News from October 2016
Couple claim Specialized Loan Servicing misapplied loan payments
DENVER (Legal Newsline) – An Alabama couple have filed a class action lawsuit against a Highland Ranch, Colorado, mortgage servicer over allegations it misapplied payments on the debt.
Consumer accuses Gap, Banana Republic of listing misleading sale prices
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – A consumer has filed a class action lawsuit against several apparel retailers alleging they falsely advertised the item on their websites as discounted.
FTC announces settlement with 29 defendants in alleged skincare deception scheme
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced this week a group of 29 defendants has been banned from deceptive marketing and billing tactics after the defendants allegedly used these tactics to promote skincare products.
New Jersey attorney general targets contractor that allegedly defrauded Sandy victims
NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) — New Jersey Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced charges this week against Richard R. Woodard of Clearwater, Fla., and his company, Willwood Builders Corporation (Willwood Builders).
Massachusetts attorney general releases report highlighting health care spending disparities
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced this week a report examining how health care spending is distributed in the commercial insurance market in Massachusetts shows that after controlling for health status, more money is spent on patients in higher income communities.
California consumers allege Pepsico allowed maggots in sunflower seeds
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — A Los Angeles County couple are suing a food manufacturer, claiming intentional infliction of emotional distress after allegedly finding maggots in their sunflower seeds.
Consolidated complaint filed in securities fraud class action against diagnostics company Alere
The plaintiffs in the proposed class action, originally filed in a Massachusetts federal court in April, argue they purchased Alere Inc. common stock and suffered damages as a result of the company’s alleged federal securities law violations and false and/or misleading statements and/or material omissions amid a failed merger with Abbott Laboratories Inc.
13 states back flower shop owner who allegedly declined service to same-sex couple
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Legal Newsline) – Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange has announced Alabama has joined a 13-state coalition to support the religious liberty of a flower shop owner in Washington state being sued for declining service for a same-sex wedding ceremony.
EEOC announces court win in Orion Energy Systems wellness program case
MILWAUKEE (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced that a federal court has ruled in its favor for a disability discrimination case involving wellness programs filed against Orion Energy Systems.
Bronx consumer alleges Blistex misrepresented product
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) — A Bronx man is suing a maker of insole products, alleging breach of warranty, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment.
Oklahoma couple file class action against Marathon Oil
OKLAHOMA CITY (Legal Newsline) — An Oklahoma couple are suing Marathon Oil, alleging breach of contract and fraud.
Owner/operator, management of a Texas Roadhouse in Ohio to pay $1.4M to settle sexual harassment allegations
CLEVELAND (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced in September that the owner/operator and management company for a Columbus, Ohio, Texas Roadhouse will pay $1.4 million to settle a suit over allegations of sexual harassment against a class of female employees.
National Grid to credit 4,500 Mass. customers after allegedly overcharging them
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) – Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced Oct. 12 that National Grid will pay more than $1.5 million back to thousands of consumers who were allegedly charged the wrong price for residential gas services.
Navy Federal Credit Union to pay millions over allegations it made false threats to members
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced this week that it took action against Navy Federal Credit Union after allegations the organization used false threats about debt collection.
Lawyers blaming earthquakes on fracking drop case rather than pursue in fed court
OKLAHOMA CITY (Legal Newsline) - Two Oklahoma women and their attorneys have dropped a class action lawsuit in federal court that blames the recent spate of earthquakes in the state on oil and gas exploration, but they will re-file their claims against the fracking industry next year in a different court.
Bentham legal counsel: Judge’s ruling on funding agreement ‘right,’ but reaction overblown
In August, Judge Susan Illston of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California granted Chevron Corp.’s motion requiring plaintiff Natta Iyela Gbarabe to produce his funding agreement. The plaintiff filed a proposed class action against the oil giant over a January 2012 gas explosion off the coast of Nigeria.
Eleventh Circuit confirms U.S SC’s Spokeo ruling on standing, concrete harm
The federal appeals court, in a ruling this month, said where a plaintiff brings a lawsuit based only on alleged statutory violation, he or or she must, to establish standing, allege a concrete harm.
Nevada, AIG subsidiary reach agreement after insurance dispute
CARSON CITY, Nev. (Legal Newsline) — Nevada Attorney General Adam Paul Laxalt announced this week that his office has settled with the Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania (ICSOP), a subsidiary of AIG.
Trade commission alleges Global Access Technical Support violated law
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced charges this week against a group of defendants that commonly operated under the name Global Access Technical Support.
Serial ADA lawsuit-filer's cases consolidated
PHOENIX (Legal Newsline) — Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich has announced that a judge has granted his request to consolidate 1,106 open lawsuits filed by a serial litigator targeting Arizona businesses.