News from January 2008
Houston man faces prison time for fake hurricane claim to FEMA
While thousands of residents in Port Arthur and across Southeast Texas endured hardship and headaches from Hurricane Rita, one Houston man only pretended to have damage in order to scam money from the federal government.
Beaumont couple claims Countrywide wrongly foreclosed on home
There seems to be no relief in sight for Countrywide Home Loans, as a West End couple has just filed a new lawsuit alleging that the lender stopped automatically withdrawing loan funds and wrongly foreclosed on their home.
Second asbestos suit filed on deceased carpenter's behalf, names 68 defendants
Bryan Blevins During his career as a carpenter, Searr Delcambre presumably worked around asbestos. When he developed an "asbestos-related disease," he sued and received a claim.
Jurors find plaintiff negligent in personal injury case
Ryan Scott Brent Coon & Associates attorney Ryan Scott left a Jefferson County Courtroom empty handed Tuesday, Jan. 15, as jurors deemed his plaintiff client negligent for causing an automobile collision.
Family seeks $100 million in punitive damages from Cooper Tire for blowout fatality
David Matthews TEXARKANA -- Texas resident Tammy Ledbetter suffered fatal injuries when the pickup truck she was riding in went into a spin and flipped. Her family believes the vehicle's accident was caused by a "violent blow-out" when the tread separated from the tire and are seeking $100 million in punitive damages for the "wanton and willful recklessness" of Cooper Tire and Rubber Company.
TX top bench allows insureds to file claims late
Justice Harriet O'Neill AUSTIN -- Insurers can't deny coverage if an insured is tardy in filing so long as the delay doesn't harm the insurer, the Texas Supreme Court ruled in a split decision Jan 11.
Central Mall named in suit over mishap on carnival moonwalk
Upset that her daughter spilled out of a "moonwalk" when a gust of wind knocked the inflatable playpen over, Gricelda Alvarez has filed suit against the carnival operator and the mall that hosted the event.
Family of shooting victim sues Club Tiffany for wrongful death
Club Tiffany in Port Arthur The murder of Marcus Allen made headlines in November after the young man was gunned down at a Port Arthur night club.
Suit blames 60 companies for man's asbestos-related death
Bryan Blevins While he was alive, Barney Tompkins sued and received a claim for his asbestos-related disease. Now deceased, Tompkins' family is seeking compensation for the "different malignant asbestos-related injury" that ended his life.
The Vioxx travesty
It started with a bang and a flurry.
Texas Times: Working to reduce childhood obesity
Our health care system, in Texas and nationally, leads the world in many respects. Most citizens are now well served, with excellent choices for their care, and we should make certain the access they enjoy is preserved.
Only you! Exhibit promotes wildfire awareness
The Fire Museum of Texas and the Beaumont Fire Department have teamed up with Texas Forest Service prevention specialists to promote wildfire awareness and deliver fire safety messages to the community.
Trial over attorney's fees ends with $460K award
Following eight years of litigation, countersuits and appeals, jurors finally heard the breach of contract case of Pyramid Constructors Inc. vs. the Port Neches-Groves Independent School District. But after all that time the lawsuit spent floundering in Texas court systems, the trial ended up as a battle over attorney's fees.
Settlement reached after med-mal mistrial
Memorial Hermann Baptist Orange Hospital In June 2007, The Record reported on a $3 million medical malpractice trial that tied up Judge Gary Sanderson's 60th District Court only to end in a mistrial June 4.
New business licenses/assumed names issued in Jefferson County
Orig. Filing Date: 01/04/2008 Certificate #: 71958
Foti rapid-files suits as Louisiana AG term ends
Charles Foti BATON ROUGE -- Louisiana Attorney General Charles Foti appears set on spending a legally-active final few weeks as AG before handing the reins to fellow Democrat Buddy Caldwell.
West Brook bus crash suit moves to federal court
Kent Adams In the nearly two years since a bus crash claimed the lives of two young soccer players, the lawsuit filed by the survivors has evolved into a complex litigation that has now been moved to federal court.
Employee sues after vehicle plows into office building
Any white-collar American employee will admit most days at the office are routine and uneventful. However, Mary Nixon's work day went from mundane to extraordinary after an out-of-control motorist came plowing into her building.