News from March 2016
West Virginia consumers to receive $20 million as part of Cavalry settlement
CHARLESTON, West Virginia (Legal Newsline) — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has announced West Virginia consumers will receive close to $20 million in debt cancellation as part of a settlement with Cavalry Investments and Cavalry Portfolio Services.
Samsung has no comment on Gear S2 smartwatch lawsuit, hasn't responded in court yet
NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) – Samsung isn't saying anything publicly in response to a recent class action lawsuit filed against it, and so far it hasn't told the court anything, either.
Zulily not the first retailer sued for alleged price anchoring
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – Zulily has declined to comment on a class action lawsuit that alleges the Seattle-based online retailer, which operates across the U.S. and overseas, engaged in unlawful price-scheming in violation of New York law.
Second Circuit denies class action settlement possibly worth 17 cents to class members
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit's recent decision to deny a low-value class action settlement in a Fair Debt Collection Practices Act case is unusual, a Washington, D.C., attorney says.
Calif. federal judge agrees to stay class action over FCRA violations, pending U.S. SC ruling
The defendants in the case -- including Hertz Corporation -- argued that the Supreme Court’s decision in Spokeo Inc. v. Robins has the potential to deprive the plaintiffs of standing. The judge agreed a stay was appropriate and wouldn’t harm the plaintiffs’ case.
Illinois consumer accuses Jackson Hewitt, American Express of sending unauthorized texts
FREEPORT, Illinois (Legal Newsline) - An Illinois man is suing American Express, a tax-preparation services company and a restaurant marketing and promotional company, alleging they sent unauthorized text messages to his cellphone.
Asbestos firm says it has settled with Garlock in RICO suit
Simon Greenstone Panatier Bartlett PC, one of five plaintiffs firms facing racketeering lawsuits from Garlock Sealing Technologies, said in a filing in a North Carolina federal court last week that it has settled with the gasket-maker. In its motion, granted Monday, it argues a motion to intervene filed by John Crane Inc. in January is now moot due to the pending settlement.
Maryland Judiciary warns public about new telephone lawsuit scam
The Maryland Judiciary has issued a warning to the public about a new telephone scam that exploits the threat of lawsuits in local courts.
New Jersey customer alleges Hertz's terms, conditions unlawful
NEWARK, New Jersey (Legal Newsline) - A Bergen County man is suing Hertz, alleging its terms and conditions are unspecific.
Public-interest law firm wants Calif. SC to take up, reverse appeals court’s decision in asbestos case
The Washington Legal Foundation filed a brief with the state’s high court this week, contesting the First Appellate District’s January decision upholding a nearly $4 million punitive-damage award against Kaiser Gypsum. WLF argues that lower courts need guidance regarding how they can conduct punitive-damages-only retrials, and that the trial judge in this case denied the defendant a fair trial.
New York dentist alleges dental suppliers violate antitrust law
BROOKLYN, New York (Legal Newsline) - A New York dentist is suing the three largest dental supplies distributors in the United States. over allegations they unreasonably restrain trade in their market.
FTC approves final order in U.S. Renal Care acquisition case
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has approved, after a public comment period ended, a final order settling charges that U.S. Renal Care Inc.’s $640 million acquisition of competitor DSI Renal from parent company Dialysis Parent LLC would be anti-competitive.
Former owners of Route 9 Diner to pay $200,000 in sexual harassment case
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has announced that former owners and managers of the now-closed Route 9 Diner in Hadley will pay up to $200,00 over allegations they engaged in and allowed years of sexual harassment against female employees.
Justice Department seeks to stop Tribune Publishing acquisition of Freedom Communications
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — The Department of Justice is seeking a temporary restraining order to stop Tribune Publishing Company, publisher of the Los Angeles Times, from acquiring Freedom Communications Inc., publisher of The Register in Orange County and the Press-Enterprise in Riverside County.
Massachusetts attorney general files enforcement action against Liquidation
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healy has filed an enforcement action to stop Liquidation LLC from making and collecting on allegedly illegal, short-term auto loans to consumers in the state.
Court orders Morgan Drexen to pay $172 million for alleged consumer deception
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has announced that a federal district court entered a final judgment against Morgan Drexen that resolves allegations the company charged illegal upfront fees and deceived consumers.
EEOC targets Hobson Bearing International for alleged retaliation
ST. LOUIS (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit, charging Hobson Bearing International Inc. with federal law violations for allegedly retaliating against an employee who had claimed unequal pay.
Massachusetts attorney general announces deal with two auto loan services
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has announced that American Credit Acceptance LLC (ACA) and Westlake Services (Westlake) have agreed to provide $7.4 million in relief to thousands of Massachusetts consumers over allegations they charged excessive interest rates on subprime auto loans.
Texas attorney general requests stay to prevent EPA's new regional haze rule
NEW ORLEANS (Legal Newsline) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has requested a stay that would prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from imposing new regional haze rules until after Paxton’s lawsuit gets a ruling in court.
Barrios Street Realty settles case of alleged discrimination against U.S. workers
NEW ORLEANS (Legal Newsline) — Barrios Street Realty Inc. has agreed to settle a case involving allegations it discriminated against U.S. employees, the Department of Justice has announced.