News from 2017
Lawyers awarded $100K for their work on historic verdict; Winn-Dixie appealing
MIAMI (Legal Newsline) - What’s it worth for plaintiffs attorneys suing companies over their websites on behalf of blind clients to take the case to trial? In the only example, those lawyers have been awarded more than $100,000 for their efforts.
Attorney: Lakers' TCPA lawsuit coverage appeal loss likely won't affect future filings
In an Aug. 23 split decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld a district court order dismissing a case filed by Los Angeles Lakers Inc. against Federal Insurance Co. when the team attempted to obtain insurance coverage in defense of a Telephone Consumer Protection Act lawsuit.
Washington state for-profit hospital allegedly denied charity care to low-income patients
Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced Sept. 22 that his office has filed a lawsuit against Capital Medical Center in Olympia for allegations of withholding charity care from select patients.
Jones Act claim not precluded by LHWCA settlement, Washington court decides
A Washington appellate court has reversed a superior court’s decision in a case questioning whether a man with a settled claim under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) can pursue new claims under the Jones Act.
California court denies stay of court proceedings in construction site damages case
The California Court of Appeals's Fourth Appellate District, Division Three, granted in part and denied in part a petition for writ of supersedeas.
In St. Louis, man sprays windshield wiper fluid industry with lawsuits
ST. LOUIS (Legal Newsline) - One St. Louis man appears to have gone from product-to-product trying to find a windshield wiper fluid he can trust when it’s warmer than negative-20 degrees outside – but, unsatisfied, he recently filed eight class action lawsuits in one day.
Michigan attorney general joins 41-state coalition in case against opioid manufacturers
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette announced Sept. 19 he is moving forward with a coalition of 41 attorneys general looking into the manufacturers and distributors of prescription opioid drugs.
SEC charges former Alliance Fiber Optic CEO with insider trading
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced Sept. 20 that it has charged Peter C. Cheng, the former CEO of Alliance Fiber Optic Products, with allegations of insider trading in company stock.
Connecticut targets dentist who allegedly defrauded Medicaid out of $900,000
Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen and state Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Roderick L. Bremby announced a lawsuit Sept. 21 against a Fairfield dentist over allegations of defrauding the state's Medicaid program.
Washington state alleges nation's second-largest for-profit prison management company underpays workers
Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced Sept. 20 that his office has sued the GEO Group Inc. (GEO) for failing to pay proper minimum wage to its workers.
EEOC sues CBS satellite station in Texas for alleged age discrimination
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced a lawsuit Sept. 26 against CBS Stations Group of Texas for allegedly refusing to hire Tammy Campbell for a traffic reporter position because of her age.
SEC secures $965 million from telecommunications company charged with bribing Uzbek official
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced Sept. 21 that Telia Company AB, a telecommunications company with operations in the United States and headquarters in Sweden, will pay $965 million after settling allegations of violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) to win business in Uzbekistan.
Solar energy company to pay $29.5 million penalty after allegedly violating False Claims Act
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Sept. 22 that SolarCity Corporation will pay $29.5 million after allegations of violating the False Claims Act.
Justice Department fines Young Living, alleging illegal trafficking of rosewood, spikenard oils
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Sept. 18 that Young Living Essential Oils L.C. was fined $500,000, plus $135,000 in restitution and $125,000 for a community service payment, after allegedly illegally trafficking rosewood oil and spikenard oil.
Justice Department secures $2.5 million from Alaska's Health and Social Services
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Sept. 18 that the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (ADHSS) will pay a $2.49 million penalty after allegations of violating the federal False Claims Act while administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Aegerion resolves SEC allegations of misleading investors with $4.1 million penalty
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced Sept. 22 that Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, now a subsidiary of Novelion Therapeutics, will pay a $4.1 million penalty after allegations of misleading investors in 2013.
Coca-Cola files motion of reconsideration after ruling in orange juice flavoring case
The Coca-Cola Co. has filed a motion of reconsideration after the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri court granted a motion of class certification in a lawsuit over allegedly added flavors in orange juice.
Calif. appeals court affirms $3.75 million judgment against cigarette manufacturer
Plaintiff Tajie Major sued several cigarette manufacturers her husband, William, had smoked, as well as manufacturers of asbestos to which he had been exposed, alleging both his smoking and asbestos exposure caused his lung cancer and death.
Seventh Circuit shoots down cosmetology student's attempt to be considered an employee
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit has affirmed a decision that a cosmetology student who worked at a beauty school salon was not an employee of the school.
New Kentucky ruling could cause more class actions over wage disputes
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Legal Newsline) – A landmark ruling by the Kentucky Supreme Court on Aug. 24 allowing class action lawsuits at the state level in cases involving wage and hour disputes could cause a spike in the number of such lawsuits.