David Yates News
Upheld: Union Pacific Railroad’s jury win in train collision trial, plaintiffs sought millions in damages
BEAUMONT – The evidence presented at a personal injury trial would enable “reasonable and fair-minded people” to conclude that Union Pacific Railroad was not at fault when a train collided with a tractor-trailer stopped on its tracks, according to the Ninth Court of Appeals.
Woman slips on cardboard at Dollar Tree two years ago, sues for lack of warning signs
BEAUMONT – A local woman is suing Dollar Tree Stores for injures she allegedly received two years ago when she slipped on some cardboard.
It’s Just Lunch sued for setting up bad dates, suit claims one woman ‘inappropriately’ showed naked pictures
HOUSTON – Anyone ever set up on a bad blind date can most likely attest to being none too pleased with the matchmaker, and perhaps might have even expressed that displeasure.
Texas ‘anticipates’ suing opioid manufactures, AG Office keeping quiet on which law firms will represent state
AUSTIN – The Lone Star State may soon join the dozens of Texas counties that have already filed suit against the makers of opioids, as an open records request revealed the state has indeed received “suggested case theories” from “prospective co-counsels” and “anticipates” litigation.
Med-mal trial over use of da Vinci Surgical System starts in Beaumont
BEAUMONT – The trial of a medical malpractice lawsuit over the use of the da Vinci Surgical System, a robotic device used to assist surgeons, has begun.
Mistrial declared in med-mal over man’s suicide, plaintiffs’ attorney says a more impartial and colorblind jury needed next time
BEAUMONT – After five days of deliberations, a Jefferson County jury failed to reach a verdict in a medical malpractice lawsuit brought by an area couple that lost their son when he killed himself while under a suicide watch.
Appeals court rules against Waller County in open carry lawsuit, Texas AG praises decision
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton is applauding the First Court of Appeals for finding Waller County lacks jurisdiction to sue a private citizen who complained that the county was unlawfully banning firearms from its government building.
Akerman expands fraud and recovery practice with Dallas partners Eduardo Espinosa, Michael Napoli
DALLAS — On March 15, Akerman LLP, a top 100 U.S. law firm serving clients across the Americas, today continued the national expansion of the Fraud and Recovery Practice Group with the addition of Dallas partners Eduardo “Eddy” Espinosa and Michael Napoli from Dykema.
Oral arguments slated in battle to unseal Russell Budd’s testimony on asbestos memo
HOUSTON – Next month, an appellate court will hear oral arguments on whether to unseal testimony given by renowned plaintiff’s attorney Russell Budd on the “Terrell memo.”
Klein withdraws motion to seal in lawsuit against Kallop Enterprises
BEAUMONT – A cease-fire has been issued in a battle to seal a controversial court document.
Texas AG praises 5th Circuit ruling to uphold state’s sanctuary cities law
AUSTIN – On March 13, Attorney General Ken Paxton praised a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit upholding all but application of one word of Senate Bill 4, a measure that bans sanctuary cities in Texas.
Schwarzenegger reportedly in talks with lawyers to sue big oil for climate change, first-degree murder
AUSTIN – Cities and counties apparently aren’t the only ones who want to sue big oil for climate change.
On March 11 at the SXSW festival in Austin, Arnold Schwarzenegger said in a Politico podcast that he’s in talks with law firms about suing global oil companies “for knowingly killing people all over the world.”
Plaintiff’s attorney OKs McDonald’s absence from jury charge, then loses appeal asserting judge erred for not including
HOUSTON – Apparently, if a plaintiff’s attorney approves a jury charge, the plaintiff has no grounds to accuse the trial court of abusing its discretion for not including a defendant party in the charge.
Voss Law brings Harvey suit against TWIA, represents Port Arthur church
BEAUMONT – A Port Arthur church is seeking up to $200,000 from the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association for allegedly undervaluing damages caused by Hurricane Harvey.
Hidalgo County jury finds in favor of USAA following trial of $1M Mostyn Law hail suit
BEAUMONT – A Hidalgo County jury recently found USAA Texas Lloyds complied with its insurance policy with a couple claiming the insurer undervalued their claim for hail damage.
Chick-fil-A hit with slip & fall lawsuit, woman allegedly slipped near bathroom two years ago
BEAUMONT – A local resident is suing Chick-fil-A for injuries she received while allegedly slipping and falling near the bathroom two years ago.
Deliberations put on hold in med-mal over man’s suicide, defendant tried to change venue because of Record reporting
BEAUMONT – Although the case has already nearly dragged on for four years, a Jefferson County couple asserting their son killed himself while under a suicide watch while have to wait a little longer for a resolution, as the jury presiding over their med-mal trial are on break.
Plaintiffs bar continues financial support for Bradley in race to replace Judge Floyd
BEAUMONT – With the March primary in books, plaintiff’s attorney Tina Bradley will race toward the May runoff election touting a much heavier war chest than her opponent, as trial lawyers from all over Southeast Texas are supporting the toxic tort specialist to be the next judge of the 172nd District Court.
Bradley, Chappell heading toward runoff in race for 172nd District Court
BEAUMONT – Plaintiff’s attorney Tina Bradley, who held a significant financial edge over her opponents going into the March 6 Primary Election, couldn’t capture the 50 percent needed for the right to represent the Democratic Party in the race for the 172nd District Court.
East Texas attorney Clyde Siebman addresses Naples Roundtable on patent venue reforms
SHERMAN - Trial lawyer Clyde Siebman of East Texas-based Siebman, Burg, Phillips & Smith recently joined an invitation-only group of 100 judges, attorneys and academics to address issues impacting patent law.