Want money from Comcast lawsuit? Might take years
Aug 4, 2016, 10:51 AM
Attorney General Bob Ferguson says "specific improvements" are needed in Washington's background check law. (AP)
(AP)
Don’t expect too much money from a lawsuit against television and internet giant Comcast.
Former Attorney General Rob McKenna says the claim against Comcast is primarily about changing business practices. It could have a nation-wide effect.
Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced Monday that he is suing Comcast for $100 million, alleging that the television and internet provider engaged in a “pattern of illegally deceiving their customers to pad their bottom line by tens of millions of dollars.” The lawsuit alleges more than 1.8 million violations of the state’s Consumer Protection Act, which includes the misrepresentation of the company’s Service Protection Plan.
Related: ‘Pattern of deceptive practices’ prompts state to sue Comcast
McKenna says the most leverage against Comcast comes from penalties, as the alleged violations can be up to $2,000 per customer. However, penalty money wouldn’t necessarily go back to consumers; and could instead go to the state treasury.
“The most important thing isn’t the money,” McKenna said. “It’s about changing practices of the company.”
It could be years before we see an outcome of this lawsuit, especially if it actually goes to trial and is then appealed. McKenna says it’s typical for there to be a settlement reached before that happens.
Some people, including KIRO Radio’s own John Curley, say the timing of the lawsuit is suspicious. Ferguson, a Democrat, is competing against Libertarian Joshua Trumbull for the job.
“Perfect timing,” Curley said. “If you’re running for office, and the primary is tomorrow, why not come out with a big press conference today.”
However, Ferguson said he brought up the issue years ago. Comcast, he alleges, only began making improvements once a lawsuit was mentioned.
Comcast officials initially responded that they were blindsided by the lawsuit, saying the company had been working with the AG’s office on the issues and were making improvements.
McKenna says this is part of being an elected official. Ferguson wants people to know he’s doing his job. But this isn’t the job of one person, McKenna explains. Along with having an entire staff, he also has legal counseling.
“You don’t make a move like this without lawyers being on board,” McKenna said.
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