News from 2007
Appeals Court ruling keeps 'junk science' testimony out of lawsuit
Justices on the Ninth Court of Appeals released an opinion on Sept. 6 banning the so-called "junk science" testimony of Dr. Andrew Campbell. Campbell theorized a local family's illness resulted from molds in their home, diagnosing them with indoor exposure to mycotoxins.
Expo to showcase best of Southeast Texas business
The Greater Beaumont and Greater Port Arthur Chambers of Commerce are ready to roll out the red carpet at the 2007 Southeast Texas Business Expo.
A closer look at motor vehicle product liability statistics
Motor vehicle product liability cases
Falling merchandise injures woman shopping at Victoria's Secret
Victoria's Secret at Parkdale Mall Normally the only danger lurking in a Victoria's Secret is a "significant other" lying in wait to catch a two-timer shopping for someone else. But there may be a far greater peril than jealous spouses � plastic fragrance spray bottles and aroma glass candles seated on high shelves.
Texarkana Triangle haven for Texas motor vehicle product liability suits
Judge T. John Ward TEXARKANA, Texas -- Within the last four years, the "Texarkana Triangle" has received more than 52 percent of Texas motor vehicle product liability suits.
Beaulieu recognized with Star of Texas award
Beaumont police officer Lisa Beaulieu Beaumont police officer Lisa Beaulieu was among 27 law enforcement officers and first responders to receive the Star of Texas Award from Gov. Rick Perry. The annual award is given to recognize officers killed or seriously injured in the line of duty and to honor the first responders' commitment to protecting the safety of the state's citizens.
Jury levies $1.5 M verdict against Christus
David Matthews During the last minutes of the wrongful death trial of Irene Salas et al vs. Christus Health Southeast Texas, plaintiff's lawyer David Mathews told jurors that "the Salas family is not here to make millions (of dollars) but to make sure this never happens again," adding that he himself, however, would "reasonably compensate" the Salas' with a $10 million verdict.
Tons of documents shredded to prevent ID theft
Almost 14 tons of documents were disposed of at the Sept. 8 "Shred It & Forget It" event sponsored by the BBB. On Sept. 8, around 14 tons of documents were safely destroyed at the third annual "Shred It & Forget It" event sponsored by the Better Business Bureau of Southeast Texas.
Million dollar helicopter contract suit transferred to JC
A Webb County suit claiming a helicopter company is refusing to transfer a certificate of ownership to a medical air rescue company has been transferred to Jefferson County District Court.
Legally Speaking; Sue the bulldozer company, and get crushed by common sense
The family of a woman killed trying to prevent the demolition of a Palestinian home in 2003 has been trying-to date unsuccessfully-to sue Caterpillar, Inc., the American manufacturer of the bulldozer used in the demolition.
Judge denies continuance, benzene trial scheduled
Michael Schmidt MARSHALL -- After 27 years of working as a pressman, Charles Wilson claims he developed myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) from exposure to benzene. Wilson's allegations will be heard by a jury on Nov. 13, just 16 months after initiating the product liability suit.
Beaudry sued for wrongful death after settling med-mal suit
Patients consenting to surgery are informed of the risks. When Darlene Spears went under the knife, she emerged alive but suffered complications.
Anniversary of Proposition 12 marked by record number of new Texas physicians
In anticipation of the fourth anniversary of Proposition 12, the Texas constitutional amendment to help curb health care lawsuit abuse in Texas that took effect Sept. 13, 2003, Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA) noted dramatically expanded health care and a record number of new physicians now treating Texans.
130TH HEARINGS SEPTEMBER 2007
130TH COURT DISTRICT HEARINGS
130TH COURT DISTRICT SEPT. 2007
130TH COURT DISTRICT
Perry directs flags to be lowered in observance of Patriot Day
AUSTIN � Pursuant to the proclamation issued by President George W. Bush, Gov. Rick Perry today directed flags be flown at half-staff at state buildings in observance of Patriot Day to honor those killed in the September 11th terrorist attacks.
Plaintiff's lawyer says petrochemical industry knowingly sacrificed lives
According to plaintiff's lawyer Dale Hanks, the local petrochemical facilities that have provided a comfortable way of life for generations of Southeast Texans are in reality secretive, callous, arrogant, reckless and have no regard for human life.
Two falls plus one backhoe injury equal one suit
A former Turner Brothers worker has rolled three separate accidents into one lawsuit. John Ardoin is suing ISP Synthetic Elastomers, along with five other companies, for injuries he claims have left him crippled, partially deaf, blind in one eye and sexually impaired.
Another missed-step suit filed against Christus
There is an old adage that says, "Don't kick a man when he's down." Evidently, the phrase does not apply to non-profit hospitals.
Med-mal suit says patient not viable candidate for surgery
Before any operation, it is standard procedure for the surgeon to explain the risks to the patient. But a lawsuit on behalf of one Jefferson County woman alleges the doctor never obtained her consent and should have never done the surgery.