Costly

Polk County’s Costly Fallout: Jury Awards $4 Million to Wrongfully Terminated HR Director Amid Political Turmoil

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DES MOINES, Iowa — A jury in Dallas County has awarded former Polk County Human Resources Director Jim Niehaus more than $4 million in a wrongful termination lawsuit. The ruling opens the door for taxpayers to potentially shoulder part of this substantial financial burden. The jury found that several Polk County officials were liable for libel when they terminated Niehaus’s employment in 2020. The circumstances surrounding Niehaus’s firing are emblematic of a larger pattern of internal disputes among the Polk County Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Matt McCoy commented on the ongoing turmoil, acknowledging the challenges … Read more

Consumer Caught in Colorado’s Lemon Law Quagmire: A New Car Turns into a Costly Headache

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DENVER — In a bid to enhance consumer protection, Colorado updated its lemon laws last year. These laws are designed to safeguard buyers from defective vehicles, but for some, the changes may have unintended consequences. One woman now shares her experience of being left in a difficult situation after her brand-new car encountered significant issues. Rosa Hernandez was thrilled when she purchased her 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, praising its modern design and safety features. Her excitement quickly turned to dismay when the vehicle, after only 22,000 miles, began to malfunction. “Within a month, the car … Read more

Homeowner Battles Outdated HOA Rules, Considers Legal Action Over Costly Forced Renovations

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A homeowner in a suburban residential community is grappling with her homeowner’s association (HOA) over demands for costly renovations to her property, based on what she considers outdated and unreasonable HOA rules. The situation has escalated to the point where she is considering legal action to challenge the HOA’s directives, according to sources familiar with the matter. The dispute began when the HOA informed the homeowner of the need to undertake several expensive modifications to her home, including roof replacement and exterior repainting, citing compliance with community aesthetic standards. These standards, according to the homeowner, … Read more

New Jersey Town Agrees to $1.9 Million Settlement Over Costly Property Fees in Landmark Class-Action Suit

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In a legal action that is drawing attention across New Jersey, Franklin Township homeowners David and Aimee Cappolina have struck a preliminary $1.9 million settlement with their local government over a contentious property registration scheme. According to the lawsuit, the township’s “Vacant and Abandoned Property Registration Program” unfairly imposed hefty fees that could climb as high as $5,000 annually on properties classified as “vacant” or “abandoned.” This often occurred following mortgage delinquencies, burdening property owners with additional financial strains. Initiated in November 2021, the class-action lawsuit targets the fee program, arguing that it places an … Read more