News from January 2011
Broken step in unlit stairway leads to suit against apartment complex
Claiming a broken step in an unlit stairway caused her to trip and fall, Michigan resident Agnes Standoak has filed suit against a Beaumont apartment complex.
Notice of subpoena filed in rape suit against McDonald's
Matheny A subpoena compelling answers has recently been served in a suit brought by Latoya Cofer, a female cashier at a local McDonald's, who claims her male supervisor lured her into a freezer and raped her.
Discovery continues in TWIA suit alleging contractors issued fraudulent certification
MCM Elegante Hotel The Texas Windstorm Insurance Association filed a certificate of written discovery last month, indicating that its lawsuit against contractors who allegedly certified a Beaumont hotel as windstorm ready is continuing.
Hercules Drilling answers offshore rig injury suit
Bland Hercules Drilling recently answered the second amended petition filed by Hardin County resident Ashley McNeal, who claims his left knee became seriously injured after a cable snapped and struck him while he performed work on a boat.
Capitol Comment - Goal for New Congress: Cut Spending, Cut Taxes
It is often said that: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Congress would be mindful to remember these wise words as we move forward to address the country's most critical problems in the new session of Congress.
Appeals court says discovery request too broad in hurricane suit
Montgomery County District Judge Kathleen Hamilton improperly ordered insurers in a Hurricane Ike suit to produce records far beyond the scope of the storm, Ninth District appeals judges decided on Dec. 30.
CSX plaintiffs suing Provost Umphrey will give depositions in N.C., judge rules
WHEELING, W. Va. � Former CSX railroad workers from North Carolina who sued Beaumont's Provost Umphrey law firm in federal court at Wheeling, W. Va., don't have travel to Wheeling for depositions, U. S. Magistrate Judge James Seibert decided on Dec. 30.
Abbott sworn in for third term as Texas AG
Greg Abbott, right, takes the oath of office for his third term as Texas attorney general. Administering the oath is Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson, left, while Abbott's daughter, Audrey, middle, holds the Bible. AUSTIN � Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott on Monday formally began his third term as the State's chief legal officer and top law enforcement official.
New business licenses/assumed names issued in Jefferson County
New business licenses/assumed names issued in Jefferson County, Dec. 30, 2010-Jan. 5, 2011.
Recent patent infringement/false patent marking cases filed in the Eastern District of Texas
Recent patent infringement/false patent marking cases filed in the Eastern District of Texas, Dec. 21-30, 2010.
Latest Hurricane Ike-related insurance suits filed in Jefferson County
A total of five new lawsuits against insurance companies over Hurricane Ike damage claims have been filed in Jefferson County District Court, Dec. 13-31, 2010.
Dubuis, Christus non-suited from wrongful death suit
After failing to obtain a favorable summary judgment ruling last year, two area hospitals have finally been non-suited in a medical malpractice complaint alleging a wrongful death.
Attorney wants new trial, says race played a role in amount of jury award
Port Arthur attorney Langston Adams is asking a local judge to vacate a jury verdict and grant his client a new trial, claiming racial motives and improper compromising sullied the jury's decision in a September personal injury trial.
Insurer sues couple who crashed into policyholder's house
GALVESTON � State Farm Lloyds has filed suit against Evangalina Rodriguez and Markese Jarode Donahue of Dickinson over an auto accident last year which reportedly inflicted damage to a policyholder's residence.
Galveston cop files whistleblower suit against city
GALVESTON � A Galveston police officer has filed a lawsuit claiming he was demoted for blowing the whistle on the police chief's illegal activities.
Volvo owners sue lube shop over botched oil change
GALVESTON � Brian A. Funk and Emery McClure are suing The Stanley Group Inc. over a botched oil change.
Injured workers blame halogen lamp for fire at workplace
GALVESTON � David E. Williams-Smith, Kimberly Bonner and Isaac Ramirez are suing Designer's Edge Inc. and Home Depot U.S.A. Inc. after Williams-Smith and Ramirez reportedly sustained injuries in an on-the-job fire last year.
Train wreck leads railroad worker to sue KCS
Baxley Kansas City Southern Railway employee Waylon Nalley is suing the company for back and neck injuries he received more than two years ago in a train collision.
Gulf Copper sues over vessel lost in Galveston channel
GALVESTON � Gulf Copper & Manufacturing Corp. blames Energy Cranes LLC and Offshore Energy Center for the sinking of one of its vessels, recent court documents say.
Ex-wife sues former husband for transmitting HPV
HPV cells A Beaumont woman is suing her ex-husband for giving her a sexually transmitted disease.