News from February 2016
Attorney: Employers must document reasons for termination or risk retaliation claims
The plaintiff's victory in a lawsuit alleging retaliation in hiring practices by a past employer offers lessons to businesses about the importance of carefully considering and documenting personnel decisions, according to a Connecticut attorney.
Class action denied in favor of mandatory arbitration agreement
Mandatory arbitration agreements and class action waivers hold even after a contract has expired, according to a ruling by the District Court for the Western District of Tennessee.
W.Va. AG, 30-state coalition file reply with U.S. SC over Clean Power Plan stay request
The states contend that if left unstayed, the EPA’s new rule will force “massive and irreversible changes” in terms of state policies and resources, power plant shutdowns, and investments in wind and solar power.
Suit accuses KIND of misrepresenting candy bars
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – A California man and New York woman are suing a health foods company over claims it misrepresented that eating its nut-based candy bars would prevent weight gain.
Iowa SC mostly rejects proposed consumer class action filed over overdraft fees
The plaintiffs sued the bank over one-time nonsufficient funds fees it charged when they used their debit cards to create overdrafts in their checking account. The couple, former customers of West Bank in Iowa, alleged the fees violated the state’s usury laws.
Anne Arundel students explore legal system through district court program
More than 100 high school students from Anne Arundel County will attend a court session on February 11 to learn about the consequences of offenses like drunk driving.
Fla. federal judge dismisses class action against Tinder for allegedly overcharging customers
The plaintiff had filed a similar class action in a California federal court last year. Though the dating service didn’t raise the issue of judge shopping, Florida District Judge James Lawrence King noted in his dismissal last month it was an “obvious” one.
AG's bill to raise sale age of tobacco advances in Washington
OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) — The state of Washington's House Health Care & Wellness Committee advanced Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s agency-request bill to raise the sale age of tobacco and vapor products to 21 last week.
FTC discusses its competition enforcement and advocacy work in recent testimony
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – The Federal Trade Commission explained its competition enforcement and advocacy work for state regulatory boards and licensing requirements for occupations, trades and professions in testimony presented to a subcommittee from the U.S. Senate.
Michigan attorney general warns Flint residents about potential scams
FLINT, Mich. (Legal Newsline) – Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette is warning Flint residents as they deal with hardships stemming from the contamination of their drinking water that these types of crises can also create opportunities for scam artists.
Two Maine supplement companies settle with the state after claims of deceptive advertising
PORTLAND, Maine (Legal Newsline) – The Federal Trade Commission, along with Maine’s Office of the Attorney General, reached a settlement with Direct Alternatives and Original Organics LLC to resolve allegations of deceptive claims and advertising.
HSBC to pay $470 million over allegations of mortgage and foreclosure abuses
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – HSBC Bank USA NA and its affiliates settled for $470 million with the Justice Department, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and numerous state attorneys general over allegations of mortgage origination, servicing and foreclosure abuses.
California AG files lawsuit against Southern California Gas Co. in connection to recent methane leak
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris filed a lawsuit against Southern California Gas Co. over alleged violations of California law in connection to a massive methane leak from the company’s Aliso Canyon natural gas storage facility.
Washington AG charges WSLC with alleged campaign finance violations
OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) – The Washington State Attorney General’s Office announced the filing of a complaint in Thurston County Superior Court that alleges campaign finance violations by the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC).
Arkansas AG takes action against auto dealers over allegedly deceptive practices
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Legal Newsline) – In a consumer-protection lawsuit filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court, Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge alleged that a group of automobile dealerships and their owners engaged in deceptive practices.
Keurig sued over alleged Securities Exchange Act violations
BURLINGTON, Vt. (Legal Newsline) – A man is suing a coffeemaker and specialty coffee company over claims it damaged shareholders.
Suit claims Church & Dwight misrepresent vitamins
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) – Two Illinois men are suing a vitamins and supplements manufacturer over claims it misrepresents its products as being made in the U.S.
Ashley Furniture sued over allegedly deceptive upholstery
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – Two people are suing a furniture manufacturer over claims its brand of upholstery deceives consumers.
New Jersey residents allege that Comcast services are deficient
TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) – Four New Jersey residents are suing a cable company over claims it provides deficient services and uses confusing contractual language.
Libertarian National Committee alleges Federal Election Commission violates Constitution
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – The national committee of the Libertarian Party is suing the Federal Election Commission over claims its restrictions on donation usage are unconstitutional.