Latest news with #settlements
France 24
7 days ago
- Politics
- France 24
Trump envoy demands Israel action on killing of American
Ambassador Mike Huckabee, an outspoken supporter for years of Jewish settlement in the Palestinian territories, spoke out after an initial muted US official reaction to the death of Saif al-Din Abdul Karim Musalat. "I have asked Israel to aggressively investigate the murder of Saif Mussallet, an American citizen who was visiting family in Sinjil when he was beaten to death," Huckabee wrote on X, using an alternative spelling. "There must be accountability for this criminal and terrorist act. Saif was just 20 yrs old," Huckabee wrote. Musalat, who was born and raised in Florida and ran an ice cream parlor in Tampa, had planned to spend the summer in an area of the West Bank known for residents from the Palestinian diaspora in North America. Israeli settlers beat him to death on Friday, according to the Palestinian health ministry, amid a surge in violence by extremists in the West Bank in parallel to the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Musalat's family said he was "protecting his family's land from settlers who were attempting to steal it" and that settlers blocked an ambulance, with the young man dying before he could reach a hospital. Trump has staunchly supported Israel and in his first term the United States walked away from the international consensus that settlements on occupied land were illegal. Huckabee, a former governor of Arkansas and evangelical Christian, has previously rejected the idea of an occupation and had voiced support for settlements. Huckabee has said that Israel has "title deed to Judea and Samaria," using a biblical term for the West Bank. Hakeem Jeffries, the top House lawmaker from the rival Democratic Party, early Tuesday also demanded action from Israel over the death of Musalat and called for a tougher response from Trump. "The Trump administration cannot continue to turn a blind eye to what is happening in the West Bank if it is truly committed to finding a just and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinian people," Jeffries said in a statement.
Reuters
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Reuters
US judge rejects lawyers' $94 million fee bid in auto parts pricing case
July 14 (Reuters) - A U.S. judge has declined to approve $94 million in additional legal fees for a group of attorneys who already collected more than $269 million in fees for securing $1.2 billion in settlements with auto parts makers. Chief U.S. District Judge Sean Cox in Detroit called the plaintiffs' fee request "excessive" in a ruling, opens new tab on Friday. Cox said the attorneys from law firms Susman Godfrey; Cotchett Pitre; and Robins Kaplan were owed more compensation for their latest and fifth settlement rounds. But the judge said the amount should be "far less" than $94 million and asked the lawyers to refile their request closer to the end of the settlement claims process. The law firms represent consumer and commercial auto parts buyers who accused auto parts makers of conspiring to fix prices. Companies including Denso; Hitachi Automotive; and Mitsubishi Electric were among dozens of defendants that settled with the plaintiffs in recent years. They all denied any wrongdoing. The litigation began in 2012, following a U.S. Justice Department probe of some manufacturers. The plaintiffs' lawyers in May asked Cox to approve, opens new tab the additional fee award, covering legal work from 2019. Several companies that are members of the class of parts buyers, including car rental dealers Hertz (HTZ.O), opens new tab and Avis (CAR.O), opens new tab, objected, opens new tab to the $94 million fee request, arguing that the lawyers had already been amply compensated. Lawyers requesting the fees at Susman Godfrey; Cotchett Pitre; and Robins Kaplan did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Hertz and Avis did not immediately respond to similar requests. In a court filing, the plaintiffs' lawyers said the $1.2 billion settlement was "believed to be the largest amount ever obtained on behalf of indirect purchasers in the history of U.S. antitrust litigation." The case is In re Automotive Parts Antitrust Litigation, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, No. 2:12-md-02311. Read more: US judge admonishes Amazon over disclosures in FTC lawsuit over Prime service Lawyers defend $205 million legal fee in US auto class action settlement Class action administrators, banks accused of kickback scheme in new lawsuits More lawyers join the $3,000-an-hour club, as other firms close in
Bloomberg
11-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
LA Schools, County to Borrow More for Billions in Abuse Payouts
Los Angeles Unified School District and Los Angeles County plan to take on more debt to cover the mounting costs from a wave of childhood sexual assault settlements, officials said. Earlier this month, the school district — the second largest in the US — sold $308 million of taxable bonds to pay victims who filed lawsuits after the California legislature made it easier to sue public entities for old abuse cases.
Globe and Mail
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Globe and Mail
Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyer Samantha Kucher Explains New York Car Accident Settlements
Understanding how car accident settlements work in New York is critical for anyone recovering from a crash. Brooklyn car accident lawyer Samantha Kucher ( of Kucher Law Group provides a detailed explanation in a recent article titled 'How Car Accident Settlements Work in New York: Timeline, Negotiation Letter, and Payouts'. The article breaks down the process from the first steps after an accident to the final payout, offering vital information for those navigating the state's no-fault system and liability thresholds. As a Brooklyn car accident lawyer, Samantha Kucher highlights the importance of following legal requirements immediately after a crash. Victims are urged to report the incident to law enforcement, file Form MV-104 with the Department of Motor Vehicles if the damages exceed $1,000, and begin gathering evidence from the scene. These initial actions set the stage for a smoother settlement process and help protect the individual's legal rights. Samantha Kucher emphasizes that a Brooklyn car accident lawyer can help claimants understand the state's no-fault system. Under New York law, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers up to $50,000 for medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident. However, if injuries go beyond this coverage or involve non-economic damages like pain and suffering, claimants must meet the 'serious injury' threshold to pursue additional compensation through the at-fault driver's insurer. This includes injuries such as fractures, disfigurement, or extended disability that prevents daily activities for 90 out of 180 days. Once the initial treatment phase concludes and a claimant reaches Maximum Medical Improvement, Samantha Kucher explains that the next step is the demand letter. The demand letter outlines the accident, medical history, lost income, and a specific settlement amount. It also includes supporting documentation and gives the insurer a deadline to respond. 'A skilled attorney can help draft your letter and ensure that all the necessary details are included for the insurance company's consideration,' the article states. Insurance companies may accept the demand, reject it, or more commonly, counter with a lower offer. Samantha Kucher points out that settlement negotiations can take weeks or months depending on the injury's severity, the strength of evidence, and whether liability is disputed. While many cases resolve during negotiations, some require a lawsuit to proceed further, especially when the insurer refuses to pay what the claimant is owed. The Brooklyn car accident lawyer also outlines what happens when a lawsuit becomes necessary. The process begins with filing a formal complaint, followed by an exchange of information during discovery, and possibly going to trial. Although trials are rare, the threat of litigation often motivates insurers to offer better settlements. As noted in the article, 'Filing a lawsuit doesn't just preserve your claim, it can also change the insurer's posture.' Timing is another essential factor. New York law requires lawsuits to be filed within three years of the accident, or within 90 days if a government entity is involved. Missing these deadlines can result in losing the right to seek compensation entirely. Samantha Kucher advises that legal action can be both a strategic move and a safeguard for one's legal rights, especially when faced with insurance delays or denials. The settlement amount itself is based on several key factors. According to the article, damages are categorized into economic (medical bills, lost income, property damage), non-economic (pain and suffering, emotional distress), and in rare cases, punitive damages. The claim's size, liability disputes, comparative negligence, insurance policy limits, and even the court venue all influence how much compensation a claimant may receive. For example, Samantha Kucher explains that if a claimant is found partially at fault for the accident, their compensation is reduced proportionally. A person who is 20% responsible for the accident would receive 80% of the total settlement amount. She also notes that venues such as Manhattan or the Bronx tend to award higher settlements compared to other counties, making local legal insight an important consideration. Once a settlement is reached, New York law mandates that insurance companies issue payment within 21 days. Government entities have up to 90 days. The funds are usually routed through the attorney's trust account, with disbursements made after resolving any liens or legal fees. Most claimants receive their payment within two to three weeks after finalizing the agreement. The article from Samantha Kucher concludes by reiterating the importance of knowing how the system works. From documentation and filing deadlines to insurer tactics and negotiation strategies, each step affects the final outcome. Legal guidance can help ensure that claimants are not shortchanged during any phase of the settlement. For those facing the aftermath of a car accident in Brooklyn, understanding each step in the settlement process is a critical part of recovery. Samantha Kucher's breakdown provides a reliable guide to navigating New York's car accident claims and reaching a fair resolution. Kucher Law Group continues to advocate for injured individuals across New York City. With a deep understanding of the local legal landscape, Samantha Kucher offers clarity and support to those who may be overwhelmed by the settlement process. About Kucher Law Group: Kucher Law Group is a New York-based law firm focused on helping injury victims pursue the compensation they need after accidents. Led by attorney Samantha Kucher, the firm is committed to providing personalized legal guidance to clients across Brooklyn and the greater NYC area. Embeds: GMB: Email and website Email: contact@ Website: Media Contact Company Name: Kucher Law Group Contact Person: Samantha Kucher Email: Send Email Phone: (929) 563-6780 Address: 463 Pulaski St #1c City: Brooklyn State: New York 11221 Country: United States Website:
Arab News
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Israel grabs Palestinian land near Ramallah to expand settler outpost
LONDON: The Palestinian Authority's settlement activity watchdog reported that Israeli authorities on Monday seized 77.4 hectares of land in northeastern Ramallah, the administrative capital in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission said that the land in the villages of Al-Mughayir and Jabait was declared 'state land' to justify its seizure on Monday. The commission added that Israeli authorities have incorporated the newly captured area into the Malakhi HaShalom outpost, an illegal Israeli settlement established in 2015 on land belonging to the village of Al-Mughayir. The Israeli far-right government in 2023 announced a plan to legalize Malakhi HaShalom and expand its territory. The commission reported that the total Israeli land grab, designated as 'state land' since early 2023, is estimated at 6,381 hectares, or 25,824 dunams, a measurement used by Palestinians since the Ottoman era. More than 700,000 settlers live in the West Bank, where the Israeli government has maintained a military occupation since June 1967. The expansion of settlements has long been viewed as an obstacle to the establishment of a Palestinian state and the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
