In The Courtroom

Blue Shield of California Sued for Pushing Policyholders into Bare Bones Coverage and Hiking Premiums

June 13, 2012  ·  Mark Reback

Blue Shield has used enormous rate hikes, and the threat of rate increases, to force patients into lower-benefit and higher-deductible health coverage in violation of state law, according to a class action lawsuit filed today by Blue Shield policyholders and consumer advocates.

Judge Rejects Arbitration for DirecTV Class Action

January 27, 2012  ·  Mark Reback

<p> <strong>Decision eliminates big obstacle in class action over early cancellations.</strong></p> <br /> <p> LOS ANGELES - A state court judge on Thursday denied attempts by broadcast satellite provider DirecTV Inc. to compel arbitration in a class action that alleges consumers were illegally charged up to $480 in early cancellation fees.</p>

Consumer Watchdog’s Current Fights and Recent Victories

January 23, 2012  ·  Evan Thomas King

For over three decades Consumer Watchdog’s Legal attorneys have advocated on behalf of consumers before regulatory agencies, the legislature and the courts.

Take from Insurers, Give to State Courts: $455 Million Class Action Settlement Should Benefit Consumers and Courts, Not the Defendant

November 9, 2011  ·  Consumer Watchdog

Los Angeles, CA — Consumers and the courts, not an insurance company defendant, should benefit from a $455 million class action settlement, Consumer Watchdog argued...

DIRECTV Profits For Third Quarter Come On Back Of Consumers From Cancellation Penalties At Issue In Class Action Lawsuit

November 3, 2011  ·  Pam Pressley

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Autism: Law Make Insurers Cover Therapy – For Now

October 12, 2011  ·  Mark Reback

Parents of children with autism lauded the governor’s decision to sign into law a bill that requires health insurers to cover behavioral health treatments for...

DirecTV’s Bid To Nix Cancel Fee Action Put On Hold

August 31, 2011  ·  Mark Reback

<p> Law360, Los Angeles (August 31, 2011) -- A California state judge on Wednesday delayed DirecTV Inc.’s bid to toss a class action alleging inadequate disclosure of early termination fees, waiting on the appeal of a ruling in a similar suit whose claims were found to be immune to waivers.<br /> <br />

Insurers’ Critics See Case As A Boost

August 30, 2011  ·  Mark Reback

<p> <strong>Appeals court sides with patient, giving hope to others</strong><br /> <br /> Health insurance providers can expect new litigation - and pressure from existing litigants - after a federal appellate court decision on Friday said they are responsible for covering mental health treatment on par with care for physical conditions.<br /> <br /> Multiple lawsuits and a piece of state legislation are already underway to force insurance coverage of treatment for autism, and advocates fighting for that coverage say Friday's ruling brings momentum to their cause.<br />

Parents of Autistic Children Call on the Brown Administration to Comply With State Law and End Coverage Discrimination

July 13, 2011  ·  Jerry Flanagan

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DIRECTV Ripoff Lawsuit, Challenging $480 Cancellation Fee, Moves Forward

April 12, 2011  ·  Consumer Watchdog

At a hearing on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, DIRECTV customers who were charged cancellation fees of as much as $480 – even if the service...

Fogel v. Farmers Update: How many lawyers does it take…?

March 3, 2011  ·  Jerry Flanagan

There were twenty-five lawyers in gray suits waiting in a Los Angeles Superior Court courtroom yesterday afternoon when I walked in to try to make...

Farmers Policyholder Granted Right to Challenge $455 Million Settlement of Class Action Against Farmers Insurance

February 3, 2011  ·  Doug Heller

Los Angeles, CA – A Los Angeles Superior Court this morning granted a former Farmers Insurance customer, represented by Consumer Watchdog’s attorneys, the right to...