News from January 2016
Texas attorney general releases opinion on paid daily fantasy sports
AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced his opinion on the legality of online gaming in response to a legislative inquiry.
U.S. SC rules against business in bid to stop class actions
The nation’s highest court ruled 6-3 that a defendant can’t end a case by offering full payment to the lead plaintiff.
Expect more data breach litigation in 2016
According to various reports, incidences of data breaches and their corresponding litigation are rising by 25 to 30 percent every year.
Judge rejects MSG class action, finds no nexus to cy pres recipients
A decision from a San Diego federal judge demands that attorneys who seek approval of class action settlements must carefully choose the people and organizations that will benefit from the settlement.
D.C. Circuit denies states’ request for stay of EPA’s Clean Power Plan, but puts case on fast track
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, who is leading a coalition of states against the federal agency’s new rule, says he is considering an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court.
Florida man alleges Pet Supermarket guilty of credit reporting violations
MIAMI (Legal Newsline) — A Broward County man is suing a pet supplies retailer, alleging it prints more than the federally mandated maximum last five digits of a card number on transaction receipts.
2 women allege Hyland's, Standard Homeopathic guilty of false advertising
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — Two New York women are suing a homeopathic remedies company and its parent company, alleging they falsely advertise products.
DraftKings and FanDuel to continue business in New York pending appeal
A New York appellate court has ruled that DraftKings and FanDuel can continue to operate in New York until there is a decision on their appeal of a court’s order banning the two companies form operating in the state.
Connecticut, New Jersey pass spam-text laws
This November, companies sending text messages to customers could face stricter penalties if they violate a New Jersey law combating text message spam.
Law firm’s former partner files shareholder lawsuit, claims it wrongly diverted fees
The defendants -- partners at Schiller Kessler & Gomez PLLC -- want the lawsuit dismissed. They argue their former managing partner is using the suit as leverage to “pressure” a settlement.
New York attorney general takes action against The Grateful Toad
PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schniderman announced a temporary restraining order against Jason Ashley and his head shop, The Grateful Toad in Saranac Lake, barring it from the alleged sale of mislabeled designer drugs.
GBY Transmissions must pay $50,000 to resolve fraud allegations
PHOENIX (Legal Newsline) — After an undercover sting allegedly caught GBY Transmissions defrauding customers on hidden camera, the transmission repair shop must pay $50,000, according to Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich.
Customer alleges American Airlines refusesdto give certain refunds
NEW ORLEANS (Legal Newsline) - A Louisiana woman is suing American Airlines, alleging it did not refund certain fees after a canceled flight.
California woman alleges Great American Life guilty of elder abuse
OAKLAND, Calif. (Legal Newsline) – A California woman is suing an insurance company, alleging it uses unlawful sales practices with senior purchasers in the state.
Attorney: Mass. AG pushing equal pay argument with demands for payroll records
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has issued an unprecedented wave of requests for payroll records across the Commonwealth to possibly bolster the argument for new legislation that could lead to equal pay class action lawsuits.
Washington Legal Foundation seeks overturning of $124M South Carolina Risperdal verdict
The Washington Legal Foundation recently filed a friend-of-the-court brief to support the overturning of a $124 million South Carolina Supreme Court decision regarding the information drug manufacturers share with doctors about the potential side effects of drugs.
PLF pursuing case on behalf of landowners against EPA
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear a lawsuit that is being pursued by the Pacific Legal Foundation and will affect citizens whose property is designated as wetland.
Meijer Optical sued over alleged junk faxes
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Legal Newsline)—A law firm is suing an eyewear company over claims it sent unsolicited fax advertisements.
More class action lawsuits filed against Michigan, Snyder over lead-tainted water
The first class action was filed against the governor and various local and state agencies in November. Two more were filed this month, asking that the City of Flint be enjoined from water shut-offs and that the State be held financially accountable for the “man-made catastrophe.”
California woman alleges Tyson mislabeled pet treats
SACRAMENTO (Legal Newsline) – A Placer County woman is suing Tyson Foods, alleging it mislabeled certain pet food products as being made in the United States.