David Yates News
Texas AG announces ongoing investigation to help address opioid crisis
AUSTIN – On June 15, attorney General Ken Paxton announced that his office is working with a bipartisan coalition of a majority of state attorneys general on an investigation to evaluate whether manufacturers have engaged in unlawful practices in the marketing and sale of opioids.
Non-profits can raffle off booze, Texas AG opines
AUSTIN – The Office of the Texas Attorney General recently found that a court would likely conclude current law does not prohibit nonprofits from raffling off alcohol as a prize.
Texas appeals court affirms $441K judgment in injury suit against Advanced Tire
HOUSTON – The First Court of Appeals has affirmed a lower court’s ruling awarding a plaintiff more than $441,000 for injuries he received while working for Advance Tire and Wheels.
Houston pension solution challenged by firefighters, expert says city in a ‘world of trouble’ if courts rule against
AUSTIN – For the past year, the pension woes of Houston and Dallas have made headlines. And while both cities acquired legislative patches this session, an expert who has been following the issue suspects the stitching may not hold.
Hail attorney facing criminal charges, accused of engaging in organized crime
AUSTIN – A Texas hail attorney who has already had his law license suspended for a year is now facing criminal charges.
According to a Tarrant County criminal docket, Edinburg attorney Kent Livesay has a bond hearing today. The offense – engaging in organized crime.
Houston attorney sues United Airlines for millions, claims employees laughed and cursed at him, assaulted him
HOUSTON – Almost two years ago, a pair of United Airlines employees allegedly laughed at, cursed at and even physically injured an area attorney when he asked for a new boarding pass, according to a recently filed lawsuit.
The Legal 500 recognizes Baron & Budd for mass tort and class action expertise
DALLAS - On June 7, The national law firm of Baron & Budd announced it has been honored by The Legal 500 for its work representing plaintiffs in product liability, mass tort and class action cases.
Texas SC proves retired district judge right, planning commission has immunity definitively yanked
BEAUMONT – In June 2015, the Ninth Court of Appeals reversed and remanded a now-retired district judge’s decision denying the South East Texas Regional Planning Commission governmental immunity.
Two years later, on May 17, the Texas Supreme Court issued a mandate stating that its ruling reversing the Ninth Court is final, confirming Judge Gary Sanderson, formerly of the 60th District Court, was ultimately right in his decision to waive the commission’s immunity.
Paxton leads 16-state coalition urging President Trump to protect individual rights from regulatory overreach
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton is urging President Trump to lead a regulatory reform effort to protect individual rights from federal overreach.
Ferguson Law obtains TRO to preserve evidence regarding death of Kirbyville High School principal
BEAUMONT - The Ferguson Law Firm has obtained a temporary restraining order to preserve evidence surrounding the May 23 death of Dennis Reeves, the Kirbyville High School principal.
Jefferson County jury levies $122M verdict against International Paper
BEAUMONT – A Jefferson County jury recently handed down a $122 million verdict in a breach of contract lawsuit brought by Signature Industrial Services of Beaumont against the International Paper Company.
Property suit against Jefferson County back up on appeal
BEAUMONT – Last year, the Ninth Court of Appeals reinstated a civil case against Jefferson County alleging wrongful foreclosure of a tax sale.
The case is now before justices again after a district judge granted the county summary judgment.
Baron & Budd investigating potential lawsuits regarding alleged GM emissions fraud
DALLAS – On May 30, Baron & Budd announced it is investigating potential lawsuits related to recent allegations that General Motors installed “defeat devices” on more than 705,000 GM Duramax branded diesel trucks.
Mostyn Law wants $1M hail suit reinstated, case was dismissed for want of prosecution
DALLAS – Mostyn Law is asking a district judge to reinstate a hailstorm lawsuit the firm allowed to be dismissed for want of prosecution.
AG Paxton Reaches Settlement with Vivint, warns of door-to-door sales tactics
AUSTIN – On May 31, Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that his office reached a settlement with home security company Vivint over allegations it violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Texas SC finds ‘proportionality is the polestar’ in e-discovery disputes
AUSTIN – Trial courts need to be balanced when it comes to their rulings in electronic discovery disputes, as the Texas Supreme Court recently found judges must recognize “proportionality is the polestar.”
Ellis Décor employee trips over clutter, sues for $1M
BEAUMONT – Ellis Décor and Garden is facing a trip and fall lawsuit.
3-D Mammography bill heads to Abbott’s Desk
AUSTIN – On May 28, Texas House Bill 1036 was passed in the Texas Senate on May 28 with very strong support.
The bill now heads to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk for signature before becoming law. Because the bill passed with a two-thirds majority vote, HB 1036 will go into effect immediately upon Gov. Abbott’s signing.
Malachi Daws accepted as a 2017 AIOPIA’S 10 Best in Texas For Client Satisfaction
BEAUMONT - The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys has recognized the exceptional performance of Texas’s Personal Injury Attorney Malachi Daws as 2017 10 Best Personal Injury Attorneys for Client Satisfaction, according to a press release.
Texas, 42 other states reach $33M settlement with Johnson & Johnson
AUSTIN – On May 24, Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that Texas will receive more than $2.2 million in a $33 million, 43-state settlement with pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson.