News from 2015
Sientra, others sued over alleged false representations to investors
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – An Oklahoma public pension system is suing a medical aesthetics company, several of its chief officers, and other involved organizations over alleged false and deceptive representations to investors.
Plaintiffs 3-for-4 in Philadelphia Risperdal trials, confident punitive damages will be reintroduced
If the results of the first trials are any indication, Janssen Pharmaceuticals might find itself with a hefty price tag connected to more than 1,600 Risperdal cases currently pending in Philadelphia, even without the prospect of paying punitive damages - though an appeal might change that.
Federal judge denies P.F. Chang’s motion to dismiss amended complaint over its gluten-free menu
Judge Ronald Whyte, who is presiding over the litigation, said in a recent order that the plaintiff has pled “sufficient” facts in her newest complaint, supporting her claim that she has a disability -- celiac disease -- that impacts a “major life activity.”
Bollinger Shipyards will pay the US $8.5 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – Bollinger Shipyards has agreed to pay the United States $8.5 million and release contract claims, settling a False Claims Act action filed in Louisiana, the Department of Justice announced.
Pennsylvania attorney general files lawsuit against Chesapeake Energy
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Legal Newsline) – Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane’s office recently announced a lawsuit filing against Chesapeake Energy over allegations associated with its fracking practices.
U.S. SC rejects class action lawsuit filed against DirecTV
The nation’s highest court ruled 6-3 that the Federal Arbitration Act preempts a California court’s interpretation of the satellite cable provider’s contract with customers. The state court must enforce the arbitration agreement with customers in the state who claim they were illegally charged cancellation fees, the majority concluded.
Maryland Attorney General aims to help lead-paint victims in a move against unregistered shell companies
BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) – Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh recently announced a move to help lead paint poisoning victims.
Colorado attorney general announces $2.2 million going back to consumers after lending abuse settlements
DENVER (Legal Newsline) – Cynthia H. Coffman, attorney general for Colorado, has announced more than 5,700 Colorado consumers will receive funds totaling $2.2 million from lending abuse settlements.
With Sheldon Silver convicted, N.Y. legal reform sees chance at more success
The conviction of former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver could help legal reform efforts in the state.
Pennsylvania will join the FTC in challenging Staples, Office Depot merger
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Legal Newsline) – The office of Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane announced it has joined the Federal Trade Commission and District of Columbia in a legal filing to challenge the proposed merger of Staples and Office Depot.
Makers of Clearblue pregnancy test sued over alleged false claims about product
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – A California woman is suing several consumer diagnostic products companies over allegedly misrepresenting the efficacy of a certain pregnancy test product.
California residents allege deceptive price scheme against DSW
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – Two California residents are suing a national retailer over misleading labeling and marketing of merchandise in its stores.
EOTech sued over alleged defects in combat optical sights
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (Legal Newsline) – A Missouri man is suing weapon accessories manufacturers over alleged defects in their combat optical sights.
Maryland's appellate courts introduce new document filing rules effective January 1
On January 1, 2016, new regulations will be implemented affecting the presentation and length of documents filed in Maryland's appellate courts.
Industry, consumer groups divided over CFPB’s planned proposal to prohibit arbitration
Groups representing businesses and financial industries contend a ban would make way for plaintiffs’ lawyers and hurt the economy. They want to see more research done before the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau starts the rulemaking process.
Federal judge denies certification of birth control class action, also declines to send lawsuit back to state court
The plaintiffs, who originally filed their proposed class action in a Georgia state court in 2011 but then asked it to be removed to federal court, alleged pharmaceutical makers packaged and sold contraceptives that were “defectively and dangerously designed.”
Santander to pay $5.4M to Massachusetts consumers over excessive interest rate allegations
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) – National auto lender Santander has agreed to pay $5.4 million in relief over allegations it charged excessive interest rates.
Chase to pay restitution on alleged debt collection violations
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris recently announced a stipulated judgment that resolved allegations that JPMorgan Chase (Chase) committed credit card debt collection violations.
Department of Justice collects $23.1 billion from civil and criminal actions in fiscal 2015
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch recently announced that, in the 2015 fiscal year, the Justice Department collected $23.1 billion in civil and criminal actions.
Franklin American Mortgage agrees on $70 million settlement with the United States
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – Franklin American Mortgage will pay the United States $70 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act.