News from April 2017
Arizona governor OKs changes to state disabilities law, giving businesses more time to address violations
Gov. Doug Ducey, a Republican, signed the legislation, Senate Bill 1406, last week. The amendment to the Arizonans with Disabilities Act will allow businesses up to 90 days to fix access violations before a lawsuit can be filed. The amendment originally had included a 30-day compliance period.
Bayer moves to dismiss case alleging serving size of VitaCraves Gummies deceives consumers
OAKLAND, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — Bayer recently filed a motion for dismissal with the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in the latest case alleging Bayer's labels are misleading and deceive consumers.
Potato chip maker wants class action over sugar tossed from court
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. (Legal Newsline) - Inventure Foods Inc. has filed a motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit brought by two plaintiffs who allege the defendant's Boulder Canyon potato chips contain sugar and the label is deceptive.
Children's hospital sued over phone calls seeks stay or dismissal of case
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) — A children's hospital facing a class action lawsuit, alleging violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, is seeking a reprieve from U.S. District Court of the Southern District of California.
Coca-Cola seeks dismissal in 'Made with real ginger' lawsuit
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - Coca-Cola is seeking dismissal in a class action lawsuit filed by a California woman who is alleging fraud and negligent misrepresentation on Ginger Ale packaging.
Plaintiffs, law firms argue who should lead class action against Anthera
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – Two plaintiffs and law firms are battling it out in court to be named the lead in a class action lawsuit filed against a pharmaceutical company.
Alabama appeals court overturns writ in $10,000 knitting machines case
MONTGOMERY, Ala (Legal Newsline) – Alabama's Court of Civil Appeals has effectively overturned an approximately $10,000 default judgment in a long-standing squabble between two businesses over three knitting machines and a forklift.
Not enough money in question in butter spray class action
TAMPA, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - A class action lawsuit filed regarding the advertising of cooking sprays has been dismissed by a federal judge.
Hershey's legal defense: Plaintiff is disbarred attorney looking for targets
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) - Hershey’s is defending a class action lawsuit by attacking the motives of the plaintiff – a disbarred attorney who has filed hundreds of lawsuits and wrote a how-to-sue book.
Kentucky receives roughly $93.5 million in annual Big Tobacco settlement payout
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Legal Newsline) – Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear announced April 20 that the state received millions from tobacco settlement money.
Massachusetts AG convenes advisory panel to review Community Benefits Program
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) – Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced April 19 that her office convened the first meeting of an advisory task force of health care experts who will examine guidelines for Massachusetts health care institution community benefits.
New Jersey AG takes action against contractor
TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) – New Jersey Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino and the Division of Consumer Affairs announced April 20 a complaint against a local contractor over allegations of deceiving Superstorm Sandy victims.
Close to 2,000 Louisiana students eligible for refunds after multi-state settlement with Corinthian Colleges
BATON ROUGE, La. (Legal Newsline) – Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry announced April 21 that close to 2,000 students in the state who attended Corinthian Colleges Inc. schools between 2010 and 2014 may be eligible for loan forgiveness.
Kentucky AG joins coalition asking Congress, Trump to include drug treatment funding in potential ACA replacement plan
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Legal Newsline) – Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear announced April 21 that he joined a group of state attorneys general asking Congress and President Donald Trump to properly fund drug treatment in any plan to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Michigan AG files complaint against local public official for alleged embezzlement
LANSING, Mich. (Legal Newsline) – Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced April 18 that his office filed a complaint against Maria Louisa Mason of Williamston over allegations of stealing money from a state fund designed to protect a memorial statue.
Kansas receives $62 million in annual payout from tobacco Master Settlement Agreement
TOPEKA, Kan. (Legal Newsline) – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt announced April 20 that the state received $62 million in its annual tobacco settlement payout.
Maryland AG secures $250,000 settlement with primary care practice for alleged false claims
BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) – Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh announced April 18 that Complete Family Care P.C., a Takoma Park primary care practice owned by Dr. Suresh Khetan and his wife Renu Khetan, paid $250,000 to resolve allegations of fraudulent billing to increase profits.
Wal-Mart sued over pricing policy
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — A California consumer has filed a class action lawsuit against Wal-Mart, alleging fraud, unjust enrichment and violation of state law.
Carrington Tea sued over coconut oil
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) — Two California consumers have filed a class action lawsuit against a tea company, alleging breach of warranty and negligent entrustment.
Former employee of legal funding company sues
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — A New Jersey man is suing a legal funding business, alleging breach of contract.