News from July 2016
Gasoline additives not covered by oil exemption for Mass. spill cleanups
The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts ruled in June that companies are responsible for the cleanup efforts of spills of leaded petroleum.
Church bookkeeper loses ADA claim after full-time position eliminated
PASADENA, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — A federal court has dismissed a bookkeeper’s lawsuit against a small parish church for an alleged violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Vroom Inc. accused of sending spam texts
LOS ANGELES – A California individual has filed a class-action lawsuit against an online used car company alleging it sent spam texts to advertise its services.
Z Foods Inc. to pay more than $1.4 million after allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that leading dried fruit processor Z Foods Inc. will pay $1,470,000 in damages after allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation.
Missouri federal judge ends class actions against retail brokerage firm Scottrade
Soon after the Missouri-based firm announced last year that its network had been breached in 2013 or 2014, several of its customers filed putative class action lawsuits based on the breach. Judge Shirley Padmore Mensah, in an order earlier this month, said the plaintiffs’ allegations were too speculative and shot down comparisons to other data breach class action cases.
T-Mobile accused of performing unauthorized hard credit check
LOS ANGELES – A consumer has filed a class-action lawsuit against a phone service provider alleging it misrepresented the nature of a credit check.
AMA: Lawyer ads alarming prescription drug users, jeopardizing health care
According to a Washington, D.C.-based firm that tracks mass tort litigation advertising, the number of ads focused on drug and medical device litigation has grown in recent years -- and so has the amount of money being spent on such ads.
LogMeIn case dismissal good news for consumer protection claim defendants
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — An order by an Eastern District of California
magistrate judge dismissing a class action filed against LogMeIn over the termination of the company’s free app could be good news for defendants facing fraud-based consumer protection claims in California.
California adopts asbestos defense, but defendant loses case anyway
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — The California Supreme Court in May formally adopted the "sophisticated intermediary doctrine," which provides an additional defense that manufacturers and suppliers can assert against asbestos and other product liability claims in California.
Judge certifies class in Wis. case against auto replacement parts
MADISON, Wis. (Legal Newsline) — Judge Lynn Adelman has granted class certification in an aftermarket automotive sheet metal parts class action lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
Class-action filed against Pictsweet Co., others over alleged Listeria-contaminated peas
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – A class-action suit has been filed against a grocery chain and frozen vegetable manufacturers over allegations that a man's family was sickened by Listeria.
Escapes Inc. and owner to pay $60,000 for alleged deceptive business practices
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) — Escapes Inc. and its owner, Constance Catanise, will pay $60,000 in restitution after allegedly conducting deceptive business practices, New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced.
CFPB takes action against Santander Bank for alleged illegal overdraft services
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced that Santander Bank N.A. will pay $10 million for its alleged illegal overdraft service practices.
Woman alleges All Day Energy Greens product caused husband's death
OWENSBORO, Ky. (Legal Newsline) – A widow residing in Philpot, Kentucky alleges that the Indianapolis dietary supplement manufacturer of All Day Energy Greens sold contaminated products that caused her husband's death.
Galliker Dairy Company to pay $35,991 after allegations of unsafely managing hazardous substances
The Galliker Dairy Company will pay $35,991 to resolve allegations that it failed to safely manage a hazardous substance at its dairy products manufacturing plant in Johnston, Pennsylvania, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced.
Enbridge agrees to spend $110 million on improving oil spill prevention measures
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – Enbridge Energy Limited Partnership has agreed to a settlement and will spend at least $110 million on measures to prevent spills and improve operations across its pipeline system, as well as pay $62 million in fines, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Justice announced. The settlement comes after the company allegedly discharged more than 20,000 barrels of oil in Marshall, Michigan and Romeoville, Illinois.
Delaware provides $2 million grant funding for nonprofits battling recidivism
DOVER, Del. (Legal Newsline) – Delaware Attorney General Matt Denn announced that the state has set aside $2 million for community-based efforts aimed at reducing recidivism among adults and juveniles released from Delaware correctional facilities. Denn noted that workshops will be held in in August to help nonprofits apply for grants.
Tristar Products, Product Trend settle allegations of deceptive advertising to NY consumers
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – Tristar Products LLC and Product Trend LLC have settled after allegations of deceptive advertising practices, New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced.
EPA announces $60,000 fine levied against Galvco for alleged hazardous waste violations
PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that steel galvanizer Galvco Maryland LLC will pay $60,000 to settle allegations of violating hazardous waste regulations at its manufacturing facility in Baltimore.
Arkansas AG joins coalition asking Congress to rein in recent regulation expansions
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge announced that she has joined a coalition, which includes 15 states, that is asking Congress to better regulate and, when necessary, rein in federal agencies’ recent regulation expansions.