News from 2008
'Defect' in Luby's parking lot leads to suit
Dan Packard Usually the only defect at a Luby's cafeteria is the long line to get a serving of mashed potatoes. But one local resident claims a "defect" in the Luby's parking lot in Port Arthur caused her to trip and hurt her elbow.
Wright faces fellow Republican, incumbent in quest for appellate chief post
Immersed in the belief that all judges need to return to the U.S. Constitution when evaluating cases, a hopeful Montgomery County attorney has made it his mission to become the next chief justice of the Texas Ninth District Court of Appeals.
172nd court district jan. 2008
172nd COURT DISTRICT
Discovery shows class rep in Bowflex case never owned equipment
TEXARKANA -- After almost three years of litigation in an Arkansas circuit court, defendants have learned that the class representative in a suit against Bowflex did not even own a piece of the equipment.
Justices: Mobil's side insurance polices do not revoke worker's comp status
Texas justices on the Ninth Court of Appeals upheld a trial court's decision that stopped ExxonMobil from being sued over an alleged scheme to deprive workers of insurance benefits for personal injuries.
Attorney says publication reaching 32 million not sufficient notice of Sunbeam settlement
George McLaughlin TEXARKANA � Although Sunbeam agreed to a settlement regarding the safety of its electric blankets, an attorney said the company's announcement of the settlement through the mail and in two national newspapers was not a sufficient way to notify plaintiffs.
Chief Justice McKeithen seeks second term on appeals court
First elected to the Texas Ninth District Court of Appeals in 2002, Chief Justice Steve McKeithen will face off with fellow Republican Jay Wright in the upcoming March 4 Texas primaries.
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.