News from January 2013
Plaintiff requests July trial in suit against PA Housing Authority over job loss
A motion for special trial setting has been filed by a former employee of the Port Arthur Housing Authority, who claims he was fired after reporting alleged misappropriations by the director and board members.
Defendants seek summary judgment against captain who fainted and hit head
Defendants in a Jones Act claim are asserting a former ship captain does not have a right to recover damages.
Motorcyclist files suit over wreck with pickup
GALVESTON - An accident in Galveston almost two years ago between local motorists has resulted in a lawsuit, recent court documents say.
Retrial of Beaumont officer’s auto collision ends with $45K verdict
For the second time, a jury found that a local officer was negligent in causing an automobile collision, levying a $45,000 verdict against the city of Beaumont.
Jefferson County, JP seek to compel discovery in whistleblower suit
Jefferson County and a justice of the peace are seeking to compel discovery in a whistleblower suit brought by a former clerk, who alleges she was terminated for reporting an alteration of governmental records.
White House to secessionists: Union between states is 'indestructible'
The U.S. Constitution gives citizens the right to change the government through elections, but does not provide the right to walk away from the Union, said the White House Monday in response to a Texas petition seeking secession.
Long-time TDCJ employee alleges warden retaliated for cooperating with investigation
For a quarter of a century, Joseph Turano worked for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. After cooperating with an investigation against Warden Alphonso James, Turano claims he was demoted despite an exemplary employment record.
Legally Speaking: Still crazy, after all these years
Not long ago, while “talking shop” with several other lawyers, the conversation turned to a colleague’s rather unusual, even foolhardy, strategic choices about how to proceed in a case.
Plaintiffs attorneys seek profits from pet theories
Suppose you’re an ant fancier and one of your prized possessions is a break-resistant, escape-proof Uncle Milton ant farm with sand between two panes of clear plastic. You spend hours every day watching your harvester ants build tunnels and tote morsels of food back and forth along their routes.
‘Unreasonably dangerous’ stairs focus of lawsuit
An area resident has filed a lawsuit alleging she was injured while traversing “unreasonably dangerous” stairs two years ago.
Union Pacific dismissed from worker’s injury suit
Union Pacific Railroad Co. has been dismissed from a personal injury suit.
Bank sues woman for more than $5,000
A bank has filed suit against the woman who it claims failed to repay more than $5,000 lent to her.
Driver who allegedly left car parked in middle of road named as defendant in suit
Two women claim they incurred medical costs following a collision caused by an allegedly intoxicated driver who left his vehicle parked in the middle of the road.
Man sues driver for allegedly causing rear-end collision
A Beaumont man has filed suit against the driver who he claims followed his vehicle too closely, causing a rear-end collision.
Life insurance company wants to place nearly $40K in hands of court
The holder of a life insurance policy wants the court to take care of the nearly $40,000 it owes to a minor girl after her aunt died while serving as an on-duty police officer.
Woman claims homeowners intentionally concealed flooding problems
A Beaumont woman claims she has been worrying so much about the flood problems in her new home that she is suffering from migraines, and alleges the previous owners intentionally concealed the problems from her.
New business licenses/assumed names issued in Jefferson County
License #: 82451
Southwest settlement: Up to $7 million for attorneys; $5 drink vouchers for class
By AMANDA SMITH-TEUTSCH
Supreme Court considers limiting class-action lawsuits
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Supreme Court on Monday considered efforts by lawyers to place monetary limits on class actions in an effort to keep the class actions in “hellhole” or plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions.
Texas Supreme Court to determine ‘sentimental’ value of pets
Justices seated on the Texas Supreme Court will soon decide if pet owners can put an emotional price tag on the premature loss of their beloved furry companions.