News from October 2018
New Jersey settles allegations Aetna disclosed protected health information through mailing
TRENTON, N.J. — The state of New Jersey has reached a settlement with Aetna, Inc., over allegations the company disclosed protected health information including HIV/AIDS status and individuals' participation in medical studies.
Pfizer settles allegations its 'Pay No More Than' coupon program deceived consumers
NEW YORK — Pfizer Inc. has agreed to pay more than $2.5 million in penalties to settle charges by the New York State Attorney General's Office of deceptively marketing its co-payment coupon program "Pay No More Than."
Former national cleaning service workers allege they were not paid for travel time
BOSTON — Several former employees of a national cleaning service have alleged they were not compensated for travel time, according to the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office.
Massachusetts Realtors, property owners allegedly discriminated against voucher program participants
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office has settled three separate cases involving housing providers, Realtors and rental agents over allegations of income-based discrimination.
12-state coalition argues financial protection board proposal weakens consumer safeguards
CHICAGO — A coalition of 12 state attorneys general is arguing for the federal government to either withdraw or modify a proposal that would allow companies to offer financial products without compliance with federal disclosure laws.
Aetna to sell 1.5 million Medicare Part D plans as part of settlement regarding CVS merger
SACRAMENTO — A settlement reached between the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), a multi-state coalition and Aetna regarding the company's merger with CVS Health (CVS) will require the sale of 1.5 million Medicare Part D plans to WellCare Health plans.
Boulder's gun ban challenged by Second Amendment advocates; Federal case on hold while state lawsuit sorted out
DENVER (Legal Newsline) – A federal judge will take a step back from the lawsuit filed against the city of Boulder, Colorado, by gun owners and an organization over the city’s assault weapons ban.
Mississippi Supreme Court reverses lower court ruling in medical malpractice case over expert testimony
JACKSON, Miss. (Legal Newsline) – The Mississippi Supreme Court recently found in favor of a group of health care defendants in the medical malpractice case of a woman who ended up on a ventilator days after knee surgery.
Judge chastises Labaton in hearing over $75M attorneys fee, demands contracts
The federal judge who unleashed a wide-ranging investigation into the fee practices of Labaton Sucharow was unimpressed by the class action firm’s agreement to install an ethics monitor and revamp its rules.
Baltimore City District Court Re-Entry Project hosts graduation ceremony
The Baltimore City District Court Re-Entry Project is set to celebrate its fifth graduating class.
Del. court recommends keeping AG's racketeering case against Gold Fever alive
WILMINGTON, Del. (Legal Newsline) – The Superior Court of the state of Delaware has recommended to deny a motion to dismiss a case over alleged criminal enterprise filed by the state.
Consumers allege MiTAC Digital failed to notify users of GPS device lifetime map subscription change
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – Two California consumers allege the maker of the Magellan RoadMate GPS device falsely represented buyers would get free lifetime map updates.
Consumer alleges Ticketmaster works with resellers to get 'second cut' on ticket sales
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – A California man alleges Ticketmaster has been working with ticket scalpers and has facilitated ticket sales by implementing a resale partner program.
Westminster Pharmaceuticals, CVS Pharmacy alleged to have injured consumers with sale of adulterated medication
TAMPA, Fla. (Legal Newsline) – A Pennsylvania woman alleges she was damaged because she paid full price for a prescription that is adulterated.
Homeowner alleges defective NIBCO tubing burst his home, caused more than $30,000 in damages
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) – A New York homeowner alleges that defective tubing in his home burst and caused water damages to the property.
Perfect Bar makers omit information regarding added sugar, consumers allege
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – A California resident and a New York consumer are challenging the health claims of an energy bar maker over allegations the bars have a high sugar content.
Buyers allege Arizona Beverage falsely advertises that tea, energy drinks are preservative-free
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – The labeling used by a beverage company is alleged to deceive consumers into thinking they are purchasing healthier, preservative-free beverages.
Split Va. SC says employers owed 'duty of care' to family members of employees with asbestos claims
RICHMOND, Va. (Legal Newsline) – Employers owe a duty of care when an employee's family members are exposed to asbestos the employee brings home from the job, a split Virginia Supreme Court ruled Oct. 11.
OSHA cites Pennsylvania pipe company for safety, health violations after electrocution death
PITTSBURGH — A Pennsylvania pipe company has been cited by the federal government for workplace safety and health violations stemming from the fatal electrocution of a worker at a Johnstown worksite.
EEOC report shows agency sexual harassment lawsuits up 50 percent
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A recent report by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) shows a 50 percent increase in sexual harassment lawsuits by the agency over the last fiscal year and more than a 12 percent increase in sexual harassment allegations.