News from March 2017
New class action seeks to help veterans get Combat-Related Special Compensation benefits
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – The federal government was named as defendant in a class action filed March 2 by the National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) on behalf of combat-disabled veterans who say they were not given their fair share of disability benefits.
Groundbreaking ceremony planned for new Catonsville Courthouse
Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera of the Court of Appeals, Lieutenant Governor Boyd K. Rutherford, and General Services Secretary Ellington E. Churchill, Jr., will be among the key figures attending a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Catonsville...
Calif. appeals court sides with Facebook in lawsuit accusing CEO, general counsel of defamation
At issue is a quote, issued by Facebook’s general counsel and used in various newspapers, about a malicious prosecution action filed by CEO Mark Zuckerberg over an allegedly fraudulent contract.
Legal experts battle over proposal to clarify law covering liability insurance for ALI
PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) - A draft legal document that could have a profound impact on American law involving liability insurance has some critics and the document’s authors in near total disagreement over whole sections of the draft, and even its overall objective.
Sheriff discovers that work-hugs can lead to litigation
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has overturned a lower court in ruling that hugs and kisses between co-workers may create a sexually hostile work environment.
Washington judge orders GMA to pay $1.1 million in costs, fees after lawsuit
OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) — Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced March 1 that Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) has been ordered to pay close to $1.1 million in costs and fees from Ferguson’s campaign finance lawsuit.
California joins 39 other states in suit against generic drugmakers for alleged conspiracy
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced March 1 that the state has joined a federal antitrust lawsuit with 39 other states against six generic drugmakers. The lawsuit alleges the defendants conspired to divide customers and markets as well as increase prices for two generic drugs.
Maine, FTC target marketers of Flexiprin, Cogniprin for alleged deceptive tactics
PORTLAND, Maine (Legal Newsline) — Maine Attorney General Janet T. Mills announced Feb. 22 that her office and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have filed a complaint against nine defendants for an allegedly deceptive campaign to sell health supplements in violation of both state and federal laws.
Kansas officials negotiate cigarette accounting agreement with Kickapoo Tribe
TOPEKA, Kan. (Legal Newsline) — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt and Gov. Sam Brownback announced Feb. 23 that the state has negotiated an agreement with the Kickapoo Tribe to improve accounting for cigarettes and tobacco products sold on tribal lands.
D.C. joins six states in opposing Trump's executive order regarding Clean Water Act
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — District of Columbia Attorney General Karl A. Racine announced Feb. 28 that he has joined six state attorneys general in opposing President Trump’s executive order that Trump described as paving the way for the elimination of the Clean Water Rule (also known as the Waters of the United States Rule, or WOTUS).
Investor accuses Under Armour, officers of issuing false information
BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) — An investor has filed a class action lawsuit against Under Armour and its officers, alleging violation of federal law.
Maryland court advisory committee plans public hearing on uniform bar exam
An advisory committee to the Maryland Court of Appeals is set to hold a public hearing to discuss the potential adoption of the Uniform Bar Examination (UBE).
UPDATE: U.S. House set to vote on legal reform bills Thursday, Friday
The Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency, or FACT, Act of 2017 and the Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act of 2017 have been merged. The legislation, along with the Innocent Party Protection Act of 2017 and the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2017, will be voted on by the full House later this week, House officials confirmed.
Texas leads 11-state coalition urging EPA to suspend methane-related information requests
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced March 1 that he is leading an 11-state coalition urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to suspend its information collection request related to existing oil and gas facilities.
Lawsuit filed over Himalayan Glow Salt Lamps
BROOKLYN (Legal Newsline) — A Brooklyn man has filed a class action lawsuit against a manufacturer, alleging breach of implied warranty, fraud, negligent misrepresentation and unjust enrichment.
North Jersey Dermatology Clinic pays $150,000 after allegations of pregnancy discrimination
TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) — New Jersey Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino and the state’s Division of Consumer Protection announced March 1 that the North Jersey Dermatology Clinic have paid $150,000 to a former employee after allegations of unlawfully discriminating against the employee by firing her when she went on maternity leave.
Lifetime Fitness settles EEOC allegations of pregnancy discrimination, to pay $86,000
BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced Feb. 23 that Life Time Fitness Inc., a gym company based in Minnesota, will pay $86,000 and furnish significant relief after allegations of rescinding a job offer due to pregnancy.
Costco, Trident Seafood sued over fish oil claims
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) — A New York consumer has filed a class action lawsuit against Costco and a seafood business, alleging liability and negligent misrepresentation.
Amplify Snack sued over evaporated cane juice
ST. LOUIS (Legal Newsline) — A St. Louis woman has filed a class action lawsuit against a Texas snack business, alleging negligent misrepresentation.
House may also vote on bill targeting fraudulent joinder
The Innocent Party Protection Act, or H.R. 725, would require federal courts to deny a motion to transfer a case to state court under certain circumstances.