Marilyn Tennissen News
Jurors award $4.7M to family of TxDOT worker
A Jefferson County jury awarded $4.7 million Thursday to the family of a Texas Department of Transportation employee killed while doing roadwork in Southeast Texas.
Rise in insurance costs leads to cancellation of Beaumont Christmas parade
The city of Beaumont has announced it will not hold its annual Christmas parade this year, "a result of increased insurance costs" and other problems.
Health professionals refute report that Texas tort reform is a failure
Opelt In spite of a recent report calling the Texas reform of medical liability litigation a "failed experiment," a group of medical professionals in the state still maintains the reforms are a success.
Provost Umphrey, Dole reach settlement in pesticide suits
After years of litigation, The Dole Food Co. Inc. and Beaumont's Provost Umphrey Law Firm LLP have reached an agreement to settle all the litigation the firm filed on behalf of more than 5,000 foreign farm workers claiming injuries from pesticides.
Senate confirms Obama nominee Bales as US Attorney for east Texas
Bales On Jan. 26, 2003, John Malcolm Bales had just been named chief of the criminal division for the federal Eastern District of Texas Lufkin office.
Lawsuit blames electric co-op for Bastrop County wildfire
A lawsuit was filed Sept. 23 against Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative, alleging the power company is responsible for the Bastrop County fire, the largest in Texas history. The flames in Bastrop County may be extinguished, but a recently filed lawsuit is now igniting a court battle over the largest wildfire in the state's history.
Beaumont attorney announces bid for Congress
Beaumont attorney Jay Old, joined by his wife, Ann Clary, announces his candidacy for the 14th Congressional District at a press conference Sept. 20 at Beaumont City Hall. Republican Jay Old, a Beaumont attorney, announced his candidacy to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Ron Paul in the newly drawn 14th Congressional District.
Trial lawyers ready to spend money to oppose Perry
If trial lawyers had their pick, Texas Gov. Rick Perry would not be the next president of the United States.
Insurer: Texas malpractice rates decreasing since liability reforms
Ott Due to medical liability reforms in the state, Texas physicians will pay less for liability coverage next year, according to the state's largest provider of malpractice insurance.
Kansas attorney sentenced to prison for ripping off Beaumont investors
Four years ago, attorney Clifford R. Roth from Kansas thought he could make money off investors in Southeast Texas. Instead, his get-rich-quick scheme will cost him more than $2 million and almost four years of his life.
It's official: Perry running for president
Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) formally announced his candidacy for president at an event in South Carolina on Saturday. In a short speech to hundreds of supporters packed in a ballroom in South Carolina, Gov. Rick Perry officially announced he is running for president.
Magistrate Judge Hines retires after 28 years on the bench
U.S Magistrate Judge Earl S. Hines, right, views his formal courthouse portrait at a retirement celebration July 15. He is joined by his family, from left, son Cade, wife Betsy and daughter Stella for the official unveiling. Earl Hines always begins his day at 3:45 a.m., and not just on those days he plans to go fishing but also on days he goes to work as a U.S. magistrate judge.
TWIA reform bill supported by reformers
Trabulsi The Texas Legislature has approved a bill that will revamp the state's windstorm insurance program .
Appeals court ruling upholds Texas ban on 'ambulance chasing'
Reavely NEW ORLEANS -- It is illegal for a Texas attorney or medical professional to communicate with potential clients within 30 days of an accident or arrest, federal appellate justices ruled in a recent decision that upholds the constitutionality of Texas barratry laws.
Texas anti-SLAPP bill becomes law
Hunter With Gov. Rick Perry's signature, Texas became the 27th state to adopt legislation that protects citizens from being sued for expressing their First Amendment rights.
TWIA reform bill approved by Senate committee
Carona A Texas Senate committee on Wednesday morning approved a bill to reform the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, but it is different from the one passed by the House last week and could send lawmakers into another special session.
Texas House bill would prevent collection of punitive damages from TWIA lawsuits
Smithee The Texas House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would cap the amount of damages plaintiffs can receive from litigation against the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association.
Texas no longer 'poster child' of lawsuit abuse, reform bill supporter says
Weekley Gov. Rick Perry has signed into law a "loser pays" lawsuit reform bill, which one supporter said will keep Texas from being the national "poster child" of lawsuit abuse.
Perry signs 'loser pays' lawsuit reform into law
Texas Gov. Rick Perry signs HB 274 into law on May 30. Perry was joined by the bill's author, Rep. Brandon Creighton, far left, and Senate sponsor Sen. Joan Huffman, far right. Gov. Rick Perry on Monday signed a bill that will implement a "loser pays" system to stop frivolous lawsuits in Texas.