May 1, 2016

So Sue Them: What We’ve Learned About the Debt Collection Lawsuit Machine

Millions of Americans live with the possibility that, at any moment, their wages or the cash in their bank accounts could be seized over an old debt. It’s an easily ignored part of America’s financial system, in part due to a common attitude that people who don’t pay their debts deserve what’s coming to them. A couple of years ago, we set out to find out more about the growing use of the courts …



HBO’s ‘Vinyl’ Prompts Lawsuit From Hip Hop Pioneer DJ Kool Herc

According to the complaint, DJ Kool Herc turned down a $10,000 offer before the series aired. The pioneers of rock and hip-hop are having a bit of a moment in courtrooms across the nation. Led Zeppelin is set to stand trial next week over “Stairway to Heaven” while Flo & Eddie of the Turtles are leading putative class actions over the broadcasting of their music on platforms like SiriusXM and …


City to Settle Lawsuit Over Excessive Force

The City of Omaha will settle a lawsuit alleging excessive force and warrant-less search and seizure. If approved by the City Council, the family of Sharee Johnson would receive $30,000 for the judgment entered against the city and an additional $60,000 for attorney fees, expenses, and costs. The lawsuit stems from an incident near 33rd and Seward in …


Couple Fights Off $1 Million Lawsuit Over Bad Yelp Review

“I had no idea this could happen, it’s frightening,” said Michelle Duchouquette. Michelle Duchouquette and her husband Robert were sued earlier this year after writing a one-star review about Prestigious Pets in Dallas. The review said she didn’t like the extra $5 fee to walk her dogs and that the fish bowl water appeared cloudy with …


Parents Worry Lawsuit Could Hurt Springfield Workshop

A group of Clark County residents spoke out Friday against a class action lawsuit filed by an Ohio disability rights organization seeking to provide more choices for people with developmental disabilities. Disability Rights Ohio met with the Clark County Parent Advocates for people with developmental disabilities at the Springfield City Hall Forum on Friday morning. About 50 people from the …


Lawsuit Claims Bloomfield Twp. Overtaxes Water Users

Bloomfield Township — A township resident has filed a class-action lawsuit against Bloomfield Township for allegedly overtaxing residents’ water rates “for the injustice enrichment” of the township. The complaint seeks to have assessments reviewed, corrected and a refund of “millions of dollars” in alleged rate overcharges “not used to cover the actual expenses of providing water to those …


Ford NZ May Be Affected by Australian Class Action

New Zealand Ford cars could be caught up in an Australian class action over reported transmission problems in a range of models. Lawyers claim more than 60,000 cars in Australia are “unsafe to drive”, including the Fiesta Hatchback, Focus and the EcoSport SUV. Ford NZ carries largely the same vehicles as its Australian counterpart, including vehicles with Ford’s PowerShift transmission.


Why Suing Your Bank Could Help Others Avoid Being Ripped Off

A new proposal by the nation’s chief consumer watchdog could help government regulators and prosecutors stop big banks’ dubious practices more quickly. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Thursday suggested a ban on clauses tucked into contracts for credit cards, student loans and other financial products that prohibit consumers from joining together to sue financial companies for …


Ohio Village Fights Class-Action Status in Speed Camera Case

A southwest Ohio village’s attorney said he will ask the state’s high court to overturn an appeal court’s approval of class-action status for motorists who paid nearly $2 million in fines before a judge ordered New Miami to turn off its traffic cameras. New Miami’s attorney, Felix Gora, said he will ask the state Supreme Court later this week to reject the approval of class-action status for …