Matern Law Group Revives Torrance Refinery Trespass Claim
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has revived a portion of a class action lawsuit against Exxon Mobil Corp. and Torrance Refining Co. concerning pollution from their refinery in Torrance, California. The appellate panel reversed a lower court decision that had improperly dismissed a trespass claim, clarifying that allegations of soil and groundwater contamination, along […]
Bosses Who Hug Their Employees May Create a Hostile Work Environment
Victoria Zetwick, a female sergeant with over 24 years’ experience as a corrections officer, brought her suit pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, alleging that male Yolo County Sheriff Edward G. Prieto created a hostile work environment by hugging her more than […]
California Court of Appeal Finds Dismissal of Claims for “Death Knell” Doctrine
In order to protect potential class members’ rights, the “death knell” doctrine permits immediate appeal from a court order denying the certification of class claims, yet preserving individual claims. In Miranda v. Anderson Enterprises, Inc., 241 Cal. App. 4th 196, 200 (2015), the Court of Appeal ruled that it also applies to the dismissal of […]
