News from October 2007
Recent copyright/patent infringement cases filed in U.S. District Courts
Marshall Division, Eastern District of Texas
Parents sue West Brook for slander, civil rights violations over game controversy
A former West Brook High School student claims to have been forced to withdraw from school after administrators blamed the student for participating in a controversial game that was played after school hours and away from school property.
Legally Speaking: Brand Name Bullies
As a lawyer who represented companies on both sides of trademark infringement cases, I understand why trademarks can be so vital to a business.
Heavy smoker' dies of cancer, benefactor sues for asbestos exposure
Bryan Blevins A plant operator for most of his life, Jack Jones sued and received a settlement for his asbestos-related disease. Now deceased, Jones' benefactor is suing for a "different malignant asbestos-related injury." Jones had an "extensive" cigarette smoking history.
Missing banister leads to suit after fall
Michael Lindsay Charles McCray is suing Newberry Properties, Ltd. for "failing to replace a banister within a reasonable time." McCray was injured when he fell off some steps adjoining the absent banister.
Husband's laundry blamed for asbestos exposure
On the surface,laundry doesn't appear to be an occupational hazard. However, a retired plumber is claiming his on the job asbestos exposure inadvertently contaminated his wife, causing her untimely death.
Railroad worker settles $2 million case for $34,000
Reed Morgan MARSHALL -- Last year former railroad worker James Smith sued Union Pacific, seeking more than $2 million as compensation for exposure to the toxic chemicals he blames for his leukemia.
Wife of murder victim sues management for unsafe apartments
Jarvis Mayfield was shot to death two years ago at the Prince Hall Village Apartments in Port Arthur, a murder still unsolved by the Port Arthur Police Department.
Wortham honored with Legends Scholarship at Lamar
Judge Bob Wortham Lamar University and the Beaumont Foundation of America have announced the eighth of nine Southeast Texas Legends Scholarships � this one honoring Judge Bob Wortham, who, throughout his distinguished career as a federal prosecutor, district judge and private attorney, has been known as an innovator and legal pioneer whose landmark cases have had national impact.
Woman sues PA doc for botched hysterectomy
Teresa Sartor is suing a Port Arthur physician, Dr. Jacquin Coombs, for complications following a hysterectomy.
Quartet sue Motiva for sulfuric acid exposure
A quartet of Motiva Enterprises employees are claiming they were negligently exposed to sulfuric acid while working at the local plant.
Heavy smoking, asbestos exposure 'synergistically' causes lung cancer, suit says
Bryan Blevins At the request of Provost Umphrey attorney Bryan Blevins, the Texas Occupational Medicine Institute reviewed Clothilde DeJean's medical records and concluded Dejean's "heavy smoking history" combined with asbestos exposure "synergistically" caused her cancer.
60th Court District, Judge Sanderson, Oct. 1-31
60th COURT DISTRICT
Man files suit after television dropped on head
MARSHALL -- Shopping for two 27-inch televisions at a Tyler Best Buy store, Sam Fisher found what he wanted on a high shelf that he could not reach.
Seaman sues after boat capsizes
Arnold & Itkin Seaman Sylvester Maye was thrown into the water and injured when the vessel he was serving on, the M/V Galveston Bay, capsized.
Engineer with back problems sues railroad for chair choice
Gilbert Adams III A locomotive engineer for Union Pacific Railroad Co. for most of his career, Michael Dromgoogle says he now suffers from severe back problems. He is suing the railway for "failing to provide ergonomic seats."
Watchdog group launches Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week
AUSTIN� Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse groups across Texas are celebrating Oct. 1-5 as Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week (LAAW), an annual commemoration to call attention to how lawsuit abuse threatens the healthcare system, costs jobs, increases consumer prices and can cripple small businesses.