News from May 2008
Cuomo to consumers: Get your Dell money
Cuomo NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - Following a court ruling that forces computer company Dell, Inc., to provide restitution to customers, New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday asked those who qualify to sign up for payment.
Report: Weiss shortchanged shareholders
Melvyn Weiss WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-Disgraced securities lawyer Melvyn Weiss, who awaits sentencing for illegally paying clients to file shareholder complaints, actually injured shareholders, a report released Wednesday indicates.
Wisconsin justices tell HMO to pay for boy's cancer treatment
Crooks MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline)- The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that a health maintenance organization erred when it refused to pay for special chemotherapy treatment for a cancer-stricken child.
Ohio has third AG in a month
Rogers COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline) - Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland decided Wednesday to appoint the dean of Ohio State University's law school as the state's acting Attorney General.
Jury awards $17 million in N.Y. medical malpractice case
Strong Memorial Hospital ROCHESTER, N.Y. (Legal Newsline)-A New York jury on Tuesday ordered Strong Memorial Hospital to pay a former patient more than $17 million in a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Cuomo wins lawsuit against Dell Computers
ALBANY, N.Y. (Legal Newsline)-New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo won a lawsuit Tuesday against Dell Inc., one of the world's largest computer companies.
AGs file lawsuit over federal smog rules
Richard Blumenthal HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline)- A coalition of state attorneys general filed suit Tuesday against the U.S. government, trying to overturn federal smog rules, which the AGs see as too lax.
Swanson fires key critic
Lori Swanson MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Legal Newsline)-Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson fired a state attorney who accused her of unethical behavior on Tuesday, the same day a report rebuked claims that two consumer lawsuits filed by her office were crafted as part of a public-relations strategy.
Florida Supreme Court vacancies give Crist 'tremendous opportunity'
William Large TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline)-The Florida Supreme Court could be completely reshaped in the near future, with four of the high court's justices stepping down in the coming months, legal observers told Legal Newsline.
U.S. Supreme Court OKs reprisal lawsuits
Stephen Breyer WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in two cases Tuesday that an employee who complains of racial bias and then faces retaliation can sue.
AG warns against hidden fuel surcharges
Tom Corbett HARRISBURG, Pa. (Legal Newsline)-So-called energy surcharges aimed at helping businesses recoup expenses related to rising fuel costs must be disclosed to consumers in advance, Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett said Tuesday.
Express Scripts enters into $9.3 million settlement with states
ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Legal Newsline)-One of the nation's largest pharmacy benefits management companies has reached a multi-state settlement, resolving claims of deceptive business practices.
Abbott has $7.3 million in campaign war chest
Greg Abbott AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has more than $7 million in campaign cash, raising speculation that the Republican might be considering a run for higher office.
'Smart Growth' crusade forges ahead amid critics calling science 'thin'
Brown SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline)-Resolute amid criticism, California Attorney General Jerry Brown is continuing to promote dense urban living as way to combat global warming, and has added an extra community workshop purportedly to meet demand.
Contractor agrees to $6 million settlement over dirty engines
Jerry Brown SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline)-Bridge builder MCM Construction has agreed to a $6 million settlement with California Attorney General Jerry Brown to settle allegations the company used banned portable diesel engines on state-funded projects.
Corbett sues over $40 million mortgage Ponzi scheme
Tom Corbett HARRISBURG, Pa. (Legal Newsline)--Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett filed a lawsuit Friday seeking restitution for hundreds of homeowners who said they were beguiled by a defunct mortgage company.
W. Va. justices decline to hear NiSource's $404 million appeal
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Legal Newsline)- The West Virginia Supreme Court has ruled NiSource Inc. must pay a $404 million verdict awarded in a class-action lawsuit brought in 2007 against the gas and electric on behalf of about 8,000 property owners.
Bill would allow U.S. troops to sue for malpractice
Rep. Maurice Hinchey WASHINGTON-Members of the U.S. armed forces would be able to sue the military for medical malpractice, if one New York congressman has his way.
Nickles overhauling DC attorney general's office
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-The District of Columbia's attorney general's office is firing ten of its lawyers and managers to help plug the office's $3 million deficit in its fiscal 2009 budget, officials said.
Aon Corp. reaches $ 4 million settlement with Florida
Bill McCollum TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline)-One of the world's largest insurance brokerages has reached a $4 million settlement with the Florida attorney general over allegations it accepted payments from insurers in return for business.