News from August 2009
Judge Robreno: Cleaning up clogged asbestos MDL
Robreno PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline)- Serving in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, a federal judge is making a name for himself for his swift handling of a huge asbestos docket.
Provost Umphrey argues Segarra records would violate privilege
Robreno PHILADELPHIA � Asbestos lawyers from Provost Umphrey in Beaumont and Motley Rice in Mount Pleasant, S.C., have amassed an anonymous army to block a subpoena on radiologist Jay Segarra.
24 companies named in suit over man's asbestos exposure
Blevins The representative of a deceased man's estate has filed a suit against 24 defendant corporations, alleging the man died from mesothelioma after he was exposed to asbestos during the course of his career.
Professor seeks only $1 and chance to speak to board from lawsuit
GALVESTON � A College of the Mainland professor and his wife are suing the school and its board of trustees in federal court for $1 for infringing on their First Amendment rights.
Woman sues Burger King after biting into rock inside burger
While chowing down on a Whooper, Tabatha Clifton claims she shattered a molar when she bit down on a rock in the burger.
Rig worker sues four companies over injury from falling flange
MARSHALL � During routine maintenance on an oil rig near Stockman, a flange fell from a crane severely injuring a maintenance worker.
Legally Speaking: You're In Contempt
It's a phrase you're bound to hear at one point or another in any legal drama or courtroom thriller: "You're in contempt!" But what does being held in contempt of court really mean, and just what are the lengths to which it can be taken?
Texas Times: How Early Texans Beat the Heat
Texans are no strangers to hot summers. This year's record temperatures, however, are causing even the most seasoned Texans to find creative ways to beat the heat.
Recent real estate foreclosures filed in Jefferson County
Recent real estate foreclosures filed in Jefferson County, July 30-Aug. 3, 2009
Fifth Circuit agrees to rehear Pilgrim's Pride arguments in grower's case
U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans TEXARKANA, Texas � The U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has agreed to rehear oral arguments by Pilgrim's Pride Corp. over the court's decision in favor of chicken growers.
Discovery request overly broad in Valero appraisal case, appeals court says
A discovery dispute between Valero Energy and the Jefferson County Appraisal District has been settled by Texas' Ninth District Court of Appeals, as justices reversed a lower court's ruling that the oil company surrender its trade secrets.
Woman in wreck as a child sues driver years later as an adult
After sustaining injuries in a car wreck as a child, an Orange County resident has filed a lawsuit against the woman driving the car seven years ago.
Seaman injured in fall from bunk bed claims no one at ship's helm
A Port Arthur man has filed suit against his former employer, alleging he fell out of his bunk bed while working on a fishing vessel after the boat hit a barge.
Greasy spot leads to suit against retailer
Claiming that Wal-Mart negligently allowed grease to accumulate on the floor, Janet Peeples has filed suit against the mega-retailer for a slip and fall incident that occurred two years ago.
This Just In: Recent civil suits filed in Orange County District Courts
Recent civil suits filed in Orange County District Courts, July 21-31, 2009
Shareholder suit filed against BP over Texas City violations
GALVESTON � Repeated environmental violations at BP's Texas City refinery are driving down the value of the company's stock, a shareholder claims in a recently filed lawsuit.
Appeals court directs Floyd to transfer $60M oil and gas case to Harris County
Floyd The Ninth District Court of Appeals of Texas granted the transfer to Harris County of a $60 million oil and gas lawsuit which defendants argued was improperly filed in Jefferson County.
Judge Wortham says voters may have been misled, halts South Park destruction
Nostalgic South Park graduates will see their former school stand for at least a few more months, as Judge Bob Wortham has granted the Beaumont Heritage Society's request for a temporary injunction.
Appeals court reverses default judgment over failure to serve citation
A plaintiff can't neglect to properly serve the defendant with a lawsuit and then collect a default judgment because the defendant failed to respond, a Texas appeals court ruled recently.
Father sues insurer over damages for deceased son
The father of a boy killed in a collision with an alleged drunk driver has filed a lawsuit against his insurance company for denying his claim.