News from February 2015
Diving business sued by Fla. AG over scuba certification courses
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - Ocean Hunters, Inc. and its owner, Abdiel Falcon, face a complaint filed by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi this week alleging the company participated in misleading business practices by selling fraudulent diving certification courses and cards.
Major retailers asked to stop selling herbal supplements
ALBANY, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) - New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman asked GNC, Walmart, Target and Walgreens on Tuesday to stop selling herbal supplements that allegedly either did not have all their ingredients listed on their labels or did not contain advertised substances.
Nevada, Washington AGs file lawsuits over grocery chain merger
LAS VEGAS (Legal Newsline) - The attorneys general of Nevada and Washington on Friday asked two separate federal courts to stop the planned acquisition of various Safeway grocery stores in their states, arguing the proposed merger is unlawful and will hurt businesses.
Maryland Judiciary opens second free walk-in legal clinic
The Maryland Judiciary is set to open its second free walk-in legal clinic for individuals needing assistance with civil cases in District Court.
Lawsuit alleges dog food fraudulently advertised as 'all natural'
A class action lawsuit alleges a pet food manufacturer misrepresented its dog food as all natural when it actually contained artificial ingredients.
Shareholder's lawsuit said Venaxis violated securities laws
A shareholder has filed a class action lawsuit alleging a diagnostic company misrepresented one of its products, causing the stock price to plummet.
FACT Act testimony begins in House subcommittee
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – A bill that aims to promote transparency in the asbestos recovery system was the subject of a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee hearing on Wednesday.
Trial underway in $5 million bad-faith class action against insurer
RENO, Nev. (Legal Newsline) - A trial is underway in Nevada state court in a $5 million bad-faith class action that accuses an insurer of refusing to cover defense costs in a related lawsuit.
Suit alleges ChyronHego merger unfair to shareholders
A class-action lawsuit filed on Friday alleged a merger undervalues one of the companies while violating the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.
Civil lawsuit alleges dehumidifier caused Pa. house fire
Two Pennsylvania residents sued the manufacturers of a dehumidifier on Friday, alleging their house caught on fire because of the companies' neligence.
Chinese citizens sue supplement maker
Three Chinese citizens filed a class-action lawsuit against a health supplement company and a number of its affiliates on Friday over allegations of false advertising and associated infringements dating back to 2007.
S&P agrees to $1.5 billion settlement over financial crisis
California will benefit from a $1.5 billion settlement with Standard & Poor's Financial Services, LLC (S&P) and its parent company after S&P allegedly inflated investment vehicle notes and mortgage-backed securities, Attorney General Kamala Harris announced on Tuesday.
Fla. dive company allegedly sold fake PADI certifications
Ocean Hunters, Inc. and its owner, Abdiel Falcon, face a complaint filed by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi this week alleging the company participated in misleading business practices by selling fraudulent diving certification courses and cards.
4 retailers asked to stop selling store-brand supplements
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman asked GNC, Wal-Mart, Target and Walgreens on Tuesday to stop selling herbal supplements that allegedly either did not have all their ingredients listed on their labels or did not contain advertised substances.
3 NM hospitals, management company to pay $75 million settlement
Community Health Systems Professional Services Corporation (CHSPSC) and three of its partner hospitals in New Mexico reached a $75 million settlement with the U.S. Justice Department on Monday over allegations they violated the False Claims Act.
Council defers mayor’s affordable housing plan; it would benefit fund with multi-million dollar balance
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - While Mayor Rahm Emanuel proposes higher fees for apartment developers in the name of affordable housing, it appears the city hasn’t spent $23 million it has already collected from developers for that exact purpose.
Prominent plaintiffs attorney backs BP’s bid to remove Claims Administrator Patrick Juneau
NEW ORLEANS (Legal Newsline) - As the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit hears arguments concerning BP’s attempt to remove Deepwater Horizon Claims Administrator Patrick Juneau, prominent plaintiffs’ attorney Daniel Becnel says he backs the oil giant’s position.
Proctor & Gamble's flushable wipes clogged toilet, class action claims
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - A class action lawsuit filed on Jan. 27 alleges Proctor & Gamble and Nehemiah Manufacturing Company, the makers of flushable wipes, falsely advertised the products, which resulted in damaged and clogged pipes and septic systems.
Class action filed over Muscle Milk's ingredients
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) - Three consumers filed a class action lawsuit against a sports drink manufacturer on Jan. 23 alleging misleading marketing in regard to its product labeling.
U.S. Fidelis paying another settlement in Missouri
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) - U.S. Fidelis will pay an additional settlement to Missouri consumers after another lawsuit was filed against it for allegedly misleading consumers, Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster said Monday.