News from January 2009
40 billion reasons why asbestos litigation will grow
Anapol Forty billion dollars of designated funds currently available in court-established trust funds is providing abundant incentive to already rich attorneys with asbestos-settling know-how.
Wage legislation called a potential 'bonanza' for trial lawyers
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-Legislation called a potential "trial lawyer bonanza" by the Wall Street Journal is winding its way through Congress.
Med Mal Madness
Practicing law in Texas courts is a privilege, not a right.
Recent real estate foreclosures
Recent real estate foreclosures filed in Jefferson County, Dec. 17-30, 2008
This Just In: Recent civil suits filed in Jefferson County District Courts
Recent civil suits filed in Jefferson County District Courts, Dec. 19-31, 2008
New business licenses/assumed names issued in Jefferson County
New business licenses/assumed names issued in Jefferson County, Jan. 2-7, 2009
U.S. Chamber advocates changes in U.S. patent office
The backlog of applications at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office shows an agency in crisis, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce wrote recently to the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama.
Kent faces new charges as sexual assault trial date nears
Samuel Kent Only weeks away from a trial stemming from sexual abuse of an employee, a federal judge in Houston has now been indicted for attacking another female court employee.
Woman claims local doctor's rudeness caused her to have heart attack in his office
Actor Hugh Laurie may have a television hit on his hands by playing the ultra-rude Dr. Gregory House, but a local doctor has been hit with a lawsuit for his alleged lack of bedside manner.
Recent patent infringement suits filed in U.S. District Courts
Recent patent infringment cases filed in the Eastern District of Texas, Dec. 19, 2008 - Jan. 6, 2009
Public views new courthouse security checkpoint as necessary inconvenience
Under a new security system, residents with business at the Jefferson County Courthouse must first pass through a metal detector and have their bags screened before entering. Most area residents questioned about the new security checkpoint at the Jefferson County Courthouse said it was a little inconvenient, but necessary for public safety.
Local residents complain about red tape in hearings with windstorm association
After the 120-mile-an-hour winds of Hurricane Rita caused widespread damage in Southeast Texas three years ago, many insurance companies stopped writing policies that include windstorm coverage.
Legally Speaking: Undercover Mother
If your son or daughter had been wrongly convicted of murder, how far would you go to see that justice was done?
Galveston amputee seeks $2.5 M from trailer maker
Tony Buzbee GALVESTON � After having three fingers on his left hand crushed and later amputated, a Galveston County man is suing an area trailer manufacturer for $2.5 million.
Truck driver sues produce company, port over electrical shock
GALVESTON � A Galveston County truck driver blames Del Monte Foods and the Port of Galveston for an incident in which he reportedly sustained a severe electric shock.
Seatbelt manufacturer sued after rollover fatality
MARSHALL � While driving her 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix east of Tyler, Sandra Dozier was killed when she lost control of the vehicle and it rolled over. Contrary to the police report, Dozier's family maintains she was properly wearing her seat belt.
Groves worker sues for unpaid workers' comp claim
A Groves man has filed suit against American Zurich Insurance Co., alleging he was not paid for a workers' compensation claim he filed.
Railroad worker sues UP over repetitive trauma injury
A railroad worker for Union Pacific Railroad has filed suit against the company, alleging he was injured because of his job.
U.S. Chamber calls for legal reforms, cautions against expanding government
Tom Donohue WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline)-Reforming the nation's plaintiff-favored legal system could help jumpstart the beleaguered American economy, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said Jan. 7 in a report.
Local contractor sues BISD over rejected bid
A local contractor is suing the Beaumont school district, claiming it was passed over for a district job in spite of its low bid.