News from April 2017
California man's auto-renewal case dismissed with prejudice
A Sacramento man sued an online IT training company under California’s Automatic Purchase Renewals Statute (CAPRS) and the Unfair Competition Law (UCL), but the case was dismissed for misinterpretation of the statute and failure to establish a legitimate right of action.
Court affirms dismissal of personal injury lawsuit because of plaintiff's actions during discovery process
The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals has upheld a lower court’s judgment to dismiss a personal injury lawsuit due to the plaintiff’s failure to take appropriate actions during the discovery process.
Alabama Supreme Court rules officers immune to charges over fatal chase
The state's high court ruled that a woman injured in a police chase where another person was killed cannot sue the officers involved in the incident or the city that employs them.
Alaska high court rules jury trial should have been awarded in stolen prescription case
An elderly woman whose jewelry and prescription medication was stolen after hiring an in-home care company had her case heard on appeal by the Alaska Supreme Court, who annulled the superior court’s decision and remanded the case back to the lower court for further proceedings.
EEOC, ValleyLife OK $100,000 deal to settle discrimination allegations
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently announced that ValleyLife, a disability support services company, will pay $100,000 over allegations of disability discrimination.
EEOC: Rite Way Service Inc. to pay $70,000 for alleged unlawful retaliation
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently announced that Rite Way Service Inc. will pay $70,000 to a former employee over allegations of unlawful retaliation.
King-Lar settles EEOC discrimination allegations with $350,000 penalty
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission recently announced that King-Lar, a custom sheet metal and HVAC work company based in Decatur, Ill., will pay $325,000 over allegations of federal discrimination.
U.S. government accuses contractor of violating federal law
The federal government sued a contractor last month, alleging it has refused to comply with a subpoena.
Job applicant accuses Starbucks of breach of duty
A job applicant has filed a class action lawsuit against Starbucks, alleging breach of duty.
SquareTrade's lawyers claim plaintiff's request for forensic copy of Amazon storefront is 'overreaching'
Attorneys continue to square off in a class action lawsuit brought against California's SquareTrade Inc. that alleges the company deceived consumers with a fraudulent protection plan sold on Amazon.com.
Lawyer on Blistex suit: Consumers can't use about 25 percent of product because of tube design
A California woman recently filed a lawsuit against Blistex alleging the lip care products manufacturer shortchanges customers.
New expert witness guidelines signed into law by Missouri Gov. Greitens
Missouri has taken a step to move St. Louis off the top spot of the American Tort Reform Association's 2016 Judicial Hellholes list. Gov. Eric Greitens recently signed into law a bill that would raise the standard of expert witnesses allowed to testify in cases in the state.
FTC order imposes $350,000 penalty on debt collection agency
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced that American Municipal Services Corporation and its owners, Lawrence Bergman and Gregory Pitchford, have agreed to stop engaging in allegedly illegal collection tactics.
Para Health Professionals, Examination Preparation Institute students eligible for refunds
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich recently announced that select students will be eligible to receive up to $60,000 in refunds after a settlement with Para Health Professionals Inc. and Examination Preparation Institute Inc.
Miss. SC rules against Pioneer Community Hospital in wrongful death suit
The Mississippi Supreme Court has ruled that a wrongful death lawsuit against the hospital can move forward after determining that the state’s savings statute for minors applies to the complaint.
D.C. AG launches pilot program to mediate small-sum lawsuits
District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine recently announced that his office has launched a pilot program that utilizes informal mediation to resolve lawsuits against the district government.
Electroimpact to pay Wash. $485,000 after allegations of discriminating against Muslims
Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson recently announced that Mukilteo-based aerospace company Electroimpact will pay $485,000 after allegations of discrimination and retaliation, as well as unfair and deceptive advertising.
Sherwin-Williams to pay $14 million, cover EPA oversight expenses for Route 561 dump site
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced that the Sherwin-Williams Company has agreed to pay $14 million to clean up lead and arsenic contaminated soil and sediment at the Route 561 Dump site in Gibbsboro, N.J. The company also will cover the expenses involved.
New York settles with 3 mobile app developers after allegations of misleading claims
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced March 23 that his office has settled with three health-related mobile applications after allegations of misleading claims and irresponsible privacy practices.
EPA administrator signs order denying petition to ban pesticide chlorpyrifos
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced March 29 that Administrator Scott Pruitt has signed an order denying a petition to ban chlorpyrifos, a pesticide currently used in U.S. agriculture.