| Volume 112 Number 7 |
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The People’s Lawyer’s Tip of the Day
When it comes to privacy, you don’t have much at work. Don’t say anything in a phone call or email or do anything at your desk, that you don’t want your employer to see.
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Justice Department Takes Action Against Retirement Home
The Justice Department recently settled a case with an retirement community for violations of the Fair Housing Act for policies that discriminated against people with disabilities and retaliation against people who complained. The suit alleged that in an attempt to market the facility as a place for "young seniors" who wanted an "active lifestyle," it began restricting older, disabled, residents from taking part in common area activities and celebrations such as would take place on the Fourth of July. The consent order requires that the facility appoint a Fair Housing compliance office to insure no future discrimination takes place, and the payment of almost $400,000 in damages and penalties. Click here for more.
Your Money
Many people know that the best time to buy a new TV is after Christmas and before the Superbowl. What about the best times to buy other products? This link has hints for the best times to buy furniture. Click here for more.
For the Lawyers
Texas Debt Collection Act award of $75,000 for mental anguish and $156,775 for attorney’s fees is affirmed. The Fifth Circuit reviewed the scope and liability provisions of the TDCA, and held that any person, not just debtors, who has sustained actual damages from a Texas Debt Collection Act violation has standing to sue. The court also found that the term “actual damages” includes mental anguish, and significantly that the economic loss rule does not bar TDCA violations. McCaig v. Wells Fargo (5th Cir) Click here for more.