News from September 2015
Solar telemarketing lawsuit receives judgment
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich recently announced a settlement with Go Green Today, a solar company based in Arizona, which allegedly had countless unwanted telephone calls to customers who were listed on the FTC’s national do not call registry (DNC).
Man brings class action suit alleging Facebook invaded privacy
A man is suing Facebook on allegations that the ubiquitous online business has committed privacy law infringement in the state of Illinois.
Asbestos plaintiffs awarded $19.4M despite gene mutation defense
After defendants raised the BAP1 genetic mutation defense in an asbestos lawsuit, a California judge awarded the plaintiff and his wife $19,449,863 in damages on June 23. Judge Brad Beligman of the Alameda County Superior Court entered a judgment for plaintiffs Antonia and Raquel Perez and against Universal Fleet Supply, an auto parts supply company, following a general civil court trial.
TiVo sues Samsung, alleges electronics giant’s DVRs, phones and tablets infringe on its patents
The California-based DVR maker alleges in its lawsuit, filed in a Texas federal court this week, that Samsung swiped its patented technology through its patent marking on retail products and other litigation.
Woman sues food business alleging fraudulent marketing practices
A woman brought a class action lawsuit on behalf of herself and other New York State consumers against a New Jersey-based food manufacturer doing business in New York, claiming product misrepresentation. Maureen Jones sued John Wm.
Attorneys at major U.S. companies say West Virginia, Louisiana, Illinois are the three worst for businesses
A new poll, released by the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, shows that a state’s lawsuit climate has a direct impact on its businesses. California and Alabama also were among the states with the worst legal climates for businesses.
Healey, naloxone manufacturer reach agreement
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey and a naloxone manufacturer have reached an agreement worth $325 million to dedicate funds to support Massachusetts’ first responders in having access to important, life-saving drugs.
Comprehensive reform package solves Cooper Union investigation, lawsuit
New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art and the Committe to Save Cooper Union (CSCU) recently announced a new settlement agreement regarding the current investigation and lawsuit of Cooper Union.
Online marketer settles with New York state after deceptively enrolling customers
Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman recently announced Internet Order, which does business as Pimlseurapproach.com, has made a settlement with New York for deceptively enrolling its customers in costly Pimlseur langauge courses.
Pennsylvania settles with automobile business
Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane recently announced a settlement agreement with an automobile business in central Pennsylvania that leased vehicles requiring significant repair work under a lease that did not follow federal law.
Appeal filed for Blue Cross Blue Shield increased rates
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin recently filed an administrative appeal with the Rhode Island Superior Court to request the review of the Rhode Island Office of Health Insurance Commissioner's (OHIC) decision and amended decision concerning raising the rates of Blue Cross Blue Shield in Rhode Island.
Parsons Government Services pays to solve False Claims Act allegations
Parsons Government Services Inc. recently made an agreement to pay the United States $3.8 million to solve allegations that the company violated the False Claims Act.
KMART resolves drug manufacturer coupon, gas discount allegations
KMART Corp, a discount department store chain that runs approximately 780 in-store pharmacies in the United States, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, recently paid the U.S. to resolve allegations about drug manufacturer coupons and gas discounts.
Judge denies asbestos firms' motions to dismiss racketeering cases against them
Judge Graham Mullen said Garlock Sealing Technologies has adequately stated its RICO claims, but he did not rule on whether they were filed too late. The company is accusing asbestos firms of manipulating a compensation system that includes civil lawsuits and submissions to bankruptcy trusts established by companies.
California woman seeks to stop transmission of allegedly unauthorized texts from Avenue Stores
A California woman seeks to stop transmission of allegedly unauthorized text messages from a retail clothing company to cellular phones and to obtain redress to all others injured by this conduct.
Sony Pictures, former employees reach tentative settlement over data breach
The settlement, reached “in principle” last week, would settle claims by the plaintiffs that Sony could have prevented the 2014 cyber attack, which leaked tons of personal information about their employees.
Class action alleges The Honest Company is anything but honest
Los Angeles man files lawsuit against the eco-friendly company, started by actress Jessica Alba. The proposed class action, filed in a California federal court, seeks at least $5 million in damages.
Canadian high court says Ecuadorian villagers can proceed with lawsuit against Chevron
The oil giant maintains the $9.5 billion judgment against it is the result of fraud and is unenforceable.
Asbestos firm facing racketeering case ordered to turn over clients' info
Belluck & Fox had appealed a magistrate judge's decision that required it to comply with Garlock Sealing's discovery requests. A federal judge says Garlock needs the evidence if it is to prove a pattern of racketeering.
Virginia AG decides to run for re-election
Mark Herring’s announcement this week quashes rumors that he was thinking about a run for governor.