News from July 2018
South Dakota optometrist reaches settlement with state for alleged unnecessary Medicaid claims
PIERRE, S.D. — A South Dakota optometrist has agreed to a settlement with South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley to resolve allegations of submission for medically unnecessary claims for Medicaid payments.
U.S. alleges Texas metro-chemical contractor fired workers because of blood disorders
HOUSTON — A Texas petro-chemical contractor whom the federal government alleges fired three brothers because of their hemophilia blood disorder, has settled a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity.
Facebook, Washington state agree to stop third-party advertisers from excluding certain groups
SEATTLE — Facebook has signed a legally binding agreement with the state of Washington stating the company will make changes to its nationwide advertising platform in order to stop third-party advertisers from excluding protected groups from seeing its ads.
New Jersey seeks to halt firearm developer's plans to publish printable gun computer files
TRENTON — The state of New Jersey has issued a cease and desist order to a firearm developer with plans to publish printable gun computer files allowing the creation of firearms using a 3-D printer, according to state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal.
Montana to receive funds previously withheld funds by Big Tobacco
HELENA, Mont. — A recent settlement reached between the state of Montana and tobacco companies will help ensure the commitments made by the companies that date back to a 1998 nationwide master settlement agreement that resolved multiple state lawsuits, according to the state's attorney general.
Missouri attorney general alleges Google paid manufacturers to have web browser pre-installed
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley has served Google with an investigative subpoena alleging the tech company took improper steps to have its web browser pre-installed in order to access several Android applications.
Massachusetts alleges store owner denied African-American, Middle Easterner entry
BOSTON — The state of Massachusetts is accusing an upscale shoe and clothing store owner of denying service to an African-American and Middle Easterner who were shopping in his Back Bay store.
Georgia law firm alleges it is owed more than $100,000 for services on personal injury case
ATLANTA (Legal Newsline) – A Georgia-based law firm alleges it was not paid for its legal services provided on a personal injury case.
Vermont enacts toughest auto-renewal law in country, branded 'superfluous' by attorney
MONTPELIER, Vt. (Legal Newsline) – Vermont has enacted the toughest law in the country related to the automatic renewal of goods and services, a move called "superfluous" by one attorney specializing in the field.
EEOC alleges Halliburton Energy breached previous settlement agreement in discrimination case
JACKSON — Halliburton Energy Services, Inc., has reached a $280,000 settlement with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to resolve a lawsuit alleging the company breached a previous mediation settlement with the EEOC in a discrimination case.
EEOC alleges Dallas electric company fired worker who refused to sign mandatory medication disclosure
DALLAS — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is suing Dallas-based Oncor Electric Delivery Company for allegedly practicing disability discrimination stemming from a mandatory medication disclosure policy.
N.H. Supreme Court affirms $750,000 judgment against Applebee’s owner in salmonella lawsuit
CONCORD, N.H. (Legal Newsline) – The New Hampshire Supreme Court issued an opinion July 18 that a trial court and jury did not err in awarding a man $750,000 in his suit over allegations he contracted salmonella after eating at an Applebee’s restaurant.
Alaska Superior Court denies Purdue Pharma request to dismiss deceptive opioid promotions claims
ANCHORAGE — The Alaska Superior Court has denied the request of pharmaceutical giant Purdue Pharma LLC to dismiss five state claims, alleging deceptive practices in promoting opioid use.
Maryland court rules state's whistleblower law does not protect teachers in AP course case
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Legal Newsline) – The Maryland Court of Appeals released an opinion July 12 in the case of a Montgomery County teacher who claims he was retaliated against after notifying the media that Advanced Placement (AP) students were allegedly being given credit for taking non-AP courses.
N.Y. attorney general accuses Rochester home improvement contractors of writing fake online reviews
ROCHESTER — New York state Attorney General Barbara Underwood has filed a lawsuit against two Rochester home improvement contractors and their company for defrauding consumers with fake reviews and failing to perform services promised.
Md. hospital free from $2.3M verdict over patient's suicide
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Legal Newsline) – In an opinion published July 12, the Maryland Court of Appeals reversed a judgment against a hospital in a woman’s suit alleging her son committed suicide because the hospital and doctors released him early.
Massachusetts electrical, lighting supplier to pay $2.3 million for alleged overbilling
BOSTON — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey's allegations that a Quincy-based electrical and lighting product supplier overbilled hundreds of state entities, have been resolved with a $2.3 million settlement.
Frye Media founder agrees to $27.4 million settlement for alleged fraudulent investments
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The founder of the Frye Festival and Frye Media, Inc., along with several others, have agreed to settle charges by the federal government of selling fraudulent investments that raised at least $27.4 million.
Michigan company accused of submitting false USAID claims to pay $2.48 million settlement
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Michigan-based U.S. construction company accused of submitting false claims for payment to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will pay a $2.481 million settlement, according to U.S. Department of Justice..