Newsletters

Interference with a Premarital Relationship

Although there have been causes of action in the past for breach of a promise to marry, which causes of action were based on contract law, there has never been a cause of action in tort for alienation of affections with regard to an engaged person or for sexual intercourse with an engaged person.

Recovery by Guest in Automobile Cases

A "guest" in an automobile is a person who rides in an automobile driven by another person for his own pleasure or business without paying the driver or conferring any benefit on him. If the guest is injured while riding in the driver's automobile, he may be permitted to recover for any injuries that he suffers. His recovery will depend on whether or not a "guest statute" applies in the jurisdiction.

Defenses to Actions Involving Recreational Boating Accidents

When a plaintiff files a lawsuit regarding a recreational boating accident, the defendant may claim defenses that are similar to those available in any other accident case. Such defenses include that the accident was inevitable, that the plaintiff was contributorily negligent or assumed the risk, that there was a superseding cause, or that the plaintiff's action is barred by the doctrine of laches or by a statute of limitations.

Federal Tort Claims Act -- Intentional Torts Exception

The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) applies to claims arising from the negligence of a federal government employee. The FTCA specifically bars claims that arise from an "intentional tort" committed by a federal government employee.

Pharmacists' Duty to Warn

A patient who has an adverse reaction to a prescription drug may file a personal injury action against the pharmacy that sold the drug, claiming that the pharmacy negligently failed to warn the patient of the risks associated with taking the drug. The outcome of such a case will depend on whether the pharmacy had a duty to warn the patient.