Landmark Victory Against Social Media Platforms
Renowned trial lawyer Mark Lanier recently secured a landmark jury verdict against Meta Platforms and Google’s YouTube in one of the nation’s first major social media addiction trials. A Los Angeles jury awarded approximately $6 million in total damages after finding that Instagram and YouTube were intentionally designed in ways that contributed to a young […]
Social Media Lawsuits – Holding Meta and Social Media Accountable
A federal appeals court recently appeared skeptical of efforts by Meta Platforms, Snap Inc., TikTok, and other social media companies to completely dismiss hundreds of lawsuits alleging that their platforms contributed to social media addiction and mental health harm among children and teenagers. According to the report, judges questioned whether the companies could avoid liability […]
Everyday Products That May Contain Carcinogenic Chemicals
Many consumers are surprised to learn that potentially carcinogenic chemicals may exist in products encountered during ordinary daily life. Studies and regulatory investigations have examined substances found in herbicides, nonstick cookware, cosmetics, plastics, food packaging, industrial solvents, contaminated water products, and certain over-the-counter medications. Organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), International Agency for […]
AI Technology and Your Rights When Artificial Intelligence Causes Harm
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming healthcare, finance, transportation, employment, education, law enforcement, and consumer technology. As AI systems become more integrated into everyday life, legal questions concerning responsibility and accountability continue to emerge. Potential claims involving AI technology may include negligence, defective design, failure to warn, algorithmic discrimination, invasion of privacy, defamation, professional malpractice, or […]
Protecting Your Insurance Claim Before and After Disaster Strikes
Many homeowners discover only after disaster strikes that insurance companies are not always eager to pay the full value of a claim. Disputes involving hurricane damage, fire losses, water intrusion, roof damage, and business interruption claims frequently arise after major disasters throughout Louisiana. Before disaster occurs, homeowners should photograph their property, maintain digital inventories of […]
Cyber Bullying: It Is Serious and Can Have Legal Consequences
Cyber bullying can involve online harassment, threats, impersonation, stalking, humiliation campaigns, distribution of private images, and coordinated digital attacks through social media, messaging platforms, or gaming applications. The emotional and psychological harm caused by cyber bullying can be severe, particularly among children and teenagers. In some situations, cyber bullying may violate criminal laws involving harassment, […]
School Violence and a School’s Responsibility to Protect Students
Schools owe important duties to provide reasonable supervision and maintain a safe learning environment for students. When preventable violence occurs because warning signs were ignored, supervision failed, or security measures were inadequate, schools and institutions may face legal liability under Louisiana law. Cases involving school violence often raise questions concerning foreseeability, prior threats, bullying complaints, […]
The Effects Social Media Addiction Has on the Brain
Researchers and mental health professionals continue to study how excessive social media use may affect brain development, emotional regulation, sleep patterns, and mental health—particularly in children and teenagers. Studies suggest that social media engagement may activate dopamine reward pathways in ways similar to other compulsive behaviors. Excessive use has been associated with anxiety, depression, sleep […]
Holding Social Media Platforms Liable for Addiction
Lawsuits across the country increasingly allege that social media companies intentionally designed platforms to maximize addiction, particularly among children and teenagers. Plaintiffs claim that algorithmic engagement systems, endless scrolling, push notifications, and behavioral reinforcement features contributed to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, and other mental health injuries. Internal company documents released in various investigations have […]
Rideshare Passenger Assaults and Corporate Responsibility
Rideshare platforms have transformed transportation, but reports involving passenger assaults, kidnappings, harassment, and violent crimes involving rideshare drivers continue to raise serious safety concerns. Public safety reports released by major rideshare companies have documented thousands of allegations involving sexual assault and passenger misconduct over recent years. Under Louisiana law, rideshare companies may face claims involving […]