News from March 2008
Cisco Systems updates blogging policy in light of Troll Tracker defamation suits
TEXARKANA -- After two defamation lawsuits were filed against Cisco regarding the Patent Troll Tracker Web site, Cisco announced it has learned some valuable lessons and has amended its corporate blogging policy.
State Farm goes to trial over denying policy benefits in auto collision
In 2003, Carolyn Henderson was injured in an automobile collision when an "underinsured motorist" swerved into her lane. After the incident, Henderson petitioned her insurance company, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance, for her policy benefits but claims she was unjustly turned down.
Suit alleges HRT therapy caused breast cancer
MARSHALL -- Tyler resident Brenda Simmons alleges her recent diagnosis of breast cancer is the result of eight years of hormone replacement therapy.
Appeals court says Houston cab company not negligent for injury, reverses damages
Justices on the Texas Ninth Court of Appeals reversed and remanded a Montgomery County jury's verdict that a taxicab company negligently entrusted a cab to an independent contractor on March 20.
Front-end collision leads to lawsuit against vehicle modification package manufacturer
MARSHALL -- While riding as a passenger in a 2005 GMC conversion van, Billie R. Price was injured when a pickup truck crossed over the highway's centerline and struck the van. Price believes the van's conversion package failed to protect her causing her injuries.
BREAKING! Jury: DuPont not negligent for former employee's asbestos exposure
Larry Cotten One month ago, plaintiff's attorney Glen Morgan said DuPont's past asbestos safety policies had been so egregious that the company had no right to exist. But a Jefferson County jury did not agree, and found no negligence on the part of DuPont in the death of a former employee of an asbestos-related disease.
Contractor says Penney's never paid for Rita repairs, files lawsuit
A remodeling company has filed suit against J.C. Penney, claiming the retailer never paid for repairs made to local stores following Hurricane Rita.
Legally Speaking: Lawyers Behaving Badly-Part One
Like virtually every lawyer out there, I was required to take a law school class called "Professional Responsibility" and to pass a test called Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) as part of being admitted to the practice of law.
Legal watchdog warns against health Web sites sponsored by personal injury lawyers
AUSTIN -- Health-related Web sites sponsored by personal injury lawyers may appear to be credible online resources but are often designed to "sell, deceive or frighten" health care consumers, according to a new national study by the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest (www.cmpi.org).
Insurer says plaintiff's lawsuit settlement should be used to reimburse worker's comp payout
After a TJ Maxx employee received more than $140,000 in worker's compensation for a slip and fall at work, she also won damages in a civil suit against the janitorial service she claimed caused the fall. Now the insurance carrier wants to be reimbursed for the money it paid out to cover the injury.
Chrysler sued after rollover on local highway
Dodge Ram 1500 Traveling late at night with her granddaughter, Ruth McCall, 76, says her rented Dodge truck "suddenly showed a lack of stability and went out of control" causing the vehicle to rollover and slide across Texas 73 � finally stopping upside down in the median.
Sheriff investigates missing Record newspapers
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department is investigating the potential theft of Southeast Texas Record newspapers following weeks of their suspicious disappearance.
Holiday Inn sued by Montana visitor
Holiday Inn Park Central in Port Arthur According to a new suit filed in Jefferson County, Holiday Inn is negligent for allowing people to walk around in its lobby and should have warned plaintiff Sandra Strother of the "dangerous condition" before she entered the hotel.
More suits filed against Countrywide for misrepresenting payment plan to Rita victims
More Jefferson County plaintiffs have filed suit against Countrywide Home Loans, alleging the lender misrepresented a payment suspension program for victims of Hurricane Rita.
Family files med-mal suit after man dies during cancer surgery
Inflicted with lung cancer, Archie Perkins Jr. underwent surgery last July only to die on the operating table.
BISD bus driver sued for auto collision
Elizabeth Manning has filed suit against the Beaumont Independent School District and one of its bus drivers, claiming the driver's negligence caused an automobile collision in December 2006.
Crushed finger leads to suit against construction company
Claiming he was "rushed" by his employer, Crispin Chavez crushed his finger with a sledge hammer while tearing down 2x4 boards. Chavez is suing David Gracedel Custom Homes for failing to provide him with a safe place to work.
Haunting Jerry Little
Port Neches newspaper trasher Jerry Little is afraid.
Judge DeLaughter may be suspended
DeLaughter JACKSON, Miss. - Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Bobby DeLaughter, one of the players in an alleged judicial bribery scheme conducted by famed trial lawyer Richard "Dickie" Scruggs, may soon be suspended from his job.
Kelly senior named best attorney in Texas mock trial
Will Beshears, 18, a senior at Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School in Beaumont, won the best attorney award in the Texas High School Mock Trial competition in Dallas.