News from October 2018
Telecommunications companies sued for fraud
CHARLESTON — A South Carolina county and municipalities are suing Level 3 and Telcove telecommunications companies, alleging a violation of the Unfair Trade Practices Act.
California man alleges Cucina & Amore sauces do contain preservatives
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – A California resident alleges Cucina & Amore sauces are falsely advertised as not containing preservatives.
Starbucks White Chocolate Doubleshot Energy Drink does not contain white chocolate, New York consumer alleges
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) – A New York consumer alleges a Starbucks drink does not contain white chocolate as advertised and that the labeling is designed to increase sales.
Pittsburgh lawsuit against Catholic Church doesn't seek money for victims, wants admission of sexual abuse cover-up
PITTSBURGH – As the aftermath of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office’s grand jury report into child sexual abuse committed statewide by members of the Roman Catholic Church continues, alleged victims have taken to suing the Church.
Apple customers allege they were deceived by marketing, sales of TV season pass option on iTunes
OAKLAND, Calif. (Legal Newsline) – Two consumers allege that Apple falsely advertises the amount of television shows available under its season pass option.
Investors in projects at Jay Peak and Q Burke ski resorts allege they were damaged by scheme
BURLINGTON, Vt. (Legal Newsline) – Investors in projects at ski resorts in the state allege they were damaged by a scheme and are seeking to recover their losses.
United HealthCare Insurance Co. and United Behavioral Health accused of inadequate claims reimbursement
OAKLAND — An insured member has filed a class-action lawsuit against United HealthCare Insurance Co. and United Behavioral Health, a health insurance plans claim administrators, citing claims to recover benefits pursuant to ERISA, 29 U.S.C. § 1132(a)(1)(B), 1132(a)(3)(A), 1132(a)(3)(B) and the Affordable Care Act.
EPA seeks reimbursement for removing lead, toxins from Detroit site
DETROIT — At the request of the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. is suing Federal-Mogul, an auto parts manufacturer, under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act.
Pet owners accuse Champion of allowing heavy metals, toxins in pet food; Company says it's a copycat of failed lawsuit
CHICAGO — Pet owners have filed a class-action lawsuit against Champion Petfoods USA Inc. and Champion Petfoods LP, alleging that they misrepresented and failed to fully disclose the presence of heavy metals and toxins in their pet food.
Ohio industrial cleaning business reaches settlement on alleged use of racial epithets to blacks
CINCINNATI — An Ohio industrial cleaning company has reached a settlement with a federal agency to resolve a lawsuit alleging that two African-American workers at its Kentucky operation were subjected to racial harassment.
Teva Pharmaceutical asks FTC to modify order involving merger, generic drug competition
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Teva Pharmaceutical Industries LTD., is requesting the U.S. Federal Trade Commission reopen and modify a 2012 order involving a merger between Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc., and Actavis Inc.
ReadyTech, FTC reach settlement over false EU-U.S. Privacy Shield framework certification
WASHINGTON, D.C. — ReadyTech Corp. and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have reached a settlement that resolves charges by the commission that the company falsely claimed it was certifying its compliance under the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield framework.
Texan known as 'Frack Master' reaches $25 million settlement over alleged securities fraud
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Texas businessman who called himself the "Frack Master" has reached a $25 million settlement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and will serve 12 years in federal prison over allegations of running a securities fraud scheme.
OSHA cites Florida farm after worker dies from lighting strike
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Florida farm has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after the death of a farm worker from a lighting strike.
Minnesota food service company to give back pay to female workers paid less than male counterparts
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Minnesota food service company accused of gender pay discrimination by the U.S. Department of Labor has agreed to pay $399,000 in back pay and interest to nearly 100 female employees at its Minnesota facility, according to the federal government.
Cash Express settles allegations of misleading consumers, withholding funds
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Tennessee dollar lender has settled charges by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, alleging the company mislead customers and withheld money from check-cashing transactions.
New Jersey attorney general blasts IRS' elimination of longtime donor reporting rule
TRENTON — New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal is calling on the Trump administration to explain its recent elimination of a 47-year donor reporting rule requiring social welfare organizations to identify their donors and any so called "dark money" spent on political activity to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Nevada Supreme Court affirms dismissal of $6 million lawsuit against Fiesta Palms
CARSON CITY, Nev. (Legal Newsline) – Nevada’s Supreme Court has affirmed a district court's decision deny a motion of relief after the court dismissed a personal injury lawsuit against Fiesta Palms.
California court rules state board must revise waiver in water code regarding agriculture discharge
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) – A group of environmental entities has won an appeal in a case involving the state of California's water code.
Alabama Supreme Court: Daughter in wrongful death case didn't have authority to sign arbitration agreement
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (Legal Newsline) – The daughter of a deceased dementia patient will not have to submit to arbitration in her wrongful death lawsuit against a Huntsville, Alabama nursing and rehabilitation center following an Alabama Supreme Court opinion issued earlier this month.