News from April 2017
Class action alleges overcharging for health records
ATLANTA (Legal Newsline) — A class action lawsuit has been filed against Healthport Technologies LLC, IOD Inc. and CIOX Health LLC, citing alleged breach of contract, fraud and unjust enrichment from overcharging patients for health records.
Argument breaks out between attorneys in coconut water class action
PORTLAND, Ore. (Legal Newsline) – A class action lawsuit over coconut water has resulted in the plaintiff's attorney filing a motion for sanctions after being accused of using the media to strengthen his position.
Texas challenges federal rule on underground gas storage facilities
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a petition challenging a final rule imposed by the federal Department of Transportation’s Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
New York AG says proposed EPA budget cuts would be devastating
New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has warned that President Trump's proposed budget cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would be disastrous for New York State.
Nebraska Supreme Court declines to rule in crop-dusting companies' dispute
LINCOLN, Neb. (Legal Newsline) – Two agriculture companies went to court over a non-compete clause in a lawsuit that has twice seen appeals dismissed for procedural reasons.
FTC OKs final orders with CarMax, Asbury Automotive Group, West-Herr Automotive Group
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced March 31 that, following a public comment period, it has approved final consent orders with CarMax, Asbury Automotive Group and West-Herr Automotive Group.
Wisconsin lighting company settles EEOC allegations of violating ADA
MINNEAPOLIS (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced April 5 that Orion Energy Systems, a lighting company in Manitowoc, Wis., will settle allegations of retaliating against an employee who objected to the company’s wellness program.
Kentucky attorney general warns consumers about door-to-door sales scam
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Legal Newsline) — Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear announced April 3 a possible ring of door-to-door scammers is targeting the Louisville area.
Washington AG targets politician, alleging campaign finance fraud
OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) — Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced March 31 that his office has filed a campaign finance lawsuit against Tim Eyman for allegations of improperly using $308,000 in contributions made to political committees, concealing contributions totaling $490,185 and conducting misleading campaign finance reporting.
NetSpend Corporation to settle FTC allegations of deceiving consumers about prepaid cards
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced March 31 that NetSpend Corporation, a prepaid card company, will settle allegations of deceiving consumers about access to funds deposited on debit cards.
Delaware to receive $1.45 million portion of 10-state settlement with Volkswagen
DOVER, Del. (Legal Newsline) — Delaware Attorney General Matt Denn announced March 31 that the state will receive a $1.45 million portion of a 10-state settlement with Volkswagen, Porsche and Audi.
Vermont to receive $4.2 million as part of 10-state settlement with Volkswagen
MONTPELIER, Vt. (Legal Newsline) — Vermont Attorney General T.J. Donovan announced March 31 that the state will receive $4.2 million as part of a 10-state settlement with Volkswagen Auto Group.
FTC seeks public comment on Sycamore's proposed sale of assets to Dollar General
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced April 5 that it will seek public comment on Sycamore Partners II L.P.’s application to sell to assets it acquired under a 2015 FTC settlement to Dollar General Corporation.
Televangelist's Ohio restaurant ordered to pay nearly $400,000 in back wages
CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio (Legal Newsline) — The U. S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced April 4 that Cathedral Buffet and its owner, televangelist Ernest Angley, have been ordered by a federal judge to pay $388,507 in back wages and damages to 235 “volunteers” who worked at the Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, restaurant.
EPA announces comments from agriculture organizations after Pruitt denies ban on chlorpyrifos
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced April 5 that numerous institutions in the agriculture community have delivered comments on EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s decision to deny a ban on chlorpyrifos, a pesticide used in agriculture.
FTC, Amazon to drop appeals in 2016 mobile app case
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced April 4 that Amazon Inc. and the commission will end appeals related to last year’s court findings about mobile applications targeting children.
Unified Life Insurance to pay $2.8 million in settlement with Massachusetts
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced April 4 that Unified Life Insurance Company (ULIC) will pay more than $2.8 million after allegations of using deceptive and unlawful practices to sell health insurance.
New York joins coalition opposing Trump's efforts to stall Clean Power Plan case
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced April 5 that he has filed a petition with a coalition of states and localities to oppose the Trump administration’s request to delay court proceedings regarding the Clean Power Plan in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
Lab research firm fined $1.8 million for overcharges
Charles River Laboratories International Inc. agreed to pay $1.8 million over False Claims Act violation allegations related to improper charges on National Institutes of Health (NIH) contracts, the U.S. Department of Justice said.
IT firm to pay $45 million in False Claims Act violations
A New York information technology firm will pay $45 million over allegations of violating the False Claims Act by making false statements and claims while negotiating and administering a General Services Administration (GSA) contract, the U.S. Department of Justice said.