Since 2014, the Consumer Public Safety Commission (CPSC) has been trying to amend federal regulations to make it easier for consumers to become aware of unsafe products. This has been opposed by the corporate/manufacturing lobbying interests and trade groups. The effort has received very little support from the consumers it is designed to protect because this is very technical and obscured from daily public attention.
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HB189: Why A Truck’s Weight Matters
Georgia’s House Bill 189 looks at increasing the weight limit of tractor trailers and loads from 80,000 pounds to up to 95,000 pounds with a special waiver. The proponents of the bill say the weight increase will help with supply chain issues and make Georgia’s weight limits on par with neighboring states and that fewer trips needed for transport will help reduce emissions.
Here’s the Problem: Raising the weight limit is dangerous for Georgians.
Continue readingUS Women’s Soccer Under Investigation for Recent Abuse Allegations
When we think of sexual abuse, we often think of decades old allegations. But this week, an independent report investigating abuse allegations within The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) found very recent systemic verbal and emotional abuse and sexual misconduct by coaches.
Continue readingPenn Law’s Sbaity on Treatment Courts for Survivors of Child Sexual Exploitation
Penn Law’s Hannah Elias Sbaity recently co-published a paper in the Mitchell Hamline Law Journal of Public Policy and Practice looking at the effectiveness of Treatment Courts for survivors of the Commercial and Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC).
Continue readingGA 2022 Legislative Session: Child Victim Protection Act
The recent settlement reached by the Darlington School and 20 survivors of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of Roger Stifflemire, a former teacher and dorm parent at the school, provided compensation and some closure to the survivors and their families. The settlement also confirmed Penn Law’s continued commitment to be a voice for victims.
Continue readingBSA Settlement: An Imperfect Solution
On February 18, 2020, Boy Scouts of America filed bankruptcy following an avalanche of sex-abuse claims from about 84,000 survivors. After over a year in bankruptcy and three unsuccessful settlement attempts, the Boy Scouts and local Councils reached a settlement agreement with The Creditor’s Committee (TCC), the Coalition for Abused Scouts, and the Future Claims Representative.
Continue readingCourts Reopening and Addressing Case Backlog
On March 14, 2020, a Court order from the Georgia Supreme Court immediately closed all Georgia courts. Since then 15 subsequent orders have extended that emergency declaration, putting the Courts calendar in complete disarray and delaying civil trials for at least two to three years. The final judicial emergency order is set to expire on June 30, 2021.
Alexandra “Sachi” Cole Named to “2020 On the Rise” List by Daily Report
We at Penn Law would like to congratulate Alexandra “Sachi” Cole for her recognition as one of Georgia’s most promising lawyers under 40. Sachi is one of 21 attorneys named in the Daily Report’s “2020 On The Rise.”
The honor recognizes attorneys who are innovators not only in their practice and litigation but also in their communities with pro bono and charitable work. Sachi specializes in products liability, personal injury, medical malpractice, employment discrimination, civil rights and complex civil litigation.
She is very active in her community, serving on the board of the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy which provides no cost services to childhood victims of sexual abuse in the Atlanta area.
Congratulations Sachi, and thank you for your hard work and dedication to being a voice for victims.
USA Swimming Latest Organization to be Sued Citing New Legislation Created to Protect Victims
In the first major filing under California’s Assembly Bill 218 — which allows victims to confront their accused abusers in court — six women have filed suit against USA Swimming, alleging the organization failed to protect them from coaches who were known sexual predators. In the lawsuit, three coaches are accused of abusing the women during the early 1980s when they were between the ages of 12 and 17.
Tort Reform Isn’t Right for Georgians
Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, recently wrote a letter to members claiming lawsuit reform is essential to business growth in Georgia. Not only is this false, but it is also a scare tactic which will only hurt Georgians. As a small business owner and long-time Chamber member, I feel compelled to respond to these falsities.