News from August 2007
60th Court District, Judge Sanderson, Aug. 1-30
60th Court District
Shoe on the other foot for contractor
Contractors often find themselves on the wrong end of a lawsuit, facing allegations of incomplete or shoddy work or run-ups in construction costs. But in a recent Jefferson County suit it is the contractor that is crying foul.
No contortionist, seaman sues over valve placement
Mark Lanier Armed with the Jones Act, Alton Adams is suing his employer for "forcing him to place his body in an unsafe position" while operating a ship's valves.
Suit says insurance should have covered wind damage
Beaumont homeowner Wanda Lewis claims that the Capitol County Mutual Fire Insurance Co., along with three of its adjusters, wrongfully denied her Hurricane Rita damage claim, even though her policy covered windstorm damage.
Kelley, crowd turn Valero meeting into shouting match
Hilton Kelley, environmental activist, shouts at Valero Refinery officials at a public forum. PORT ARTHUR -- Earlier this year, self-appointed environmental activist Hilton Kelley tried to throw a kink in Motiva Enterprises' plans for a $5 billion expansion of its Port Arthur refinery.
Suit claims Wal-Mart employees allowed woman to fall
Dowlen Road Wal-Mart in Beaumont A pair of Wal-Mart employees allegedly stood idly by and watched a bargain shopper slip and fall as she walked through a puddle of water while attempting to leave the mega store.
Sabine Pass resident sues over lapsed insurance
A Sabine Pass resident, whose home was damaged during Hurricane Rita, is suing his insurance agent for allegedly neglecting to inform him that his windstorm insurance had lapsed.
Man claims Poligrip caused neuro damage
A man who used a denture adhesive now claims the zinc in the product caused neurological damage and has filed suit against the manufacturer.
Fosamax blizzard hits Northeast Texas
MARSHALL -- It doesn't snow often in Northeast Texas, but the blizzard of lawsuits hitting Merck's medication Fosamax keeps blowing into town.
Back injury leads to suit against M&I Electric
Paul Pruitt claims while working for M&I Electric Industries Inc. he suffered a permanent injury to his back.
Mikal Watts' arguments
Three college girls are driving cross-country pulling a U-Haul trailer while simultaneously sharing a bag of marijuana.
Six indicted for health care fraud scheme
U.S. Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced Aug. 3 that six Southeast Texans have been indicted for health care fraud in the Eastern District of Texas.
Consumer Alert: Texans urged to check for potentially dangerous tires
The Office of the Attorney General is urging Texas drivers to check their vehicles for potentially dangerous tires. The tires were sold from 2002 to 2006 for light trucks, sports utility vehicles, and vans, and could be in danger of tread separation.
Arkansas utility customers granted stay, trial continues for Texas utility customers
Texarkana, Ark. - On July 25, Miller County Judge Jim Hudson granted a motion for stay applying only for Arkansas utility plaintiffs within a class action suit against Centerpoint Energy. Judge Hudson denied stay for Texas utility plaintiffs. Although the stay stops proceedings for the Arkansas plaintiffs, Judge Hudson may retain future jurisdiction.
Property company sues for property damage claim
Caliber Properties Inc., a local company, is suing its insurance provider and one of its adjusters for "denying at least a portion" of its Hurricane Rita claim without performing an "adequate investigation."
Texas lottery commission might run raffles if AG Abbott gives nod
Greg Abbott AUSTIN -- Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott is currently mulling whether Texans could soon play a type of lottery more often seen at social fund-raisers.
'Colossus' class action costing defendants more than $293 million
TEXARKANA, Ark. -- Proposed and approved settlements from Miller County Circuit Court's infamous "Colossus" class action could cost defendants more than $293 million.
This Just In: Orange County
July 24
This Just In: Jefferson County
July 25
Groves man sues Farmers over hurricane claim
Groves resident Jimmie Smith filed a policy claim for property damage with Farmers Insurance Exchange following Hurricane Rita in 2005. He received a sum of money but now, nearly two years later, says it wasn't enough.