News from 2017
Consumer claims National Consumer Law Group misrepresented services
BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) – A Maryland consumer alleges she was injured by the actions of a professional corporation that claimed to offer debt relief.
EEOC targets major sporting goods retailer for alleged racial harassment
SEATTLE (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit July 20 against Big 5 Sporting Goods, one of the largest retailers of sporting goods in the western United States, over allegations of allowing ongoing racial harassment.
Lawyer sentenced for role in $550 million social security fraud scheme
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced July 14 that a Social Security disability lawyer was sentenced in federal court over his alleged role in a scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $550 million in federal disability payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Michigan alleges retail gas station company violated Weights and Measures Act
LANSING, Mich. (Legal Newsline) — Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced July 21 that his office has filed a lawsuit against retail gas station Great Lakes Gas & Mart LLC (Great Lakes) for allegations of repeatedly violating the state’s Weights and Measures Act.
Washington attorney general alleges Seattle company deceived nonprofit customers
OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) — Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced July 20 that his office has filed a lawsuit against Blue Utopia, a company providing campaign and non-profit fundraising services located in Seattle, alleging it used new donations to cover old debts to other campaigns.
EEOC alleges Hershey failed to accommodate disabled employee
SEATTLE (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit July 19 against the Hershey Company for allegedly refusing to accommodate and later firing a disabled employee.
EEOC accuses Tim Horton's franchisee of religious discrimination
DETROIT (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit July 19 against Sleneem Enterprises LLC, a franchise operator of Tim Horton's Café and Bake Shop in Romulus, Michigan, for allegations of refusing to accommodate a sincerely held religious belief.
EEOC targets Houston manufacturing company for allegations of systematic discrimination
HOUSTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit July 20 against Champion Fiberglass Inc., a manufacturing company based in Houston, over allegations of systematic discrimination against non-Hispanic applicants.
Michigan sends cease, desist notification to fitness company that allegedly misleads gym members
LANSING, Mich. (Legal Newsline) — Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced July 19 that he has told Family Fitness, a gym in western Michigan, to cease and desist its allegedly unlawful practice of misleading gym members into believing they needed to make payments after already canceling their gym memberships and personal training contracts.
Texas obtains final judgment against company that allegedly violated consumer protection laws
AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced July 17 that his office has obtained a final judgment and permanent injunction against Samara Portfolio Management LLC, Law Office of Joseph Onwuteaka PC and Joseph O. Onwuteaka, for allegations of violating the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices—Consumer Protection Act (DTPA), Texas Debt Collection Act and the Identity Theft Protection and Enforcement Act (ITPA).
Oregon Senate advances debt collection legislation
SALEM, Ore. (Legal Newsline) — Oregon Attorney General Ellen F. Rosenblum announced July 5 that the Oregon Senate has advanced House Bill 2356, which concerns debt collection practices. The legislation will go before Gov. Kate Brown to be signed.
New York, Justice Department secure $4.4 million settlement with health care provider
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman and acting U.S. attorney Joon H. Kim announced July 17 that Visiting Nurse Service of New York and its Managed Long-Term Care Plan, VNS Choice, will pay $4,392,150 after allegations of improperly retaining public funds.
State attorney general to appeal decision in Texas Department of Criminal Justice case
AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced July 19 that he is disappointed in a federal judge’s decision to rule in favor of state inmates who sued the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDJC) over summer heat conditions at the Wallace Park Unit northwest of Houston.
Massachusetts secures more than $250,000 for workers harmed by alleged improper wage payments
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced July 13 that Healthcare Services Group Inc. (HSG) will pay more than $250,000 after allegations of failing to pay more than 1,900 workers properly.
Pennsylvania attorney general creates Consumer Financial Protection Unit
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Legal Newsline) — Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro announced July 20 that he is creating a Consumer Financial Protection Unit that will work to keep state consumers protected from financial scams.
Ariz. AG: 'Shakedown' lawsuits against small businesses about money, not helping disabled
PHOENIX – The attorney general of Arizona recently termed a 150 percent increase nationwide in legal filings connected to alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) since 2013 as “a serious, growing issue” that he believes is more about plaintiff attorneys getting rich than the common good.
Woman accuses Uber of phone harassment; Texts were without her consent, she claims
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) — A New York woman has filed a class action lawsuit against Uber, alleging violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
Stockholder alleges Mattel, officers violated federal securities laws
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — A stockholder has filed a class action lawsuit against Mattel, Inc., and its officers, alleging violation of federal law.
Disabled plaintiffs sue over Utah guardianship law
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Legal Newsline) — Two individuals and a law center are suing the state of Utah, alleging discrimination and violation of federal law.
Class action says Clorox wrongly uses term 'natural'
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — Two consumers have filed a class action lawsuit against Clorox, alleging negligent misrepresentation.