Consumers

Op-Ed: Consumers Have a Right to Go to Court

Some of the fine print on bank account, credit card, and loan forms may soon get a rewrite that restores legal rights millions of Americans unknowingly waive when they swipe a piece of plastic or borrow money. Monday is the deadline for public comment on a federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposal to curb so-called “forced arbitration” clauses — dense language buried deep in the …


CFPB Arbitration Rule Will Enrich Trial Lawyers, Not Protect Consumers

Today, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau closes the comment period on its proposed rule to enrich trial lawyers at the expense of consumers. The Bureau misleadingly styles its proposal as one to regulate arbitration agreements. The truth is that the proposal is very intentionally designed for the singular goal of promoting class action lawsuits—the number one policy priority of the trial …



1-800 Contacts Slapped With Lawsuit Over Alleged Anti-Competitive Practices

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission said on Monday it had sued 1-800 Contacts, which it called the largest U.S. online retailer of contact lenses, alleging the company illegally maintained anti-competitive agreements with rival online contact lens sellers. These agreements “suppress competition in certain online search advertising auctions and … restrict truthful and non-misleading internet …


Front-Loader Odor: Stinky Washer Class Action Lawsuit Finally Settled

Front-loading washing machines are popular among customers who want to “go green” by using less water than a traditional top-loader. However, in a recent class action lawsuit, some people said their Whirlpool, Maytag, and Kenmore washing machines were a little too “green” — with foul-smelling mold building up after every cycle. Sears customers who purchased the front-loaders first filed the …



Class Action Says Anthem Refuses to Cover Brand-Name Medication

A class action lawsuit charges that Anthem Blue Cross refuses to cover name-brand medication, even when there is no equivalent generic or the generic is ineffective. In the suit, K.F. Petty says that in 2007, her doctor prescribed a medication described in the suit as “Drug X” to protect her privacy.


MasterCard Inc (MA): Additional Charges on Consumers Uncalled For!

MasterCard Inc (NYSE:MA) is facing an expensive lawsuit, which is expected to increase its litigation cost by the end of 2016. The payment processing company is accused of imposing additional card charges, which were ultimately borne by British consumers. It might be the first US-style class action lawsuit in the UK, which might increase the uncertainty associated with the stock.



Facebook Defeats Class-Action for Allegedly ‘Leaking’ Users’ Names to Advertisers

Handing a victory to Facebook, a federal judge has ruled that the company won’t have to face a class-action lawsuit for allegedly violating its privacy policy by “leaking” people’s personal information to advertisers. U.S. District Court Judge Ronald Whyte said this week that class-action treatment isn’t appropriate because “individualized questions will predominate” in the dispute. Most of …