News from December 2007
MicroUnity, Sony reach settlement in patent suit
California company MicroUnity Systems recently reached a settlement in a patent infringement case against Sony over technology used in PlayStation systems.
Recent patent/copyright infringement cases filed in U.S. District Courts
Marshall Division, Eastern District of Texas
58th Court District January 2008
58th COURT DISTRICT
Dec. Hearings 2007
December 2007 Hearing Dates
Slip on greasy spot at greasy spoon leads to lawsuit
Greasy substances allegedly caused Jason Kimbril to slip and fall as he passed by the Walden Petro Stopping Center's dumpster. He is suing the truck stop for failing to warn him of the "dangerous condition."
172nd court district December 2007
172ND COURT DISTRICT
Suit alleges death caused by possible benzene exposure
Matthew Willis From 1954 to 1982, the late John Ard worked at Texas Gulf Sulfur. After he died of leukemia, Ard's benefactor filed a lawsuit against PCS Phosphate and six oil companies claiming he was negligently exposed to a chemical that could have been benzene.
Man rear-ends vehicle but sues company that did brake work
Approximately two years ago, Carlton Bellard rear-ended another vehicle while driving his work truck. Now, Bellard is suing Beaumont Frame and Front End Service Inc., claiming the company caused the accident by failing to properly service the truck's brakes.
Housekeeper's trial against employer reset for March
Charles Gordon Reed It seems the Christmas break came early for a few Jefferson County lawyers as the second civil trial this week was put on hold and reset for March.
Man swallows chicken bone, suit filed against surgeons
Memorial Hermann Baptist Beaumont Hospital Somehow Charles West managed to swallow a chicken bone without choking on it, but the bone continued through his system until it tore a hole in his bowel. West's family claims negligence on the part of the hospital and doctors following surgery to repair the bowel led to the 74-year-old's death.
Insurance provider sued for denying on-the-job injury claim
Michael Doyle Otis Rogers is suing his employer's insurance provider, claiming he was wrongfully denied worker's compensation benefits for an on-the-job injury.
Family of Texaco employee sues for benzene exposure
George Frauenberger's widow and son are suing Texaco, claiming the company negligently exposed Frauenberger, a former Texaco employee, to benzene and caused his fatal leukemia.
Scaffold worker sues Exxon Mobil after foot injury
An Atlantic Scaffolding employee hurt his foot when he said his co-workers improperly passed scaffolding boards on a vessel owned by Exxon Mobil Corp.
Trial reset over brawl at Young Life crawfish boil
A minor defendant whose trial was set to begin Monday, Dec. 10, was saved by the bell. The trial of Ryne Cohen vs. Young Life et al has been reset because the minor was in the midst of finals.
Family protesting at courthouse alleges Provost Umphrey attorney kept settlement proceeds
Protesters claiming a Provost Umphrey attorney "stole" their asbestos settlement money gathered in front of the Jefferson County Courthouse on Monday, Dec. 10, in hopes of attracting a lawyer brave enough to tangle with the renowned law firm.
Wrong bias
In most Texans' view, "pro-business" is no pejorative. But pro-trial lawyer is.
Texas Times: Continuing agriculture policies that work
Five years ago, when commodity prices were low and the national economy was reeling, Congress approved a controversial major farm bill. The 2002 law shored up nutrition, conservation and commodity support programs, and brought benefits to rural and urban areas alike.
Sanderson to rule on Lemon Law case
John Read says the new car he bought from a Beaumont dealer was so rusted out that he was afraid to drive it. Mike Smith Autoplex and GM say the few rusted bolts were replaceable and offered to fix the problems for free.
Jurors award $25K to trash man sprayed with blood
An infectious case of "pink eye" landed trash man George Eddings nearly $25,000 as the trial of Eddings vs. Hospital Housekeeping Systems ended Thursday, Dec. 6.
This Just In: Orange County
Nov. 20