News from December 2014
AM General wins Del. asbestos case
WILMINGTON, Del. (Legal Newsline) – A Delaware federal court has granted summary judgment to a defendant in an asbestos lawsuit, concluding the plaintiff failed to provide sufficient evidence establishing that the decedent worked with the defendant’s products.
Wash. Product Liability Act relies on specific defendant exposures, appeals court rules
SEATTLE (Legal Newsline) – A Washington appeals court has ruled against an asbestos claimant attempting to overcome the Washington Product Liability Act by lumping all asbestos exposure together rather than focusing on exposures attributable to each defendant.
Contractor to pay for allegedly violating wage, record keeping laws
Allan Vitale, the owner of R&A Drywall, was ordered to pay more than $200,000 in restitution and penalties for allegedly violating Massachusetts' record keeping and prevailing wage laws, Attorney General Martha Coakley said on Thursday.
Ad firm allegedly breaches Internet privacy
A digital ad firm will pay a $750,000 settlement for allegedly violating laws that protect consumers' Internet privacy settings, Maryland Attorney General Douglas Ganser announced on Thursday.
Gannett subsidiary agrees to multi-state settlement
Connecticut signed a multi-state settlement agreement with a Gannett Corp. subsidiary that involves allegations the digital firm violated Internet privacy settings, Attorney General George Jepsen announced on Thursday.
Fla. company sued for allegedly scamming student loan borrowers
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi sued College Education Services, LLC., and its owners, Frank Liz and Marcia Elena Vargas, on Thursday for allegedly scamming customers with a student loan relief program.
Gannett subsidiary allegedly violated Internet privacy
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi reached a $750,000 settlement agreement with a Gannett Corp. subsidiary on Thursday over allegations that the digital firm violated Internet privacy settings.
Manhattan doctor's office agrees to revise business practices
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman reached a settlement with PATH Medical, Inc. on Thursday after allegations that the Manhattan health care provider participated in deceptive business practices.
Sirius XM Radio reaches settlement with 44 states
Sirius XM Radio, Inc. has reached a $3.8 million settlement with 44 states, including Maine, Attorney General Janet Mills attorney announced on Thursday.
N.Y. AG settles with adult-care facility
ALBANY, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) - The Inn at Menorah Park, an adult-care facility in Syracuse, reached a settlement with New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on Wednesday after the state alleged it was operating without a license.
Mass. landfill to pay $220K over allegations it damaged wetlands
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) - Southbridge Recycling and Disposal Park landfill will pay approximately $220,000 in civil penalties over allegations that it damaged nearby wetlands, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley announced on Wednesday.
Va. sues manufacturer of highway guardrails
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring sued Trinity Industries and Trinity Highway Products, LLC., on Thursday after the Texas-based company sold allegedly improperly tested and dangerous highway guardrails to the state.
Intext Recreation Corp. files complaint against Bestway Inc. for patent infringement
Intex Recreation Corp. (“Intex”) is filing a suit against Bestway (USA), Inc. (“Bestway”).
Koch brothers group files suit against Calif. AG, refuses to disclose donors
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – A free market, nonprofit group founded by the Koch brothers is challenging California Attorney General Kamala Harris’ threat to take its state tax-exempt status unless it discloses the identities of its donors.
Grassley: Lee’s nomination to head U.S. PTO to wait
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - President Barack Obama’s pick to head the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Michelle K. Lee, most likely won’t be confirmed until the spring.
Expedited trial granted in mesothelioma case
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – A California appeals court has held that an expedited trial was necessary in an asbestos personal injury case, vacating the lower court’s order rejecting an earlier trial date.
Judge rules for defendant in Fair Credit Reporting Act class action
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) - A federal judge has ruled that the named plaintiff in a proposed class action lawsuit against Southwestern & Pacific Specialty Finance Inc. failed to prove that the company violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Defendants oppose asbestos MDL’s suggestion to remand punitive damages claims
PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) – Several asbestos defendants in the asbestos multidistrict litigation court are opposing Judge Eduardo Robreno’s recent suggestion to remand cases back to their transferor courts without severing punitive damages requests.
TD Ameritrade says it will 'vigorously defend' against class action
OMAHA, Neb. (Legal Newsline) - TD Ameritrade said it will "vigorously defend" against a class action lawsuit recently filed against it