News from February 2019
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR: U.s. Department of Labor Investigation Results in Tennessee Construction Contractor Paying $195,193 for Wage and Benefit Violations
After an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD), Frizzell Construction Co. Inc. – based in Bristol, Tennessee – will pay $195,193 in back wages, and fringe benefits to 27 employees for violating requirements of the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA), the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (CWHSSA), and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION: East Coast Labor Solutions and Related Staffing Firms to Pay $475,000 to Settle EEOC National Origin and Disability Discrimination Suit
East Coast Labor Solutions, East Coast Labor Solutions of West Virginia, Labor Solutions, and Labor Solutions of Alabama ("East Coast Labor"), four related staffing agencies under common ownership, have agreed to pay $475,000 and furnish significant equitable relief to settle a federal lawsuit alleging national origin discrimination and failure to accommodate disabilities brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced.
FTC settles with operators of alleged work-from-home scam
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Feb. 14 that it has reached a settlement with two men who allegedly made several million dollars from customers by conducting a "work-from home business opportunity" scam.
Payday lender accused of making harassing calls to borrowers' references settles with government
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — A payday retail lender operating in several states has settled charges by the federal government of failing to prevent overcharges, making harassing collection calls to borrowers' references and falsely advertising services that the company did not really offer.
LPL Financial could face about $26 million in civil penalties
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — LPL Financial LLC has reached a settlement agreement with the state of Maryland that could result in more than $26 million in civil penalties and will resolve allegations the company's policies and actions resulted in unregistered, non-exempt securities sales.
Coalition urges FDIC to protect small-dollar loan lenders from abusive lending
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — Illinois Attorney Kwame Raoul has joined a 13-state coalition urging the federal government to ensure small loan borrowers are protected from high interest and abusive lending and that lenders comply with state laws regarding small-dollar loans.
Mississippi recovers $26.6 million against government contractors alleging bribes, kickbacks
JACKSON, Miss. (Legal Newsline) — Eleven lawsuits filed by the state of Mississippi against several government contractors that allege bribery and kickbacks of a former Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) commissioner have resulted in $26.6 million in recoveries.
Class action lawyers pounce after Hill's Pet announces dog food recall
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – Class action lawsuits are rolling in against a major pet nutrition food producer after it recalled canned dog food products because of potentially elevated amounts of vitamin D.
State reaches settlement with New York City co-ops accused of avoiding rent stabilization laws
ALBANY, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) — The state of New York has reached a settlement with two previous New York City cooperative corporations over charges they avoided the state's rent stabilization laws by operating their buildings as "for-profit rental buildings."
Attorney Brian Cummings brings compassion to personal injury cases
Nashville attorney Brian Cummings dedicates his life's work to helping people who are injured or those who have lost someone due to the negligence of others.
'Funniest person in the world' says Laugh Factory still owes him more than $70,000 after winning 2016 contest
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) – A comedian says Laugh Factory failed to pay him a $100,000 prize in full after winning the Funniest Person in the World contest in 2016.
Tough Mudder faces $4.3 million lawsuit
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (Legal Newsline) – A minority shareholder in a company that organizes endurance events alleges he has sustained $4.3 million in losses as a result of the company's refusal to honor its contractual obligations.
Baltimore County adopts electronic case management system
Baltimore County has become the latest jurisdiction to implement the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) case management system, which aims to streamline court processes and facilitate case filing for litigants.
'That can't be right': Group defending disputed insurance law project gets judges involved
PHILADELPHIA – It's curious that a group of lawyers and scholars that traditionally sought to help judges by restating existing laws - but has since been accused of trying to create its own - is involving federal judges as it explains itself, attorneys feel.
Vermont court rules for railroad in suit over train/truck collision; Driver was listening to music and didn't hear whistle
MONTPELIER, Vt. (Legal Newsline) – A man who was injured after his vehicle collided with a train in 2011 has lost his appeal of a judgment in the railroad company's favor.
Rhode Island Supreme Court affirms judgment for Pare Engineering in sewer project dispute
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Legal Newsline) – Ruling that the record presented to it lacked any indication of an intent to harm, the Vermont Supreme Court affirmed a lower court's judgment in a company's suit against an engineering consultant company over bids for a sewer infrastructure expansion project.
Man shot in eye by nail gun gets to proceed with lawsuit against Hitachi
WILMINGTON, Del. (Legal Newsline) – A Delaware court has denied a motion by Japanese company Hitachi to dismiss a suit filed by a construction worker who was allegedly injured while operating a nail gun it manufactured.
ABRAHAM WATKINS NICHOLS SORRELS: $123 Million Verdict Against Ride the Ducks Manufacturer
A Seattle, Washington jury awarded $123 million to victims and their families of a 2015 Ride the Ducks crash which resulted in the death of five people and injured more than 60 people.
FTC seeks public comment regarding modifications to franchising rule
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is considering changes and modifications to its Disclosure Requirements and Prohibitions Concerning Franchising (Franchising Rule) and seeks public comment on the rule.
Consumers to receive $3.5 million as part of FTC settlement with company promoting weight loss
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Maine Attorney General's Office have reached settlements with two companies who both falsely marketed weight loss supplements that will result in nearly $3.5 million in refunds going to consumers affected by the alleged scam.