News from October 2017
Myhomecenters.net sued for alleged telemarketing
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — A Huntington Beach woman has filed a class action lawsuit against a construction company, citing alleged violation of telephone harassment statutes.
The Gap, Banana Republic accused of using fake base prices
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — A New Jersey consumer has filed a class action lawsuit against owners of The Gap and Banana Republic stores for alleged fraud and unjust enrichment based on
Calif. judge reverses $417 million award in talc powder case
In her Oct. 20 ruling, Judge Maren Nelson for the Los Angeles Superior Court pointed to insufficient evidence on both sides, various errors and some jury misconduct during the trial.
'Assembly line' of class actions not creating justice, prominent attorney says
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – According to a leading defense attorney in the field, the current class action lawsuit system is clouding a key issue.
Ads that can kill: Lawyers scare patients out of taking medication, legal reform group says
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - A new paper says lawyer advertising is scaring patients into not taking their medications, leading to dozens of serious incidents – including six deaths from individuals who stopped using their blood-thinner.
'A Smoking Gun': Internal docs reveal Obama DOJ's slush fund, Judiciary chair says
On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that would prohibit government officials, most notably the DOJ, from entering into or enforcing a settlement agreement on behalf of the United States that provides for a payment or a loan to any person or entity other than the United States, with some exceptions.
U.S. Senate, in late-night narrow vote, rolls back CFPB’s anti-arbitration rule
A resolution of disapproval, striking down the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s new anti-arbitration rule, passed 51-50 Tuesday, with Vice President Mike Pence casting the tie-breaking “yes” vote. Only one Republican voted against the resolution.
District of Columbia attorney general hopes to halt fees on credit freeze requests
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine has introduced legislation that could temporarily prevent fees from credit bureaus when consumers wish to put a freeze on personal credit, according to a statement on the attorney general's website.
Unlicensed contractors suspended from contracting in North Dakota
BISMARCK, N.D. (Legal Newsline) -- Two unlicensed contractors have been banned from doing business in North Dakota, according to the state Attorney General's Office.
Vermont data breach results in $264K settlement
MONTPELIER, Vt. (Legal Newsline) -- A settlement has been reached in the breach of 660 Vermont Health Connect users' Social Security numbers, according to the Vermont attorney general.
FTC to hold workshop on 'informational injury' from data breaches
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) -- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will hold a workshop later this fall to explore the harm done when consumer information is misused, as can happen after data breaches.
California to receive $7 million of nationwide settlement with General Motors
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced Oct. 19 that General Motors Company (GM) will pay $120 million after allegations it hid safety issues for defective ignition switches in its vehicles. The settlement involves 49 states and the District of Columbia and California will receive $7 million.
Judge: Company never served with TCPA class action
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - A Broward County Florida man is suing a recreational fishing applications company, alleging it sent him unsolicited text messages.
Appellate court reverses attorney fee award in sex abuse case involving Boy Scouts
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) -- An appeals court has reversed a lower court’s award of attorneys fees to the defendants in a case of sexual abuse brought by a former Boy Scout whose initial complaint was dismissed.
Carnival escapes liability for girl killed by car while crossing street to Burger King
CONCORD, N.H. (Legal Newsline) - A carnival operator is not responsible for the death of a teenage carnival-goer who was crossing the street in the town of Derry, the New Hampshire Supreme Court has decided.
Jeunesse accused of orchestrating pyramid scheme
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — A class action lawsuit has been filed against a Florida skin care company and its officers, alleging civil conspiracy, fraud, deceit, false advertising, negligent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, and violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO).
California accuses administration of failure to comply with Freedom of Information Act
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced a lawsuit Oct. 17 against the Trump administration, alleging failure to comply with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
California, New Mexico allege Interior Department illegally repealed Valuation Rule
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — California Attorney General Xavier Becerra and New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas announced a lawsuit Oct. 17 against the U.S. Department of Interior, alleging it illegally repealed the Valuation Rule.
DeVos' delay of Gainful Employment Rule sparks California suit
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced a lawsuit Oct. 17 against the U.S. Department of Education over allegations of unlawfully delaying parts of the Gainful Employment Rule.
California seeks to force federal government to pay October insurance subsidies
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced a motion Oct. 18 to force the government to continue paying insurance subsidies that millions of Americans use to help lower out-of-pocket medical costs.