News from May 2009
Galveston inmates seek mental anguish damages over lockup durring Hurricane Ike
Galveston Seawall GALVESTON � Alleging the Galveston County Sheriff's Office jeopardized their safety by not evacuating ahead of Hurricane Ike, two Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmates have filed handwritten lawsuits against the former sheriff and others in Galveston County District Court.
Asbestos MDL judge clears half million cases off docket
Robreno PHILADELPHIA � U. S. District Judge Eduardo Robreno has cleared away more than half a million asbestos suits this year and he plans to keep up the pace.
New business licenses/assumed names issued in Jefferson County
New business licenses/assumed names issued in Jefferson County, April 30-May 6, 2009
Compro Tax faces federal suits over alleged gas purchase scheme
Clients of a locally-based tax preparation service thought they would get tax credit for purchases of alternative fuels, but now they claim something about the sales of methane gas from landfills just doesn't smell right.
In class action, clients blame Compro Tax for fraudulent investments
Local residents are claiming they purchased interests in alternative energy sources on advice from tax preparers that the securities would provide them with tax credits.
Man gets electric shock installing awning, sues pool hall
GALVESTON � A Harris County man is suing a Houston overhang fabrication business and a San Leon pool hall after he was allegedly electrocuted while installing framework more than six months ago.
Latest hurricane-related insurance suits filed in Jefferson County
A total of nine lawsuits relating to payment of hurricane-related damage claims were filed against insurance companies in Jefferson County District Court the week of April 27-May 1, 2009.
Justices: No signed final order, no grounds for appeal
Mariner's Cove on Port Arthur's Pleasure Island In order to protect its right to appeal four recent court orders, the city of Port Arthur asked Beaumont justices to determine whether or not the orders constituted a final judgment in a case involving a real estate development dispute.
Legally Speaking: Don't Say I Didn't Warn You
Every year, an organization called the Foundation for Fair Civil Justice attracts international media attention with its Wacky Warning Label Contest.
Wrongful death trial over Bronco blow out ends with multiple no negligence verdicts
Five defendants blamed for selling a Ford Bronco or its tires have each been found to be not negligent in causing the death of Eric Carlsen, a Jefferson County jury decided recently.
Pipefitter sues welding company over injuries at refinery
A Chambers County man and his wife say a Texas welding company owes them money for damages after the man injured himself while trying to remove bottles from a metal basket.
Recent patent infringement cases filed in the Eastern District of Texas
Recent patent infringement cases filed in the Eastern District of Texas, April 29-May 4, 2009
East Texas man alleges leave for cancer treatment resulted in termination by employer
MARSHALL � After being employed by Tyler Roofing Co. for more than 10 years as a residential manager, Jeffrey Harris states he was terminated because he had to miss work to receive cancer treatments.
Another displeased plaintiff seeks new trial in Floyd's court
In March, the Record reported on an automobile collision trial in which jurors awarded plaintiff Sherrie Pool $1,500 in damages.
Dugas sues attorneys to collect his share from fee agreement
Dugas Beaumont attorney Clay Dugas has filed a suit against attorneys he alleges have shut him out of collecting shared legal fees from a medical malpractice case despite a signed agreement between them.
Suit claims truck driver made illegal turn, caused collision
A Smith County man has filed suit against a trucking company and one of its drivers, alleging he was seriously injured after an 18-wheeler hit his vehicle.
Silsbee man says hospital to blame for MRSA infection
A Silsbee man has filed suit against Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth, alleging he developed ulcers, an infection and pneumonia after his stay at the hospital.
California judge accuses Texas asbestos firm of playing 'grisly games'
Attorney Gary Paul Attorneys across the country are erecting satellite offices in California - and not just because the weather's good in the Golden State.
Secrecy of asbestos trusts critical ally of plaintiff attorneys who run them
Hartley With major American corporations sagging under the weight of billions in asbestos-related lawsuits, Congress set out in 1994 to provide a reasonable way for companies to limit their liability to asbestos victims.
Seaman sues fishing company after boat capsizes
Christopher Bertini An Alabama man is suing the company that owned a boat he was working on when it capsized.