News from May 2017
43 states reach $33M settlement with Johnson & Johnson
CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Attorney General's office, along with 42 other AGs, have reached a $33 million settlement with Johnson & Johnson subsidiary McNeil-PPC Inc. regarding representation of product quality. West Virginia’s share will exceed $440,000. The settlement resolves allegations that McNeil unlawfully promoted its over-the-counter drugs as meeting federal standards for manufacturing.
Couple blames 19 companies for husband's illness
CHARLESTON — A Raleigh County couple is suing 19 companies, alleging liability and negligence in permitting the husband to develop Parkinson's disease.
West Virginia to get $200K in Target data breach settlement
CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced an $18.5 million settlement between national retailer Target, 47 states and the District of Columbia to resolve allegations stemming from a massive data breach in 2013.
Woman blames Tygart Center for family member’s death
CHARLESTON – A woman is suing Genesis Healthcare after she claims it negligently cared for her family member and was responsible for his death.
Woman names 136 companies in asbestos suit
CHARLESTON – A woman is suing 136 companies she claims are responsible for her late husband’s lung cancer and death.
Woman sues Genesis Healthcare for family member’s death
CHARLESTON – A woman is suing Genesis Healthcare after she claims it is responsible for her family member’s injuries and death.
Cabell County man accuses Verizon of wrongful termination
HUNTINGTON – A Cabell County man is suing Verizon Wireless after he claims his employment was wrongfully terminated.
California corporation alleges debtor, guarantor failed to pay nearly $100,000
RIPLEY — A California corporation is suing a debtor and guarantor, alleging breach of contract and unjust enrichment.
Customer accuses debt collector of state violations
PRINCETON — An Mercer County man is suing a debt collector, alleging misrepresentation in debt collection and violation of state law.
Customer accuses GEICO of denying insurance claims
GRAFTON — A Taylor County man is suing GEICO, alleging breach of contract denying insurance coverage.
Oliva becomes first WVU professor named a Bellow Scholar
MORGANTOWN – Jennifer Oliva finds herself in the rarest of company based on her commitment to touch the lives of as many West Virginia veterans in need as she possibly can.
Employee alleges benefits plan administrator violated law
HUNTINGTON — A Kentucky woman is suing a plan administrator, alleging breach of contract and denial of ERISA benefits.
Man gets his driver's license back in ruling from Supreme Court of Appeals
CHARLESTON – A man who lost his driver’s license for three years even though he wasn’t driving has won a victory against the DMV in the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia.
AG's office leads push to roll back EPA regulations
CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey is leading an eight-state coalition in establishing a list of federal regulations that should be repealed, replaced or modified.
Here's a candidate for a new federal coal mine safety director
Former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship thinks he has a thing or two in common with Donald Trump and said so in a letter written to the president just days after his release from federal prison after serving a one-year sentence on a misdemeanor charge of conspiracy to willfully violate mine safety standards prior to the 2010 explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine.
Contingent fees, class actions ensure justice for all, not just rich CEOs
MORGANTOWN – The January 2014 water crisis following the Freedom Industries' chemical leak affected more than 225,000 Kanawha Valley residents, workers and businesses. People had to purchase bottled water to drink and cook and had to travel outside the area to bathe. Businesses were affected too, especially restaurants, medical offices, hotels and others that depend on safe, clean water for daily operations.
Budget cuts threaten to slam courthouse doors on many West Virginians
HUNTINGTON – When ordinary Americans need help with life’s big problems, the Legal Services Corporation is there. But its survival is threatened. That’s why it needs help from every resident of West Virginia. What does the LSC do to protect low-income individuals and families who can’t afford a lawyer? Here’s a recent story from Kanawha County.
WVU law grads employment rates beat national average
MORGANTOWN – Last year was a very good year for graduates from the West Virginia University's College of Law.
Supreme Court upholds decision denying medication to mechanic with alleged back pain
CHARLESTON – The Supreme Court of Appeals for the State of West Virginia has affirmed a decision by the state’s Workers’ Compensation Board of Review denying medication for a mechanic who allegedly has ongoing back pain.
Kanawha County couple alleges financial business violated law
WINFIELD — A Kanawha County couple is suing a financial business and an insurance company, alleging negligence and violation of state law.