Charmaine Little News
Appeals court partially grants Defy International's writ of mandamus
HOUSTON -- The Texas 14th Court of Appeals on Nov. 26 denied in part and granted in part a company’s attempt at a writ of mandamus after it was ordered to produce another businesses’ tax records amid a real estate lawsuit.
Appellate court denies motion to dismiss suit against former Percheron Holdings employee in contract dispute
HOUSTON – On Nov. 14, the 14th Court of Appeals determined an employer’s lawsuit is exempt from the Texas Citizens Participation Act and affirmed a lower court’s ruling that denied an employee’s motion to dismiss the suit against him.
Appeals court rules in favor of man who sued tow company for strict liability, conspiracy and negligence
A towing company facing a lawsuit from a man who was assaulted after his car was towed had a summary judgment in its favor reversed and remanded in the Court of Appeals for the First District of Texas on Nov. 14.
Houston property owner loses appeal based on 34 months of inactivity
A property owner caught up in a legal battle with a homeowners’ association lost his appeal years after his claims against the association were dismissed for want of prosecution.
Appeals court rules against Spring Branch ISD, Harris County and city of Houston in delinquent-taxes lawsuit
A school district, Harris County and the City of Houston lost their appeal after trying to include a potential successor in a delinquent-taxes lawsuit against a commercial printing company.
First District Appeals Court rules on $25 million judgment in contract dispute
On Oct. 31, the Court of Appeals for the First District of Texas affirmed in part and reversed in part a lower court's decision that awarded a $25 million judgment for a contract dispute between a valve company and one of its clients.
Man's failure to amend complaint results in dismissal of lawsuit over loss of his unborn child
A man’s failure to timely file an amended complaint in his lawsuit against The Mental Health & Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County, now known as The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, and one of its employees led to an appeals court affirming the case’s dismissal on Oct. 29.
Ninth District Court of Appeals grants petition for defendant in wrongful death lawsuit
BEAUMONT – A company being sued in a wrongful death case was granted its petition for writ of mandamus by the Court of Appeals in the Ninth District of Texas on Oct. 31, reversing a lower court’s decision.
Molecular Health, Inc. employee suing for sexual harassment wins appeal concerning jurisdiction
Marci Hocevear prevailed in her appeal concerning her sexual assault case against Molecular Health, Inc. after a lower court granted the company’s plea to jurisdiction.
Doctor, First Street Surgical Center lose negligence appeal
HOUSTON -- An appeals court has turned down a surgical center’s appeal that a patient suing it for health care liability did not provide the proper expert in the lower court and has dismissed the case.
Appeals court rules against widow in case against UTMB
HOUSTON -- A widow who sued the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston for the death of her husband was unsuccessful in the Texas 14th Court of Appeals as the judges reversed Oct. 31 a denial to dismiss from a lower court.
Appeals court tosses out complaint against Polk County over acquired mental health records
BEAUMONT -- The Texas Ninth District Court of Appeals affirmed Oct. 31 the dismissal of a man’s complaint against Polk County and related parties, alleging that they violated his constitutional rights.
CenterPoint Energy wins case in electrocution of branch cutter
HOUSTON -- A man electrocuted while handling a low-hanging limb could not convince the Texas 14th Court of Appeals to reverse a summary judgment against him on Oct. 29.
University of Texas escapes lawsuit from cyclist who was hit by car
AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) – The Supreme Court of Texas ruled that University of Texas at Austin does have immunity in a woman's negligence case that stems from an injury she suffered while biking on campus in 2015.
Appeals court rules against couple seeking to overturn decision in complex foreclosure case
HOUSTON -- The Texas First District Court of Appeals affirmed Oct. 22 a ruling in favor of mortgage companies in a legal battle with homeowners.
Judges rule Texas courts have specific jurisdiction over nonresident company in fatal crash case
BEAUMONT-- A Texas appeals court has determined that a lower court did have jurisdiction to rule in a fatal car accident that included a nonresident as a plaintiff.
Court rules deceased Texas judge has judicial immunity in case of convicted aggravated robber
BEAUMONT -- A judge sued by a man convicted of aggravated robbery is protected with judicial immunity.
Justices affirm New York resident's special appearance in Texas fraud case
HOUSTON -- A special appearance for a New York resident in a Texas court was affirmed Oct. 22 in the First District of Texas Court of Appeals during a dispute over an investment into the prepaid-phone industry.
Appeals court rules Harris County protected by governmental immunity
HOUSTON -- The Texas 14th Court of Appeals has ruled that a Texas man failed to prove he has grounds to sue a Texas governmental entity and related parties and has dismissed the case.
Appeals court backs Houston businesswoman accused of being member of Viet Cong on Facebook
HOUSTON -- A Texas appeals court refused Oct. 15 to dismiss a defamation case against two people who accused a Houston woman of being a member of a top-secret Viet Cong scheme to scam locals.