News from February 2008
Thirty-nine companies named in benzene suit
For nearly four decades, David Waldrep worked at Texaco Asphalt in Port Neches, where he claims he was needlessly exposed to benzene. Now deceased, Waldrep's widow claims his benzene exposure caused him to develop non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Couple blames benzene for man's illness, sues nine companies
Darren Brown An independent contractor for various local refineries during the '60s and early '70s, John Thompson says he was negligently exposed to benzene � a chemical which he claims has caused him to develop leukemia.
Rhetorical lawsuits
Just how much care must one exercise when boiling crawfish?
Prof claims tenure improperly denied, files discrimination suit
A Lamar University professor has filed a discrimination suit against the college, alleging he was denied tenure because he is a man.
Former PAISD principal sues for discrimination
In 1974, Dr. Edna Edwards began her career with the Port Arthur Independent School District as a special education teacher. Twenty-five years later, she became the principal of Stephen F. Austin Middle School. Presently, Dr. Edwards has been "demoted" to a position with the District Wide Alternative.
Rembrandt wins $41M verdict in contact lens patent case
MARSHALL � Jurors awarded more than $41 million to Rembrandt Vision Technologies in a patent infringement lawsuit against CIBA Vision Corp. over extended-wear contact lenses.
Federal appeals court upholds Wyeth's favorable verdict in Prempro case
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., -- The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals released an opinion at the end of January, upholding a verdict in favor of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, which was sued by an Arkansas woman claiming the company's hormone drugs caused breast cancer. The case is part of a larger multi-district litigation on hormone replacement therapy drugs.
New business licenses/assumed names issued in Jefferson County
Orig. Filing Date: 02/08/2008 Certificate #: 72189
Recent real estate foreclosures
The U.S. Bank, National Association, has filed an application for foreclosure against the property of Jay W. Hurley, located at 8935 Casey Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77707.
Total announces expansion of Port Arthur refinery
Total Petrochemicals Port Arthur refinery As Mayor Deloris Prince said Wednesday, good things keep happening to the city of Port Arthur.
172nd Court District, Judge Floyd, Feb. 1-29
172nd COURT DISTRICT
Scruggs hearing next week
Scruggs OXFORD, Miss. - The defense team of indicted trial lawyer Richard "Dickie" Scruggs will get a chance to argue its case Wednesday before a federal judge.
Wife of worker killed by lightning files wrongful death suit against ship owner
A seaman aboard the Blessey Marine Service vessel Charles Clark, Brandon Jenkins lost his life after lightning struck him last August. Seven months later, Clark's wife has filed suit against Blessey Marine, claiming the company negligently instructed him to work in inclement weather.
La. Justices swayed by campaign donations, study finds
Louisiana Supreme Court Justice John L. Weimer BATON ROUGE -- A recent academic study of the Louisiana Supreme Court appears to cast doubt on arguments by judges that their rulings are not influenced by election-campaign contributions.
Worker struck by falling debris sues ExxonMobil, Heatex
Struck in the head by a piece of falling debris while working as fire guard, Ronny Goolsbee says ExxonMobil and Heatex Industries failed to provide him with a safe place to work and has filed suit.
Suit blames DuPont, Chevron for asbestos exposure
Darren Brown The family of a deceased refinery worker has filed suit against E.I. DuPont De Nemours and Chevron USA, claiming the chemical companies negligently exposed James Lee to asbestos during his career.
'Built Ford Tough' slogan is fraudulent marketing, Roebuck alleges in second suit
In an alternative to filing lawsuits against Ford, perhaps plaintiff's attorney Jeffrey Roebuck might want to consider starting a support group for people who trashed and lost their trucks because they ignored their warranty and installed engine-stressing, aftermarket parts.
Recent patent/copyright infringement cases filed in U.S. District Courts
Marshall Division, Eastern District of Texas
Jones Act suit filed over shoulder injury
Seaman William Travis has filed a Jones Act suit against Crowley Marine Service Inc., claiming the company negligently caused his shoulder injury.