News from December 2009
Capitol Comment: Government-Run Health Care Hurts Jobs and Economy
Since President Obama took office on January 20, more than 3.5 million Americans � including 300,000 Texans - have lost their jobs, the federal budget has tripled to $1.4 trillion, and the federal debt as a portion of the U.S. economy has risen to its highest level since World War II. In light of this unprecedented economic uncertainty, many Texans are growing increasingly wary about the President's
This Just In: Recent civil suits filed in Jefferson County District Courts
Recent civil suits filed in Jefferson County District Courts, Dec. 7-10, 2009
Recent real estate foreclosures filed in Jefferson County
Vericrest Financial has filed an application to foreclose on the property of James and Gina Reeves, located at 7195 Scotts Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77708.
Legally Speaking: Scents and Sensibility -- When Evidence Doesn't Pass the Smell Test (Part 2)
In the first installment of this series, we examined how the controversial use of so-called "dog-scent lineups" led to wrongful accusations � and in some cases incarcerations of several innocent individuals in Texas.
Orange camera store named in patent infringement suit
An Orange camera store has been named in a federal lawsuit for selling photographic lighting equipment that allegedly infringes another company's patents.
Recent patent infringement cases filed in the Eastern District of Texas
Recent patent infringement cases filed in the Eastern District of Texas, Dec. 9-16, 2009
Underage drinker sues bar after deadly car crash
TEXARKANA, Ark. � After several hours of drinking at a local bar, two underage and highly intoxicated Texarkana residents decided to drive. On a curve, the driver lost control of the vehicle and it left the road and began to flip. The car hit a telephone pole and came to rest upside down.
Woman claims cruise employee dumped her from wheelchair
MARSHALL � Confined to a wheelchair due to multiple sclerosis, Sheryl Morton was returning to a cruise ship from an offshore excursion with her husband.
Man claims landlord rented out condo without consent
GALVESTON - A Harris County man claims his landlord rented out his condominium without his permission.
New business licenses/assumed names issued in Jefferson County
New business licenses/assumed names issued in Jefferson County, Dec.-16, 2009
Man sues insurers over lightning-damaged boat
GALVESTON - A Galveston County man accuses a group of insurance companies of withholding payment for his sailboat after it was struck by lightning on Christmas Eve two years ago, recent court documents say.
Fender bender at red light leads to suit
Last January, Michael Guilbeau literally started the New Year with a bang, as a Beaumont resident ran a red light and collided with his vehicle.
TWIA suit says contractors issued fraudulent certification
MCM Elegante Hotel Since Hurricane Ike struck in 2008, thousands of lawsuits against windstorm insurers have filtered into Texas Gulf Coast courthouses.
Woman claims lip gloss caused life-threatening injury
SHERMAN � A Texas woman is suing three companies alleging that the lip gloss she put on caused her to have a severe allergic reaction that nearly caused her death.
Justices say expert opinion not enough proof in dryer fire case, overturn $14M judgment
Justice Phil Johnson AUSTIN � Hidalgo County jurors who blamed a Whirlpool clothes dryer for a fatal fire fell for flimsy evidence, the Supreme Court of Texas decided on Dec. 11.
Woman sues former employer for failing to participate in mediation process
A woman claims Assisted Living Concepts refused to mediate or arbitrate a case she filed against it for wrongful termination.
Illegal turn on Dowlen Road leads to lawsuit
A Groves woman has filed suit against the Beaumont driver she says made an improper turn and struck the car in which she was riding.
Woman sues to collect $10K due on promissory note
A Jefferson County woman has filed suit against the Louisiana man she claims owes her $10,000.
Jefferson County cases keep Texas on Judicial Hellhole 'Watch List'
When a Jefferson County judge granted a losing plaintiff a new trial "do over" without giving his reason, it was enough to keep the watchful eyes of tort reformers focused on Southeast Texas for another year.
Man injured bringing in rig sues marine companies
A Hardin County man claims his left knee became seriously injured after a cable snapped and struck him while he performed work on a boat.