Newsletters

Tax Consequences of a Settlement in a Tort Action

When a plaintiff and a defendant enter into a settlement of the plaintiff's tort action, the tax consequences of the settlement will depend upon whether the damages are allocated in the settlement agreement.

Liability of a Cruise Ship for Emotional Distress Claims

Under the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1996, cruise ships may use ticket contracts to disclaim liability for emotional distress, mental suffering, and psychological injury claims by passengers.

Invasion of Privacy--Disclosure

The law provides everyone with some basic rights to privacy. Privacy is the general right to be left alone and free from unwanted publicity. Unreasonable invasion of one's privacy causes harm.

Action by a Spouse for a Tort against the Other Spouse

When one spouse is injured as a result of a defendant's negligent or tortious conduct, the other spouse is entitled to file an action against the defendant for his or her damages as a result of the defendant's conduct. The spouse who is injured is referred to as the impaired spouse.

LIABILITY OF AIRLINES

An airline may be liable to its passengers for an aircraft accident based upon its status as a common carrier, its contract with the passengers, or an implied or express warranty regarding the safety of its aircraft. An airline may also be liable to its passengers for delays, for discrimination, or for wrongful expulsion