News

Finkelstein Thompson is investigation consumer complaints about charges for 'Event Ticket Insurance' or 'Event Ticket Protection' by Allianz Global Assistance, formerly known as Mondial Assistance, even though the consumer did not purchase the coverage. The event tickets are usually purchased on Ticketmaster.com, or similar ticket-selling websites.

Finkelstein Thompson is investigating potential claims on behalf of consumers who have purchased olive oil, including Kalamata brand 100% Pure Olive Oil and Botticelli brand 100% Pure Olive Oil, in connection with allegations that the product may be deceptively labeled.

A class action has been filed alleging that Volkswagen 2005-06 Jettas have defective door wiring harnesses, affecting the driver's side door, windows, locks, mirrors, fuel door and trunk release. If you had or currently have a Volkswagen 2005-06 Jetta and would like to discuss the investigation, please contact Finkelstein Thompson at 202.337.8000 email us at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Finkelstein Thompson LLP ("FT") is investigating allegations that prior to September 2011, TheLadders.com, Inc., operating the job search website www.TheLadders.com deceptively advertised that in exchange for a monthly or yearly subscription fee for a premium account, job seekers would have access to all positions on its website which were "hand-selected," "pre-screened" and paid an annual salary of $100,000 or more. 

Recently the FBI and IRS launched an investigation into potential billing fraud by the Pilot Flying J line of travel center/gas stations. In a 120-page affidavit supporting a search warrant for the Pilot Flying J corporate headquarters, there are allegations that Pilot Flying J employees withheld thousands of dollars in rebates owed to their shipping company customers. Finkelstein Thompson is investigating what remedies are available to the Pilot Flying J customers that may have been victimized by the alleged wrongdoing.

Recent studies have been published that link Type-2 diabetes medications such as Byetta and Januvia, known as incretin mimetics, to pancreatic cancer. The study, conducted at the University of California, Los Angeles, tested twenty individuals with diabetes and showed a 40 percent increase in pancreatic cell growth. The same study found that cell damage in the people treated with the type of therapy provided from Byetta and Januvia had the potential to evolve into cancer. Patients using Byetta and Januvia have also developed thyroid cancer and pancreatitis.

Recently the Attorney General of California initiated a lawsuit against Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Target Corp., and other food retailers, claiming that candied ginger and plum products sold by the retailers were not properly labeled to inform consumers of the lead content in the products. Lead has been identified by the State of California to be harmful to male and female reproductive systems. Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating what remedies are available to consumers that purchased the candied ginger and plum products from the retailers.

According to news reports, the deal-of-the-day website LivingSocial has suffered a massive security breach by unknown hackers that has potentially compromised 50 million LivingSocial accounts. Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential consumer remedies for those LivingSocial customers whose information may have been compromised.

Finkelstein Thompson is investigating recent complaints about Allianz Travel Insurance and Allianz Global Assistance Travel Insurance.  According to complaints, Allianz may be unfairly and unlawfully denying consumers travel insurance claims based on exclusions for pre-existing medical conditions without adequate disclosures of such restrictions.

Finkelstein Thompson is investigating allegations that Graco car seats equipped with a "QT Buckle" may be defective in that the QT Buckle may require "excessive force" in order to unlatch. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been sifting through complaints regarding Graco car seats from 2009 through 2011. Numerous consumers have reported that they have had to struggle excessively to unlatch the buckle or, in some circumstances, that they have had to resort to cutting the seat belt in order to remove the child from the car seat. According to allegations made, the alleged defective buckles could prove to be seriously problematic in the event of an emergency that requires the rapid removal of a child from the car.

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is currently representing a consumer, on behalf of a class of purchasers, in a lawsuit against the ONE World Company regarding their coconut water, including both their plain and flavored Splash line of coconut waters.  The Plaintiff alleges that Defendant illegally and  deceptively advertised their coconut water products as being a "good source of electrolytes", when they are only a good source of one electrolyte. We are interested in interviewing consumers who have purchased any of ONE World's coconut water products from 2010 until 2012. If you have purchased any of ONE World's coconut water products including the plain coconut, Splash Mango, Splash Pink Guava, or Splash Pineapple and wish to discuss your rights, please contact Caitlyn Finley, an attorney in our San Francisco office, toll free at (877) 800-1450.

Finkelstein Thompson LLP ("FT") is investigating allegations that car rental companies are overcharging sales tax to consumers. These companies often readily provide consumers with promotional discounts and coupons in order to remain competitive. In most states, the sales tax charged should be computed based off of the car rental sub-total after applying the discount or coupon. According to recent consumer complaints, The Hertz Corporation ("Hertz") inappropriately overcharges consumers sales tax based on the total rental price. The amount of the overcharge depends on the rental rate. For example, a consumer may be charged $50 in sales tax when they should have only been charged $14.

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating allegations that 2003-2009 Mercedes E-Class sedans may suffer from a substantial issue with the fuel tank that can allow fumes to enter the driver's compartment or fuel to leak. According to documents posted online by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration who has opened an investigation into the 2003-2006 Mercedes E55 AMG, the NHTSA is investigating reports that these cars may have defective tanks that allow fumes to seep into the cabin and/or liquid fuel to leak onto the ground.

Shareholder law firm Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of Tech Data Corporation (NASDAQ: TECD), whose share price declined after it disclosed its intent to restate some or all of its financial statements for 2011, 2012, and 2013.  If you are interested in discussing your rights as a Tech Data shareholder, or have information relating to this investigation, please contact Finkelstein Thompson's Washington, DC offices at (877) 337-1050 or by email at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Apple MacBook Pro laptop computers are reportedly experiencing image persistence or "ghosting" problems on their retina display screens.  Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential consumer remedies for owners of Apple MacBook Pros experiencing the "ghosting" problems.

Finkelstein Thompson is investigating allegations that Ford F-150 trucks for the 2011 and 2012 model years may have a design defect which can cause the vehicles to shake, shudder, and potentially lose power in certain situations. According to reports online, the defect is potentially related to the Charge Air Cooler and may present a safety hazard. Additionally, sources indicate that while the manufacturer has issued a technical service bulletin to dealers acknowledging the manufacturing and/or design defect, it has not recalled the vehicles or offered to reimburse owners' costs incurred diagnosing and repairing the defect. Finkelstein Thompson is interested in speaking to consumers who have purchased a 2011 or 2012 Ford F-150 truck regarding the alleged defect. If you have purchased this product and wish to discuss this matter, please contact Finkelstein Thompson at 202-337-8000 or contact Finkelstein Thompson at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Finkelstein Thompson is investigating whether Smart Balance, Inc.'s "Fat Free" milk product actually contains undisclosed fat. Smart Balance, Inc. began marketing "Fat Free" enhanced milks starting in 2008 that may contain 1 gram of fat per serving and 8 grams of fat per container. 1 gram of fat per serving is double the legal limit of 0.5 grams of fat per serving that a food is permitted to contain while carrying a "fat free" label.

WASHINGTON-(BUSINESS WIRE)-The law firm Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of Asset Acceptance Capital Corp. (NASDAQ: AACC)("Asset Acceptance" or "the Company"), concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by Encore Capital Group, Inc. Under the terms of the transaction, shareholders would receive $6.50 per share in cash. The total value of the transaction is approximately $200 million.

WASHINGTON-(BUSINESS WIRE)-The law firm Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of Newport Bancorp, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFSB) ("Newport" or "the Company"), concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by SI Financial Group, Inc. Under the terms of the transaction, shareholders would receive $17.55 per share in cash or 1.5129 shares of SI Financial Group common stock for every Newport share they own, subject to proration procedures so that 50 percent of the outstanding shares of Company common stock is converted into SI Financial common stock and the balance is converted into the cash consideration. The total value of the transaction is approximately $61.3 million.

WASHINGTON, DC – (BUSINESSWIRE) – The law firm Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of the drug manufacturer Impax Laboraties, Inc. (“IMPAX” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: IPXL).  If you are interested in discussing your rights as an Impax shareholder, or have information relating to this investigation, please contact Finkelstein Thompson's Washington, DC offices at (877) 337-1050 or by email at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .   

WASHINGTON-(BUSINESS WIRE)-The law firm Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of Hot Topic, Inc.(NASDAQ: HOTT) ("Hot Topic" or "the Company"), concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by Sycamore Partners . Under the terms of the transaction, shareholders would receive $14.00 per share in cash. The total value of the transaction is approximately $600M.

Finkelstein Thompson is investigating potential claims on behalf of consumers who have purchased Capatriti Brand 100% Pure Olive Oil, in connection with allegations that the product may be deceptively labeled.

The law firm Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of First Financial Holdings, Inc.(NASDAQ: FFCH)("First Financial" or "the Company"), concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by SCBT Financial Corp (NASDAQ: SCBT). Under the terms of the transaction, shareholders would receive 0.4237 shares of SCBT common stock for every share of First Financial they own, a current value of approximately $18.52 per share. The deal is valued at $302.4 million in the aggregate.

WASHINGTON—(BUSINESS WIRE)—The law firm Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of Office Max Incorporated, (NASDAQ: OMX) (“Office Max” or “the Company”), concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by Office Depot, Inc. (NASDAQ: ODP). Under the terms of the transaction, Office Max shareholders would receive 2.69 shares of Office Depot stock for every share of Office Max they own, a current value of approximately $11.24 per share. The total value of the transaction is about $1.2 billion.

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating the rights of consumers that have purchased products endorsed by Lance Armstrong. FT is interested in hearing from consumers who purchased products from any time in his cycling career, to his January 17, 2013 public confession of doping to Oprah Winfrey.

FT is investigating a recent $50 coupon deal offered by Best Buy.  The "$50 dollar Master Card Bonus- Save $50 When you Spend $100 In-Store and Pay With Any Master Card Promotional Offer" was originally valid for an entire week and with relatively few exclusions. Complaints written about the company say that early during the promotional period, and without notification to the consumers who received the original coupon, Best Buy issued a revised coupon with more restrictions and shortened the coupon's validity from one week to one day. Several consumers have complained that even after picking out items not excluded by the revised coupon, they were denied use of the coupon at the register.

WASHINGTON, DC- (BUSINESS WIRE)- The law firm Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of BioClinica, Inc. (NASDAQ:BIOC) ("BioClinica" or "the Company") concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by JLL Partners, Inc. . Under the terms of the transaction, BioClinica shareholders would receive $7.25 per share in cash in a tender offer worth approximately $124 million.

Starting January 27, some retailers could begin to impose "checkout fees" on credit card transactions, Consumer Action warns.

"We're not sure whether retailers are going to charge these fees", said Ruth Susswein, deputy director of national priorities at Consumer Action in Washington, D.C. "They may not for competitive reasons. Some of it will depend on whether the other guy does it."

Although these so called "checkout fees" are already banned in 10 states, including California, Florida and New York, Consumer Action is stressing to consumers who encounter this fee to voice their displeasure with the practice, which may persuade merchants to drop them. It is important to note that checkout fees don't apply to debit card transactions, whose swipe fees were reduced by the federal government in 2011.

Retailers won the right to charge the checkout fees after a settlement was reached between Visa, Mastercard and big banks in the summer of 2012. The settlement allowed retailers to reclaim the fees that they are charged to process credit card transactions, which typically range between 1.5 to 3 percent of the cost of the purchased item. To avoid blindsiding customers, merchants who impose checkout fees must disclose the surcharge at store entrances, at the register and on customer receipts. Online businesses must put a notice on their homepage.

Although the checkout fees have been legally approved, some major retailers are unhappy with the idea of checkout fees, claiming that it encourages anti-competitive, antitrust behavior, and turns many consumers off.

The Military Lending Act (MLA), part of the National Defense Authorization Act that covers payday loans, vehicle title loans, and tax refund anticipation loans for military members and their dependants, is set to undergo changes following Senate Approval of the 2013 Defense Authorization Bill. The MLA currently imposes a 36% rate cap on tax refund loans and certain payday and auto title loans made to active duty armed forces members and their dependants, and prohibits certain terms in such loans.

A $42.9 million settlement has been reached with Pfizer Inc over allegations that Pfizer falsely advertised its Zyvox antibiotic as better than vancomycin, in defiance of FDA warnings, and illegally pushed Lyrica for off-label uses. Thirty three states sued Pfizer concerning the company's claims that Zyvox is a superior medication to vancomycin, an antibiotic used by physicians for decades, without scientific evidence to back up that claim and without disclosing critical safety information for patients. Pfizer was also accused of promoting "off-label uses" for its seizure medication Lyrica, uses that allegedly have not been approved by the FDA.

Plavix is a prescription drug for patients who have recently suffered a heart attack, stroke, or who have been diagnosed with Peripheral Artery Disease (poor circulation in the legs). Use of Plavix is indicated to keep blood platelets from sticking together and forming clots. Plavix can be used  in combination with aspirin to treat patients hospitalized with heart-related chest pain or heart attack.

In its most recent attempt to protect consumer interests, the FTC has sent a fresh round of warning letters to real estate agents, home builders, and lead generators who may be violating the Mortgage Acts and Practices Advertising Rule.

During discussions attributed to the U.S.-Canada Regulatory Cooperation Council, staff from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC) stressed their commitment to the highest possible standards in the development and safety of children's toys.

WASHINGTON-(BUSINESS WIRE)-Shareholders of Epoch Holding Corporation. (NASDAQ: EPHC) ("Epoch" or "the Company"), may have potential claims concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by TD Bank Group. Under the terms of the transaction, shareholders would receive $28.00 per share in cash, a 27.9% premium based on their pre-announcement closing price of $21.89. The total value of the transaction is approximately $668 million. At least one analyst has set a target price of $50.00 for the Company's shares.

The California Insurance Commissioner is launching an investigation into Nationwide’s cyber security systems after Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. issued a press release stating that their October 3, 2012 data breach compromised the information of roughly one million individuals.

FT is investigating that certain Avon Products contain "false and misleading" marketing information; namely Avon's ANEW Clinical Advanced Wrinkle Corrector, ANEW Reversalist Night Renewal Cream, ANEW Reversalist Renewal Serum, and ANEW Clinical Thermafirm Face Lifting Cream. Specifically, FT is investigating claims that Avon allegedly used aggressive marketing to deceive consumers into believing that these products were bottled as the "fountain of youth", that their creams and serums boost collagen, and that their anti-aging products are "superior" to others and have undergone numerous scientific and clinical studies, when in fact no such research has proven their superiority.

The Pew Group, in conjunction with their Safe Checking in the Electronic Age Project, has released a report that examines the "dispute resolution" sections in consumer contracts for 100 major financial institutions. Pew’s findings revealed that about 64% of the contracts enforced mandatory arbitration, banned class actions, and placed major restrictions on potential damages. Other significant findings were:

On Tuesday, November 27, 2012, President Obama signed the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act into law. The new law effectively strengthens and expands legal protection for federal employees who blow the whistle on government fraud, waste, abuse, and misconduct.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has released its first supervisory report which highlights numerous types of violations by consumer lenders.

Although it is frequently advertised as the safer energy alternative to drinks like Red-Bull and Monster, 5-Hour Energy has stumbled into the crosshairs of the FDA this week, after thirteen death reports surfaced linking back to the dietary supplement.

GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of the diabetes drug Avandia, has agreed to settle with 37 different states and the District of Columbia for $90 million after a Senate Finance Committee report claimed that the drug was linked with serious heart attacks, and that GlaxoSmithKline knew about the risks.

In an attempt to ensure that producers are not using prohibited pesticides on organically labeled food products, the U.S Department of Agriculture announced that beginning in 2013, periodic residue testing will begin on all organic food products.

The law firm Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of Titanium Metals Corp. (NASDAQ: TIE) ("Titanium" or "the Company"), concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by Precision Castparts Corp. (NASDAQ: PCP). Under the terms of the transaction, Titanium shareholders would only receive $16.50 per share in cash, and at least one analyst has set a target price of $20.00 per share.  The total value of the transaction is approximately $2.9 billion.

The law firm Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of CreXus Investment Corp. (NASDAQ:CXS) ("CreXus"; or "the Company"), concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by Annaly Capital Management Inc. Under the terms of the transaction, CreXus shareholders would receive $12.50 per share in cash. The total value of the transaction is approximately $839 million.

GranuFlo and Naturalyte, are substances used to treat acute and chronic renal (kidney) failure during hemodialysis. Both have been recalled after being linked to serious adverse health effects. The Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") initiated the Class I recalls on March 29, 2012. Class I recalls are the most serious type of recall issued by the FDA, as they involve situations in which there is a reasonable probability that use of the recalled products will cause serious adverse health consequences or death. Indeed, as a result of the formulation of Naturalyte and GranuFlo, it is believed patients were at a higher risk of heart and cardiovascular injuries, including cardiac arrest, heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and death.

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating the rights of consumers that purchased Sherwin-Williams Company's Dutch Boy Refresh and PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc.'s Pure Performance Zero VOC interior paints.

A class action has been filed in the United States District Court Northern District of California on behalf of all United States credit card holders of Capital One Bank. The Plaintiff, Priscilla Barton, is seeking damages as a result of what she claims are Capital One's "deceptive representations and omissions surrounding its 0% balance transfer offers."

In a 2010 case entitled Lefemine v. Davis, Plaintiffs Steven Lefemine and members of Columbia Christians for Life (CCL) challenged Greenwood County Police department employees, alleging that the policemen violated the CCL member's First Amendment rights for requiring the CCL to remove signs featuring aborted fetuses they had erected as part of a roadside demonstration. At the time, the district court ruled for the CCL but refused to award attorney's fees. Plaintiffs then brought their case to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Fourth Circuit also rejected the Plaintiff's right to attorney's fees, claiming they were "unwarranted"

WASHINGTON-(BUSINESS WIRE)- The law firm of Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating claims on behalf of shareholders of Cascade Corporation("Cascade" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: CASC), concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by Toyota Industries. Under the terms of the deal, Toyota Industries Corporation will pay $65 a share through a tender offer- 23 percent higher than Cascade's 60-day volume-weighted average share price. The total value of the transaction is approximately $759 million.

WASHINGTON-(BUSINESS WIRE)- The law firm of Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating claims on behalf of shareholders of Metropolitan Health Networks, Inc. ("Metropolitan", or the "Company") (NYS: MDF), concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by Humana, Inc. Under the terms of the deal, Humana, Inc. will pay $11.25 a share through a tender offer. The total value of the transaction is approximately $850 million. At least one analyst has set a target price for Metropolitan of $13.00 per share.

On October 31, 2012, The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released the first Supervisory Highlights Report. The Report brought to light common problems that CFPB examiners discovered through the agency's supervision process. Along with the Supervisory Report, the CFPB released an appeals policy for supervised institutions as well as an updated version of the guide used by examiners, the CFPB Supervision and Examination Manual.

As reported by the Wall Street Journal Blog, Retired Justice Paul Stevens would like to add 4 words to Article VI‘s Supremacy Clause. Specifically: “and other public officials.” While only four little words, the impact would be significant as it would authorize the federal government to use more state officials in carrying out national policies.  Not coincidentally, it would effectively nullify two states’ rights decisions from the 1990s in which Justice Stevens dissented.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has released a rule today that will allow the agency to federally supervise the larger consumer debt collectors for the first time. On average, about 30 million American have $1,500 of debt subject to collection. Debt collectors often report consumers collection status to the credit bureaus. Mistakes in debt collector report's can be the difference for a consumer between getting approved or denied for such financial products as a mortgage or a car loan.

TD Bank has begun informing nearly 267,000 customers who may have been impacted by a data breach. TD Bank has reported that two tapes containing personal customer information disappeared while being shipped in transit last March. The Bank has so far been unable to find the tapes. The affected customers range in location along the East Coast from Maine to Florida.

Finkelstein Thompson LLP (“FT”) is investigating patient claims as a result of receiving potentially contaminated steroid injections into the spinal area.  FT is also investigating claims of fungal infections from steroid injections into peripheral joint spaces, such as knees, shoulders, or ankles.

Finkelstein Thompson LLP ("FT") announces an investigation into Advantage Education LLC ("Advantage") and Duvera Billing Services LLC ("Duvera"). Advantage, which hosts the website www.online-home-careers.com, hosts an immediately available, private member only website offering an easy-to-follow checklist and Quick-start Manual on how to make money working from home ("Online Home Careers System") in exchange for a one-time payment of $97.95. The website also promises consumers a "powerful 365 day money back guarantee." According to consumer complaints, after they have purchased the Online Home Careers System, consumers receive a call offering continuing coaching services and access to an online library for an additional monthly fee. Consumers are then encouraged to execute an online Retail Installment Contract with Duvera for access to an online library of coaching and training material which are allegedly uninformative and worthless. According to consumer complaints, once consumers seek a refund, Advantage and Duvera either avoid all contact with consumers, or inform them that the money back guarantee only applies to the $97.95 one-time payment, and is inapplicable to the continuing monthly payments.

In an effort to raise consumer awareness about frequent fraud techniques employed by scam artists, The Better Business Bureau and Western Union have launched a website entitled "BBB Scam Stopper"

While consumer technology advances rapidly in the form of new phones and tablets, so does the rate at which fraudulent activity occurs via that technology. According to Juniper Research, consumers worldwide will buy $1.3 trillion worth of goods with their phones and tablets by the year 2017. Because of this rapid increase", says Avivah Litan, an analyst at technology researcher Gartner Inc. "It is possible that fraud may account for 1.5 percent of all mobile transactions within five years.

Discover Bank has agreed to settle consumer allegations regarding the bank's fraudulent practices for $200 million dollar. The bank has agreed to settle allegations brought by federal investigators concerning credit card add-ons that consumers were led to believe were free.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)has ordered three American Express subsidiaries to refund an estimated $85 million to approximately 250,000 customers for illegal credit card practices. This action is the result of a multi-part federal investigation which found that at every stage of the consumer experience, American Express violated consumer protection laws.

A new article concerning the blood-thinning medicine Pradaxa suggests that the drug should have been subjected to a proper safety study due to its high risks. Pradaxa is an anticoagulant approved to reduce the risk of stroke and blood clots in patients who have atrial fibrillation. Although Pradaxa side effects include the possibility of uncontrolled bleeding, some patients might be surprised to know that Pradaxa was given a speedy approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

WASHINGTON-(BUSINESS WIRE)- The law firm Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of Physicians Formula Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ GS:FACE) ("Physicians" or "the Company"), concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by Markwins International Corporation. Under the terms of the transaction, Physicians' shareholders would receive $4.90 per share in cash. The total value of the transaction is approximately $74.9 million.

A student loan class action lawsuit brought by a National Guard officer named Lyndsey Olson from Minnesota on behalf of herself and thousands of other troops has settled after Citibank and The Student Loan Corporation agreed to pay $2.3 million.

A new piece of legislation introduced on September 17 by Representative Ed Markey has been designed to protect consumers from being unfairly tracked in a mobile environment. The legislation outlines standards for companies or other entities that collect mobile consumer information to help keep it secure.

The FDA is warning consumers that certain over the counter products applied to the skin while used for the relief of mild muscle and joint pain are being reported as causing rare cases of serious skin injuries, including first to third degree burns, where the product is applied. Some of the burns had serious complications requiring hospitalization.

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The law firm Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of Mediware Information Systems, Inc. ( the “Company”) (NASDAQ: MEDW), concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by Thoma Bravo LLC. The current value of the per-share consideration is approximately $22.00, and the total value of the transaction is approximately $1.95 million.

Of the twenty-two infants who contracted necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after consuming SimplyThick, seven have died.

What exactly is the scope of witness confidentiality? In the state of New York, where witness recantation is becoming a hallmark of securities cases, judges are asking that exact question. In her article, The Confidential Witness Conundrum in Securities Class Actions, Alison Frankel discusses the dilemma facing lawyers and judges alike when confidentiality agreements outside of the courtroom are increasingly dictating what happens inside it. Click here to read Alison’s article.

In San Francisco, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston is scheduled to sentence Taiwan's AU Optronics Corp. on September 20, 2012. The sentencing could be a defining moment in U.S. antitrust law. The sentencing is in reference to AU Optronics' March conviction for participating in a scheme to fix prices on liquid-crystal-display panels. LCD panels are used in computer monitors, laptops, televisions, cellphones and other devices. Prosecutors alleged that AU Optronics participated in a world-wide LCD price-fixing conspiracy from 2001 to 2006, by which time the market for LCD panels was $70 billion. The Justice Department is asking Judge Illston to impose a $1 billion fine.

Wayne Watson, 59, of Centennial, Colorado, has won a $7.3 million dollar settlement against the corporate owners of a popcorn plant in Jasper and two grocery chains. Watson won the verdict against Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. and The Kroger Co., a Cincinnati-based corporation that owns both Kroger and Dillons grocery stores, making him the first consumer diagnosed with "popcorn lung" a rare lung disease, to prevail in a lawsuit against a maker or purveyor of microwave popcorn.

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating allegedly high levels of lead contained in Whole Food Market Inc.'s glucosamine chrondroitin complex supplements. According to a recent study, the Whole Foods supplements contain 13.2 micrograms of lead per daily serving, far exceeding the State of California's 0.5 microgram limit. Supplements sold in California exceeding 0.5 micrograms of lead must include a warning label to inform consumer of the high lead content, allegedly no such disclosures are contained on Whole Foods' glucosamine chondroitin complex supplements. At high levels, lead can adversely affect the nervous system and increase blood pressure.

In a settlement reached August 30, 2012, three major e-book publishing houses agreed to pay a collective $69 million dollars to anyone who purchased an e-book between April 1, 2010 and May 21, 2012.

The law firm Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of American Realty Capital Trust, Inc. (“American Realty” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: ARCT), concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by Realty Income Corp. (“Realty Income”) (NYSE: O). Under the terms of the transaction, American Realty shareholders would receive .2874 shares of Realty Income for each share of American Realty they own.  The current value of the per-share consideration is approximately $12.23, and the total value of the transaction is approximately $2.95 billion. 

Today the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau moved forward in its quest to increase market transparency by releasing the procedural exams that will be in effect for consumer reporting firms all over the country later this month.  

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating allegations that Medtronic, Inc. illegally promoted and attempted to conceal the adverse events associated with InFUSE® Bone Graft ("InFUSE"), Medtronic, Inc.'s bio-engineered bone graft device used for spinal surgery. It is alleged that Medtronic, Inc. illegally promoted the off-label use of InFUSE for posterior lumbar surgery, when InFUSE is FDA-approved for anterior or abdominal lumbar surgery. It is also alleged that Medtronic, Inc. intentionally minimized or downplayed the risks of serious side effects related to the use of InFUSE, including ectopic or uncontrolled bone growth, inflammatory reactions, back and leg pain events, urinary retention, retrograde ejaculation, and implant displacement.

It's easier than ever to be a victim of identity fraud these days due to the new means of technology that did not exist 15 years ago, including social media, pop-up ads on your computer, and text-message scams.

This week the SEC released a rather specific set of recommendations asking for six major companies to reveal any large-scale breaches in their cyber-security.

When Hampton, Va., Sheriff B.J. Roberts faced re-election in 2009, he discovered that several of his employees had backed his opponent, Jim Adams. One of the employees, Daniel R. Carter, had even pushed the "like" button on Adams' Facebook page. Roberts eventually won the re-election, and chose to remove the employees in question. As a result, the employees contended that Roberts retaliated against them for their protected political speech. "There was testimony from disinterested witnesses that Roberts told employees to stay off of his opponent's Facebook page or they would be terminated" says James Harrell Shoemaker Jr., attorney for the plaintiff employees. Within the litigation involving Roberts and his employees, the former employee Carter contended that merely pressing a Facebook like button was speech protected by the First Amendment.

Last month the 1^st Circuit of the U.S. Court of Appeals reversed the summary judgment granted to Ocean Bank against Patco Construction. Previously under Section 4A of the Uniform Commercial Code, the standard for “commercially reasonable” was literal compliance with FFIEC Authentication Guidance wherein certain security measures had to at least be available to the customer. Now the Bank must go above and beyond those standards, though just how far above is unclear.

WASHINGTON, DC- (BUSINESSWIRE)- The law firm Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of Sunrise Assisted Living, Inc. ("Sunrise" or the "Company")(NYSE: SRZ), concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by Health Care REIT, Inc. Under the terms of the transaction, Sunrise shareholders would receive $14.50 for each share they own.

The American Bar Association granted new rules Monday requiring law schools to publish more detailed graduate employment data online and leaving them subject to fines and tuition refunds if they provide consumer information that is misleading.

The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection has issued a notice of intent to make preemption determination for consideration of how consumers can use their gift cards, specifically whether certain provisions of unclaimed property state laws are inconsistent with federal law.

Recently the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ("CPSC") announced a voluntary recall of the Flushmate III Pressure-Assisted Flushing System ("Flushmate III"). The Flushmate III presents a hazard of bursting at or near the vessel weld seam with a force strong enough to shatter the tank. The CPSC has already received 304 reports of the product bursting, resulting in property damage  and 14 impact or laceration injuries.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a joint proposed rule to establish new appraisal requirements for "higher-risk mortgage loans". The proposed rule would require mortgage lenders to provide home loan applicants with copies of written appraisals and other home value estimates in connection with each consumer's specific application. The rule would ensure that consumers receive information prior to closing about how the property's value was determined.

WASHINGTON, DC-(BUSINESSWIRE)- The law firm of Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of Robbins & Meyers, Inc. ("Robbins" or the "Company") (NYSE: RBN), concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by National Oilwell Varco, Inc. ("National") (NYSE: NOV). Under the terms of the proposed transaction, Robbins shareholders would receive $60.00 per share in cash, in a deal valued at approximately $2.5 billion.

Finkelstein Thompson is undergoing an investigation regarding a plan offered by Sprint for cell phones and smart phones. The plan is called the "Everything Messaging" Plan and it promises "unlimited nationwide, text, picture and video messaging to anyone on any network."

If you, a friend, or a family member has been affected by the "Everything Messaging" Plan offered by Sprint in any way, please contact Finkelstein Thompson at 202.337.8000 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Capital One Financial Corp. has agreed to pay $12 million to settle a suit brought on by the U.S. Department of Justice. The suit alleged that it violated credit protections granted to U.S. military members by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) via improper home foreclosures, vehicle repossessions and credit rate denials.

J.P. Morgan Chase has agreed to pay $100 million to settle a three-year-old lawsuit that charged the largest U.S bank with unlawfully boosting minimum monthly credit card payments.

A woman who suffered irreversible injuries caused by C.R. Bard's Avaulta transvaginal mesh has been awarded $5.5 million by a California jury in the first major transvaginal mesh lawsuit. The verdict sets an impressive precedent for women affected by the complications associated with the mesh device who have filed lawsuits with various manufacturers in recent months.

On July 30, 2012 the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) highlighted its accomplishments in 2012 thus far by releasing a Semi-Annual Report. The report covers the Bureau's actions from January 1, 2012 through June 30, 2012. One year ago, the CFPB became the nation's first federal agency solely focused on protecting Americans in the consumer financial products and services marketplace.

On July 30, 2012 the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) highlighted its accomplishments in 2012 thus far by releasing a Semi-Annual Report. The report covers the Bureau's actions from January 1, 2012 through June 30, 2012. One year ago, the CFPB became the nation's first federal agency solely focused on protecting Americans in the consumer financial products and services marketplace.

On July 30, 2012 the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) highlighted its accomplishments in 2012 thus far by releasing a Semi-Annual Report. The report covers the Bureau's actions from January 1, 2012 through June 30, 2012. One year ago, the CFPB became the nation's first federal agency solely focused on protecting Americans in the consumer financial products and services marketplace.

The SEC's whistleblower program, which just celebrated its first anniversary, will reportedly pay out $452 million to whistleblowers across the country, according to the 2011 Annual Report on the Dodd-Frank Whistleblower Program. The whistleblower tips have exposed numerous corporate wrongdoings, ranging from insider trading and rigged bonds deals to cover-ups of cooked books and bribes. SEC anticipates that be rewarding current whistleblowers, it will be a strong incentive for others to follow.

WASHINGTON, DC-(BUSINESSWIRE)- The law firm Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of GenOn Energy, Inc. ("GenOn" or the "Company") (NYSE: GEN), concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by NRG Energy, Inc. ("NRG") (NYSE: NRG). Under the terms of the transaction, GenOn shareholders would receive .1216 shares of NRG for every share they own. The current per-share value of the proposed consideration is approximately $2.28, and the total value of the transaction is approximately $1.7 billion.

WASHINGTON, DC-(BUSINESSWIRE- The law firm Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of GeoEye, Inc. ("GeoEye" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: GEOY), concerning the proposed acquisition of the Company by DigitalGlobe, Inc. ("DigitalGlobe") (NYSE: DGI). Under the terms of the transaction, GeoEye shareholders could elect to receive $20.27 in cash, 1.425 shares of DigitalGlobe, or 1.137 shares of DigitalGlobe and $4.10 in cash for each share of GeoEye they own. The current value of the average per-share consideration is approximately $21.77, and the total value of the transaction is approximately $900 million.

The FDA ruled today that Bisphenol A (BPA), a potentially harmful chemical frequently found in household plastics and food-containing elements, can no longer be used in the manufacturing of sippy cups or baby bottles. 

In the first public enforcement case brought on by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s efforts to increase oversight of consumer financial products, Capital One Financial Corp. will pay a total of $210 million to settle charges of deceptive marketing of credit card "add-on" products, such as payment protection and credit monitoring. Capital One's third-party vendors were discovered by the CFPB to be engaged in deceptive tactics to sell additional products to the company’s credit cards. Capital One said in a statement that they only became aware of its vendors' practices in late 2011.

The law firm Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of Lime Energy Co. ("Lime" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: LIME). If you are interested in discussing your rights as a Lime shareholder, or have information relating to this investigation, please contact Finkelstein Thompson's Washington, DC offices at (877) 337-1050 or by email at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

Rule 613 which was introduced by the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 11, 2012, is forcing FINRA and other self regulatory agencies and exchanges to drastically streamline their data management and analysis in order to keep up with recent changes in market activity.

Finkelstein Thompson LLP is investigating a recent recall by Stryker of their Rejuvenate and ABG II modular-neck-stem hip implant systems due to reported adverse side effects.  Stryker’s official website cites “fretting and/or corrosion at or about the modular-neck junction, which may result in adverse local tissue reactions manifesting with pain and/or swelling” as the reason for the recall. According to published reports, the recall was made after post-marking surveillance that may be predictive of a trend.