Dani Alexis Ryskamp, J.D.

Dani Alexis Ryskamp, J.D., is a multifaceted legal professional with a background in insurance defense, personal injury, and medical malpractice law. She has garnered valuable experience through internships in criminal defense, enhancing her understanding of various legal sectors.

A key part of her legal journey includes serving as the Executive Note Editor of the Michigan Telecommunications and Technology Law Review. Dani graduated with a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 2007, after completing her B.A. in English, summa cum laude, in 2004. She is a member of the Michigan State Bar and the American Bar Association, reflecting her deep commitment to the legal profession.

Currently, Dani Alexis has channeled her legal expertise into a successful career as a freelance writer and book critic, primarily focusing on the legal and literary markets. Her writing portfolio includes articles on diverse topics such as landmark settlements in medical negligence cases, jury awards in personal injury lawsuits, and analyses of legal trial tactics. Her work not only showcases her legal acumen but also her ability to communicate complex legal issues effectively to a wider audience. Dani's blend of legal practice experience and her prowess in legal writing positions her uniquely in the intersection of law and literature.

Dani Alexis Ryskamp, J.D.

Zantac MDL Judge Finds Preemption for Economic Injury, Design Defect Claims

In early January 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Robin Rosenberg moved to dismiss economic damages and design defect claims against major drugmakers in the ongoing Zantac multidistrict litigation. Judge Rosenburg ruled that these claims against Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, and Boehringer Ingelheim were preempted by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. In Re: Zantac In

Posted on February 19, 2021 in Litigation Monitor & News

COVID-19 Workers’ Compensation Lawsuit Against Publix May Proceed, Rules Judge

Judge Carlos Lopez, of Florida’s 11th Judicial Circuit, recently denied a motion to dismiss in Gutierrez v. Publix. The case, which focuses on issues of workers’ compensation and wrongful death in connection with COVID-19, is likely to lay the groundwork for a number of similar cases involving workers who contracted the coronavirus on the job. 

Posted on February 19, 2021 in COVID-19 & Litigation Monitor & News

COVID-19 Should Not Delay JUUL, Altria Hearings, Says FTC

Tobacco manufacturer Altria and e-cigarette company JUUL recently sought to delay the April 2021 start of a virtual Federal Trade Commission (FTC) evidentiary hearing, arguing that a three-month delay might further reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure. The trial in question will examine the legality of Altria’s $12.8 billion investment in JUUL. Staffers at the

Posted on February 22, 2021 in COVID-19 & Litigation Monitor & News

NY State Sues Amazon Over Alleged Failures to Protect Workers From COVID-19

On February 16, 2021, New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging it failed to protect workers at two warehouses from the COVID-19 pandemic. The complaint further asserts that Amazon took retaliatory action against employees who spoke out against warehouse conditions. Allegations Against Amazon The complaint, filed in a New York

Posted on March 1, 2021 in COVID-19 & Litigation Monitor & News

Virginia Becomes Second State to Pass Consumer Data Privacy Law

Virginia recently became the second state in the U.S. to pass a comprehensive data privacy law, following the lead of California’s Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA). The Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (CDPA) passed both houses of Virginia’s state legislature on February 5, 2021, and was signed into law by Governor Ralph Northam on

Posted on March 8, 2021 in News

Judge Requests Additional Information Before Ruling on $92 Million Settlement in TikTok Class Action

The federal judge presiding over a class action lawsuit against TikTok Inc. recently continued settlement discussions, pending additional information, prior to ruling on a $92 million agreement. U.S. District Judge John Lee of the Northern District of Illinois cited concerns about the predicted claims rate and proposed notice plan as part of his decision. The

Posted on March 19, 2021 in Litigation Monitor & News

California Court Dismisses Portion of Claims in Zoom Video Privacy Class Action

In California’s Northern District, Judge Lucy Koh recently dismissed several claims in a class action against Zoom Video Communications Inc. alleging user privacy violations. The dismissed claims alleged invasion of privacy, negligence, and violations of California’s consumer and anti-hacking laws. A few contract-based claims are allowed to proceed. The Claims Against Zoom The Zoom lawsuit,

Posted on March 26, 2021 in COVID-19 & Litigation Monitor & News

California AG Sues Nursing Home Chain Over Alleged Ratings Manipulations

Prosecutors in California recently brought suit against Brookdale Senior Living, Inc., the largest senior living facility operator in the U.S. Based in Tennessee, Brookdale operates 10 facilities in the state of California. The lawsuit against Brookdale accuses the company of ignoring patient safety rules upon patient discharge. It also alleges that Brookdale provided false information

Posted on March 29, 2021 in Litigation Monitor & News

Applying Virginia’s Collateral Source Rule to Insurance Defense Medical Experts

For plaintiffs’ lawyers in Virginia, facing a medical expert hired by the defense’s insurer poses a number of problems. Among them is the application of Virginia’s Collateral Source Rule. This rule prohibits plaintiffs and their attorneys from discussing the defendant’s status as an insured party. As a result, this also precludes speaking on whether the

Posted on July 6, 2021 in Discovery & Trial Tactics & Working with Experts

Supreme Court Permits Some Compensation for NCAA Student-Athletes

The Supreme Court recently held that the National Collegiate Athletics Associate (NCAA) cannot prohibit student-athletes from receiving certain types or amounts of compensation for their athletic performances. The decision represents a significant challenge to the status quo for college sports. The Case Regarding Student-Athlete Compensation In the past, the NCAA has argued student-athletes are amateurs,

Posted on July 20, 2021 in Featured & Litigation Monitor & News