News from September 2008
Behind the paperwork- Following two decades of asbestos legal strategy
BEAUMONT, Texas-Case No. B-126,986, filed in the District Court of Jefferson County, Texas was just one of hundreds of thousands of similar cases filed over a period of 30 years on behalf of plaintiffs injured from exposure to asbestos.
Barr, Libertarians lose Texas ballot fight
Bob Barr (L) AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline)-The Texas Supreme Court on Tuesday denied a petition to remove the Democratic and Republican presidential nominees from the statewide ballot.
Texas AG gets judgment to stop marketer from targeting seniors
AUSTIN(Legal Newsline)--Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has obtained a final judgment and permanent injunction against a marketing company accused of unlawfully obtaining senior citizens' personal information.
Legally Speaking: What's In A Name? As It Turns Out, A Lot
During a recent appearance on Dallas' local ABC affiliate, WFAA-TV, I took some calls live from viewers seeking legal advice.
Group claims 'eminent threat' of asbestos exposure after hurricane
Hurricane Ike may have passed through Southeast Texas a week ago, but one group is warning residents of another danger ahead � the "eminent threat of asbestos exposure" in the wake of the storm.
Suit alleges Galveston leaders allowed early re-entry to influential residents
City leaders in Galveston are faced with the enormous task of bringing their city back to life after Hurricane Ike. Now they are also faced with a lawsuit by a local attorney that accuses officials of allowing affluent and influential residents to pass through roadblocks and reenter the city, while denying entry to others.
Courthouse to reopen Wednesday
The Jefferson County Courthouse and the flooded Park Street underpass following Hurricane Ike. The Jefferson County Courthouse will reopen at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, according to a statement from Jefferson County Judge Ron Walker and members of the Commissioner's Court.
Austin justices give new life to med-mal suit
AUSTIN -- Justices on the Texas Third District Court of Appeals breathed new life into a dismissed medical malpractice suit Sept. 5, remanding the case back to a lower court so the plaintiff will have more time to find a medical expert for the case.
$15 M Medicaid fraud lawsuit dismissed against medical center
MARSHALL � A federal judge recently granted a summary judgment in a case alleging a health care system submitted false claims to Medicaid.
FMLA case dismissed against Eastman Chemical
MARSHALL -- Being terminated for falling asleep at work does not violate the Family Medical Leave Act , Judge T. John Ward wrote in an opinion and order that dismissed a case against Eastman Chemical Company.
Christus appeals $1.5 M verdict from September 2007 trial
Next month, Beaumont justices on Texas' Ninth Court of Appeals are scheduled to hear oral arguments from Christus Health lawyers as to why the court should nullify a $1.5 million verdict levied against the hospital last September.
AG warns Texans to be wise when making hurricane relief donations
When a disaster like Hurricane Ike hits the Lone Star State, residents always respond with generosity to help their fellow Texans.
Orange Co. evacuation order rescinded
The Orange County Office of Emergency Management has announced that the Mandatory Evacuation Order is lifted as of 6 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20.
Evacuation order lifted for Jefferson Co., cities
Jefferson County Judge Ron Walker announced that the Mandatory Evacuation Order issued on Sept. 11 will be terminated effective at 6 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20.
Photos of Hurricane Ike aftermath in Beaumont-Part 2
9/17/2008-The "muffler man" is left balancing on one foot after Hurricane Ike knocked him from his perch at Ken's Muffler on 11th Street. All photos by Marilyn Tennissen
Photos of Hurricane Ike aftermath in Beaumont-Part 1
9/14/2008-The San Jacinto Building on Orleans, which houses the Southeast Texas Record, had one of the front doors shattered from flying debris. All photos by Marilyn Tennissen
Lone Star Legal Aid to offer free legal advice to hurricane victims
HOUSTON � Lone Star Legal Aid has announced it will be offering free legal advice to areas affected by Hurricane Ike.
Print edition of Southeast Texas Record to resume Sept. 22
Due to Hurricane Ike, there was no print edition of the Sept. 15 issue of the Southeast Texas Record. The regular print distribution will resume with the Sept. 22 issue.
Chertoff: Southeast Texas not forgotten in Hurricane Ike recovery
Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff views the Hurricane Ike emergency response staging area at Ford Park on Sept. 18. Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff assured area officials Sept. 18 that Southeast Texas will not be forgotten in the recovery efforts following Hurricane Ike.
PA woman killed by misuse of generator
With large portions of Jefferson County still without electric power following Hurricane Ike, the use of generators and candles in homes is adding to an already dangerous situation.