News from 2016
Settlement in TCPA class action over cruise line robocalls could reach record $76 million
The plaintiffs allege the defendants, including Caribbean Cruise Line, illegally contacted class members and that their offer of a “free” cruise package in exchange for taking a political survey was a “scam.” The parties reportedly came to a settlement agreement last week.
Consumers claim Nissan sells defective vehicles
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — Two consumers have filed a class action lawsuit against a vehicle manufacturer for alleged breach of warranty and fraud due to a defective timing chain tensioning system that purportedly fails prematurely.
California consumers accuse Post Foods of putting too much sugar in cereal
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline)— Two California consumers are suing Post Foods, alleging false advertising and unfair competition.
Class members in settlement over cigarette maker’s promotion can apply to redeem ‘C-Notes’
The settlement offer runs from Aug. 1 through Jan. 31, 2017. R.J. Reynolds’ “Camel Cash” promotion ran from Oct. 1, 1991 to March 31, 2007, and rewarded consumers who purchased packs of Reynolds’ Camel brand of cigarettes with “C-Notes” they could use to redeem merchandise listed in a catalogue.
CVS settles in Massachusetts, agrees to stricter opioid dispension management
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has announced a settlement with CVS Pharmacy Inc., the nation's largest pharmacy chain, in which the company agreed to strengthen its policy and procedures concerning the dispensing of opioids.
City attorney: Santa Monica's home sharing ordinance 'lawful exercise of the city’s police powers'
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – City Attorney Marsha Moutrie’s office in Santa Monica, California, is defending the city in a lawsuit against an ordinance that stops property owners from renting their homes for less than 30 days.
Judge orders Connecticut to revamp school funding
HARTFORD, Conn (Legal Newsline) -- In a decision that could result in the restructuring of the public education system in Connecticut and have a ripple effect in educational lawsuits across the nation, a judge has ordered the state to completely revamp its educational system.
Medical Financial Solutions allegedly used deceptive means to collect payment
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Legal Newsline) — A consumer has filed a class action lawsuit against a debt collector for allegedly employing deceptive means to collect payment.
Herr Foods Inc. accused of allegedly falsifying its products' ingredient list
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — A consumer has filed a class action lawsuit against a food manufacturer for alleged fraud and product liability, claiming that its snack products list a preservative when the company advertises it does not.
Facebook's user requirements allegedly violate New Jersey's truth-in-consumer act
NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) — An individual has filed a class action lawsuit against a social media platform, alleging it violates the New Jersey Truth-in-Consumer, Contract Warranty and Notice Act.
U.S. government sues Newman Broadcasting, its president for fraud
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. government has filed a lawsuit against a broadcasting company and its president for alleged fraud.
Time Inc., others allegedly deceived consumers into agreeing to automatic renewal subscriptions
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) — Consumers have filed a class action lawsuit against a magazine subscription program provider after the provider allegedly renewed subscriptions automatically without permission.
Edelson firm turns back Spokeo defense in case against Gannett
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — A judge has ruled that providing personally identifiable information to a third party obtained from app users' viewing data can cause the users harm.
Third Circuit affirms dismissal of data breach class action filed against prescription services company
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, in its ruling last month, effectively quashed the lawsuit filed by a group of former Benecard Services Inc. employees. The plaintiffs, alleging breach of trust and identity fraud, sued their former employer for damages allegedly caused by a data security breach.
Punitive damages of $500,000 awarded In Lexus dealership's sexual harassment lawsuit
MIDDLESEX, Mass. (Legal Newsline) – In an unusual measure, punitive damages were awarded in a workplace sexual harassment lawsuit against a car dealership for $500,000.
Automatic renewal class action lawsuit against Omega Natural Science dismissed
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – On Aug. 22, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California dismissed a class-action lawsuit against Omega Natural Science alleging violations of California's Automatic Renewal (ARL) Law.
Attorney: Tenants' rights remain even after flooding, other natural disasters
BATON ROUGE, La. (Legal Newsline) – The Louisiana floods can leave homeowners reeling, but there is another demographic that gets hit, often even harder - renters.
FTC announces final amendments to Disclosure Rule affecting E-Warranty Act
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has announced final amendments to its Disclosure Rule and Pre-Sale Availability Rule that affects the E-Warranty Act.
CDM Smith to pay $5.5 million after allegations of botching Plum Island water, sewer system
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has announced CDM Smith Inc. (CDM) will pay $5.5 million after allegations it failed in its obligations to properly oversee construction of Plum Island’s water and sewer systems.
FTC approves Mylan divestiture order, allowing acquisition of Meda
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has approved a final order settling charges that Mylan Inc.’s $7.2 billion acquisition of Swedish drug maker Meda would be anticompetitive. The approval comes after a public comment period.