News from March 2017
FTC approves final order in Boehringer-Sanofi asset swap case
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Feb. 24 that, following a public comment period, it has approved a final order settling charges that Boehringer Ingelheim’s $13.53 billion asset swap with Paris-based Sanofi would likely be anti-competitive.
Customer alleges Walgreens overcharges for insulin pump supplies
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — An Illinois man is suing Walgreens, alleging fraud, unfair competition and unjust enrichment.
Two customers accuse Menard of fraud
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — Two Illinois consumers have filed a class action lawsuit against Menard, alleging fraud, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment.
Ohio settles with operator of alleged charitable door-to-door scam
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline) — Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine announced March 7 that Darnell Robinson, the operator of an organization called “Teens With Dreams” that collects money through door-to-door solicitations by children, will settle allegations that the money collected went to him rather than charity.
FTC provides comments to Ohio Senate on proposed dental hygienist bill
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced March 9 that its staff has submitted a comment to the Ohio State Senate on proposed legislation that would broaden dental hygienists’ ability to work without a supervising dentist on-site.
GM sues asbestos trusts over payments to former employee’s widow
According to its four complaints, General Motors LLC has been making weekly payments of death benefits. The company contends it should have been informed that its former employee’s widow also has been receiving payments from the trusts.
EPA withdraws request for information from oil, gas companies
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced March 2 that it is withdrawing its request that owners and operators in the oil and natural gas industry provide information on equipment and emissions at existing oil and gas operations, effective immediately.
'Loser pays' litigation could help accelerate infrastructure projects, scholar says
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – A light is shining on the financial status of many environmentalist groups that have the potential to file lawsuits in hopes of stopping infrastructure plans and whether they have the funds needed to cover court costs under the
Arizona Supreme Court to decide liability in take-home asbestos exposure case
PHOENIX (Legal Newsline) – The Arizona Supreme Court is considering whether a company should be liable for injuries caused by an employee taking home asbestos fibers on his clothing, years ago. It will hear oral arguments on April 25 in the case of Quiroz v. Alcoa.
UnWrapped, president to pay $1.2 million to settle multiple wage, labor violations allegations
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced March 10 that UnWrapped Inc. and President Steven Katz will pay roughly $1.2 million after allegations of numerous wage and hour law violations and retaliation against employees.
Texas, 18 other states urge EPA to end alleged federal overreach
AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced March 7 that he has joined 18 other states in a letter to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt urging an end to alleged federal overreach.
Bosley Medical accused of violating federal law
LOS ANGELES — A Louisiana man has filed a class action lawsuit against a California company, alleging violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
Class action filed against Lenny & Larry's cookies
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — Two consumers have filed a class action lawsuit against a food manufacturer, alleging breach of implied warranty, fraud, product liability and unjust enrichment.
Lawyers group sues N.Y. AG over law requiring reporting of donations
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — A nonprofit lawyers group is suing the New York Eric Schneiderman, alleging violation of federal law.
Class action targets claims made by Valeant's sunscreen
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — Two California consumers have filed a class action lawsuit against pharmaceutical companies, alleging design defect, liability, negligence and product liability.
Miss. attorney alleges Dallas firm failed to pay her promised fees, bonuses, increased salary
Plaintiff Sheila M. Bossier filed her lawsuit in Hinds County Circuit Court Feb. 1. The named defendants include Dallas area law firm Freese & Goss PLLC, attorneys Richard A. Freese and Tim K. Goss and various John/Jane Does. Freese & Goss have since filed a notice of removal and motion to dismiss in a Mississippi federal court.
Court: Burning of trees caused damage to vehicles, but wasn't covered by insurance
HELENA, Mont. (Legal Newsline) – The Montana Supreme Court has overturned a First Judicial District Court's decision regarding insurance coverage, ruling that Robert Fitte's Mountain West automobile insurance policy did not provide coverage for the losses he suffered to work vehicles from a fire that Fitte started to burn trees.
Legal reform group wants review of California class action decision
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – The Civil Justice Association of California has filed a letter in support of review of the case of Lubin v. Wackenhut, which is poised to set legal standards for class action certifications regarding employer liability and meal and rest breaks.
ZTE allegedly violates International Emergency Economic Powers Act, will pay $430 million
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced March 7 that ZTE Corporation has agreed to pay a $430,388,798 penalty to the United States for allegedly conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and send U.S.-origin items to Iran.
Danny's Downtown charged with breaching terms of EEOC agreement
JACKSON, Miss. (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced March 2 that Baby O’s Restaurant, doing business as Danny’s Downtown, has agreed to settle a contempt action. The Jackson-based provider of adult entertainment services had been charged with breaching the terms of an EEOC agreement that resolves racial discrimination allegations.