News from December 2015
Chair collapse injury focus of trial against Comfort Inn
BEAUMONT - While staying at a Comfort Inn in Orange, Allen Doverspike, an Oklahoma resident, sat in a chair and began to take his boots off when the chair collapsed. Seeking less than $1 million for his injuries, Doverspike filed suit against Hospitality Operations on Aug. 5, 2013, in Jefferson County District Court.
Harley Davidson in trial over alleged defect in motorcycle helmet
A civil trial in Beaumont is underway in litigation brought by Wendall and Frances Hulse, who sued the makers and distributors of a motorcycle helmet, alleging the helmet was not equipped with “critical injury prevention technology.” As previously reported, the suit was originally filed June 21, 2012, in Jefferson County District Court and names Harley Davidson, Hongjin Crown Corp. and Cowboy Motorsports as defendants. Jury selection in the case began Dec. 8.
Patriot Security settles suit over confidentiality agreement
A security company claiming a competitor stole multiple clients from it after a former employee defected has settled its case. Four years ago, Patriot Security filed suit against S&S Investigations and Security in Jefferson County District Court. S&S Investigations and Security allegedly lured four of Patriot Security's clients away from the company after an employee revealed confidential information, according to the original petition. The case was slated to go to trial on Dec. 7 but settled
TLRPAC endorses re-election of Justice Green to Texas SC
On Dec. 7 Texans for Lawsuit Reform PAC endorsed the re-election of Justice Paul Green for the Supreme Court of Texas.
Worker alleges Conroe Concrete did not pay overtime
HOUSTON--A Polk County worker is suing his former employer, alleging unpaid overtime wages.
Importer seeks to avoid liability for longshoreman's death
HOUSTON--An importer is suing insurers in an effort to avoid liability for a longshoreman's death.
New campaign warns consumers of dangers of trial lawyer advertising
On Dec. 8 Sick of Lawsuits announced the consumer education campaign, “Don’t Let A Lawyer Be Your Doctor.” SOL, a legal watchdog group of more than 200,000 people, says the new campaign warns consumers against believing everything they see in a lawsuit advertisement, and that they shouldn’t let a lawsuit advertisement scare or entice them into a lawsuit. According to a press release, the campaign is spreading the message through social media, media outreach and outreach to consumer groups.
Federal complaint accuses Honda of patent infringement
Plano-based Rothschild Connected Devices Innovations, LLC asserts in a federal lawsuit that American Honda Motor Co., Inc. and Honda Of America Mfg., Inc. committed infringement on a patent pertaining to systems and components that allow a user to remotely customize the operation of various functions in a car. Court papers filed Nov. Nov. 25 in the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division state that RCDI owns United States Patent Number 8,788,090, which is titled “System and Method for Crea
Planned Parenthood sues HHSC to stop termination of Medicaid provider agreements
A group of Planned Parenthood facilities and patients have pursued legal action against the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, its Office of Inspector General and their respective administrators, Chris Traylor and Stuart W.
Insurer alleges Veritas Mechanical failed to make payments
HOUSTON--An insurance company is suing Houston contractors, alleging non-payment to suppliers and subcontractors for supplies and labor.
Houston employee alleges ICare Dealership did not pay overtime
A Houston employee is suing his company, alleging it failed to pay overtime.
Galveston County seaman alleges Marine Spill caused injuries on the job
A Galveston County seaman is suing an oil spill response company, alleging negligence for his injuries on the job.
Beaumont seeks to clean up house filled with junk, rodents
Beaumont seeks a court order against a local resident in an effort to clean up up a house it says is filled with junk and infested by rodents and insects.
Consultant alleges Brock Enterprises failed to pay $1 million
A Port Arthur consulting firm is suing a Texas company, alleging failure to pay more than $1 million following the termination of its contract.
Political correctness is getting too expensive – and too dangerous
President Obama says: If you see something, say something.
Recent patent infringement cases filed in the Eastern District of Texas
SHERMAN DIVISION Dec. 1 8975 Licensing LLC v.
New business licenses/assumed names issued in Jefferson County
Jefferson County Doing Business As: 11/30 - 12/3/2015 License #:38639 Assumed Name:SANDY SALON Address:548 9TH AVE., PORT ARTHUR, TX, 77642 Owner Name:PHAM HONG NHUNG License #:38659 Assumed Name:SOUTHLAND REMODELING Address:6082 DANIEL DR., #93, BEAUMONT, TX, 77705 Owner Name:FERRIS PAUL License #:38661 Assumed Name:T & G CONSTRUCTION Address:1628 WOODWORTH, PORT ARTHUR, TX, 77642 Owner Name:BATISTE TIMOTHY License #:38697 Assumed Name:GOD 1ST PRODUCTIONS Address:6950 39TH ST., GROVES,
Jefferson County 136th Court District : January 2016
MARY ROSS STINEBRICKNER V.
Mostyn ditched client after hurricane suit soured, malpractice claim alleges
After Hurricane Ike ravaged his business, all Tony Nouri wanted was a fair settlement of approximately $120,000 from his insurance provider, which was only wiling to pay about a quarter of that amount.
Woman claims she was fired for not calling 6-year-old transgender student by new name
A Houston woman has filed a complaint against her former employer alleging she was discriminated against based on her race, gender, age and religion, and wrongfully terminated. Madeline Kirksey claims that she was terminated from the Children’s Lighthouse Learning Centers on Nov.3 after she refused to call a 6-year-old transgender student by their new name, and filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on Nov.10. “This is not about being anti-transgender,” her a