressed that aviation safety depends on robust systems, not just the actions of a few people.
Chicago OKs $35.2M to Settle Four Police Misconduct Cases
The Chicago City Council has approved $35.2 million to settle four lawsuits alleging various forms of misconduct by Chicago police officers.
2025 Payouts Exceed Budget by Over $142 Million
In less than seven months, the city has paid at least $224.5 million to resolve nearly 25 lawsuits, surpassing the $82 million budget for police misconduct cases in 2025 by more than $142 million. How the city will fund the latest settlements remains unclear.
Largest Case Involves Wrongful Conviction
The biggest settlement will award $17 million to a man wrongfully imprisoned for 23 years after being convicted of a double murder he did not commit. Since January 2019, Chicago has spent $236.7 million resolving 57 wrongful conviction cases tied to evidence gathered by the Chicago Police Department.
Former Detective’s Misconduct Costs City Millions
A former Chicago police detective, accused of routinely framing suspects, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison after an investigation. The case marks the eighth lawsuit tied to his alleged misconduct to be resolved, bringing the total cost to taxpayers to more than $95 million.
Hartford Archdiocese Settles Clergy Abuse Case for $2.4M
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hartford has agreed to pay $2.4 million to a man who says he was sexually abused by a priest more than 100 times over a five-year period starting in the 1980s.
Alleged Abuse Spanned Years
The victim, who served as an altar boy at St. Adalbert’s School in Enfield, alleges the abuse occurred between 1985 and 1990. According to his attorney, the priest repeatedly took him out of class to assist at funerals, where the assaults took place.
Attorney Details Abuse Pattern
“My client would be taken from class for long periods to serve at funerals,” the attorney explained. “After the services, he would be abused. Someone should have noticed he was missing from class for such a long time.” The attorney said the assaults happened dozens of times over the years.
Archdiocese Issues Apology and Commitment
In a statement, the Archdiocese expressed ongoing remorse and pledged continued support for victims of clergy sexual abuse. Church leaders said they are committed to ensuring such abuse never happens again and to keeping all churches safe for children and families.
Six Michigan Nursing Homes in $4.5M Care Neglect Settlement
The Michigan Attorney General’s Office announced a $4.5 million settlement with the owners of six Detroit-area nursing homes following a whistleblower lawsuit. Attorney General Dana Nessel said her office will continue working with federal partners to hold accountable those who fail to provide promised quality care to vulnerable residents funded by taxpayer dollars.
Companies and Facilities Involved
The settlement involves Villa Financial Services LLC and Villa Olympia Investment LLC, which own six Villa facilities: Ambassador, Father Murray, Imperial, Regency, St. Joseph’s, and Westland. State officials alleged the companies accepted taxpayer funds while delivering “grossly substandard care” to residents.
Origin of the Case
The agreement concludes an investigation by the Michigan Attorney General’s Health Care Fraud Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. The case began as a federal civil whistleblower lawsuit filed by Villa employees who said they witnessed resident mistreatment.
Allegations of Neglect
The complaints accused the nursing homes of failing to adequately staff their facilities, prevent falls and infections, treat and prevent bed sores, and address residents’ toileting needs—leading in some cases to soiled clothing and bedding. Villa has denied all allegations.
Settlement Terms
Under the agreement, Villa will pay $3,418,633 to the United States and $1,081,367 to the State of Michigan. In addition, the companies will adhere to a five-year quality-of-care Corporate Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
Oversight and Monitoring
As part of the Corporate Integrity Agreement, an independent quality monitor will assess Villa’s delivery of care and its systems for preventing, detecting, and addressing patient concerns.
Investigation Partners
The Attorney General’s Health Care Fraud Division—Michigan’s federally certified Medicaid Fraud Control Unit—played a key role in the investigation alongside federal authorities.
Mass. Family Wins $42.6M in Baby Powder Cancer Case
A Massachusetts jury has ordered Johnson & Johnson (J&J) to pay $42.6 million to the family of a man who developed malignant pleural mesothelioma. The jury found that years of using Johnson’s Baby Powder, which was allegedly contaminated with asbestos, caused his cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare but deadly disease almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure.
Family’s Lawsuit Against Johnson & Johnson
The lawsuit was filed by the man and his wife on behalf of themselves and their four children. They argued that asbestos contaminants in J&J’s talc-based products were responsible for his diagnosis. The man emphasized that he never worked in an environment with asbestos exposure, making Baby Powder his only likely source of contact with the carcinogen.
Broader Litigation Over Talc Products
This case is part of tens of thousands of lawsuits accusing Johnson & Johnson of selling talc products contaminated with asbestos. Plaintiffs allege long-term use increased risks of mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, and other cancers. Even if talc itself is free of asbestos, scientific studies have suggested that talc particles can migrate into the body and potentially raise the risk of ovarian cancer, especially in women who applied it to the genital area.
Health Risks From Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos exposure is widely recognized as a cause of serious health issues, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma typically appears decades after exposure, often at advanced stages when treatment options are limited. This late detection frequently results in poor prognoses and shortened life expectancies.
Johnson & Johnson to Appeal Verdict
Following the two-week trial, the Boston jury’s decision held J&J accountable for the man’s illness. However, the company announced plans to appeal the verdict, continuing its strategy of fighting thousands of similar lawsuits. J&J has attempted three times to resolve talc litigation through bankruptcy filings, but federal judges have rejected each effort.
Status of Federal Talcum Powder Litigation
Since 2016, all federal ovarian cancer lawsuits involving talc have been consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey for pretrial proceedings. While J&J has already resolved about 95% of mesothelioma-related talc claims, the remaining lawsuits largely involve gynecological cancers, particularly ovarian cancer.
Company’s Response and Product Changes
Johnson & Johnson has consistently denied that its talc products pose health risks. Nonetheless, in response to mounting litigation and public pressure, the company has pledged to transition Baby Powder products away from talc. Despite this shift, it maintains that its products were safe and asbestos-free.
Upcoming Bellwether Trials and Potential Settlements
The presiding federal judge is expected to schedule bellwether trials to test how juries respond to evidence and expert testimony. These early trials are designed to guide both sides toward potential settlement negotiations. If no agreement is reached, courts may begin remanding thousands of individual lawsuits nationwide, setting the stage for years of trials and continued legal battles.
UCLA, Jewish Students Reach $6M Deal Over Campus Protests
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has agreed to a $6.13 million settlement with three Jewish students and a Jewish professor who alleged the school violated their civil rights. Their lawsuit claimed the university failed to protect them during pro-Palestinian demonstrations in 2024, when protesters blocked access to classes and other campus facilities. The settlement covers damages, legal fees, and includes funding for organizations combating antisemitism.
Landmark Legal Action Against a University
This resolution comes nearly a year after a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against UCLA. That ruling marked the first time a U.S. court held a university accountable for its handling of on-campus protests tied to Israel’s war in Gaza. The decision required UCLA to develop measures safeguarding Jewish students, highlighting broader concerns about campus safety during heated political demonstrations.
UCLA’s Initial Defense and Court’s Response
At the outset, UCLA argued it bore no legal responsibility because it was the protesters, not the institution, that blocked access. The university emphasized its cooperation with law enforcement to prevent new encampments. However, the federal judge disagreed, ruling UCLA must actively ensure student safety and access, regardless of who instigated the disruptions.
Systemwide Guidelines on Campus Protests
Following the ruling, the University of California system implemented new guidelines governing demonstrations across its campuses. These measures aim to balance free speech with student access and safety. Still, UCLA’s response to protests, particularly how it dispersed encampments, drew significant criticism.
Violent Night at the Encampment
One of the most controversial moments occurred when counterprotesters attacked a pro-Palestinian encampment. They hurled traffic cones, used pepper spray, and engaged in violent clashes that lasted for hours, injuring more than a dozen people before police intervened. The following day, when protesters ignored orders to vacate, more than 200 individuals were arrested, intensifying debate over UCLA’s handling of the situation.
Federal Government Joins the Case
In March, the Trump administration formally joined the lawsuit brought by the Jewish plaintiffs. At the same time, federal investigators expanded inquiries into alleged antisemitism at other campuses, including Columbia University, UC Berkeley, the University of Minnesota, Northwestern University, and Portland State University.
Columbia’s $200 Million Settlement Sets Precedent
Just last week, Columbia University reached a $200 million settlement with federal authorities to resolve accusations of violating federal anti-discrimination laws. That deal also restored more than $400 million in research funding. The administration signaled that the Columbia agreement would serve as a template for other schools, with substantial financial penalties expected in future settlements.
Justice Department Findings Against UCLA
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division concluded UCLA had violated both the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Federal officials determined the university acted with “deliberate indifference,” thereby fostering a hostile educational environment for Jewish and Israeli students. Assistant Attorney General officials emphasized UCLA’s failure to act promptly despite credible reports of harm and hostility.
University’s Commitment and Settlement Terms
UCLA officials stated that they remain committed to ensuring student safety and addressing antisemitism. The University of California Board of Regents stressed the settlement reflects a shared goal of creating a secure, inclusive environment where antisemitism has no place. Under the terms, UCLA must guarantee Jewish students, faculty, and staff are not excluded from any part of campus life. Roughly $2.3 million of the settlement will support eight nonprofit organizations dedicated to combating antisemitism.
Other Pending Lawsuits Against UCLA
While this case reached resolution, UCLA now faces a separate lawsuit from 35 pro-Palestinian students, faculty, journalists, and legal observers. That group alleges the university failed to protect them during the same wave of protests, highlighting the complexity of balancing free expression, campus safety, and competing civil rights claims.
Broader Context of Campus Protests
The UCLA unrest was part of a larger wave of campus demonstrations nationwide, reflecting tensions over Israel’s war in Gaza. Some Jewish students also participated in protests criticizing Israeli policies, underscoring diverse perspectives within the community. During UCLA’s 2024 protests, at least 15 pro-Palestinian demonstrators were injured, and critics—including Muslim advocacy groups—condemned what they described as a weak and delayed response by university authorities.
Poppi to Pay $8.9M in “Gut Healthy” Marketing Lawsuit
The sparkling prebiotic drink Poppi is at the center of an $8.9 million class action settlement after allegations it was falsely marketed as “gut healthy.” The lawsuit claimed the company, formerly known as VNGR Beverage, LLC, misled consumers into believing the drinks provided scientifically proven health benefits. Court documents note that while the company agreed to the settlement, it did not admit any wrongdoing.
Who Can File a Claim?
Anyone who purchased any flavor or package size of Poppi beverages between January 23, 2020, and July 18, 2025, is eligible to receive compensation. Payments will vary depending on whether consumers have proof of purchase and how much product they bought.
Reimbursement Amounts
Consumers with receipts can claim:
· $0.75 per single can
· $3 for a four-pack
· $6 for an eight-pack
· $9 for a 12- or 15-pack
For those without proof of purchase, reimbursements are capped at $16.
Deadline to Submit Claims
Claims must be submitted either online or by mail by September 16, 2025. Eligible consumers can visit the settlement website for filing instructions and additional details.
MNPS OKs $6.5M Settlement with Five Ex-Employees
Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) has agreed to a $6.5 million settlement with five former employees who alleged wrongful termination and discrimination. The agreement follows a December 2023 court filing linked to events in March 2020, when MNPS reportedly asked its then-new director to cut $100 million from the district’s budget. Although the restructuring was approved, five high-performing employees lost their positions and subsequently filed suit.
Allegations of Retaliation and Discrimination
The lawsuit claimed MNPS retaliated against employees for exercising First Amendment rights, discriminated against one worker based on age, and retaliated against another based on sex. The complaint also included Title VI violations, which prohibit hiring discrimination.
Concerns Over Financial Impact
During the public participation segment of the meeting, a Metro Councilmember for District 12 expressed concern about the settlement’s cost. He noted the amount is nearly 1% of the district’s cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and comes after a “difficult budget cycle.” The councilmember highlighted that this payout exceeds the total of all
MNPS settlements from the past five years combined.
He urged the district to reflect on improving communication and handling disputes, noting similar discussions are happening within other city departments.
Chicago Family Wins $2.5M Over Wrongful 2017 Police Raid
A Chicago family has reached a $2.5 million settlement with the city, closing a painful chapter that began in 2017 when police mistakenly raided their home. The incident left lasting emotional scars, according to the family.
Background of the Wrongful Raid
The raid occurred on November 7, 2017, when seven Chicago police officers executed a search warrant at the wrong address. Body-camera footage from the day shows officers inside the home, though only four officers had their cameras activated.
Impact and Legal Battle
The family filed a civil lawsuit, claiming officers pointed guns at them and detained the father even after realizing their mistake. However, the Civilian Office of Police Accountability dismissed the gun-pointing allegation due to lack of video evidence. After years of litigation, the case reached trial, but a settlement was finalized midway through proceedings earlier this year.
Legislative and Policy Changes
The wrongful raid sparked significant changes. A statewide law named after one of the children present—now 17—requires police officers to undergo trauma-informed training. Additionally, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) revised its policies on executing residential search warrants, leading to a notable decline in such raids.
City’s Denial of Liability
Despite agreeing to the settlement, city officials maintain there is no admission of wrongdoing. The officers involved never served the suspensions recommended by a former police superintendent. The family’s attorneys argue the city’s stance does not reflect the harm caused, as the mother’s plea during the raid—“You scared my kids”—still echoes through the case.