News from January 2016
New York woman alleges Fishs Eddy prints too many card digits on receipts
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – A New York woman is suing a dishes retailer over claims it prints more than five digits of a card number on receipts.
New York Medicaid Fraud Control Unit settles with Advantage Transit Group for $1 million
ALBANY, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) – The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) reached an agreement with Advantage Transit Group Inc., a transportation company operating in the Capital region, over alleged fraud, New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced.
Massachusetts attorney general expands Abandoned Housing Initiative
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) – Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced that her office will expand the Abandoned Housing Initiative (AHI), which supports cities and towns addressing the impacts of the foreclosure crisis.
Calbee North America sued over alleged misrepresentation of snap peas products
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) – A New York woman is suing a food company over claims it misrepresents certain snap peas snacks.
New York woman alleges Victoria Fine Foods misrepresented vodka sauce
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) – A New York woman is suing a food company over claims it misrepresents its vodka sauce product as containing no preservatives.
Attorneys, sanctioned for frivolous FCA lawsuit, reached settlement minutes before $170K penalty suggested
Just as attorneys who were warned not to pursue a frivolous False Claims Act lawsuit were about to be assessed a suggested $170,000 penalty, they came to a settlement with the companies they’d been suing for five years.
Virginia attorney general's office creates patent troll unit
RICHMOND, Virginia (Legal Newsline) — Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring has announced his office will place a new emphasis on supporting state businesses by taking action against patent trolling in Virginia.
Maryland retains law firms consortium to help case against petroleum manufacturers
BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) — A consortium of law firms will join the Maryland office of the attorney general in taking action against petroleum manufacturers that allegedly used a chemical additive that contaminated groundwater throughout Maryland, Attorney General Brian E. Frosh has announced.
New York attorney general's office releases report on concert, sports ticketing
BUFFALO (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has announced a report on the state’s concert and sports ticket industry that uncovered alleged practices and abuses that prevent consumers from receiving affordable ticket prices.
Idaho attorney general, DTC Group OK agreement in telemarketing case
Story CopyBOISE, Idaho (Legal Newsline) — Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden resolved a consumer protection case with Vurv LLC, a Boise-based telemarketer, and its fulfillment partner, Drug Testing Compliance Group LLC, over allegations of unsolicited calls.
Washingon attorney general seeks to update Open Public Meetings Act
OLYMPIA, Washington (Legal Newsline) — Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson has welcomed the advancement of his bill that would update the Open Public Meetings Act by the House State Government Committee.
NHC Healthcare must pay $50,000 over allegations of pregnancy and disability discrimination
GREENVILLE, S.C. (Legal Newsline) – NHC Healthcare/Clinton LLC, due to allegations of pregnancy and disability discrimination, will pay $50,000 and provide substantial injunctive relief, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced.
EEOC settles with Sirdah Enterprises for $250,000 over alleged sexual harassment
ATLANTA (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that, in order to resolve alleged sexual harassment, Sirdah Enterprises Inc. will pay $250,000.
Fla. federal judge makes rare ruling against feds in False Claims Act case
Dismissals in whistleblower lawsuits, like the one recently granted by a Florida federal judge in a $10 million False Claims Act case, are extremely rare, an attorney says.
P.H. Glatfelter Co. to pay $180,000, resolving allegations of disability discrimination
PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced an agreement with P.H. Glatfelter Co., a global paper manufacturer, that will see Glatfelter pay $180,000 and provide significant equitable relief to resolve allegations of disability discrimination.
FTC takes action against DeVry University's allegedly deceptive advertising practices
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – The Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit against the operators of DeVry University, claiming that the university’s advertisements deceived consumers.
EEOC reaches $35,000 deal with DeHaven's Transfer & Storage over alleged pregnancy discrimination
DURHAM, N.C. (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that DeHaven’s Transfer & Storage Inc. will pay $35,000 and provide significant relief because of allegations of pregnancy discrimination.
EPA and THD At-Home Services reach $37,065 settlement agreement
DENVER (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reached a $37,065 settlement deal with THD At-Home Services, resolving alleged violations of the lead-based paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule.
California AG asks Congress to keep states' authority in mind during reforms to TSCA
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris joined 11 other state attorneys general in a letter to Congress asking it to limit any preemption of states’ authority to protect their residents and the environment from toxic chemicals.
Healey announces $50,000 deal with two care facilities over septic system
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) – Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced that her office has reached a $50,000 settlement with Sudbury Pines Extended Care Facility and Kids Corner at the Pines over allegations of failing to repair and upgrade deteriorating septic systems serving the facilities.