News from December 2016
Settlement reached in Advanced Care Scripts class action over faxes
The settlement totals $9.25 million, with each member of the class who received an unsolicited fax from Advanced to be awarded $500 to $1,500.
Plaintiffs attorney says food, beverage companies simply need to comply to avoid class action lawsuits
Consumer advocacy group agrees compliance, along with better government regulation, would help curb litigation.
Southern Coal settles allegations of Clean Water Act violations, agrees to $900,000 penalty
RICHMOND, Va. (Legal Newsline) — Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring announced Dec. 16 that Southern Coal Corporation has agreed to settle with Virginia and other Appalachian states after allegations of systemically polluting waterways in violation of state and federal laws.
TCPA class action suit against Dick's results in class certification denial
SANTA ANA, Calif. (Legal Newsline) – A class action against Dick's Sporting Goods Inc. was recently denied class certification by California federal judge, U.S. District Judge Cormac J. Carney, because the plaintiff was ruled to be an inadequate class representative.
Washington state targets legislative candidate for alleged campaign finance violations
OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) — Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced Dec. 19 that his office has filed a complaint in Thurston County Superior Court against Teresa Purcell for alleged campaign finance violations.
Advocacy group, Arizona attorney general both file lawsuits regarding ADA violations
Advocates for Individuals With Disabilities Foundation (AIDF) is suing Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich to make Brnovich investigate thousands of alleged Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) violations.
Nestle USA to 'vigorously defend' itself against 'baseless' deceptive marketing allegations
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – A New York resident has filed a suit against Nestle USA Inc. over claims that she was deceived by the company’s marketing of its Lean Cuisine frozen meals as being “preservative free.”
Ohio, West Virginia attorneys general oppose Obama administration's Stream Protection Rule
COLUMBUS (Legal Newsline) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey released comments on Dec. 19 expressing opposition to the federal government’s Stream Protection Rule.
CarMax allegedly failed to disclose vehicles had been recalled, settles with the FTC
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Dec. 16 that CarMax Inc. and two other major used auto retailers have agreed to settle allegations of false advertising.
Michigan attorney general alleges four individuals failed to protect citizens of Flint
FLINT,Mich. (Legal Newsline) — Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced Dec. 20 that his office has charged two former state of Michigan emergencymanagers, Darnell Earley and Gerald Ambrose, with allegations of failing to protect Flint citizens from health hazards caused by contaminated drinking water.
Houston's Brothers Market & Meat Mart closes after allegedly violating temporary injunction
HOUSTON (Legal Newsline) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Dec. 14 that Brothers Market & Meat Mart in Houston has been closed after it allegedly violated the terms of a temporary injunction.
Turn Inc. to settle FTC claims it deceived consumers by tracking them without consent
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a settlement Dec. 20 with Turn Inc., a Redwood City, California-based company that enables sellers to target digital advertisements to consumers.
FTC OKs American Air Liquide Holding's divestiture of bulk liquid carbon production assets
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Dec. 20 that it had approved an application from American Air Liquide Holdings Inc. to sell to Reliant Holdings Ltd. certain assets related to liquid carbon dioxide and dry ice production at facilities in Galva, Iowa, and Sergeant Bluff, Iowa.
Washington state targets politician, political group for alleged campaign finance violations
OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) — Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced Dec. 19 that his office has filed two separate complaints against the Washington State Budget and Policy Center and a 2016 candidate for the Thurston County Board of Commissioners for allegations of campaign finance violations.
New Jersey cites 21 unlicensed moving companies, fines each $2,500
NEWARK, N.J.(Legal Newsline) — New Jersey Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced Dec. 16 that the state’s Division of Consumer Affairs cited 21 unlicensed moving companies and fined them each $2,500.
Ambit Energy confident misleading practices claim will be dismissed
A Texas-based energy provider is confident a new lawsuit alleging it committed consumer fraud by misleading customers on what they would pay on their monthly bills will be dismissed by a New Jersey court.
Seventh Circuit orders dismissal of class action FACTA receipt suit, says plaintiff didn't prove harm
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit this month ordered a lower court to dismiss a case that centered on a receipt plaintiff Jeremy Meyers received after dining at Nicolet Restaurant of De Pere LLC. The receipt did not abbreviate the expiration date on his credit card, which is a violation of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act.
SEC charges Platinum Partners founder with allegedly running fraudulent scheme
The Securities and Exchange Commission announced Dec. 19 charges against Mark Nordlicht, founder of Platinum Partners and two of its flagship hedge funds.
FTC seeks public comment on proposed Freedom of Information Act amendment
The Federal Trade Commission announced Dec. 16 it is seeking public comment on proposed amendments to its fee schedule for Freedom of Information Act requests.
Florida U.S. District Court decertifies class of Haitian seasonal farm workers
A group of seasonal workers who were hired to pick blueberries from Clear Springs Farming filed a class action complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, citing discrimination and lack of compensation.