News from November 2017
Louisiana high court cuts punitive damages down to $4.25 million in wrongful death case
NEW ORLEANS (Legal Newsline) – The Louisiana Supreme Court amended a wrongful death judgment by nearly $20 million, citing that the punitive damage award was "excessive."
Richard Cordray won't be around to see the court decision that would have got him fired
Richard J. Andreano Jr., an attorney at Ballard Spahr LLP, said the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia’s pending decision in PHH Corporation v. CFPB, which could be handed down any day, likely will strongly influence how other courts address the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau structure issue.
Judge dismisses part of class action over Len & Larry’s Complete Cookies
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) – A Illinois federal judge has granted in part and denied in part a motion to dismiss a national and multi-state class action lawsuit brought against Len & Larry’s Inc. that alleged false and deceptive marketing of their The Complete Cookie protein and health food products, but has affirmed the plaintiffs can sue in their respective states.
Truffle oil class action in private mediation
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – A class action filed last spring against truffles oil manufacturer Sabatino Truffles New York claiming the company's oil was infused with perfume and not truffles is now is in private mediation, according to a recent court order.
Juror-turned-plaintiff loses suit after slipping on Delaware courthouse ice
WILMINGTON, Del. (Legal Newsline) – A lawsuit filed by a woman against the state of Delaware Office of Management and Budget who sought damages after slipping on ice in a courthouse parking lot was turned back on Oct. 30. The Delaware Superior Court ruled the state was immune from liability.
Virginia companies' lawsuit accuses CFPB of regulatory overreach
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – Two Virginia companies are suing the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over its investigatory practices, alleging that the federal agency exceeded its authority and engaged in bullying tactics.
Fighting multiple fronts, Comcast awaits patent decision that could raise prices
Last week, the U.S. International Trade Commission issued a notice stating it has extended the “target date” for the completion of its investigation to Nov. 16.
Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc. alleged to have sent unwanted text advertisements
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) – A Louisiana citizen has filed a class action lawsuit against a fast food restaurant over allegations it and another business sent text messages to consumers without consent.
Facebook sues IRS for allegedly denying access to independent administrative forum
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – Social media giant Facebook Inc. has filed a suit against Internal Revenue Service regarding its taxes.
Thread count on bedding purchased at Macy's was less than advertised, consumers claim
CINCINNATI (Legal Newsline) – Two consumers allege that the thread count of the bedding they purchased from Macy's was less than what was advertised.
Illinois Condo owners allege they were charged excessive fees for disclosure documents
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) – Condominium owners in Illinois allege they were unlawfully charged hundreds in fees for paper work they needed to sell their condos.
Condo owners in Illinois claim they were charged excessive fees for documents
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) – Condominium owners have filed a class action lawsuit over allegations that they were charged unlawful and excessive fees for the documents needed to close on the sales of their condos by a property management company.
Class action filed against WPA Intelligence over calls
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – A Wheeling, West Virginia, woman alleges a business headquartered in Washington, D.C., caused her injuries with "obnoxious" and "annoying" phone calls.
Microsoft, Princeton University challenging DACA decision
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – Microsoft and Princeton University are among those challenging the federal government's rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, arguing that they have invested significant resources in the individuals known as Dreamers.
Feds seek to recover cleanup costs from Ohio chemical company
AKRON, Ohio (Legal Newsline) – The federal government is seeking to recover costs associated with environmental cleanup at a facility in Dover, Ohio.
McDonald's sued over chicken fillet; Plaintiff says they are not 100% breast meat
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) – A New York consumer claims that he paid a premium price for a chicken product at McDonald's that is misrepresented as being 100 percent chicken breast.
Consumers claim they were victims of October Pizza Hut website breach
SEATTLE (Legal Newsline) – Two Washington consumers allege they were victims of a data breach after using a pizza chain's website.
Honeywell, in motion over ballots, contends asbestos claims holders already have been exposed
Honeywell International has interjected itself into the bankruptcy proceeding of the successors to Chicago Fire Brick and Wellsville Fire Brick, companies that spent a decade creating a trust that would pay individuals with asbestos claims. In May, Honeywell asked the federal bankruptcy court in Oakland, Calif., to make those ballots public.
Cordray plans to step down as CFPB head at month’s end
Richard Cordray, who has served as the executive director of the Obama-era watchdog agency since its creation in 2010, made the announcement in an email message to colleagues Wednesday.
California couple accuses Sirius XM Radio of violating phone privacy law
SAN DIEGO — A California couple has filed a class action lawsuit against Sirius radio, alleging violation of telephone harassment statutes.