News from June 2018
3 Hawaiian tour companies allegedly allowed sexual harassment of male employees
HONOLULU (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced May 30 that three related Hawaii tour companies – Discovering Hidden Hawaii Tours Inc., Hawaii Tours and Transportation Inc., and Big Kahuna Luau Inc. – will pay $570,000 after allegations of sexual harassment.
EEOC: Burger King franchisee settles sexual harassment case in Illinois
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced May 29 that Heartland Food LLC of Downers Grove, Ill., a company that operates Burger King franchises, will pay $55,000 after allegations of sexual harassment. The company will also furnish non-monetary relief.
Houston lawyer Lanier opens trial against J&J in St. Louis alleging asbestos in talcum powder caused ovarian cancer
ST. LOUIS - Just before Houston plaintiff attorney Mark Lanier wrapped up opening arguments Wednesday morning on behalf of 77 women claiming asbestos in talcum powder caused ovarian cancer he told jurors about a study of infants who had been born dead.
Review of 'Dark Side of Environmental Movement' spiked over claims it was 'dangerous'
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - A positive review of a play reconstructing a trial against a high profile environmental campaigner was spiked over fears the production was "dangerous" and not "impartial."
Mo. Supreme Court: Commission can deny approval of post-award settlement in Workers' Comp case
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) – Missouri's state labor commission can refuse to approve a post-award settlement between Costco Wholesale and an employee who was injured on the job, the state Supreme Court has ruled.
States against climate change lawsuits ask for dismissal of NYC's
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – The top lawyers of 15 states are again asking a federal judge to reject the legal strategy used by public officials and the private attorneys with whom they’ve teamed to sue the energy industry over alleged effects of climate change.
Man who has filed at least 83 TCPA lawsuits loses one in Tennessee court
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Legal Newsline) – The case between a man who allegedly tempted companies to identify themselves so he could file a Telephone Consumer Protection Act lawsuit against them has ended as the U.S. District Court in the Middle District of Tennessee ruled in favor of the defendants.
N.Y. asbestos bill continues to idle during gridlock; Finance Committee not discussing at today's meeting
ALBANY, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) - New York lawmakers won't discuss a bill targeting abuses in the asbestos compensation system during today's meeting of the Senate Finance Committee, where the bill, which is similar to legislation passed in 15 states, has sat for three months since being approved by the Judiciary Committee.
North Dakota court rules homeowner not responsible for overdose, death of house guest
BISMARCK, N.D. (Legal Newsline) – The North Dakota Supreme Court has affirmed a lower-court ruling that the owner of a Grand Forks house is not responsible for the overdose death of a man who ingested illegal drugs at the home.
Lawmakers, legal funding industry square off over regulation in New York
ALBANY, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) – Pressure is growing on the legal funding industry as more states are scrutinizing the growing business, including what some are describing as the extortionate interest rates charged.
No quit in trial bar after SCOTUS ruling, still filing lawsuits in favorite courts
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – Since last year’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that dealt a blow to forum-shopping personal injury attorneys, companies threatened with sprawling, 50-state litigation have not been forced into defending cases all over the country.
Woman's personal injury suit against Price Rite over fall in grocery store aisle continues after court ruling
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Legal Newsline) – The Rhode Island Supreme Court has affirmed in part and vacated in part the Superior Court’s judgment in a slip-and-fall lawsuit against PriceRite.
Walmart shopper alleges recording devices at self-checkout kiosks are unlawful
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) – A Riverside County, California consumer alleges Walmart is unlawfully recording shoppers' personal information at its self-checkout kiosks.
Committee to Restore Arkansans' Rights alleges part of state's code is unconstitutional
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Legal Newsline) – An Arkansas ballot question committee is challenging the rejection of its proposed amendment to the state's constitution.
Three weeks after Silver conviction, NY lawmakers balking at asbestos reform
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – Reform bills that would require asbestos plaintiffs to disclose all potential claims in court appear stalled in the New York legislature, three weeks after former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was convicted for a second time on charges stemming directly from the state’s scandal-prone asbestos court system.
New Jersey AG asks IRS not to enact new law that could undermine New Jersey tax law
TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) – New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced May 24 that he has asked the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to not enact a new law that he claims would undermine a recent New Jersey law.
New Mexico attorney general continues fight against Texas, federal government in water lawsuit
SANTA FE, N.M. (Legal Newsline) – New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas announced May 23 that he filed counter-claims and answers to Texas and the United States government in the Texas v. New Mexico water lawsuit.
New Jersey attorney general settles two disability discrimination cases involving support dogs
TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) – New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the Division on Civil Rights announced May 23 that they settled two separate disability discrimination cases that involved residents who were denied medically-prescribed support dogs by their housing complexes.
Maryland judge bars individual from mortgage industry after allegedly violating order
BALTIMORE, Md. (Legal Newsline) – Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh announced May 21 that Gary L. Klopp, an executive in the mortgage industry, has been barred from the industry for two years and ordered to pay $525,000 by U.S. District Judge Richard Bennett.
Search Fund Accelerator settles Massachusetts wage dispute for nearly $550,000
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) – Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced May 24 that Search Fund Accelerator (SFA) and its President Timothy Bovard and Treasurer Jeremy Silverman will pay $550,187 to settle allegations of violating the state’s wage and hour laws.