News from July 2007
Arbitrator from PA orders O'Quinn to refund $35 million to clients
John O'Quinn An arbitration panel that includes a Jefferson County native has ordered prominent Houston plaintiff lawyer John O'Quinn to refund at least $35.7 million to more than 3,000 former clients.
Expert: Only a 'crystal ball' could have predicted dangers of asbestos
Were Mobil Oil's actions to protect refinery workers and their families from asbestos reasonable in light of what the company knew during the 1930s, '40s, '50s and early '60s time period?
172nd Court District, August Hearings: Judge Floyd
172nd Court District
Self-serve
We all feel incredible sympathy for 23 year-old Eva Rowe, who famously lost both her parents in a 2005 explosion at a British Petroleum (BP) oil refinery in Texas City.
BBB hosts lunch seminar next month
The Better Business of Southeast Texas will present a "Lunch & Learn" training seminar for business leaders in August.
Unpaid hurricane claim leads to suit against Allstate
After Hurricane Rita ripped the siding of Russell and Amy Gils' home, Allstate compromised with the couple and agreed to replace a portion of the house's siding. However, when the couple submitted their $16,500 policy claim, Allstate, through one of its adjusters, denied the claim.
Nederland woman says Windstorm Association caused her emotional distress
A Nederland woman is taking the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association to court for emotional distress and other damages over her claim for Hurricane Rita damage.
Testimony continues in asbestos trial
An asbestos expert and industrial hygienist says oil refinery pipefitters were not exposed to enough asbestos to develop asbestosis, as testimony continued this week in the multimillion dollar trial in Judge Gary Sanderson's 60th District Court.
This Just In
Recent civil filings in Jefferson County District Courts, July 12-19
Chamber to hold roaring fundraiser
The Beaumont Chamber Foundation will host its annual fundraiser with a night back to the Roaring '20s. Spice of the Season "Spicy Night at the Ritz" will be held at 6:30 p.m July 26 at the Beaumont Country Club.
Unfinished home repairs lead to lawsuit
Jason Cansler After Hurricane Rita ravaged her home, Sandra Girard hired Gary and Nancy Robbins to repair her property, "paying them a substantial sum" upfront. To this day, the repairs remain unfinished.
Judge's decision pending on VX waste shipments
Environmental groups opposing the incineration of nerve gas wastewater at a local facility are now waiting for a federal judge to decide if the U.S. Army must permanently stop the shipments to Port Arthur.
New business licenses/assumed names filed with Jefferson County Clerk, July 12-19
Orig. Filing Date: 07/12/2007 Certificate #: 70988
Woman sues housing authority after fall
While strolling through her kitchen, Stacy Johnson claims a loose tile gave way causing her trip and fall. Blaming her spill on the organization that provided her home, Johnson is suing the Beaumont Housing Authority/Tracewood II Apartments.
Child slips at laundromat, mother sues
An uneventful day at a Beaumont laundromat spin cycled for the worst when Marion Goodwin's young daughter allegedly slipped and fell, suffering "permanent injuries."
Recent Foreclosures
Recent foreclosures filed in Jefferson County, July 12-13:
Budget Proposals for Jefferson County Fiscal Year 2007-2008
Budget Proposals for Jefferson County Fiscal Year 2007-2008:Civil Courts, District Clerk and County Clerk
Insurance, injury cases on Clark's docket
Orange County Judge Pat Clark, 128th District Court, will entertain special setting requests for three different plaintiffs on Friday, July 20, possibly granting them trial dates.
Poe to host forum on FAA airport proposal
U.S. Rep. Ted Poe U.S. Rep. Ted Poe (R-Humble) will host a public meeting to discuss the proposed Federal Aviation Terminal Radar Approach Control consolidation.
Legally Speaking: What's Your Name Worth? Maybe Not As Much As You Think
In his play "Othello," Shakespeare wrote "Who steals my purse, steals trash - but he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him and makes me poor indeed."