News from 2017
Idaho Supreme Court affirms malpractice decision, clarifies statute of limitations rule
BOISE, Idaho (Legal Newsline) – Earlier this month, the Idaho Supreme Court affirmed a district court decision on a legal malpractice case in favor of a lawyer.
Rhode Island Supreme Court sides with Wells Fargo in foreclosure case
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Legal Newsline) – The Rhode Island Supreme Court on May 25 upheld a lower court's ruling that cleared Wells Fargo Bank of any wrongdoing in a home foreclosure that began in 2009.
Hit by foul ball in dugout, high school baseball player sees verdict overturned
DES MOINES, Iowa (Legal Newsline) – Six years after getting hit in the head with a foul ball at a high school baseball game, Spencer Ludman’s case was deemed worthy of a new trial by the Iowa Supreme Court on June 2.
Connecticut dentist barred from Medicaid participation for 10 years
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) — Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen announced June 6 that a Stamford-based dentist, Georgy Betser, his wife, Irina Betser, and their companies will forfeit $755,956.30 and be excluded from participation in the state's Medicaid program for 10 years after False Claims Act violation allegations.
EPA settles with petroleum marketing company involved in 2016 California oil spill
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced June 7 that the SoCo Group Inc., a petroleum marketing and distribution company based in Carlsbad, has agreed to pay $59,400 and resolve allegations related to its 2016 oil spill in San Diego.
Maryland judiciary expands electronic case filing across Southern Maryland
The Maryland Judiciary has expanded its electronic case filing system, known as the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC), to include Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties.
Florida reaches settlement with Panama City Beach vehicle rental company
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) — Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi announced June 7 that her office has reached a settlement with Classy Cycles Inc. and owners Colleen Swab and Rich R. Roof after allegations of charging consumers for damage that did not occur.
New York, Massachusetts, Kentucky urge FCC to deny 'ringless robocall' petition
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey and Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear announced June 5 that they are urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deny a petition requesting that so-called “ringless robocalls” be exempt from consumer protections under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).
Massachusetts joins coalition opposing the Financial CHOICE Act of 2017
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced June 7 that she has joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in opposing a federal bill that would cut the role of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
California receives $53.25 million of multistate settlement involving Dish Network
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced June 6 that California will receive $53.25 million after a judgment was levied against Dish Network in a national telemarketing case.
Justice Department issues memo ending third party settlement practice
DALLAS (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced June 7 that U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has issued a memo ending the DOJ’s third party settlement practice.
FTC continues crackdown on tech support scams with recent $1 million settlement
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission announced June 7 that it has obtained settlements with a group of defendants based in St. Louis who allegedly tricked consumers into buying unnecessary technical support devices by targeting them with deceptive pop-up ads.
U.S. settles with Illinois city in case involving alleged RLUIPA violations
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced June 6 that the city of Des Plaines, Illinois, has agreed to resolve allegations of violating the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA).
Consumer board penalizes Fay Servicing $1.15 million for alleged mortgage servicing violations
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced June 7 that it took action against Fay Servicing, a mortgage servicer based in Chicago, for allegations of failing to provide mortgage borrowers with federally mandated protections against foreclosure.
U.S. secures $2.5 million settlement with contractor over alleged False Claims Act violations
DALLAS (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced June 5 that Integrated Medical Solutions Inc. (IMS) and former President Jerry Heftler will pay $2.475 million after allegations of violating the False Claims Act and Anti-kickback Act.
States bet on spaceports, future economic benefits
Spaceports are popping up over the country as private companies bet on a surge in commercial spaceflight and equally eager states maneuver to make room for them.
Consumer alleges Royal Seas Cruises made illegal phone calls
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — A California consumer has filed a class action lawsuit against a cruise ship company, alleging violation of telephone harassment statutes.
Label or Liability: GSK faces $3M verdict over product it didn't make
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) - This spring, a Chicago federal jury awarded $3 million to the widow of a lawyer who committed suicide by stepping in front of a CTA L train in Chicago’s Loop in 2010 shortly after taking a generic version of the antidepressant drug Paxil.
Three customers allege Venezuelan airline broke law
MIAMI (Legal Newsline) — Three Florida customers have filed a class action lawsuit against Santa Barbara Airlines CA, doing business as SBA Airlines, a Venezuelan company, alleging breach of contract.
Military housing company Corvias wins appeal to sue in bathroom fan fire case
TOPEKA, Kan. (Legal Newsline) – A Kansas military housing company won its appeal after suing two companies responsible for constructing a bathroom fan that allegedly caused two fires.