Personal Injury News: Pick Of Last Month: March-2025
Veolia Settles Flint Water Lawsuits for $53M
An engineering company, Veolia North America, has agreed to pay $53 million to settle remaining lawsuits related to the Flint, Michigan, water crisis. This settlement follows previous agreements totaling $26.3 million with the company and a larger $626 million settlement from the state of Michigan and other entities.
Denial of Responsibility
Veolia has consistently denied any responsibility for the crisis, emphasizing that it was only briefly hired as a consultant months after Flint switched its water source to the Flint River in 2014. The water was not treated to prevent corrosion, leading to lead contamination from old pipes.
Criticism of Veolia’s Role
Critics argue that Veolia could have done more before the state and city officials reversed the decision in fall 2015, returning Flint to a regional water supplier. By then, lead levels in children had risen. However, Veolia maintains that government officials were responsible and that the company had no role in the water switch or the operation of the Flint water plant.
Settlement Terms
Veolia described the settlement as a practical resolution rather than an admission of responsibility, citing the desire to avoid prolonged litigation. The Michigan attorney general’s office stated that the $53 million will be distributed among approximately 26,000 affected residents. Additionally, the state will dismiss its separate lawsuit against Veolia as part of the agreement.
Closure for Flint Residents
Michigan’s attorney general expressed that this settlement marks the conclusion of years of legal battles, providing long-awaited closure for Flint residents affected by the crisis.
Health Firm Settles Cyber Fraud Case for $11.2M
A military health benefits administrator, Health Net Federal Services (HNFS), has agreed to pay $11.2 million to settle allegations that it falsely certified compliance with cybersecurity requirements in a contract with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD). The settlement, announced by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), resolves claims that between 2015 and 2018, HNFS failed to implement required cybersecurity controls and falsely attested to compliance in three annual reports submitted to the DOD.
Cybersecurity Compliance Failures
The cybersecurity requirements were part of HNFS’s contract to administer the DOD’s Defense Health Agency’s TRICARE health benefits program, which provides healthcare services for military service members and their families. The DOJ alleged that HNFS did not adhere to several mandatory cybersecurity standards, including timely scanning for vulnerabilities and addressing security flaws within its networks and systems.
Acquisition and Liability Assumption
Health Net Federal Services was previously owned by Health Net Inc., a California-based company. However, in 2016, Centene Corporation acquired Health Net Inc. and assumed HNFS’s liabilities. As a result, Centene was also included in the DOJ’s settlement agreement.
Statement from the U.S. Government
The acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of California stated that HNFS’s failure to uphold its cybersecurity obligations went beyond breaching its government contract—it also violated the trust of military personnel and their families. The DOJ emphasized that contractors handling sensitive government information must fulfill their cybersecurity commitments. The acting assistant attorney general of the DOJ’s civil division reaffirmed the government’s commitment to holding contractors accountable for cybersecurity violations to protect national security and Americans’ privacy.
Specific Cybersecurity Violations
According to the DOJ, HNFS ignored findings from third-party security auditors and its internal audit department, which identified critical cybersecurity risks. These risks involved asset management, access controls, configuration settings, firewalls, outdated hardware and software, patch management, vulnerability scanning, and password policies. Additionally, the DOJ accused HNFS of falsely certifying compliance with at least seven security controls from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800-53 framework in certifications submitted to the DOD’s Defense Health Agency in 2015, 2016, and 2017.
False Claims and Settlement Terms
As a result of these alleged misrepresentations, the DOJ argued that HNFS’s claims for reimbursement under its contract were fraudulent, regardless of whether there was any actual data breach or loss of service member health information. Despite denying the allegations, HNFS and Centene agreed to the $11.2 million settlement to avoid prolonged litigation. The agreement does not prevent the U.S. government from pursuing other claims against HNFS, such as tax violations or potential criminal liability.
Lack of Federal Response on Criminal Charges
The DOJ has not confirmed whether federal prosecutors are considering criminal charges against HNFS or Centene. Information Security Media Group (ISMG) reached out to the DOJ for further details, but the department did not provide an immediate response.
HNFS Response and Contract Termination
A spokesperson for HNFS defended the company’s track record, emphasizing that it has supported service members and their families for over 35 years. The spokesperson reiterated that no data breach or loss of service member information had occurred but expressed satisfaction in resolving the dispute.
HNFS officially ceased providing healthcare services under its TRICARE West Region contract on December 31, 2024. TriWest Healthcare Alliance has since taken over as the successor contractor for the TRICARE West Region.
Wheat Thins Buyers Settle Labeling Dispute with Mondelez
Introduction
Wheat Thins purchasers have reached a $10 million settlement in a lawsuit against Mondelez International, which alleged deceptive labeling of the crackers as "100% Whole Grain" despite containing corn starch, a refined grain. The settlement, filed in San Francisco federal court, awaits judicial approval.
Refunds for Purchasers
Under the settlement, eligible consumers can receive refunds ranging from $4.50 to $20.00, depending on their purchase history and whether they retained receipts. The agreement also prohibits Mondelez from using the "100% Whole Grain" claim on Wheat Thins packaging unless properly qualified.
Allegations of Misleading Labels
According to the October 2022 complaint, whole grains are healthier than refined grains. Plaintiffs argued they would not have bought or would have paid less for Wheat Thins had they known the labeling was misleading. The settlement covers U.S. purchasers of various Wheat Thins flavors labeled "100% Whole Grain" since October 13, 2018.
Allocation of Remaining Funds
Any unclaimed settlement funds will be donated to UCLA’s Resnick Center for Food Law and Policy and Feeding America, a nonprofit hunger relief organization.
Legal Fees and Mondelez’s Response
The plaintiffs' attorneys may request up to $3.33 million in legal fees from the settlement fund. Mondelez denied any wrongdoing and did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Pfizer Settles Biohaven Kickback Case for $59.7 Million
Mississippi has joined 37 other states and Puerto Rico in settling allegations that Biohaven Pharmaceutical Holding Company Ltd., a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc., engaged in illegal kickback practices. The settlement resolves claims that Biohaven provided improper payments and incentives to healthcare providers to promote its migraine medication, Nurtec ODT.
Pfizer to Pay Nearly $60 Million
As part of the agreement, Pfizer will pay $59,746,277.54, plus interest, on behalf of Biohaven. The allegations state that Biohaven knowingly submitted or caused the submission of false claims to Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs by offering kickbacks in the form of cash, lavish meals, and honoraria payments to healthcare providers in exchange for prescribing Nurtec ODT.
Protecting Medicaid Integrity
The Mississippi Attorney General emphasized the importance of ensuring Medicaid funds are used appropriately. "Taxpayers who fund Medicaid should be able to count on the program’s soundness, and its beneficiaries should receive honest and fair medical advice from their healthcare providers," the Attorney General stated. The settlement aims to uphold the integrity of Medicaid and protect Mississippi residents from unethical medical practices.
Violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute
The settlement resolves allegations that from March 1, 2020, to September 30, 2022, Biohaven violated the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS), 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b(b), by compensating providers for participating in speaker programs designed to boost Nurtec ODT prescriptions among Medicaid and other federal healthcare beneficiaries.
Excessive Payments and Lavish Perks
Some providers received tens of thousands of dollars—up to $100,000—for their participation in these programs. Many of these events were attended by individuals with no medical or educational interest, including speakers’ spouses, family members, and friends. Additionally, some providers attended multiple programs covering the same topic, receiving expensive meals and drinks with no educational benefit.
Mississippi’s Share of the Settlement
As part of the settlement, Mississippi will receive $162,204.59 in restitution and other recoveries. The case was initiated by whistleblower Patricia Frattasio, a former Biohaven employee. The investigation was conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
Funding for Medicaid Fraud Investigations
The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office Medicaid Fraud Unit is primarily funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For the 2025 federal fiscal year, the unit will receive $4,001,713.00, covering 75% of its funding, with the remaining 25%, or $1,333,904.00, provided by the State of Mississippi.
Brink’s US Settles Money-Laundering Case for $42M
The U.S. subsidiary of Brink’s has agreed to pay $42 million over three years to resolve money-laundering investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The agreements include a non-prosecution agreement with the DOJ and a consent order with FinCEN imposing a civil monetary penalty, the company announced on February 6.
Violations of the Bank Secrecy Act
According to the DOJ, Brink’s Global Services USA operated as an unlicensed money-transmitting business and admitted to violating the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA)—the primary U.S. anti-money laundering (AML) law. The company allegedly transported money both domestically and internationally beyond the scope allowed for currency transporters and lacked proper compliance controls.
Unlawful Transactions and Regulatory Failures
The DOJ cited 12 transactions between money service businesses in San Diego and Florida, where Brink’s failed to identify the final beneficiary. Additionally, the company facilitated eight instances of currency imports from Mexico to the U.S. without proper licensing as a money transmitter.
FinCEN Findings and High-Risk Transactions
FinCEN stated that Brink’s had “willfully” violated the Bank Secrecy Act, leading to the movement of hundreds of millions of dollars across the U.S.-Mexico border on behalf of high-risk entities. However, the investigations did not find issues with Brink’s shipments of diamonds and jewelry.
Brink’s Response and Compliance Enhancements
Brink’s CEO acknowledged the DOJ’s investigation, which began in 2020, and stated that the company conducted an internal review and enhanced its global ethics and compliance program. He reaffirmed Brink’s commitment to continuous improvement in addressing compliance risks.
Ex-Nashville Firefighter Wins $1.8M Free Speech Lawsuit
A federal jury has awarded nearly $1.8 million to a former Nashville firefighter who sued the city over his demotion for social media posts. The firefighter, who previously served as a captain with the Nashville Fire Department, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Metro Government and Davidson County after being demoted in 2020 for online comments that city officials deemed inappropriate.
Controversial Social Media Posts Lead to Demotion
The firefighter’s posts were critical of Black Lives Matter (BLM) and the COVID-19 mask mandate. Following protests in Minneapolis after the death of a man, he wrote on Facebook:
"These protesters are the stupidest people on the planet, other than the arsonist and looters that hang out with them."
Reports indicate he also referred to protesters as “thugs” and “animals”. In response, the city placed him on leave and later demoted him to the lowest-ranking position in the fire department. Public officials, including a Tennessee state representative and a city council member, openly criticized him for his remarks.
Free Speech Lawsuit and Initial Settlement Offer
In his lawsuit, the firefighter claimed the city violated his First Amendment right to free speech. Initially, the city reached a settlement agreement with him for $105,000. However, in March 2024, the Metro Council unanimously rejected the settlement in a 31-0 vote.
The city's legal director warned council members that proceeding to trial posed a significant financial risk. He urged them to consider whether they wanted to fight the case or accept a reasonable settlement.
Federal Jury Awards $1.8 Million
The city’s concerns proved valid when, on February 7, 2024, a federal jury ruled in favor of the firefighter, awarding him more than $1.7 million in damages. His attorney described the verdict as a major victory for public employees' free speech rights:
"This is an important vindication of a public employee’s freedom to exercise their right of free speech. We should never tolerate government retaliation against an employee for speaking out on matters of public concern."
City Responds to Verdict
Following the ruling, a city advisor stated that while officials respected the jury’s decision, they disagreed with the verdict. He defended the city’s actions, citing case law that allows the government to balance its interests against an employee’s right to free speech.
Additionally, the city expressed concern over the size of the award and is currently evaluating possible next steps.
Minneapolis Workers Recover $2M in Wage Settlements
The City of Minneapolis guarantees workers access to paid sick leave, a minimum wage, and protection from wage theft. By enforcing these protections, the City’s Civil Rights Department has reached a significant milestone: More than $2 million in unpaid wages and damages have been recovered for workers. These funds were returned as a result of investigations conducted by the Labor Standards Enforcement Division (LSED).
Commitment to Workers’ Rights
“The backbone of Minneapolis is, and always has been, our workers,” said the mayor. “When employers exploit labor, it’s not just workers who suffer—our entire community pays the price. Thank you to Director and our Civil Rights Department for ensuring economic justice is a right, not a privilege.”
The Director of the Civil Rights Department echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that workers' rights are civil rights. "Our department is committed to ensuring those rights are enforced fairly by providing education, training, and enforcement of labor standards for every resident, worker, and business in Minneapolis," the Director stated.
Investigating Wage Violations
Since 2018, the Civil Rights Department has processed over 1,000 labor standards complaints affecting more than 16,000 workers. These efforts have resulted in 382 mediations or settlements, often leading to policy changes and technical assistance for both employers and employees.
Key Cases and Settlements
Several recent investigations by LSED have led to substantial settlements:
Amigos One Stop: A South Minneapolis grocery store was found to have denied overtime pay to three workers for their entire employment. The investigation revealed that the employees frequently worked more than 40 hours per week without appropriate compensation. As part of a settlement, the employer agreed to pay over $43,000 in back wages and to implement fair labor practices moving forward. This case was brought forward through a partnership with the worker advocacy group Centro de Trabajadores Unidos en la Lucha (CTUL), which plays a crucial role in ensuring vulnerable workers step forward.
Unparalleled Parking LLC & Unparalleled Security LLC: A City investigation found that 180 security guards and valet attendants were not provided sick leave, violating the city’s sick and safe time ordinance. As a result, the companies agreed to pay over $145,000 in back wages and damages. Additionally, the companies committed to notifying employees of their rights and providing accrued sick leave going forward.
Plymouth Academy Preschool: An investigation into the preschool revealed that workers were receiving subminimum wages. A settlement resulted in over $22,000 in back wages being paid to seven employees. Additionally, all affected workers received raises after the resolution. This case was also brought forward with support from CTUL.
Labor Protections and Community Impact
The Director of the Labor Standards Enforcement Division highlighted the importance of labor protections, stating, “Our responsibility as a city is not just to create jobs but to support good jobs that build wealth and economic inclusion. Labor is not just another cost of doing business—labor is people.”
CTUL, which has partnered with the city on wage theft enforcement, emphasized the significant impact of recovering lost wages. “Every stolen dollar is a dollar less for rent, food, and basic necessities,” said a CTUL organizer. “Wage theft is a major issue, particularly for low-wage workers and marginalized communities. The partnership with LSED has allowed us to reach thousands of workers, provide crucial information, and help them overcome barriers such as fear of retaliation.”
Strengthening Worker Protections
On January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Minneapolis increased to $15.97, reinforcing the city’s commitment to fair wages. The city also enforces:
Sick and Safe Time Ordinance: Employers must provide sick leave to prevent workers from being forced to work while ill, which can endanger public health.
Wage Theft Prevention Ordinance: Provides additional avenues for employees to recover unpaid wages, including overtime, through enforcement by the Civil Rights Department.
Workers who believe their rights have been violated can report wage theft by calling 311, filling out an online complaint form, or visiting City Hall, Room 239 in person. The City remains committed to protecting workers and ensuring they receive fair compensation for their labor.
Anoka County Settles Inmate Medical Neglect Case for $2.55M
Anoka County has agreed to a $2.75 million settlement in a lawsuit alleging it denied proper medical treatment to an inmate in 2022. Under the agreement, the county will pay $2.55 million to the plaintiff, while the remaining amount will be covered by MEnD Correctional Care’s bond company and the insurer of a nurse involved in the case.
Allegations of Medical Neglect
The lawsuit claimed that after being booked into the Anoka County jail on February 5, 2022, the plaintiff, who had a valid prescription for Suboxone, was denied his medication for opioid withdrawal. As a result, he experienced severe withdrawal symptoms, including uncontrollable vomiting and diarrhea.
Serious Health Consequences
On February 12, the plaintiff was found in his cell covered in vomit after an apparent fall. He was transported to a hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a fractured skull, brain bleeds, and acute kidney failure.
Plaintiff Moving Forward
The plaintiff’s attorney stated that he is no longer incarcerated and is focused on rebuilding his life. “He’s working, has a second child on the way, and a fiancé. This settlement will help him move forward,” the attorney said.
County’s Response
Anoka County expressed relief in reaching a resolution and noted that it no longer contracts with MEnD Correctional Care, the medical provider responsible for inmate healthcare at the time of the incident.
Family Wins $6.6M in Toxic Mold Exposure Lawsuit
In August 2019, a family signed a lease with Anza Management for a three-bedroom unit at 4040 Boulder Highway in Las Vegas, Nevada. On November 20, 2019, heavy rain caused severe leaks in their unit, which persisted for three days. Despite repeated calls, Anza Management did not send maintenance staff until the third day. Upon arrival, the staff merely observed the growing water bubble in the ceiling and stated, “We can’t do anything until it dries,” before leaving without addressing the issue.
Ceiling Collapse and Immediate Health Consequences
On the evening of November 23, 2019, as the mother attempted to empty a bucket collecting water from the leak, the ceiling collapsed. The impact caused injuries to her head, neck, and lower back. The collapse also released toxic mold spores into the air, triggering a severe asthma attack in her 13-year-old daughter. The mother rushed her daughter to the emergency room that night and took herself and her 9-year-old son to the hospital the following day.
History of Neglect and Mold Contamination
Records revealed that the building had a five-year history of water leaks due to a known but unaddressed roof defect. Anza Management had long been aware of the problem but failed to take corrective action. The mother later conducted mold testing in the unit, which confirmed elevated levels of Stachybotrys, commonly known as “black mold,” a highly toxic substance.
Long-Term Health Effects and Medical Diagnoses
The family endured approximately 100 days of exposure to toxic mold, leading to significant health issues. Over the years, the mother and her daughter experienced worsening cognitive problems, unexplained migraines, and deteriorating health. A medical mold specialist in California later diagnosed the daughter with an immune injury caused by toxic mold exposure. The mother was diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and Toxic Encephalopathy, a brain condition linked to mold exposure.
Jury Verdict and Compensation
After a two-week trial, a jury ruled in favor of the family, awarding them $6.6 million in damages, including punitive damages. The verdict held Anza Management accountable for their negligence, ensuring justice for the family’s suffering and health complications.