Maxwell Bernas, Author at The Class Action Blog by Carr Maloney PC

About Maxwell Bernas

Max Bernas is a litigation attorney who focuses his practice on product liability, professional liability, general liability, civil rights and employment and labor law.

Prior to joining Carr Maloney, Max worked for a plaintiff-oriented firm, analyzing coverage and liability issues involving medical malpractice suits, uninsured and under-insured motorist cases and workers compensation claims.

After graduating magna cum laude from George Washington University with a degree in Political Science, Max served as a Legislative Assistant in the Office of Congressman Albio Sires, managing a legislative portfolio consisting of banking, financial services, housing and insurance.

While attending the George Washington University School of Law, Max was a Law Clerk for an employment law firm in Washington, D.C., assisting with cases before the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, Arlington County Circuit Court and Fairfax County Circuit Court, among others.

The Coronavirus and Employee Benefits: Another Opportunity For Class Action Litigation

With the Coronavirus outbreak not letting up, businesses of all sizes face new regulations as federal and state legislation has evolved to provide employees with additional benefits and protections.

On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) into law. The legislation requires certain employers to provide employees with paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave for specified reasons related to COVID-19. And, the FFCRA requires companies with less than 500 employees to provide up to 80 hours of sick leave pay to certain eligible employees.

Additionally, states passed similar bills providing paid employee […]

By Matthew D. Berkowitz and Maxwell Bernas|2020-04-28T12:35:15-04:00April 28th, 2020|Practice Areas: Class Action, Labor & Employment|Topics: COVID-19, FFCRA|

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COVID-19 Brings New Demands to Essential Retailers and Grocers to Avoid Potential Class Action Lawsuits

Recently, District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser issued an executive order requiring all customers entering Washington DC grocery stores, foodbanks, and convenience stores to wear masks or protective face coverings when entering. The legislation, aimed at stopping the spread of Coronavirus also requires grocery store limit the amount of people within a store and provide additional self-checkout lanes.

Similarly, many Washington DC area grocery stores have taken additional measures to protect their employees during the coronavirus, including installing glass partitions at check-out counters, increasing the availability of self check-out lanes and permitting employees to wear personal protective […]

By Matthew D. Berkowitz and Maxwell Bernas|2020-04-15T11:16:00-04:00April 15th, 2020|Practice Areas: Class Action, Labor & Employment|Topics: COVID-19, Workers' Compensation|

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Holiday Shopper Beware: CBD Oil, A Growing Trend in Class Action Litigation

As consumer purchases ramp up for the holiday season, a recent wave of class action law suits brings to light safety concerns over the use Cannabidiol (“CBD”) oil.

CBD is a chemical in the Cannabis sativa plant, also known as marijuana or hemp. In 2018, the Farm Bill permitted the sale of hemp-based products in the United States. However, the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) prohibits marketing CBD as a dietary ingredient for use in dietary supplements. Additionally, the FDA prohibits marketing any potential health benefits of the product. Proponents of CBD allege the product […]

By Maxwell Bernas|2019-12-20T11:03:19-05:00December 20th, 2019|Practice Areas: Class Action, Product Liability|Topics: Class Certification|

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