News from February 2016
Michigan man alleges GoDaddy sent unsolicited messages
PHOENIX (Legal Newsline) - A Michigan man is suing GoDaddy, a technology and domain marketplace provider, alleging it sent unsolicited text messages.
U.S. House panel approves fraudulent joinder bill
The Fraudulent Joinder Prevention Act, or H.R. 3624, shifts the burden from the defendant to the plaintiff and allows federal judges more discretion to remove those “innocent” local defendants.
California man alleges Victoria's Secret sent spam messages
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) - A California man is suing Victoria's Secret, alleging it sent unauthorized text message advertisements.
Ill. AG's intervention dismisses whistleblower cases against Calif. wineries
Several California wineries avoided whistleblower lawsuits after Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan moved to dismiss 28 qui tam cases involving sales tax on shipping charges.
Alabama plaintiffs attorney settles case against legal support company
Montgomery lawyer Barry W. Walker, of Walker Law LLC, sued Minnesota-based Civil Action Group Ltd. last year, alleging the company demanded payment but had no valid contract and cut off his only means of financing his cases.
Oregon pediatrician accuses Architrave Health of retaliation
EUGENE, Oregon (Legal Newsline) - A Douglas County pediatrician is suing a medical center, alleging he was retaliated against for blowing the whistle on fraudulent claims.
Disney hit with class action lawsuits for allegedly replacing employees with foreign workers
The popular children’s entertainment resort, which was sued in a Florida federal court last week, along with two outsourcing companies, denies the allegations by two former IT employees.
FTC orders NXP Semiconductors to divest business to complete acquisition
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — After a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has approved a final order that settles charges with NXP Semiconductors NV over allegations its pending acquisition would harm market competition.
Barclays Capital, Credit Suisse Securities to pay combined $154 million penalty
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — Barclays Capital Inc. and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC have agreed to pay a combined $154.3 million to New York state and to the SEC over allegations of fraudulent dark pool operation, New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has announced.
FTC approves Drug Testing Compliance Group settlement over collusion charges
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has approved a final order settling charges against Drug Testing Compliance Group LLC over allegations the company illegally invited a competitor to enter a customer allocation agreement.
EEOC proposes employer information report revisions to help curb pay discrimination
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced a proposed revision to the employer information report (EEO-1) that would have it include pay data collection from employers, including federal contractors, with more than 100 employees.
Michigan attorney general seeks public input on Mackinac Straits pipeline risks
LANSING, Michigan (Legal Newsline) — Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has announced the state will seek public input on proposal drafts from environmental and engineering experts completing risk and alternative studies on the Mackinac Straits pipeline known as Enbridge Energy’s Line 5.
Massachusetts dentist to pay $650,000 over fraudulent Medicaid billing allegations
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has announced Dr. Ekaterina Mamulashvili will pay $650,000 to the state’s Medicaid program (MassHealth) because of allegations of improper billing at her dental offices.
Evans Fruit will pay $272,000 to resolve sexual harassment allegations
YAKIMA, Washington (Legal Newsline) — Evans Fruit has agreed to pay $272,000 to 20 claimants over sexual harassment allegations, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced.
Attorney: U.S. SC takes away class action defense 'we couldn't really use anyway'
Defendants can’t moot class action lawsuits by offering to pay the named plaintiff’s claim in full, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in January.
Maker of Milo's Kitchen pet treats plans fight against "Made in USA" class action
The manufacturer of Milo's Kitchen dog and cat treats will "vigorously defend" itself against allegations of label misrepresentation filed earlier this month in U.S. District Court, a company spokesperson said.
Florida woman alleges NWP, WRH charged unlawful utilities
JACKSONVILLE, Florida (Legal Newsline) - A Florida woman is suing a realty services company and a utility management services company, alleging unlawful utility charges.
Florida woman blames Hyatt for data breach
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - A Florida woman is suing the Hyatt hotel chain, alleging it was negligent in a data breach.
Data breach class action against grocery chain dismissed
A Minnesota federal judge who was assigned to oversee a consolidated class action against SuperValu said in a ruling last month that the plaintiffs’ claims were too speculative.
Tyson vows to fight class action, says pet treats are made with American ingredients
Tyson pet treats accurately include "Made in the USA" on their labels, a company spokesperson recently said in response to a federal class action lawsuit filed earlier this month that says otherwise.