News from 2016
New York woman accuses health insurance company of contract breach
SAN FRANCISCO — A New York woman and former California resident is suing health care providers, alleging breach of contract.
EPA: Vita Craft will eliminate hazardous air pollutant PCE
LENEXA, Kan. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced Vita Craft Corporation, as part of a settlement, has agreed to install equipment designed to fully eliminate emissions of the hazardous air pollutant perchloroethylene (PCE). Vita Craft’s decision to implement this equipment goes beyond what the company is required to do by law.
California man accuses Uber of fraud
SAN FRANCISCO — A California man is suing Uber, alleging he was charged for rides he did not use.
EMSI to stop using non-compete agreements in New York state
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — Examination Management Services Inc. (EMSI) has agreed to stop using non-compete agreements for the majority of its employees in New York, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has announced.
Alabama federal judge gives TCPA class action settlement preliminary OK
Lead plaintiff Jason Bennett filed the lawsuit against Boyd Biloxi LLC, owner of IP Casino Resort and Spa in Biloxi, Miss. He claims the resort violated the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act after he and more than 70,000 others received more than 400,000 unlawful telemarketing calls promoting the spa.
St. Joseph's to pay $3.2 million to resolve allegations of New York False Claims Act violations
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center (St. Joseph’s) has agreed to pay $3.2 million after allegations of violating the federal and New York False Claims Act, according to New York state attorney general Eric Schneiderman.
FCC announces $200,000 settlement with TP-Link
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — TP-Link will settle for $200,000 after allegations certain Wi-Fi routers sold by the company were not in full compliance with rules pertaining to power levels, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced.
Massachusetts contractor fined for failing to pay prevailing wages
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has announced that On-Time Construction Services Inc. (On-Time) and owner Jonatas Vicente De Brito Barcelos will pay $117,082 for allegedly violating the state’s prevailing wage law and failing to submit true and accurate payroll records.
New York attorney general targets SG Hylan Motors for allegedly deceiving consumers
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has launched a lawsuit against two Staten Island dealerships owned by SG Hylan Motors Corp, doing business as Honda of Staten Island, Staten Island Honda, Nissan of Staten Island and Staten Island Nissan (collectively “SG Hylan Motors”). Schneiderman argues that the defendants allegedly unlawfully sold “after-sale” products and services.
FTC announces settlement with marketer of Eukanuba dog food
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced Mars Petcare U.S. Inc., marketers of Eukanuba dog food, will settle allegations of false advertisements.
Bachem Americas, Crosby & Overton to pay collective $130,000 to settle RCRA allegations
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — Bachem Americas Inc. and Crosby & Overton Inc. have agreed to pay a collective $130,000 to settle allegations of violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced. The facilities purportedly handled hazardous waste improperly.
Hershey Trust, Milton Hershey School agree to operational changes
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Legal Newsline) — The Hershey Trust Company and the Milton Hershey School have agreed to make significant changes to improve the operation and governance of both entities, Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane has announced.
Arizona-based telemarketing business to pay $6 million to settle alleged violations
PHOENIX (Legal Newsline) — A telemarketing enterprise will pay $6 million in restitution and civil penalties for allegations of bilking consumers across the nation out of millions of dollars, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich has announced.
EPA, Connecticut Light and Power reach $47,000 settlement
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the Connecticut Light and Power Company will pay $47,000 after allegations it violated federal regulations in its management of a transformer that spilled 50 gallons of oil containing PCBs at a location in Waterbury.
Washington attorney general targets Comcast in landmark case
SEATTLE (Legal Newsline) — Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson has announced his office has filed a lawsuit against cable television and Internet company Comcast over allegations of illegally deceiving consumers.
Second Circuit: Class can be decertified after jury verdict
Plaintiff Joseph Mazzei filed a class action against The Money Store, TMS Mortgage Inc. and HomEq Servicing Corp. for breach of contract, challenging the imposition of post-acceleration late fees on mortgages. Last month, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, which granted the defendants’ post-verdict motion to decertify and entered judgment in favor only of Mazzei.
2 Texas consumers accuse Apple of fraud
SAN FRANCISCO — Two Texas consumers are suing Apple, alleging breach of contract.
EEOC settles for $150,000 with Hillcrest Marshall over sexual harassment allegations
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has announced Hillcrest Marshall Inc., owner of multiple Dunkin’ Donuts franchises in Westchester County, will pay $150,000 to settle allegations of sexual harassment.
Illinois man accuses credit report business of antitrust violations
ROCKFORD— An Illinois man is suing a credit report business, alleging fraud and unfair business practices.
Consumer accuses Indiana company of false advertising
CHICAGO — A Chicago woman is suing and Indiana company, alleging the defendant made false claims about its product.