News from May 2018
KleinBank allegedly engaged in 'redlining' in Twin Cities
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Justice announced May 8 that KleinBank will settle allegations of “redlining,” a practice of discrimination in which lenders intentionally avoid providing services to members of certain communities because of the race or national origin of those residents.
Texas attorney general settles with 37 stores accused of illegal contact lenses sales
AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced May 7 that his office’s Consumer Protection Division has secured assurances of voluntary compliance with 37 store owners and wholesale distribution companies that agreed to stop selling contact lenses in Texas that are allegedly dangerous and unlawful.
Virginia attorney general accuses major online lender of astronomical interest rates
RICHMOND, Va. (Legal Newsline) — Virginia Attorney General Mark R. Herring announced a lawsuit May 4 against Net Credit, a major online lender in the state, for allegedly violating the Virginia Consumer Protection Act.
FTC alleges mortgage relief operation duped distressed homeowners
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced May 8 that it has charged a mortgage relief operation with allegedly duping homeowners into poor deals.
FTC settles case with Hawaiian air ambulance service providers
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced May 3 that, following a public comment period, it approved a final order settling charges against AMR Holdco and Air Medical Group Holdings, which does business as LifeTeam.
Paralegal ruptured Achilles during company softball but won't get Workers' Comp
WILMINGTON, Del. (Legal Newsline) – A Delaware Superior Court judge has ruled that a paralegal injured while playing on his law firm’s softball team isn’t entitled to workers’ compensation.
Arizona Supreme Court: Defendants in secondary asbestos exposure cases should not be held liable
The Arizona Supreme Court has ruled companies should not be held liable for damages allegedly related to secondary asbestos exposure.
Two trials, same result: Sheldon Silver guilty of using public office to make millions from asbestos lawsuits
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – For a second time, a jury has convicted former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver of corruption for using his status as a lawmaker and asbestos attorney to rake in millions of dollars.
Hagens Berman reduces fee for latest government client to sue over climate change
Hagens Berman reduces fee for latest government client to sue over climate change
Nyko Technologies docking kit for Nintendo Switch can damage consoles, consumer claims
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – A Florida man alleges a docking kit he purchased to use with his Nintendo Switch caused the console to become inoperable.
Consumer claims Plaza Services collection letter was misleading
NORFOLK, Va. (Legal Newsline) – A Virginia consumer alleges a Georgia debt collector mailed her a collection letter that did not meet the guidelines of a federal statute.
Raritan Baykeeper alleges New York facility doesn't have permit for polluted stormwater
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) – A nonprofit corporation alleges a ready-mix concrete facility in New York is discharging polluted stormwater.
Ohio alleges it has spent more than $250,000 to clean up Dayton property, seeks reimbursement
DAYTON, Ohio (Legal Newsline) – The state of Ohio is seeking reimbursement from two companies over alleged contamination at a Dayton property.
LabMD alleges attorney with Missouri law firm unlawfully represented whistleblower
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – A Georgia cancer detection laboratory is seeking a trial by jury over the outcome of a whistleblower suit.
Mississippi alleges debt management companies are 'preying' on state's consumers
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (Legal Newsline) – The state of Mississippi alleges several debt management service providers lured consumers into programs that aren't "viable" options to resolve debt.
Judge sees litigation as only an `aid in settlement discussions’ for opioid lawsuits
CLEVELAND (Legal Newsline) - The judge overseeing hundreds of lawsuits against the opioid industry that have been consolidated in federal court said some trials may occur but that litigation is “not a substitute or replacement” for his preferred goal of a comprehensive settlement.
Kentucky judge allows disbarred attorney Lerach to stay on case
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Legal Newsline) – Judge Phillip Shepherd of Kentucky's Franklin Circuit Court rejected a motion April 17 by defendants asking whether disbarred attorney William S. Lerach should be prevented from working as a “pension consultant” in a major investment-gone-wrong lawsuit.
Montgomery County Circuit Court celebrates adult drug court graduates
Ten participants will graduate from the adult drug treatment court program in Montgomery County on May 16.
Senate bill would bring litigation funders out of the shadows, goes further than opioid judge's recent order
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - Days after a federal judge overseeing some of the most important current litigation demanded to be told if outside interests were funding it, Republican senators have introduced a bill that would do even more in all class action lawsuits.
Judge gives conditional certification of FLSA class against Quest Diagnostics, ExamOne
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – A New York federal judge has approved a collective action class of Quest Diagnostics employees who accused the company of failing to pay minimum wage and overtime in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).