News from January 2016
New York attorney general reaches settlements with 96 health clubs
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced settlements with 96 health club operators throughout the state to ensure compliance with New York Health Club Services Law and the New York General Obligation Law.
U.S. files settlement proposal with Applewood over alleged fair housing violations
MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline) -- The Justice Department filed a proposed settlement agreement with Applewood of Cross Plains and William Ranguette over allegations the apartment complex and landlord violated the Fair Housing Act.
Michigan attorney general's office to review Flint water crisis
FLINT, Mich. (Legal Newsline) -- Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette has announced his office will examine the current Flint water crisis to see if any Michigan laws were violated in the process that led to the water supply's contamination.
Justice Department reaches $3.28 million agreement with Tri-City Medical Center
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) — The Justice Department announced Tri-City Medical Center will pay $3,278,464 to resolve allegations it violated the Stark Law and False Claims Act.
MusclePharm plans to fight class action, stands behind safety of ingredients
A sports nutrition and supplements company facing a class action lawsuit claiming its ingredients are not Food and Drug Administration-approved is standing behind its products.
Calif. woman files class action against lip balm maker, claiming severe cracking and blistering
EOS -- the maker of the popular lip balm pods -- says the lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California last week, is “without merit.”
Tenn. federal judge dismisses whistleblower's complaint; Attorney says U.S. SC will likely take up issue in the future
A Tennessee federal judge has dismissed a whistleblower's retaliation lawsuit because he alerted the wrong federal agency to what he felt was wrongdoing by his employer, Morgan Stanley.
Ala. federal judge rejects TCPA class action settlement
An Alabama federal court has rejected a proposed class action settlement involving alleged violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), saying the plaintiff didn’t prove the members of the proposed class suffered similar enough injuries.
Wash. SC applies consumer protection law to out-of-state plaintiffs
The Washington Supreme Court has issued a ruling that creates a wider scope for the application of the state's Consumer Protection Act, according to a law professor and former assistant attorney general.
Maryland Judiciary introduces new self-help videos for court navigation
The Maryland Judiciary has released three new self-help videos aimed at assisting individuals who represent themselves in legal matters.
Calif. SC not impressed with environmental impact report, halts L.A. County project
A November ruling by the California Supreme Court halted a 12,000-acre development in Los Angeles County, determining that an impact report submitted by a state agency was insufficient.
GMA: ‘More than 30 leading U.S. companies’ already committed to new SmartLabel™ initiative
The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has announced new technology that will provide consumers with a tool aimed at helping them make well-informed decisions about products and help manufacturers disclose product information directly to consumers.
Pennsylvania alleges Philadelphia travel agencies violated consumer protections
PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) — Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane has announced a lawsuit against Philadelphia travel agencies, alleging violation of the Consumer Protection Act.
St. Louis man alleges Hibbett Sporting Goods violated credit reporting law
JEFERSON CITY, Missouri (Legal Newsline) -- A St. Louis man is suing a sporting goods retailer, alleging he was fired based on information in a consumer report.
PLF: U.S. SC ruling on arbitration beneficial for consumers
In enforcing a clause that requires the arbitration of disputes rather than creating class action lawsuits, the U.S. Supreme Court has helped consumers, a free enterprise advocate says.
Missouri man alleges Green Dot cards unreliable
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri (Legal Newsline) -- A Hickory County, Missouri is suing a provider of re-loadable prepaid debit cards, alleging the cards are unreliable.
Miami attorney says Fla. SC set pro-plaintiff standard in design defect cases
A case recently decided by the Florida Supreme Court created a new standard of proof for plaintiffs in strict product liability and design defect cases, a decision that could lead to more of those types of cases.
U.S. SC to hear Microsoft appeal over class action lawsuit filed by Xbox 360 owners
The game console owners argue that a design defect in the system causes scratches to game discs. Microsoft contends any disc scratching can be attributed to consumer misuse, and wants the lawsuit dismissed.
Consumer alleges Big Heart Pet Brands, J.M. Smucker guilty of false marketing
A Placer County, Calif., woman is suing pet food companies, alleging they misrepresented certain products as being made in the United States.
California customer alleges Nature's Bounty supplement worthless
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – A California man is suing vitamins and nutritional substances companies, alleging their Vitamin E supplements do not provide any benefits as advertised.