News from May 2017
EEOC settles with Georgia restaurant for $20,000 after allegations of sexual harassment
ATLANTA (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced May 8 that El Chaparro Inc., a Tex-Mex restaurant in Covington, Georgia, will pay $20,000 after allegations of sexual harassment.
New York taxi driver allegedly took advantage of refugees fleeing U.S.
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced May 10 that Northern Taxi and its owner and operator, Christopher Crowningshield, will pay $2,500 in penalties and costs and make business practices changes after allegations of repeatedly violating state and local laws.
EPA settles with Maryland wood treatment plant that allegedly violated hazardous waste laws
PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced May 11 that Reliance Treated Wood Inc. will pay $69,000 after allegations of violating hazardous waste regulations at its wood treatment facility in Federalsburg, Md.
Washington AG targets former judge for alleged campaign finance violations
OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) — Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced May 8 that has he filed a campaign finance lawsuit against former Grant County Superior Court judge Jerry Moberg and Moses Lake business owner Ken Greene.
New York settles with townhome operator that allegedly charged service personnel illegal fees
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced May 10 that he has settled with LeRay 300 LLC, a Virginia-based company that operates a community of 150 duplex-style townhomes near Fort Drum.
Arkansas SC says it can’t rule on attorney’s disqualification due to lack of hearing transcript
Billy Ray Brocato, doing business as Splash Pool and Spa, filed a complaint against the Helena Country Club in September 2015, alleging claims of breach of contract and a violation of the Arkansas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, or ADTPA.
Indiana Supreme Court ruling allows former impaired convictions as evidence in drunk driving case
INDIANAPOLIS (Legal Newsline) – Indiana’s Supreme Court has overturned an appeals court decision and ruled that former impaired driving convictions can be used as evidence in drunk driving lawsuits.
Accident victim gets new trial in Arkansas amid allegations of defense misconduct
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Legal Newsline) – A case related to back injuries allegedly sustained in an automobile accident is headed for a new trial following a ruling made by the Supreme Court of Arkansas on May 11.
Nebraska Supreme Court turns back railroad brakeman’s injury appeal
LINCOLN, Neb. (Legal Newsline) – The Nebraska Supreme Court on May 5 turned back an appeal made by a railroad brakeman who claimed damages after allegedly suffering injuries when he attempted to turn the wheel of a handbrake on a railroad car.
Former parishioners file class action against church over alleged actions of financial adviser
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — Two former parishioners have filed a class action lawsuit against a Fontana, Calif., church, alleging negligence, unfair competition and violation of state law.
AGs of California, New Mexico sue Interior Department
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — California's and New Mexico's attorneys general are suing the U.S. Interior Department, alleging violation of federal law.
Conservation groups accuse Trump administration of violating federal law
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Legal Newsline) — A group of conservation organizations are suing Non profit organization are suing President Trump and other administration officials, alleging violation of federal law.
Environmental group accuses New Jersey city of violations
NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) — An environmental group is suing a New Jersey city, alleging violation of state and federal law.
Family of victim of terror attack sues Twitter, Google, Facebook for allegedly allowing spread of terrorism
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — The family of a woman who died during the 2015 terror attack in San Bernardino, Calif., is suing Twitter, Google and Facebook, alleging intentional infliction of emotional distress, liability and negligence.
Arizona SC rules $1.4 million late fee is an ‘unenforceable penalty’
A majority of the state Supreme Court, in its April 25 decision, concluded the fee couldn’t reasonably predict the bank’s loss and did not “reasonably approximate” the costs of handling and processing the late balloon payment.
Under Armour must pay $62K to architectural firm over Baltimore project
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Legal Newsline) – A Maryland appeals court recently affirmed that an architectural firm will receive more than $60,000 for the income-producing time it lost enforcing a project management service contract connected to the construction of a visitor center in Baltimore.
Judge rules Kimpton Hotel may still be held legally responsible for data breach
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – A federal judge has denied a California hotel's motion dismissal in a data breach lawsuit brought by a former customer.
Despite delay, fiduciary rule 'already causing great harm'
Last month, the U.S. Department of Labor released a measure officially delaying the implementation of the rule and its related exemptions by 60 days. The applicability date is now June 9. Some argue a longer delay is necessary, while others contend the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission should step in and craft a better rule.
Federal court OKs divestiture of Saltzer Medical Group from St. Luke’s Health System
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced May 2 that a federal court has approved the divestiture of Saltzer Medical Group from Idaho-based St. Luke’s Health System. The FTC successfully challenged St. Luke’s acquisition of Saltzer.
Fyre Festival hit with class action lawsuit after cancellation
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — Two New York City customers have filed a class action lawsuit against festival operators alleging negligence and negligent misrepresentation.