News from April 2016
Still no movement on disclosure of third party litigation financing
PALM BEACH, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - A U.S. Court rules committee again put off any action on whether to require disclosure of third-party litigation financing (TPLF), a rapidly expanding practice that has alarmed many in the legal system and the business community.
EEOC announces $1.65 million deal with Local 25 trade union over race discrimination allegations
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that Local 25 of the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association and its associated apprenticeship school agreed to pay $1.65 million combined due to allegations of race discrimination.
New York AG takes action against CDPHP for issue related to hepatitis C treatment
ALBANY, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) – New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced that his office will take action against Capital District Physician’s Health Plan
(CDPHP) by suing the company for allegedly restricting coverage of treatment for chronic hepatitis C infection.
Court postpones GMA trial after new evidence is brought forward
OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) – A Thurston County Superior Court judge recently postponed the trial in Washington State’s case against the Grocery Manufacturers Association after GMA produced new evidence on the eve of the trial, Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced.
New York AG reaches settlement with local taxicab companies
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – Evgeny “Gene” Freidman and four taxicab companies owned in part by him will pay more than $250,000 in fines, damages and restitution for allegedly violating taxi drivers’ rights and breaking a 2013 settlement agreement, New York Attorney General Eric T. Scheiderman announced.
Bibliologic a part of alleged phone bill fraud scheme
MISSOULA, Mont. (Legal Newsline) – The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that Bibliologic LTD will be forced to surrender all of its assets due to its role in an alleged landline phone bill cramming operation.
DOJ announces $113 million settlement with Freedom Mortgage Corp.
TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) – The Department of Justice announced that Freedom Mortgage Corp. will pay $113 million to resolve False Claims Act violation
allegations.
Toshiba accused of allegedly misrepresenting TVs
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – Several U.S. citizens are suing Toshiba for allegedly misrepresenting certain types of its televisions.
New York woman alleges M&M Mini tubes contain slack fill
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) – A New York woman is suing a candy manufacturer over claims it underfills certain of its products.
EEOC OKs $1.65 million deal with Local 25 union over race discrimination allegations
JACKSON, Miss. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced Local 25 of the Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association and its associated apprenticeship school have agreed to pay $1.65 million combined due to allegations of race discrimination.
RockTenn to pay $187,500 to resolve disability discrimination allegations
DETROIT (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced RockTenn Company and RockTenn Services Inc. will pay $187,500 to resolve allegations of disability discrimination.
Coca-Cola of Mobile to pay $35,000 to resolve sex discrimination allegations
MOBILE, Ala. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Mobile, a soft drink manufacturer, bottler and distributor, will pay $35,000 and furnish other relief after allegations of sex discrimination.
Milpas to pay $140,000 to resolve age discrimination allegations
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — The city of Milpas, California, has agreed to pay $140,000 and provide additional relief after allegations of discriminating based on age, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced.
Conn. SC affirming higher fees for MERS documents 'somewhat a surprise'
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - Despite claims that it violated equal protection and commerce laws, a Connecticut law passed in 2013 that tripled fees for filing a mortgage has been upheld by the state’s highest court.
Indiana Supreme Court decision opens door to more asbestos lawsuits
INDIANAPOLIS (Legal Newsline) — The former manufacturers and sellers of products containing asbestos will likely see more claims filed under the Indiana Product Liability Act after the state Supreme Court determined the law’s statute of repose doesn’t apply to asbestos claims.
Judge turns down $12M Lyft settlement
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – A federal judge has rejected a $12.25 million settlement between the ride-sharing service Lyft and its drivers, saying it doesn't pay the plaintiffs enough.
Fla. federal judge grants, in part, insurers’ motion to dismiss class action over agreement
The defendants -- a group of four insurers -- have since decided to withdraw a request to separate discovery into two phases. They had argued that limiting discovery would save them in costs.
In Illinois, some push bankruptcy as solution to troubled public budgets
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - In Illinois, increasing pension obligations are consuming more of its taxpayers’ dollars, pushing cities and towns to cut core services and raise property taxes just to keep up with the payments, policy experts say.
NJ to seek revocation of health care service registration from firm
NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) – Acting Attorney General for the state of New Jersey Robert Lougy’s office announced this week that the state’s Division of Consumer Affairs is seeking revocation of a business in Ocean City.
California consumer alleges Quaker Oats misrepresents certain products
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - A California woman is suing Quaker Oats, alleging it misbrands certain of its products.