News from July 2009
Judge Criss weighs question of sovereign immunity in TWIA lawsuits
Hurricane Ike pounds the Galveston Seawall in September 2008 GALVESTON � Whether the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association deserves to be exempt from the payment of attorneys' fees, penalties, interest and other expenses beyond actual damages from lawsuits is now in the hands of a state district judge.
East Texas woman claims chest pains caused by exploding cell phone battery
SHERMAN -- While attempting to make a call on her Kyocera Strobe wireless phone, Shanetha Young claims she felt a shock on her left arm as the phone's battery exploded.
Asbestos suit names 10 companies as defendants
An asbestos suit naming 10 defendant companies has been filed by a man and his wife, alleging the man's asbestos-related disease was caused by company negligence.
Appeals court tapped to referee Coon vs. Umphrey dispute over tobacco fees
Coon For the past two years, two of Texas' most influential plaintiff's lawyers have been embattled over millions in attorney's fees stemming from the state's mega-billion dollar tobacco settlement.
Hospital dismissed from suit due to inadequate report from plaintiffs' expert
Without an adequate expert report to back up the plaintiffs' claims, Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth has been dismissed from a suit that blamed it for the death of a man who had been stabbed in the back.
Texas Times: Texas Farmers & Ranchers--An Enduring Legacy
Farmers and ranchers across the state are experiencing significant losses due to record temperatures and the worst drought some parts of Texas have ever seen.
Alleged asbestos fraud scheme started years ago
Peirce CHARLESTON, W.Va. - A Pittsburgh-based law firm and a West Virginia physician were part of an intricate web of deceit that reached as far as Texas and led to big money for all, say their accusers in a civil fraud lawsuit.
Nation's trial lawyers converge on San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline)- Trial attorneys from around the country have converged on San Francisco for the next several days.
Man drives into ditch to avoid wreck, sues other driver's employer
A Jasper County man has filed suit against a glass company after he landed in a ditch while trying to avoid being hit by one of the company's vehicles.
Ship's medic sues owner over back injury
A Mississippi man is suing Rowan Companies after he says he sustained leg and back injuries while working as a medic aboard a ship.
Man sues after hand crushed in gear box
A Louisiana man has filed suit against Rowan Companies, alleging his fingers were crushed in a crane mishap.
Ford gets rolled over
When they filed the class action complaint, the lawyers said they were suing for us.
New business licenses/assumed names issued in Jefferson County
New business licenses/assumed names issued in Jefferson County, July 16-23, 2009
Abbott settles with dietary supplement distributor
Acai berries FORT WORTH (Legal Newsline) - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announced Tuesday that the State has resolved its investigation into an Arlington dietary supplements on-line distributor.
Provost Umphrey attorneys file class action in Beaumont over light cigarettes
Provost Umphrey attorneys Bryan Blevins and John Cowan have recently filed a class action in federal court over light cigarettes.
Party claiming agency status has burden of proof, justices rule
Montgomery County District Judge Kathleen Hamilton improperly stuck office building owner Omero Del Papa with a $76,348.91 bill for remodeling work he didn't authorize, appeals judges in Beaumont decided on July 16.
Groves couple sues installers over problems with in-ground pool
A Groves couple has filed suit against J&C Adventures, doing business as All Seasons Pools, Spas and Patio, alleging the company failed to properly install their pool.
Doctor sued over failure to pay note
An Iowa company has filed suit against a doctor and a Winnie resident, alleging they have failed to make payments on a promissory note.
Latest hurricane-related insurance suits filed in Jefferson County
A total of nine new lawsuits against insurance companies over hurricane damage claims were filed in Jefferson County District Court during the week of July 13 through July 17.
Local asbestos suit names 14 companies as defendants
Blevins An asbestos suit naming 14 defendant companies has been filed by a man and his wife, alleging the man's asbestos-related disease was caused by company negligence.