[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Remote meeting software-giant Zoom became a household name over the course of the pandemic.  Zoom, both the company and the software, have been around longer than most people would think.  Zoom Video Communications, the company, was founded in 2011 and Zoom, the software, was initially released in 2013.  A proposed class-action settlement would compensate every person who used Zoom between March 30, 2016 and July 30, 2021 with $15.  Zoom subscribers would be eligible for the greater of $25 or 15 percent of their subscription fees during that time.  The proposed settlement amount is $85 million, so payouts may change based on how many Zoom users make a claim.  The company would also be required to improve security and data protection. The class-action lawsuit stems from a false claim the company made about encryption.  Zoom had made claims that their software featured end-to-end encryption in order to comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).  In practice, only customers utilizing a specific Zoom product were receiving that level of protection.  The lack of purported end-to-end encryption came to light in March 2020, just when the pandemic began forcing many employees to work remotely. The lack of true end-to-end encryption and a reliance on Facebook and Google meant a lot of personal data was sent unencrypted over the Internet.  The class-action lawsuit accuses Zoom of willfully misrepresenting its security protocols and misleading consumers, a clear violation of product liability law.  Though some may think that personal injury attorneys can only pursue companies for dangerous manufactured goods, product liability law also protects consumers from damages or injuries caused by intangible software. See the full news story here. The Law Offices of Scott Warmuth can help injured consumers pursue negligent corporations for the design, manufacturing, or advertising of any damaged or faulty product.  We provide free consultations at 888-517-9888, so call us today.  There is no risk in pursuing a claim with a no recovery, no fee guarantee.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Numerous states, including California, reached a settlement with four healthcare giants over claims that the companies were at least partially responsible for an opioid overdose epidemic.  Over the past 20 years, hundreds of thousands of Americans have died from opioid overdose, including a record of 93,000 people last year.  Three pharmaceutical distributors: AmerisourceBergen, Cardinal Health, and McKesson Corporation, would pay $21 billion over 18 years, and pharmaceutical manufacturer Johnson & Johnson would pay $5 billion over nine years under the maximum payout guidelines of the settlement. Johnson & Johnson has been at the center of numerous product liability lawsuits recently, including claims against talc baby powder resulting in billions of dollars in damages.  The settlement and jury amounts appear to be significant, but they still pale in comparison to the company's revenue and profits.  Johnson & Johnson stopped selling opioid medications last year. The settlement itself is contingent on enough state and local governments signing on to it.  The overall settlement amount would be reduced for every state or local government entity that does not agree to the settlement.  According to reporting, numerous states are reluctant to sign on because they fear they may not receive enough resources to address the opioid epidemic.  Recovery money from the settlement might be used for addiction treatment, recovery programs, counseling services, rehabilitation, and even needle exchanges. See the full news story here. Over 3,000 lawsuits have been filed in relation to the opioid epidemic so far targeting numerous pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors.  Just like every other consumer product, the makers of every pharmaceutical drug is responsible for the safety of its product.  When a company designs, manufacturers, or markets a dangerous product that results in injury, consumers and entities representing consumers can pursue legal damages under product liability law.  If you have been injured by a dangerous or recalled product, the Law Offices of Scott Warmuth can help you pursue financial recovery for medical bills and pain and suffering.  Call us today at 888-517-9888 to receive a free legal consultation.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]