News from March 2019
L'Oreál accused of marketing cosmetic line as 'skin-altering drugs' without FDA approval
LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline)— A California woman has filed a class action lawsuit against L'Oreál USA, Inc., alleging its skin care cosmetic products are being marketed as "skin-altering drugs" without Food and Drug Administration approval.
CFPB seeks to enforce investigative demand issued to New York law firm
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has petitioned the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York to enforce a civil investigative demand (CID) issued to a New York law firm.
N.C. hog farmers press for reversal of $500M in nuisance verdicts
RICHMOND, Va. (Legal Newsline) - North Carolina hog farmers, supported by national farming and manufacturing groups, have asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to reverse a $50 million nuisance verdict that was the opening shot in litigation that has delivered more than $500 million in verdicts for property owners who say they are being annoyed by noise and smells emanating from nearby farms.
Kim Kardashian tried to 'screw all of us out of everything,' says emoji developer suing her for $100M
OKLAHOMA CITY (Legal Newsline) – A $100 million lawsuit filed against Kim Kardashian is far from "ridiculous and absurd," according to the businessman who is taking the action against the celebrity.
Airbnb asks courts to dismiss claim from Florida county over taxes
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) – Airbnb has filed a motion to dismiss a suit by Florida county over the collection of taxes.
In the wake of previous failures, Michigan lawyer again sues social media companies over alleged terrorist links
DALLAS (Legal Newsline) – An attorney gaining a reputation for representing plaintiffs suing social media organizations over claims they aided and abetted terrorists is involved in yet another case against the companies.
Can a body of water have rights like a human? Lake Erie Bill of Rights faces challenge
TOLEDO, Ohio (Legal Newsline) – A new law that gives Lake Erie legal rights that are normally reserved for humans is expected to have a difficult time surviving appeals, but that’s little comfort to Ohio’s farmers right now.
Stanley Black & Decker to pay $140,000 after firing employee for absence due to cancer treatment
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Stanley Black & Decker has settled allegations by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that the tool manufacturer fired an employee for poor attendance due to work absence for cancer treatments and medical appointments.
Illinois casino to pay former worker's estate after denying medical leave for cancer treatment
WASHINGTON, D.C. — An Illinois casino will pay the estate of a deceased former employee whom the federal government says was fired for asking for medical leave so he could receive cancer treatment.
Michigan poultry ranch accused of harassing, mocking disabled employee
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A Michigan egg producer faces a lawsuit from the federal government, alleging a line worker at the poultry ranch with a disability was subjected to a hostile work environment.
9 attorneys general seek to enjoin administration from seismic testing off Atlantic Coast
NEW YORK — A coalition that includes nine attorneys generals and a group of non-governmental organizations has filed a motion to preliminarily enjoin the Trump administration's seismic testing surveys off the Atlantic Coast.
Attorneys general seek to halt OSHA workplace reporting rule change
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Attorneys general from six states have filed a lawsuit to try and halt the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) new rule regarding employer's public reporting of workplace injuries and illness from being implemented.
Yoga clothing subscription program accused of violating California law
LOS ANGELES — Delaware-based Yoga Club LLC faces a class action lawsuit over allegations of violating California state law with its automatic renewal program.
ExxonMobile faces 6-count suit over alleged industrial contamination at New Jersey site
TRENTON — ExxonMobil faces a six-count lawsuit from the state of New Jersey alleging the company's years of industrial contamination has harmed the state's wetlands and waterways.
Maryland Judiciary warns public about deceptive mail scam threatening asset seizure
The Maryland Judiciary has issued a warning to the public regarding a mail scam that threatens residents with the seizure of their bank accounts.
SCOTUS to hear oral arguments over power of government agencies to interpret regulations
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - Oral arguments over how much power government agencies can wield when interpreting their own regulations will be made before the U.S. Supreme Court before the end of the month.
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR: U.s. Department of Labor Cites Georgia Battery Manufacturer for Lead and Other Safety Hazards; Proposes $115,594 in Penalties
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited U.S. Battery Manufacturing Co. for exposing employees to lead, unguarded machinery, and other safety hazards at its facility in Augusta, Georgia. The company faces penalties of $115,594.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION: BB&T to Return More Than $5 Million to Retail Investors and Pay Penalty Relating to Directed Brokerage Arrangements
The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that BB&T Securities has agreed to return more than $5 million to retail investors and pay a $500,000 penalty to settle charges that a firm it acquired misled its advisory clients into believing they were receiving full service brokerage services in-house at a discount while significantly less expensive options were available externally.
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION: Operators of Sweepstakes Scam Will Forfeit $30 Million to Settle FTC Charges
The operators of a sweepstakes scam that appeared to target seniors have agreed to forfeit a record $30 million in cash and assets and will be permanently banned from the prize promotion business under a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION: CRST to Pay $47,500 to Settle EEOC Disability Discrimination and Retaliation Lawsuit
UCRST Expedited, Inc. / CRST International, Inc. will pay $47,500 and furnish other relief to settle a disability discrimination and retaliation lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal agency announced.