| Volume 71 Number 1 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
Are you in a dispute with a contractor or builder who did some construction on your home? Did he threaten to put a lien on your house if you don't pay? He may have the right to do so, but only if you and your spouse signed a written contract before the work began. Threatening a lien without the proper documentation violates our debt collection law, and wrongfully putting a lien on your property could entitle you to substantial damages. Click here for more.
FTC Settles With Debt Collector for $2.5M
The Federal Trade Commission has settled a complaint against Asset Acceptance for numerous misrepresentations made while collecting old debts. As part of the settlement, Asset Acceptance must pay a $2.5 million fine and inform debtors with debts that are too old to be legally enforceable that they cannot sue to collect the money. Furthermore, if a debtor disputes the debt, Asset Acceptance must investigate the validity of the debt. Has Asset Acceptance attempted to collect a debt from you? Click here for more.
The Broad Impact of New Airline Rules
If you've bought an airline ticket online in the past few years, you've certainly noticed all of the extra fees associated with traveling. The cost associated with bag fees, passenger usage fees, online "convenience" fees, and other hidden fees and "after charges" could dramatically ramp up the advertised price of a ticket. Customers were very unhappy and federal authorities decided to take action. The Department of Transportation implemented new rules that require airlines to include all fees and taxes when they quote a price. Prior to the rules, a $199 ticket would cost approximately $245 after taxes and fees. Under the new rules, that same ticket must be advertised at $245. Why should other industries follow suit? Click here for more.
Your Money
Should your spouse work too? Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Health club employee not bound by arbitration clause. The Fifth Circuit held that a health club employee suing for unpaid overtime was not bound by an arbitration clause in his employee handbook. The court decided that the defendant’s arbitration clause was illusory and unenforceable because the employer retained the unilateral right to modify or terminate the arbitration provision at any time. Click here for more.