News in Brief June 10 – Weber BBQ Sauce, Tesla and More

“All Natural” Weber BBQ Sauce Suit Dismissed

A Massachusetts federal judge dismissed a proposed class action against ACH Food Co. that claimed the company misled consumers with the “all-natural” labeling on its Weber BBQ Sauce. The suit was tossed because ACH offered to give named plaintiff Joseph Demmler a $75 rebate – three times more than the damages he allegedly suffered. Demmler refused the offer, saying that it was the company’s attempt to avoid litigation, but Judge Leo T. Sorokin found that the product in question had been discontinued before Demmler even began taking legal action and that the $75 check wasn’t an actual settlement offer.

Dave & Buster’s Settles Wage and Hour Suit

Dave & Buster’s has agreed to pay $2.1 million to settle claims that it didn’t properly pay its employees or allow them to take enough time for breaks. Under the proposed settlement, a class of 2,350 current and former D&B employees will be able to claim close to $560 on average.

NHTSA Investigates Potential Tesla Suspension Defect

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that it will be investigating Tesla’s Model S vehicles over a potential issue with the cars’ suspensions. The agency has reportedly been in contact with Tesla and Model S owners in an attempt to glean more information. Amidst speaking with both parties, the NHTSA made its concerns known over Tesla’s goodwill agreements (essentially non-disclosure agreements) with customers, stating that the automaker can’t imply that consumers shouldn’t reach out to the agency to voice their concerns over safety.

Ace American Insurance Accused of Charging Hidden Fees

Ace American Insurance has been accused of charging customers unlawful taxes and hidden fees for its optional airport rental car insurance. According to the lawsuit, the company violated Florida insurance law when it added “airport concession recovery fees” to the insurance and then taxed the fees without mentioning it to consumers or making it clearly recognizable on the bill.