News from December 2010
Legally Speaking: Some Defenses Never Rest
In previous columns, I've written about some of the more creative and even outrageous defenses that lawyers and their embattled clients have employed over the years: the murderer who claimed "caffeine intoxication," the speeding driver who claimed he lost control of the car while dunking cookies in milk, and the tax dodger who claimed "fear of filing syndrome."
Man with crushed arm files petition to take deposition before suit
Perhaps a precursor to future litigation, Jonathon Villerreal has filed a petition to take deposition before suit, claiming his hand was crushed while working for Express Personnel Services.
Nurse claims doctor violated HIPAA rights
Alleging violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Rachel Kimar, a nurse at the Medical Center of Southeast Texas, has filed suit against Dr. Otto Miller.
Landlord sues investment firm, fitness club for breaking lease
Port Arthur CPDC, a Louisiana based company, claims a fitness club and investment firm have broken their lease and failed to pay rent.
FELA suit filed against Watco over worker's heat injuries
Alleging Watco companies should have known he was heat sensitive, Michael Hudson recently filed suit against the railroad company.
Defendant Rowan non-suits third party in worker injury case
In January, Port Neches resident Rafael Gutierrez, who injured his back while lifting equipment, filed suit against Rowan Companies, who then turned and sued Precision Petroleum, the man's employer.
H.B. Neild and Sons seeks summary judgment in suit over scaffold collapse at cathedral
Arguing that it is not responsible for how an independent contractor controls a worksite, defendant H.B. Neild and Sons recently filed a no-evidence motion for summary judgment.
Fall in Dickinson parking lot leads to lawsuit
GALVESTON - After hurting herself in a Dickinson parking lot, a Huntsville woman has filed suit against the premises owners, Dixie Partners II LP and Big D Properties Inc.
Attorney withdrawals in family dispute case over PA woman naming pastor as beneficiary
No action has been taken place in a probate case centered a deceased Port Arthur woman who left her entire state to her preacher.
Catfish Kitchen goes belly up, leaves leasers on the hook
The owners of Catfish Kitchen have filed suit against a man they allowed to use their name and rent a restaurant location, alleging the defendant closed up shop and broke his lease commitment.
City of Port Neches, SIMCO prepare for January trial
The city of Port Neches and SIMCO Enterprises went through pre-trial exercises on Monday, Dec. 20, to better prepare for their upcoming trial set for Jan. 10.
Defendants go separate ways in med-mal complaint
In October, two hospitals and a physician had their respective motions to dismiss denied by Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court.
Texas Times: Protecting The Most Vulnerable This Season
This holiday season, while many of us are fortunate to spend quality time with our loved ones enjoying the spirit of the season, there are many children across Texas and the country who are subjected to a much different experience.
Resort sued for failure to pay for hurricane repairs
GALVESTON - National Catastrophe Services Inc. claims that Silverleaf Resorts Inc. owes it $60,345 for a variety of services performed after Hurricane Ike, recent court documents say.
Medical facilities blamed for woman's death
GALVESTON - W. Perry Evans of Texas City faults Friendship Haven Inc.; Clear Lake Regional Medical Center Inc.; Regent Care Center of League City, Limited Partnership and Cornerstone Health Management Co. for the death of Bertha Reed, recent court documents say.
American Crane settles suit over crushed hand
Minutes before a summary judgment hearing was slated to begin Monday, American Crane & Rigging opted to settle a lawsuit alleging it was responsible for crushing an Orange County man's hand.
58th Court District 2/2011
EVANGELINA FLORES ET AL VS JOHN L AHERN ET AL
Some UTMB professors deserve a failing grade in the school of hard knocks
It must be nice to be a college professor who feels insulated from reality. Even a hurricane makes no impression on this navel-gazing egghead.
Coon causes stir in BP hearing by introducing 7 million docs from Texas City class action
Coon NEW ORLEANS - Brent Coon caused a bit of a stir during Friday's status conference for the multi-district litigation (MDL) regarding the BP oil spill when he introduced around seven million documents from a previous class action against BP.
Criss lifts ban on release of TWIA information
Criss State District Judge Susan Criss (D - Galveston) issued an order Thursday dissolving her injunction prohibiting the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association from releasing information about a $189 million settlement with Hurricane Ike victims.