David Yates News
D. Todd Smith Joins Butler Snow’s Appellate Group
AUSTIN, Feb. 4, 2021 – Appellate attorney D. Todd Smith has joined Butler Snow LLP, strengthening the firm’s already impressive appellate and written advocacy practice in Austin and Texas, as well as continuing the growth of the firm’s Austin office, a press release states.
PepsiCo hit with discrimination suit, fired worker alleges she was called a ‘dike bitch’
HOUSTON – A lesbian woman is suing PepsiCo for discrimination, alleging she was called a “dike bitch” and then later fired.
City of Houston hit with $1M slip & fall lawsuit
HOUSTON – A woman walking from an airport bathroom to Peet’s Coffee slipped and fell, injuring herself.
Man cuts off fingers while using saw, sues contractors for not properly training him
HOUSTON – Melvin Pena did not receive the proper training to use a radial saw, which led to him losing most of his fingers, according to a recently filed lawsuit.
First class flyer sues United Airlines after flight attendant bumps his elbow
HOUSTON – A local man is suing United Airlines, alleging flight attendants bumped his elbow not once but twice with a service cart.
TLR applauds Abbott for recognizing threat of abusive COVID-19 litigation
AUSTIN – Gov. Greg Abbott gave his “State of the State” speech last night, addressing an array of issues while frequently touting Texas’ strong economy and what needs to be done in the 87th Legislature to keep it that way.
Marketing firm Martin Phipps hired to troll for clients sues for nonpayment
SAN ANTONIO – A marketing firm is claiming Martin Phipps’ law firm owes hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Ninth Court issues mandate affirming dismissal of wrongful termination suit against Port Arthur
BEAUMONT – The Ninth Court of Appeals has issued a mandate affirming a ruling dismissing a wrongful termination suit brought against the city of Port Arthur by a former employee.
TLRPAC endorses Spiller for election in HD 68
AUSTIN—Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC (TLRPAC) today endorsed David Spiller for election in House District 68.
Court ruling could help food trucks roll back into Padre Island
PADRE ISLAND – Beachgoers visiting Padre Island may soon have more variety when dinning, as the Institute for Justice has helped open the door for food trucks to roll back into town.
Human Trafficking Victims and Alleged Sex Workers Dismissed from Anti-prostitution Lawsuit in Houston
Houston, TX (January 28, 2020) — Today, the Harris County Attorney’s Office (HCAO) dismissed 36 alleged sex workers from the County’s “Bissonnet Track” anti-prostitution lawsuit, a press release states.
Former partner of Martin Phipps calls him a ‘crook’ and ‘serial abuser of women’ on Twitter
SAN ANTONIO – Not even six months into his partnership with Martin Phipps and apparently T.J. Mayes is out, calling Phipps a “crook” and a “serial abuser of women” on Twitter.
Fired Spring ISD teacher who accused black students and teacher of drug dealing fails to make the grade on appeal
HOUSTON – Yesterday, the 14th Court of Appeals affirmed a ruling denying a former teacher with the Spring Independent School District unemployment benefits.
Parents sue after child injured playing paintball at Balls & Bruises, suit seeks $1M plus in damages
HOUSTON – A child injured while playing paintball has resulted in a lawsuit seeking more than $1 million in damages.
Texas Bar on board with boosting judicial salaries
AUSTIN – At least one group believes Texas judges need a pay raise this legislative session.
Randy Sorrels apparently out at Abraham Watkins
HOUSTON – For three decades, attorney Randy Sorrels practiced law at Abraham Watkins.
Funeral home allegedly carted out wrong body at viewing, family sues for $1M plus
HOUSTON – A funeral home has been hit with a lawsuit seeking more than $1 million in damages for displaying the wrong body at viewing.
H-E-B employee assaulted customer after being asked to put on a mask, $1M suit alleges
HOUSTON – Asking an H-E-B employee to put on a facemask led to a “violent physical assault,” according to a recently filed lawsuit.
Grabbing splintered wood at Home Depot leads to $1M suit
HOUSTON – A Fort Bend County man is suing Home Depot for injuries he allegedly received more than two years ago after grabbing a piece of splintered wood.
Rice University hit with class action over moving courses to online
HOUSTON – Anna Seballos paid $24,165 in tuition to attend Rice last Spring. Now, she’s suing the university, claiming Rice did not refund her tuition even though it canceled in-person classes.