Intersects with Mass Torts (some include this in Mass Torts), pollution, PFAS, chemical fires, climate change.

Climate Change Law: Tension Increases Over Governmental and Corporate Responsibility

August 8th, 2025|Categories: Emerging Litigation & Risk, Environmental Torts, HB Tort Notes, Journal, Mass Torts, New Featured Post for Home Page, News|Tags: , , , , |

The world’s leaders still don’t agree on what, if anything, to do about climate change – despite mounting evidence that, as a planet, we are in the soup. A major ruling from the International Court of Justice says states have an obligation to save the planet, as the U.S. president is enthusiastically sprinting the other way, inspiring cheers from his base and jeers from scientists. As for domestic litigation designed to pin liability on the fossil fuel industry, a case in South Carolina faltered as another in Hawaii is clearing hurdles. Read the update from Tom Hagy.

PFAS Litigation Deepens as 3M Reaches $450M Deal with New Jersey

July 1st, 2025|Categories: Environmental Torts, Mass Torts|Tags: , , , , |

Guest contributor, Jennifer Holmes discusses the growing legal, regulatory, and financial fallout from PFAS—also known as “forever chemicals”—through the lens of 3M’s recent $450 million settlement with the state of New Jersey. In this wide-ranging piece, she explores how PFAS litigation is evolving beyond environmental cleanup to include product liability suits against major brands like Apple, insurance coverage battles over pollution exclusions, and the uncertain regulatory landscape shaping outcomes. As public pressure and legal scrutiny mount, Holmes offers a timely look at what businesses, insurers, and legal teams need to know about this rapidly expanding area of risk.

Facing PFAS lawsuit, Apple claims watch bands are safe, but what does the evidence say?

April 10th, 2025|Categories: Class Actions, Environmental Torts, HB Tort Notes, Journal, New Featured Post for Home Page, News|Tags: , , , , |

Amid rising concerns about toxic chemicals in consumer products, Apple finds itself under scrutiny. Guest contributor Justin Ward examines the controversy surrounding Apple’s smartwatch bands after researchers detected elevated levels of PFAS, or “forever chemicals.” While Apple insists its products are safe, a class action lawsuit alleges deceptive marketing and health risks, raising broader questions about accountability and chemical transparency in tech and apparel.

Wildfire Litigation: Building a Case and Establishing Liability with Ed Diab

March 27th, 2025|Categories: ELP, Environmental Torts, Mass Torts|Tags: , , , , |

In this episode of the Emerging Litigation Podcast, you will discover the legal complexities of wildfire litigation as Ed Diab, founding partner of Diab Chambers LLP, unpacks the strategies used to establish liability against utility companies in the wake of Southern California’s devastating January 2025 wildfires. With over 100 lawsuits filed against power providers like Southern California Edison, plaintiffs—including public entities, individuals, and insurers—face an uphill battle proving negligence and inverse condemnation claims. Ed shares insights on case-building strategies, the role of expert investigations, key legal defenses raised by utilities, and the evolving litigation landscape. Tune in for a deep dive into how these high-stakes cases unfold. Don't miss this episode!

Forever Chemicals: Insurance Recoveries for PFAS Liabilities

March 26th, 2025|Categories: CLE OnDemand, Environmental Torts, Insurance, New Webinars|Tags: , , , , |

Take this CLE webinar and gain a better understanding of the evolving legal, regulatory, and insurance landscape surrounding PFAS ("forever chemicals") and their growing impact on businesses and insurers. We feature experienced insurance recovery attorneys Bob Horkovich and Cameron Argetsinger and environmental experts Arthur J. Clarke and Walker Prentke from J.S. Held. Take it now or when you're ready. It's on demand!

Post-Hurricane Coverage and Claims Adjustment Issues​

March 14th, 2025|Categories: CLE OnDemand, Environmental Torts, Insurance, New Webinars|Tags: , , , , |

Take this CLE webinar and gain a better understanding of ey insurance coverage issues arising from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, including business interruption claims, deductibles, flood sublimits, and strategies to address delays in the claims adjustment process. We feature experienced insurance recovery attorneys Dennis Artese, Marshall Gilinsky, Joshua Gold, and Grant Brown of Anderson Kill, P.C. Take it now or when you're ready. It's on demand!

2025 California Wildfires Prompt Wave of Suits

March 11th, 2025|Categories: Emerging Litigation & Risk, Environmental Torts, HB Tort Notes, Insurance, Journal, New Featured Post for Home Page, News|Tags: , , , , |

Bret Thurman provides an in-depth look at the surge of legal actions stemming from the catastrophic 2025 California wildfires, which caused widespread destruction across Southern California. He explores the numerous lawsuits filed against major utility companies like Southern California Edison (SCE) and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), as well as actions against landlords accused of price gouging in the wake of the disaster. Key legal theories include negligence, inverse condemnation, and public nuisance, with plaintiffs arguing that mismanagement, delayed responses, and regulatory failures significantly contributed to the scale of the devastation. These cases could set important legal precedents for disaster liability and corporate accountability in California and beyond.

22 States Sue New York Over Climate Fund, Calling It an ‘Unconstitutional Shakedown’

March 3rd, 2025|Categories: Corporate Compliance, Environmental Torts, HB Tort Notes, Journal, New Featured Post for Home Page, News|Tags: , , , , |

Tim Zyla examines the high-stakes legal battle between New York and a coalition of 22 states, led by West Virginia, over the state’s newly enacted Climate Change Superfund Act. The law requires energy producers to pay $75 billion over 25 years to fund climate damage recovery efforts. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, argues that New York’s law is unconstitutional, overreaches state authority, and unfairly targets out-of-state energy companies. Plaintiffs claim the Act violates multiple constitutional provisions, including the Commerce Clause, Due Process, and Equal Protection Clauses, as well as federal environmental law. Meanwhile, a pro se West Virginia resident has filed a motion to dismiss the case, defending New York’s actions as necessary for public health and climate accountability. Zyla highlights how this case could set a major precedent for state-level climate initiatives and corporate liability for environmental damage.

Trump’s rollback of draft PFAS regulation means uncertain future for ‘forever chemicals’ torts

February 21st, 2025|Categories: Emerging Litigation & Risk, Environmental Torts, HB Tort Notes, Journal, Mass Torts, New Featured Post for Home Page, News|Tags: , , , , |

With federal PFAS regulations in limbo, lawsuits targeting “forever chemicals” are expanding—what does this mean for businesses and consumers? Justin Ward examines the uncertain future of PFAS (“forever chemicals”) regulation and litigation after former President Trump rolled back a draft rule expanding Biden-era guidelines. The rising PFAS lawsuits are increasingly targeting consumer product manufacturers alongside chemical companies. Despite concerns over deregulation, several states have enacted their own strict PFAS rules, ensuring continued legal challenges and regulatory pressure. Read our report by guest contributor Justin Ward.

California’s climate disclosure laws withstand initial US Chamber of Commerce challenge

February 20th, 2025|Categories: Corporate Compliance, Emerging Litigation & Risk, Environmental Torts, HB Tort Notes, Journal, New Featured Post for Home Page, News|Tags: , , , , |

California’s groundbreaking climate disclosure laws just overcame a major legal challenge—what does this mean for businesses and the future of corporate transparency? Writer Justin Ward will fill you in.

Catastrophic Wildfires Recovery – Get the Most from Your Insurance Coverage

February 9th, 2025|Categories: Class Actions, CLE OnDemand, Environmental Torts, Insurance, New Webinars|Tags: , , , , |

Take this CLE webinar and gain a better understanding of the complex insurance coverage and remediation issues arising from wildfire disasters, including property damage claims under commercial all-risk and homeowners insurance, valuation provisions like replacement cost and ACV, and time element coverages such as business income loss, civil authority coverage, and additional living expenses. We feature experienced insurance recovery attorneys Dennis Artese, Marshall Gilinsky, and Joshua Gold of Anderson Kill, P.C. Take it now or when you're ready. It's on demand!

Wildfire Insurance Coverage for Homeowners and Businesses with Anderson Kill

January 21st, 2025|Categories: ELP, Emerging Litigation & Risk, Environmental Torts, Insurance|Tags: , , , , |

The horrific wildfires unleashing carnage in Southern California underscore the need for reliable insurance protection both for businesses and homeowners. In this episode, three seasoned attorneys discuss the types of damages and losses typically covered under homeowner and commercial property insurance policies, policy limitations, navigating the claims process, and business interruption coverage. They also talk about a Jan. 10, 2025, ruling out of the Northern District of California in Bottega v. National Surety which held in a business interruption case that whether smoke damage caused the suspension of operations at the policyholders’ businesses is a genuine issue of fact. Check out our interview with Anderson Kill attorneys Dennis Artese, Marshall Gilinsky, and Joshua Gold. They know this area of the law inside and out.

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