News from March 2018
Arkansas' attorney general uses five private law firms to file opioid lawsuit
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Legal Newsline) – Another Republican has officially joined forces with the trial bar to sue the makers of prescription painkillers, as Arkansas’ Leslie Rutledge recently filed her anticipated lawsuit through five different private law firms.
Federal courts taking another look at transgender individuals' rights under Title VII
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – Seemingly at odds with some recent activities by the federal Department of Justice, federal circuit courts in various parts of the country seem poised to take a new look at various kinds of gender and gender-identity discrimination.
Challenged Ohio law wasn't created to curtail protected speech, professor says
LEESBURG, Fla. (Legal Newsline) – Beacon College Professor Michael Lozano says regardless of the mode of technology used to publish ideas, the most important question to ask is, "What's the nature of the speech in question?"
Plaintiff's prior medical history discussed in New Jersey pelvic mesh trial
HACKENSACK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) – Attorneys representing a medical device company alleged to have manufactured a pelvic mesh implant a woman claims caused her injury sought to portray the source of the woman’s pain not a result of the implant, but unrelated arthritic conditions in trial March 28.
Maryland Judiciary warns public of new telephone scam in Prince George's County
The Maryland Judiciary has issued a warning about a new telephone scam targeting residents in Prince George’s County.
Injunction stops glyphosate from needing California's Prop 65 cancer warning label
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) – The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California partially ruled in favor of businesses and agricultural groups who opposed the warning requirement for herbicide glyphosate under Proposition 65 over allegations it violated their First Amendment rights.
Benefits/risks of pelvic mesh addressed in C.R. Bard trial taking place in New Jersey
HACKENSACK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) – The trial over a woman’s allegations against a medical manufacturer over a mesh implant device that allegedly caused her intense pain and physical damage focused March 27 on the perceived risk versus benefit of the device.
Records show all-out, unsolicited attorney scramble to sign up Texas counties for opioid litigation
BEAUMONT – A new lawyer feeding frenzy has swept through Texas – a rush to push counties onboard the opioid litigation train before the state can pull into the station.
Cities vs. states: A looming battle for control of high-stakes opioid litigation
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Legal Newsline) - A public fight between the Tennessee attorney general and counties that have filed separate lawsuits against the opioid industry could be the first of many similar conflicts as state AGs try to assert control over mushrooming litigation over the addiction crisis.
Ozzy Osbourne alleges commitment to play both London, Los Angeles arenas harms artists
LOS ANGELES – The lead singer of heavy metal band Black Sabbath has filed suit against a live entertainment company and its affiliate over the conditions required by artists who wish to perform at London's O2 Arena.
Rodan & Fields seeks declaration regarding advertising of serum product
OAKLAND, Calif. (Legal Newsline) – A multi-level marketing skincare company alleges the maker of Olay is attempting to "stifle" its truthful advertising regarding a product.
Kibbles 'n Bits dog food alleged to contain pentobarbital
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – A New York consumer claims that the manufacturers of Kibbles 'n Bits dog food failed to disclose the food allegedly contains a substance "largely used to euthanize animals."
Consumer claims Brandsource zero percent interest promotion was misrepresented
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – A Michigan consumer claims a furniture seller deceptively represented its zero percent interest purchases on store-brand credit at its retail locations.
Advanced Thermal Technologies alleged to have submitted false claims to federal government
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) – A Massachusetts small business is alleged to have submitted false and fraudulent claims to the federal government to receive awards.
Female models allege Detroit strip club used photos without permission
DETROIT (Legal Newsline) – Twenty-seven professional models and actresses allege two corporations in Michigan misappropriated their images and likeness to promote a strip club.
CITGO Petroleum, others alleged to have discharged hazardous substances in Louisiana
LAKE CHARLES, La. (Legal Newsline) – The federal government and two Louisiana departments allege several oil and petrochemical manufacturers caused damage or loss of natural resources because of releases of hazardous substances.
Federal government seeks more than $150,000 refund from Ohio over motor fuel tax
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Legal Newsline) – The federal government is seeking a refund of taxes from the state of Ohio over allegations it is not liable for motor vehicle fuel taxes imposed by the state.
U.S. settles with trucking company that allegedly overcharged USPS
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced March 12 that Beam Bros. Trucking Inc. (BBT) will pay $1.025 million after allegations of violating the False Claims Act.
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FTC settles with Chinese company that allegedly deceived consumers about origin of mattresses
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced March 13 that Nectar Brand LLC will stop making “assembled in the USA” claims about its Chinese-made mattresses after allegations that those claims are false.
Dole to pay $145,000 to EPA after not removing cesspools in Hawaii
HONOLULU (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced March 20 that Dole Food Co. Inc., a producer of fruits and vegetables, will pay $145,000 and replace two large-capacity cesspools (LCC) with state-approved septic systems at its Puuiki Beach Park property on the island of Oahu.