News from June 2008
Air expert claims BP knew risks of blow-down stack use
GALVESTON � The third trial arising from the March 2005 explosion at a BP facility in Texas City enters its fourth week with a California-based air quality expert on the stand.
Worker alleges wrongful termination for broken back, but company shows plaintiff doing yardwork
MARSHALL � While installing an elevator motor at Pilgrim's Pride, Brian Barton fell when a coworker moved the ladder that he was standing on. As Barton was falling, his back hit the railing and steps of the ladder.
Recent patent infringement cases filed in U.S. District Courts
Recent patent infringement cases filed in U.S. District Courts, June 11-18, 2008
Appeals court splits up Orange benzene suits
Justice McKeithen Justices of the 9th District appeals court swiftly sliced up two Orange County benzene suits and shipped the pieces all over Texas.
Class action filed against LifeLock for deceptive marketing
Lifelock CEO Todd Davis confidently displays his own social security number in ads for his identity protection company. MARSHALL � The self-proclaimed industry leader in identity theft protection, LifeLock Inc., is facing its fourth class action that alleges the company commits deceptive and misleading marketing regarding its ability to prevent any possibility of identity theft.
Appeals Court grants writ forcing Judge Floyd to transfer venue on Dole suit
Banana prices aren't the only thing taking flight � Beaumont Justices recently granted a writ of mandamus directing 172nd District Judge Donald Floyd to transfer a Provost Umphrey suit and request for injunctive relief against Dole Food and its lawyers to Harris County.
Worker files injury suit after explosion at nearby refinery
A contract worker at one refinery has filed suit for alleged injuries he received when there was an explosion at another refinery.
Texas SC: Contractor can't bring premises condition claim unless defect concealed
Justice Scott Brister AUSTIN � General Electric Company bears no liability for injuries a contractor suffered when his bungee cord broke and he fell from a loading ramp at a GE warehouse, the Texas Supreme Court ruled June 13.
SC decision will allow refinery to recover $5.75 M wrongful death payout
Texas Supreme Court AUSTIN � Atofina Petrochemicals, which paid $5.75 million to the family of a man who drowned in oil at its refinery in Port Arthur, can recover every penny of it from Evanston Insurance Company, the Texas Supreme Court ruled June 13.
Texas Bar Foundation donates $25k for FLDS children's ad litem attorneys
AUSTIN � When hundreds of children were removed from the Fundamentalist Church of Latter-Day Saints compound, hundreds of Texas attorneys stepped up to provide legal representation to the children at no charge.
Rice farmers trying to stop pipeline project hit by TRO
Denbury Resources Inc. Green Pipeline Project, as pictured on the Denbury Web site. Armed with the power of eminent domain and now a temporary restraining order, Denbury Green Pipeline-Texas is seeking a permanent injunction to stop Texas Rice Land Partners from further delaying the construction of a pipeline designed to run through the farmers' land.
Appeals court agrees Dugas owed no duty to Dutton's client
Dugas A battle royal between two lawyers ended with a victory for a Beaumont attorney when the Texas Ninth District Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's ruling in favor of Clay Dugas.
Personal injury trial focuses on modified machine at ExxonMobil
When a conveyor began spilling polyetheline pellets onto the floor, workers at ExxonMobil came up with modifications to the machine that solved the problem. But within hours, a contract worker had parts of her fingers sliced off while using the altered equipment.
U.S. justices allow human rights lawsuit against Exxon to continue
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to stop a lawsuit against Exxon Mobil Corp. for human rights abuses in Indonesia.
McDonald's patron sues after slip and fall
A McDonald's customer got an unexpected side order with his cup of coffee, a freshly mopped floor which allegedly caused the man to slip and fall and break his hip.
Man overboard sues boat operator
After being ejected from a boat, Patrick Knickerbocker decided to soak the driver in return and file suit.
Legally Speaking: Must Sue TV
Whenever I'm at a social or civic function, negative comments from people about the legal profession often appear to have a common source � television.
Texas Times: Today's Education for Tomorrow's Military Leaders
Throughout our history, America has been ably defended by citizens willing to protect our freedom. That is doubly true now, when our military consists entirely of volunteers.
Mother sues sons for emptying her $800k account
A Jefferson County woman claims her sons got their hands on her retirement account without her permission and is asking a judge to stop them and return her money.
Insurance company takes plumber to court after line break
GALVESTON � An insurance company blames a plumbing business for maintaining an allegedly shoddy product which inflicted significant damage to a client's residence.