News from September 2014
Former lead paint manufacturers file briefs to Calif. appeals court
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Legal Newsline) - A group of former lead paint manufacturers are appealing a judge’s decision holding them liable for the lead paint in millions of homes in California, saying in briefs this week that the ruling was “improper” and a $1.15 billion remedy “erroneous.”
Current asbestos trust system provides 'easy opportunities' for fraud, bankruptcy attorney says
GEORGETOWN, Del. (Legal Newsline) – A bankruptcy attorney says opportunities and incentives for fraudulent conduct within the asbestos bankruptcy trust system are pervasive, and as a result, so is fraud.
N.Y. AG files antitrust lawsuit against drug company, subsidiary
New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman filed an antitrust lawsuit against pharmaceutical manufacturer Actavis P.L.C. and its New York-based subsidiary Forest Laboratories on Monday, alleging that they are forcing Alzheimer's patients to switch medications in order to protect profits.
Wal-Mart to pay penalties in settlement with New York
New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman's office reached a settlement with Wal-Mart Stores Inc. regarding false advertising for Coca-Cola products on Tuesday.
Va. AG sues 13 banks on charges of mortgage fraud
Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring filed a lawsuit against 13 banks seeking $1.15 billion in damages on accusations the banks fraudulently misled the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) during a sale of residential mortgage-backed securities to the state retirement fund.
Wash. AG secures $144K in restitution for derelict vessel cleanup
At the request of Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, the Benton County District Court ordered defendant Brandon Traner to pay the state $144,000 for cleanup of the Columbia River after he was convicted last month of abandoning a fishing trawler in the river.
W.Va. AG seeks summary judgment in lawsuit against Obama Administration
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Legal Newsline) — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has filed a motion for summary judgment in a lawsuit West Virginia filed against the Obama Administration and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
IL13 race: Article calls Callis’ residency called into question
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (Legal Newsline) – The Democratic nominee seeking to represent Illinois’ 13th Congressional District may not have technically lived in the state while serving as a circuit judge, according to a recent report.
U.S. PTO announces this year’s Edison Scholars
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office announced Wednesday its Thomas Alva Edison Visiting Scholars for 2014.
N.J. AG obtains restitution from paving company
The state of New Jersey has obtained a $177,000 settlement in a lawsuit against Williams Asphalt Materials L.L.C., a former paving company that allegedly performed substandard work, according to an announcement by Acting Attoney General John. J. Hoffman.
Ind. court says plaintiff misrepresented work history in asbestos suit
INDIANAPOLIS (Legal Newsline) – An Indiana appeals court has affirmed a lower court’s conclusion that an asbestos decedent was not a credible witness after “misrepresenting” his work history, thus leading expert witnesses to believe he was exposed to a greater amount of asbestos fibers during his employment.
Ohio AG files lawsuit against home improvement company
Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has filed a lawsuit against a Marion home improvement company for allegedly cheating homeowners on work and putting their homes at risk by failing to pay supply companies.
PTO to host webinar on online litigation ‘toolkit’
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - This week, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office will host a webinar discussing its Patent Litigation Online Toolkit.
Order allowing punitive damages in NYC asbestos cases violated state law, defendants say
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – Asbestos defendants opposing punitive damages in the New York City Asbestos Litigation court have requested a stay on the order in order to renew and reargue the issue.
Chief judge visits Somerset County District Court
Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera visited the District Court for Somerset County in Princess Anne on September 16.
