Event

Survivors' Talk Monday Night at Community College

Michael Marciano | April 20, 2018

If the thought of being sexually assaulted in your home in the middle of the night by a masked intruder sounds incomprehensibly traumatic, imagine if the assault was only the beginning of a yearslong period of shame, abuse and neglect brought on by people whose jobs are to protect you.

News

Federal Judge Upholds $2.9 Million Verdict Against General Motors

Robert Storace | April 20, 2018

A judge has ruled that GM's owner's manual about the possible dangers of letting children play in vehicles with keys was not sufficient. A $2.9 million jury verdict for a family that lost a child in a GM car stands.

Commentary

State's Teen Criminal Cases Belong in Juvenile Court

Connecticut Law Tribune Editorial Board| April 20, 2018

At 14, children cannot drive, buy alcohol or cigarettes, cannot vote and cannot be employed by grocery stores. They certainly shouldn’t be exposed to lifelong adult felony convictions.

Expert Opinion

Covering Up Your Mistakes Often Makes Matters Worse

Mark L. Dubois| April 20, 2018

The ABA ethics solons have issued a new opinion that attempts to bring some clarity to the thorny issue of if and when we need to notify our clients when we make an error.

News

Documents: Feds Hit Wells Fargo for $1B Penalty for Consumer Abuses

Mike Scarcella | April 20, 2018

The $1 billion penalty imposed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau marks the largest in the agency's history.

News

Giuliani Joins Trump Legal Team, Takes Leave from Greenberg Traurig

Christine Simmons | April 19, 2018

The former New York mayor will serve as a personal lawyer for the president.

News

Delivery Man Settles Fall on Ice Claim for $890,000

Robert Storace | April 19, 2018

German Perez sustained neck injuries from a fall on a sheet of ice at a strip mall. This month he settled the case for $890,000.

News

The Supreme Court's 'Little Pink House' Case Hits the Silver Screen

Tony Mauro | April 19, 2018

The film recounts the 2005 eminent domain case "Kelo v. New London."

News

February Bar Exam Performance Hits Record Low

Karen Sloan | April 19, 2018

A decline in the average MBE score from the February 2018 bar exam does not bode well for pass rates, which are beginning to trickle out.

News

Lawsuit Claims School Punished Boy For Having Tourette Syndrome

Robert Storace | April 18, 2018

Kimberly Coppola alleges the St. Bernadette Catholic School in New Haven was dismissive of her son's Tourette syndrome, forcing her to remove him from the school.

News

Proposed Student Loan Cap Could Devastate Law Schools

Karen Sloan | April 18, 2018

Experts worry that provisions within the pending reauthorization of the Higher Education Act will exacerbate legal education's diversity challenges and put a J.D. out of reach of low-income students.

News

One Challenge of Being a Career Government Official: Fall in Line or Quit?

Erin Mulvaney | April 18, 2018

“If you are in any organization, whether it's the government or a corporation or a law firm and you believe that what's going on around you is illegal, I think that changes your calculus," Wilmer's David Ogden says.

News

Federal Judges Say Firms, Clients Favor Male Litigators at Their Peril

Dan Packel | April 17, 2018

At a Reed Smith event, former SDNY Judge Shira Scheindlin and current U.S. District Judge Cynthia Rufe highlighted the costs of ignoring gender diversity.

News

Fox News Backs Hannity, Who Says Cohen 'Never Represented' Him

Colby Hamilton | April 17, 2018

While the Fox News host downplayed his relationship to Cohen on Monday, the network stated Tuesday that Hannity continues to have its "full support."

News

'Not Worried About Blowback': Lawyers for Sandy Hook Families Discuss Suit Against InfoWars' Alex Jones

Robert Storace | April 17, 2018

Two families of children killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting sue InfoWars host Alex Jones for defamation.

News

Read the Documents: Sandy Hook Families Sue InfoWars' Alex Jones

Robert Storace | April 17, 2018

Two families that lost children in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting have sued Infowars and two of its employees, claiming the media outlet defamed them.

News

Attorney Killed in Hiking Tragedy Was 'Righteous, not Self-Righteous'

Robert Storace| April 16, 2018

Thomas Ullmann died Friday, April13, from a fall while hiking the Adirondack Mountains in New York.

News

Yale Law's James Forman Jr., Former O'Connor Clerk, Wins Pulitzer

Tony Mauro | April 16, 2018

“Clerking exposed me to the dreary state of criminal defense representation in trial courts around the country," Forman said in a recent interview with The National Law Journal.

News

Naugatuck Woman Secures $250,000 Settlement After Fall on Ice

Robert Storace | April 16, 2018

Natalia Dubrovinskaya has settled her slip-and-fall case with a Naugatuck condominium association for $250,000. She received payment on Friday.

News

Prominent CT Attorney Dies in Hiking Accident

Robert Storace | April 16, 2018

Thomas Ullmann, who was well known in Connecticut's legal circles and had previously served as New Haven's chief public defender, died Friday while hiking. He was 67 years old.

Current Edition

Connecticut Law Tribune| April 16, 2018

CLT Digital Edition

Analysis

Connecticut Maintains Hard Line in Enforcing Governmental Immunity

Ron Houde| April 13, 2018

Governmental immunity is alive and well on Connecticut school grounds this year.

News

Read the Documents: Deputies Outline Whereabouts in Minutes Following Parkland School Shooting

Samantha Joseph | April 13, 2018

The Broward Sheriff's Office releases incident reports outlining the response by deputies to the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

News

Connecticut Movers: Accomplished Teams Assign Key Star Players

Michael Marciano | April 13, 2018

Attorney C. Peter Hitson has been named director of legal project and practice management in the Hartford office of Carlton Fields Jorden Burt.

News

Michael Cohen's Attorneys Claim Thousands of Privileged Documents Scooped Up in Raid

Colby Hamilton | April 13, 2018

Counsel for President Trump said she'd only been brought on board Wednesday—two days after the White House, and the world, learned of the government's raid on Trump's attorney's offices.

News

Appellate Court Sides With Middletown on Firing Former Acting Police Chief

Robert Storace | April 13, 2018

The Connecticut Appellate Court upheld Middletown's firing of its former acting police chief for drinking alcohol while off-duty.

News

Trinity College Safety Officer Sues Former Supervisor, Trinity for Sexual Harassment

Robert Storace | April 12, 2018

Thomas Cashman sued his employer Trinity College, claiming the institution did too little to stop his alleged sexual harassment.

News

Former CCSU Student Settles Parking Garage Injury for $250,000

Robert Storace | April 12, 2018

The injuries Heidi Holt suffered led her to drop out of college, according to her attorney.

Analysis

Connecticut High Court: Landlord's Insurer Can Sue Tenants for Damage

Steven A. Meyerowitz| April 12, 2018

The Connecticut Supreme Court has ruled that a landlord’s insurer could use the doctrine of equitable subrogation to sue tenants for damage they…

News

Connecticut Man Pleads Guilty to Hacking Celebrities, Including Jennifer Lawrence

Robert Storace | April 12, 2018

George Garofano pleaded guilty in federal court this week to a hacking scheme that targeted people, including numerous actresses, in Connecticut and California. He faces up to five years in prison.

Q&A

Q&A: McDonald Still Upbeat After Scuttled Chief Justice Nomination

Robert Storace | April 11, 2018

In his first interview since the state Legislature voted against his nomination to be chief justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court, Andrew McDonald talks about his close relationship with the governor and the role his sexual orientation may have played in the vote.

News

Cosby Accuser Cites #MeToo Movement as Jury Hears More Witnesses

Lizzy McLellan | April 11, 2018

“In hindsight, it was a stupid thing to do," one witness said about allegedly taking pills offered by Cosby. "But at that time I thought, well, if Bill Cosby says it’s OK, it must be alright to take these."

News

Morgan Stanley Hit With Whistleblower Lawsuit

Robert Storace | April 11, 2018

June Strunk says her complaints about alleged misconduct by some of her former colleagues at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney not only fell on deaf ears, but led to her harassment.

News

Stormy Daniels Lawyer Avenatti Fights to Save Huge Punitive Award Against Kimberly-Clark

Jenna Greene | April 11, 2018

U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee whacked a $450 million award down to $20.7 million in a California class action over “leaky” surgical gowns.

News

Crime-Fraud Exception Raises Questions for Cohen Raid

Colby Hamilton | April 10, 2018

The application of the exception follows rigorous rules, but don't let it distract you from the peril the FBI's raid more broadly puts Trump's attorney in.

Expert Opinion

Reducing Collections Lawsuits Through Effective Billing Practices

Alanna G. Clair and Shari L. Klevens| April 10, 2018

Many attorneys will put off the decision of whether to pursue a client for unpaid legal fees until the end of the calendar year.

News

Mark Zuckerberg Brings In-House Legal, Lobbying Entourage to Capitol Hill

C. Ryan Barber | April 10, 2018

As he testifies before nearly half the U.S. Senate, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has his company’s in-house legal and lobbying teams at his back.

Expert Opinion

I Just Got Fired. How Bad Is This for My Career?

Julie Brush| April 10, 2018

Getting fired is not the end of the world … or your career. Far from it. Professionals are fired every day, in every way, at every level. And for various reasons too—from illegal behavior to politics to just a plain ol’ bad fit.

Commentary

After the Driverless Fatality, Insurance and Litigation Will Be Forever Changed

Randy Maniloff| April 10, 2018

Unlike an inconsequential glitch with your office computer, in the case of driverless cars it's control, alt and someone’s life is deleted.

News

After FBI Raid, Squire Says It Severed Ties to Trump Lawyer Michael Cohen

Ryan Lovelace | April 09, 2018

Squire Patton Boggs said Monday that it no longer had a strategic alliance with embattled Michael Cohen, who had been working out of the firm's offices in New York.

Letter to the Editor

Judicial Nominations Are Being Thrown Off-Balance

Joette Katz| April 09, 2018

It is a fundamental principle that the judicial component of government is independent in order to insulate its members from punitive actions by the legislative and executive branches of the government.

News

Indian Mountain School Hit With Another Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Robert Storace | April 09, 2018

The latest lawsuit comes after the school settled three similar claims involving a former English teacher accused of abusing students.

News

Mediators Agree to $600,000 For Couple Injured in Crash

Robert Storace | April 09, 2018

The crash exacerbated pre-existing neck and back conditions for the husband and wife.

April 9, 2018

Connecticut Law Tribune| April 09, 2018

Connecticut Law Tribune Digital Edition

Expert Opinion

McDonald Nomination Highlights Flaws in Judicial Appointment System

Mark L. Dubois| April 06, 2018

Our constitution sets the term of judge and justices at eight years. That’s too short a period of time for a judge or justice to become really schooled in the business of judging. It’s also two years short of the vesting date for full pensions.

Commentary

Salary Options Limited for Retired Teachers Returning to Work

Connecticut Law Tribune Editorial Board| April 06, 2018

Those who have retired from a public school position may only be re-employed in a public school at a salary of no more than 45 percent of the maximum salary level for the position.

News

Conn. Attorney Claims Marketing Firm Hurts Business With Deceptive Ads

Robert Storace | April 06, 2018

In a federal lawsuit, Sergei Lemberg claims a Massachusetts-based marketing firm has engaged in false advertising leading people to believe it's actually a law firm offering a service.

News

Anthem, Cigna Pay $3M in Legal Fees to States That Sued to Block Merger

Cheryl Miller | April 06, 2018

The plaintiff states will divide the settlement funds. California, Connecticut, New York, Georgia and the District of Columbia were among the states that challenged the proposed $54 billion tie-up.

News

Global Resource Company Sues Former Vice President for Breach of Contract

Robert Storace | April 05, 2018

AnMar and its parent company, Cellmark USA, have sued a former employee for allegedly disparaging the company and keeping confidential company information.

News

Judge Awards $112.5M in Total Attorney Fees in NFL Concussion Case

Max Mitchell | April 05, 2018

The judge has reserved for a later time her determination of the exact amount each firm will receive for its respective efforts.

News

Federal Law Enforcement Chiefs Outline White Collar Priorities Under Trump

Ross Todd | April 05, 2018

At a Views from the Top panel discussion Wednesday night, the head of the local SEC, DOJ Antitrust Division, and U.S. Attorney's Offices said investigating and prosecuting economic crimes remains a priority under the Trump administration.

News

White-Collar Cases See Big Drop Under Trump but Big Firms Still Finding Work

Miriam Rozen | April 04, 2018

Firms with substantial white-collar practices say they are still finding work despite the dramatic drop in federal government prosecutions of white-collar crime.

News

Paul Manafort's Move to Restrain Mueller Meets Skeptical Judge

C. Ryan Barber | April 04, 2018

"Chasing indictment after indictment is not an adequate remedy," Manafort lawyer Kevin Downing argued in court Wednesday, urging a judge to restrain Robert Mueller's ongoing Russia investigation.

News

Humane Society Volunteer Awarded $362,500 Following Doberman Attack

Robert Storace | April 03, 2018

Marlene Wall, injured by a Doberman while volunteering at a local humane society, reached a $362,500 settlement this week with the dog's owners.

News

Estate of Motorist Killed by Impaired Driver Settles for $1.1 Million

Robert Storace | April 02, 2018

Kevin Dutra was killed instantly in 2016 when his truck was rear-ended on a busy Connecticut interstate. His estate recently settled for $1.1 million.

April 2, 2018

Connecticut Law Tribune| April 02, 2018

Connecticut Law Tribune Digital Edition

News

Waterbury Man Left Paralyzed From Truck Accident Settles for $5.49M

Robert Storace | March 30, 2018

Schley Hunter, who was left a quadriplegic after a truck rollover in April 2016, has settled his workers' compensation claim for $5.49 million.

News

Connecticut Movers: Making Improvements, Inside and Out

Michael Marciano | March 30, 2018

Ryan Ryan Deluca has named Michael R. Young and Claire E. Ryan partners in the firm.

News

Judge Denies Gitmo Lawyers' Bid to Block Requirement to Live at Camp Justice

Cogan Schneier | March 30, 2018

The lawyers say the area they are required to live and work in at Guantanamo Bay could be contaminated and unsafe.

Best Practices

Good Practices for Sharing Space With Other Attorneys

Alanna G. Clair and Shari L. Klevens| March 30, 2018

While co-working spaces may cure the discomfort of isolation, allow attorneys to save on overhead costs, and provide an opportunity for peer feedback, they are not without risk.

Commentary

MCLEs in Connecticut: Better Late Than Never

Connecticut Editorial Board| March 30, 2018

The Superior Court Rules Committee adopted MCLE in June 2016 to be effective Jan. 1, 2017, and its implementation in the intervening year has demonstrated unequivocally that the fear of—and opposition to—MCLE was completely unwarranted.

Chart

Bar Pass Rate Bonanza: The 'Ultimate' Law School Rankings

Karen Sloan | March 29, 2018

Baylor University School of Law posted the highest ultimate bar pass rate—all 109 of its 2015 grads who took the bar passed over the span of two years. The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law had the lowest ultimate bar pass rate in 2015, at just under 57 percent.

News

Diversity Successes Reflected at Elite Law Reviews

Angela Morris| March 29, 2018

Recent diversity efforts might be paying off as more students of color take the helm at prestigious law reviews

News

Local Carpenter Awarded $185,000 for Spinal Injury in Van Wreck

Robert Storace | March 29, 2018

Christian Fongemie injured his cervical spine and suffered injuries to his arms and neck following a 2016 car collision. A jury this month awarded him $185,000.

Update

Family of Victim in Uber Autonomous Vehicle Crash Reaches Settlement

Ben Hancock | March 29, 2018

The quick settlement appears to allow Uber to avoid confronting novel questions of legal liability in court.

News

Racism at Car Dealership Alleged in Discrimination Suit

Robert Storace | March 28, 2018

Dennis Bellamy claims a Hamden Chevy dealership fired him for asking the general manager to stop calling him and other black employees "boy." He wants punitive and compensatory damages and full retroactive back pay with benefits.

News

John Dowd Calls Mueller 'Terrific' After Passing Trump Baton

Miriam Rozen | March 28, 2018

Dowd said representing the president was hard work, and now he wants to "just take it easy, and get some rest."

News

Maryland, DC AGs Clear Initial Hurdle in Trump Emoluments Lawsuit

Cogan Schneier | March 28, 2018

A federal judge ruled Wednesday that the attorneys general have standing to bring their lawsuit claiming the president is in violation of the Constitution's emoluments clauses.

Commentary

Quinn Emanuel Partner Suffers From Depression and He Wants Everyone to Know

Joseph Milowic III| March 28, 2018

Struggling to find meaning in your work? Lacking motivation? Thinking about quitting? Please read this first.

Commentary

Symptoms of Depression

Colin Jamron| March 28, 2018

Depression is a mental condition that affects millions of Americans each year. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 16 million Americans have suffered at least one major depressive episode in 2016.

News

'Dangerous Work': Milford Man's Estate Seeks Millions After Fatal Ladder Fall

Robert Storace | March 27, 2018

The estate of Francisco Martija sued property owner TIAA Board of Overseers, seeking millions of dollars in damages.

News

Farmington Dentist Nets $80,500 After Slip From Moldy Ramp

Robert Storace | March 27, 2018

A jury awarded $113,000 to Monique Nadeau, who slipped and fell on a wet ramp at her dental practice. It reduced the award to $80,500 due to Nadeau's partial liability.

Commentary

Critical Mass: Remington Bankruptcy Could Delay Sandy Hook Suit. Plus, Ex-Students Take Shuttered Law School to Court

Amanda Bronstad | March 27, 2018

Remington Outdoor's Chapter 11 bankruptcy could hold up a case brought by 10 families of victims of the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, even if the Connecticut Supreme Court rules in their favor.

News

Remington Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection; Sandy Hook Case Temporarily on Hold

Robert Storace | March 27, 2018

As the Connecticut Supreme Court weighs the Sandy Hook families' case against the gun maker, Remington Outdoor Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a move that could delay the litigation.

News

UPDATED: McDonald Nomination Fails in State Senate, 19-16

Michael Marciano | March 27, 2018

Connecticut Supreme Court Associate Justice Andrew McDonald's nomination to become chief justice failed to pass the state Senate Tuesday, after weeks of politicized debate.

March 26, 2018

Connecticut Law Tribune| March 26, 2018

Connecticut Law Tribune Digital Edition

News

Judge Certifies Class in Suit Against MetLife Over Unpaid Overtime

Greg Land | March 23, 2018

The class action accuses MetLife of violating the Fair Labor Standards Act by failing to pay hundreds of long-term disability claims specialists overtime pay, although other MetLife workers in similar positions receive OT pay.

News

Judge Considers Legality of PACER Fees

Cogan Schneier | March 23, 2018

U.S. District Judge Ellen Huvelle will decide whether PACER is charging inordinately high fees and putting the revenue toward unauthorized uses.

News

Trump Legal Team Reshuffles Again as DiGenova Firm Backs Out

Ryan Lovelace | March 23, 2018

Joseph diGenova and his wife Victoria Toensing won’t be helping the president battle Robert Mueller after all. Plus: Hogan Lovells lures a trademark pro from Finnegan, Arnold & Porter picks up Chris Christie's nemesis, and Squire Patton Boggs defends Cambridge Analytica in the U.K.

News

Conn. Man Claims NJ Firm Withholding Share of $1.3M in Daughter's Death

Robert Storace | March 23, 2018

Eric Jordan has filed a federal lawsuit against a New Jersey law firm claiming it has not paid him the $336,877 wrongful death settlement he is due related to his daughter's death.

News

Tribune Announces 2018 Award Winners, Attorney of the Year Finalists

Michael Marciano | March 23, 2018

The nominations are in and winners have been chosen in 10 categories for the Connecticut Law Tribune's annual Professional Excellence Awards.

News

Conn. Firms Toast Recent Promotions

Michael Marciano | March 23, 2018

Connecticut's Halloran & Sage has named Jonathan Kelly, Matthew Teich and Brian Tims its newest partners.

Commentary

Knowledge of Safe Havens Act Crucial for Mothers in Desperation

Connecticut Law Tribune Editorial Board| March 23, 2018

Recently we read about another desperate young woman who was pregnant, abandoned by the male who impregnated her, who abandoned her baby after giving birth in secret and under dangerous circumstances.

Commentary

An Anachronism Is Lurking in Connecticut General Statutes

Connecticut Law Tribune Editorial Board| March 23, 2018

We call on the Judiciary Committee of the General Assembly to propose to the Legislature either the elimination of the statutes dealing with attorney admission and discipline or update the provisions so they mirror what is currently provided for in the Practice Book.

News

John Dowd Is Out As Trump Reshapes His Legal Team

Ryan Lovelace | March 22, 2018

It's been another volatile week in the president's response to Robert Mueller's investigation.

News

UConn Law Professor's Book Revisits Psychoanalysis in Law

Michael Marciano | March 22, 2018

Overlapping themes in psychology and law offer endless insights and opportunities for study, but real-life application in the courtroom has been limited since the popular psychology boom of the 1960s and '70s.

News

Hartford Reaches Tentative $2.75M Settlement With Displaced Families

Robert Storace | March 22, 2018

A proposed $2.75M settlement will benefit nearly 1,700 Hartford families who were displaced from their homes and were not told about a program offering financial assistance.

Slideshow

7 Ways 2018 is the Year of Access to Justice

Zach Warren | March 22, 2018

Seven stories that reveal how many people and companies are putting actions behind their access to justice words so far this year.

Expert Opinion

Proposed EEOC Enforcement Guidance Updated in Light of #MeToo Movement

Kirsten Scheurer Branigan and Jessica Stein Allen| March 21, 2018

Now, more than ever, employers need specific universal guidance on how to prevent and remediate sexual harassment, as well as other forms of workplace harassment.

News

In Wake of Cambridge Analytica Saga, Class Actions Roll in Against Facebook

Ross Todd | March 21, 2018

The social media giant was hit with a pair of class action lawsuits Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

Analysis

Conducting a Workplace Investigation After a Sexual Harassment Claim

Arthur L. Raynes and Brian Byrne| March 21, 2018

This article explores the investigation process and highlights some areas of legal concern for any investigator.

News

Personal Injury Attorney Reprimanded for Punching Man in Face

Robert Storace | March 21, 2018

Wallingford attorney Robert J. Weber III has been disciplined by the Statewide Grievance Committee and must take continuing legal education courses in legal ethics.

Hartford Firm Offers Online Labor and Employment Resource

Michael Marciano | March 21, 2018

For the last 40 years, Shipman & Goodwin has published the popular hard-copy version of the Employment Law Letter, and wanted to continue this legacy by expanding to an online format.

Analysis

New Bill Would Prohibit Arbitration Agreements Covering Sexual Harassment, Gender Discrimination

Robert G. Brody and Lindsay M. Rinehart| March 21, 2018

In reaction to the “Silence Breakers,” a bipartisan group of lawmakers recently introduced legislation that would prohibit employers from including sexual harassment or gender discrimination claims in their arbitration agreements.

News

Conn. Supreme Court to Hear Dismissal of Complaint Against Koskoff, Day Pitney

Robert Storace | March 21, 2018

The dismissed complaint accused the two firms of taking millions of dollars out of a family's medical malpractice settlement.

Expert Opinion

Opening Day for Baseball, and Arbitration, at Fenway

Harry N. Mazadoorian| March 21, 2018

Baseball arbitration, in a nutshell, is that variety of arbitration where the disputing parties each make a final offer, and the task of the arbitrator is to select and award only one of those numbers.

Commentary

Ted Olson to Donald Trump: Thanks, But No Thanks

Jenna Greene | March 21, 2018

No, Gibson Dunn's Ted Olson won't be representing POTUS. But what's really shocking is how hard it's become for Trump to attract any prominent, establishment attorney.

News

Legal Tech Gets Its First Celebrity Spokesperson: Lindsay Lohan

Gabrielle Orum Hernández | March 20, 2018

Lohan will act as exclusive spokesperson for Lawyer.com for the next 12 months.

Commentary

Shocking Testimony About Aetna: Lessons for Health Care Counsel

Yussuf Aleem and Ryan Morris| March 20, 2018

Based on our experience and the country’s judicial record, many health insurers throughout the country do not appear to follow proper claims procedures when making decisions concerning medical services.

News

Paralyzed Worker Claims Heroin-Addicted Forklift Driver at Fault for Injury

Andrew Denney | March 19, 2018

A warehouse worker crushed by an 800-pound palette that he says was knocked over by a forklift operator high on heroin has filed a $50 million lawsuit against the driver and the staffing agency that put him to work.