UPDATE: The jury returned a verdict in the plaintiff's favor on Monday evening, and the trial will now proceed to a damages phase. 

Bakersfield - In what is likely a first at a trial in an American courtroom, a plaintiff’s attorney on Monday delivered a portion of his closing argument wearing a full-sized chicken costume in a lawsuit filed by a former high school student who claims he suffered a brain injury, when he was attacked at a rowdy football rally while wearing a similar outfit.

Miami—Jurors Tuesday cleared R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris of fault for the lung cancer that killed a Florida smoker. Mooney v. R.J. Reynolds and Philip Morris, 2011-CA-40815.

Seattle - The first trial over claims that Johnson & Johnson unit Synthes Inc. used its bone cement in spinal surgeries without regulatory approval on patients that died on the operating table - allegations that landed company executives in prison - is set to begin this week in Washington State court, and will be webcast live gavel to gavel by Courtroom View Network.

Plaintiff attorney Andrew Rainer delivers his opening statement. Click here to see video from the trial. 

Jacksonville - A Massachusetts-based personal injury firm taking its first ‘Engle progeny’ tobacco case to trial squared off against two of the industry’s most experienced litigators in a Florida state courtroom on Thursday.

Plaintiff's attorney Joseph Low delivers his opening statement. Click here to see video from the trial. 

Bakersfield - Opening statements began Thursday in a California state court lawsuit filed against the Kern County School District by a former student who suffered a traumatic brain injury during a football rally after being attacked for mocking the opposing team while dressed in a chicken suit, claiming a school administrator encouraged the stunt.