David Yates News
Justices affirm dismissal of suit claiming deacon’s relationship with man’s wife led to divorce
HOUSTON – Today, the 14th Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of a lawsuit against The Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston – litigation claiming that a deacon’s personal relationship with a man’s wife led to the couple’s divorce.
Groups question AG Paxton’s need for $43M in taxpayer funds to sue Google, urge lawmakers to reject request
AUSTIN – Although Ken Paxton fled Texas as Winter Storm Uri froze the state, the attorney general just can’t seem to escape the heat, as a coalition of groups are questioning his need for $43 million in taxpayer funds to sue Google.
Woman alleges stripper bit off part of her nose, sues Vegas Club
HOUSTON – A waitress at Vegas Club is suing the company, alleging a dancer bit off part of her nose.
Federal court finds CDC’s Eviction Moratorium Order unconstitutional, ruling already on appeal
EAST TEXAS – Keeping property owners from booting tenants who don’t pay their rent out of fear of spreading COVID-19 is not enough a reason to sidestep the U.S. Constitution, a federal court recently opined.
Haynes and Boone defeats $1.2 million libel judgment based on Yelp review
DALLAS - A Haynes and Boone, LLP legal team led by Partner Jason Bloom helped client Sean Gharavi win an appeal from a $1.2 million judgment against him based on a single Yelp review about a dentist.
Brent Coon reportedly trolling for suits against energy providers
BEAUMONT – Area attorney Brent Coon is reportedly teaming up with a Houston law firm to file lawsuits against energy providers over the power loss that occurred during Winter Storm Uri.
Texas bills seek to end abusive lawsuits against owners and operators of commercial vehicles
AUSTIN – Four new bills in the Texas Legislature seeks to address abusive lawsuits against owners and operators of commercial vehicles in Texas.
Texas AG sues Griddy over exorbitant energy bills during freeze
AUSTIN- Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Griddy today for hitting customers who had variable rate plans with exorbitant energy bills as Winter Storm Uri froze Texas.
Free legal assistance available for low-income individuals affected by the 2021 Texas winter storm
AUSTIN—The State Bar of Texas, the American Bar Association, and legal aid providers across the state remind Texans that a toll-free legal assistance hotline is available to low-income individuals and families affected by the Texas winter storm that began Feb. 11.
Bexar County boots Martin Phipps from lead counsel role in $1B opioid suit, Mikal Watts now attorney in charge
SAN ANTONIO – If it were up to Commissioner Trish DeBerry, Bexar County would drop Martin Phipps – releasing the attorney completely from his representation of the county in a $1 billion opioid lawsuit.
Texas AG responds to opinion request by DA Bob Wortham concerning potential conflict of interest
BEAUMONT – The Office of the Attorney General has responded to an opinion request made by Jefferson County District Attorney Bob Wortham, finding there is no conflict of interest when a city council member votes on a county matter despite being married to the tax assessor.
Diabetic trucker skips lunch and crashes truck, hits employer with $1M suit for failing to accommodate condition
GONZALES – A Gonzales County man is alleging Ehrig Brothers AG failed to accommodate his diabetes, which led to him skipping lunch and driving his truck off the road.
Locke Lord Names Cynthia Bast Austin Office Managing Partner and Elizabeth Mack Dallas Office Managing Partner; All Three of Firm’s Texas Offices Led by Women
AUSTIN – Locke Lord’s Cynthia Bast, Chair of the Firm’s Affordable Housing and Community Development Section, has been named Austin Office Managing Partner, and Elizabeth Mack, Chair of the Firm’s Environmental – Real Estate and Corporate Section, has been named Dallas Office Managing Partner.
Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee launches civil investigation into the electricity disaster, seeks to take legal action
HOUSTON — Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee announced today his office is launching a civil investigation into the circumstances leading up to Texas’s recent electricity disaster—including decisions made by the Public Utility Commission (PUC), the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), and market participants—to identify all responsible parties.
Former JC deputy testifies Wayne Reaud threatened him with criminal charges unless he made up corruption claims against Layne Walker
BEAUMONT – A former Jefferson County sheriff’s deputy recently testified that attorney Wayne Reaud of Reaud Morgan & Quinn threatened him with criminal charges if he didn’t concoct corruption claims against former district judge Layne Walker – an accusation that Reaud completely denies.
$1 billion class action filed against Griddy for alleged excessive electricity bills during Texas disaster, provider charged $9,500
HOUSTON – A Chambers County woman has filed a proposed class action lawsuit against Griddy, alleging that the Texas power supplier engaged in unlawful price gouging during last week’s statewide winter storm and power outages.
Southeast Texas property owners get sovereign immunity win in flood damage case
BEAUMONT - U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison has entered an order denying an attempt by the state of Texas to claim sovereign immunity in a lawsuit filed by dozens of Chambers County residents. Barring an appeal by the state, the litigation can now move forward.
On appeal, South Padre Island argues limiting food trucks protects public health
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND – Limiting the number of food trucks in South Padre Island and requiring them to be green lighted by local restaurants “is reasonable and protects public health,” according to a recently filed appellate brief.
Houston judge disputes estate trafficking, racketeering in elder guardianship
HOUSTON - The Houston-area probate judge accused of estate trafficking and racketeering is disputing the allegations of a Texas physician who sued in federal court after her 91-year-old mother Hattie Owens died under court-appointed guardianship, a press release states.
Texas power failure may be next BP oil spill for trial lawyers
BEAUMONT – Only a week has passed since Winter Storm Uri froze Texas and left millions without power, yet lawsuits are already being brought against power companies and insurers.