News from February 2008
Republicans are alive and well in Jefferson County as primaries draw national attention
All eyes are on Texas this year, as presidential candidates fight for the state's delegates to secure their spot on their party's ticket.
Driver alleges rig turned too far from curb, causing collision
MARSHALL -- While traveling in Longview, driver Rita Bethea attempted to make a right-hand turn from the road's shoulder. Truck driver Lawrence Malone was also attempting a right-hand turn onto the same access road, when the trailer of his rig struck Bethea's vehicle.
Recent patent/copyright infringement cases filed in U.S. District Courts
Marshall Division, Eastern District of Texas
58TH COURT DISTRICT MARCH 2008
58TH COURT DISTRICT
Man who failed to heed mechanic's advice sues when truck breaks down
An auto mechanic tried to warn Mark Sandifer that his truck needed repairs. When Sandifer's truck broke down, his insurance claim was denied because Sandifer failed to heed the mechanic's advice.
Exploding oil barrel leads to suit against seller, manufacturers
An exploding oil barrel has led Ronald Means to sue the company who sold him the barrel and the companies who manufactured it.
Kilgore woman claims contact solution failed to disinfect, files product liability suit against maker
MARSHALL -- After 35 years wearing contact lenses, Kimlyn Cline developed an infection in her left eye. Treated for a simple eye infection, the condition worsened and now she is in need of corneal transplant surgery.
Welding spark burns family business, landlord sued
The owners and employees of a cabinet company are suing their deceased landlord's estate, claiming a welder hired by their former landlord burned down their office and with it all their personal property.
Marshall jury issues staggering $400M verdict against Boston Scientific in patent case
Federal jurors in Marshall agreed with a New Jersey doctor that Boston Scientific infringed his patent for a coronary stent device and awarded Dr. Bruce Saffran more than $430 million in past royalties.
Bill stumps for Hillary in Beaumont
In need of a Texas victory, former President Bill Clinton made a stop in Beaumont Feb. 20, urging supporters to vote for his wife Hillary Clinton in the March 4 Democratic primaries and caucuses as she vies for the party's presidential nomination.
Woman sues bike owner after not-so-easy ride
Claiming she was taken for a motorcycle ride against her will, Carolyn Pattarozzi fell off the bike when the driver hit a curb. She is suing Kevin Simien, the driver of the motorcycle who she says abandoned her even though she was injured.
Women sue after collision with transportation company vehicle
Virgina and Betty Slaughter have filed suit against Ace Transportation, claiming their vehicle was struck by an "unknown" driver in an Ace company vehicle.
Houston DA quits, cites drug impairment amid AG probe
Charles Rosenthal AUSTIN -- The embattled Houston-area DA at the center of a recent controversy involving Supreme Court Justice David C. Medina has resigned over various other charges.
Family of refinery worker sues Texaco, Chevron for benzene exposure
Enos Louviere, a former Texaco employee, died of leukemia last December. Now, his benefactor, Alma Louviere, is suing the oil company, which she claims negligently exposed him to benzene.
Suit blames rehab center for allowing man to fall from bed
Acting as attorney-in-fact for William Ethridge, Ann Ethridge has filed suit against Healthsouth Rehabilitation Center-Beaumont, claiming William was allowed to fall from his bed and fracture his hip after he was deemed a fall risk.
Diocese sued for trip at church bazaar
Leslie Lee Sells Jr. tripped over a handicap ramp while attending a church bazaar hosted by Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church. Sells claims the church was negligent for failing to mark the ramp and has filed a $100,000 suit against the Diocese of Beaumont.
Legally Speaking: The Civil Rights cold cases � A vow never to forget
On Feb. 12, 2008, at a Black History Month event at the White House, President Bush noted the disturbing recent displays of nooses at schools, workplaces and neighborhoods around the country, and suggested that some Americans may have lost sight of the suffering endured by African-Americans.
Arkansas Supreme Court orders dismissal of class action against Centerpoint Energy
TEXARKANA, Ark. -- The Arkansas Supreme Court ordered Circuit Court Judge James Hudson Jr. to dismiss the class action suit against Centerpoint Energy, which alleged Centerpoint was involved in a fraudulent natural gas selling scheme.
Towing company sued after worker injures knee
More than two years ago, Lee Rachal hurt his knee while serving on a vessel owned by Moran Towing of Texas, Inc. Claiming the vessel was unseaworthy, Rachal is suing the towing company.
Nederland housewife files $30M suit against DuPont, alleges asbestos exposure from husband's laundry
A Nederland housewife is suing DuPont and Union Carbide for more than $30 million.