News from 2015
Whiplashed passenger sues oncoming driver for $1M after violent rear-end crash
A Jefferson County resident is suing a Beaumont business and its owner alleging vehicular negligence in a 2013 highway collision. Benjamin Alvarado sued Richard Design Services Inc. and Arthur Ray Richard of Nederland in Jefferson County District Court June 19, claiming liability for damages in the August 2013 accident. According to the suit, both parties were traveling eastbound on State Highway 73 on August 9, 2013.
Child slips while climbing waterslide, parent sues Golden Nugget for lack of warning signs
A young child’s time at the swimming pool at a Louisiana casino almost three months ago has resulted in civil litigation. Fort Bend County resident Tiffany Rodriguez is suing Golden Nugget Lake Charles, LLC and Fertitta Entertainment, Inc. on behalf of J.R.
Texas AG Office investigating Planned Parenthood video over selling of baby parts
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced his office has launched an investigation into Planned Parenthood following the publication of a video showing an official discussing the sale of baby body parts. The announcement came July 15, a day after anti-abortion activists released the video of Dr. Deborah Nucatola, PP’s senior director of medical services, discussing the value of aborted fetuses over lunch with activists posing as buyers for a biologics company.
Texas SC to decide whether Houston can create its own air quality agency
AUSTIN – Justices at the Supreme Court of Texas must decide whether Houston can enforce an ordinance creating its own air quality agency. The Justices plan to hear oral argument on Sept. 2, over a First District appellate court decision in the city’s favor. The city council passed an ordinance in 2007, requiring owners of facilities within the scope of state law to register with city health officers and pay fees. Sponsors promised to enforce the Texas Clean Air Act better than the state did.
NFL wants court costs slashed in suit over 2011 Super Bowl seats
In March, a Texas federal jury found in favor of a group of fans unhappy with their 2011 Super Bowl seats, awarding $75,850 in damages – an award $8,000 less than the plaintiffs attorneys court costs. On July 10 the NFL argued it was necessary for plaintiffs’ counsel to rack up more than $83,000 in costs on the single claim on which the prevailed, asking the trial court to deny costs all together or cut fees by 90 percent to reflect their minimal success.
Wal-Mart shopper faults company for PA store slip and fall
A Jefferson County resident filed a lawsuit against a Delaware-based retailer doing business in Texas over alleged premises negligence in 2014. Karen Kaiser filed a complaint against Wal-Mart Stores Texas LLC in Jefferson County District Court June 19, claiming liability in April 2014 when she supposedly slipped and fell on the defendant’s premises.
Motorist couple litigates against driver over failure to yield right of way
A Jefferson County couple filed a lawsuit against a Liberty County resident alleging negligence in a 2014 traffic accident which they claim left them with serious injuries. Patrice Leday and Albert Saunders filed a complaint against Winnefred Jackson of Dayton in Jefferson County District Court July 8, claiming liability in a November 2014 intersection collision.
Texas AG says RadioShack gift cardholders need voice in bankruptcy case
Attorney General Ken Paxton, who sued RadioShack over $43 million in unused gift cards, says buyers of those cards need a voice in the bankruptcy proceedings, according to a July 14 press release. In response to RadioShack’s motion to dismiss, Paxton said, “customers have the right to be provided notice of the bankruptcy case and should be given instructions to file a claim for their unredeemed gift cards.” “We have asked the bankruptcy judge to determine that these consumers are entitled to
Discovery ongoing in $1M suit over Applebee’s host stepping on customer’s foot
Discovery is still continuing to proceed in a suit brought by Carolyn Rhymes, who claims an Applebee’s host, while taking a step backwards, incidentally stepped on her foot, causing her to loose her balance and land on her butt. Seeking up to $1 million in damages, Rhymes filed suit against El Chico Restaurants of Arkansas on March 27 in Jefferson County District Court. Court records show El Chico answered the suit on April 13, asserting a general denial.
Dram shop suit against Dream Street now up in appeals court
A dram shop suit, brought against a nightclub and two individuals after a drunk driver allegedly killed a Nederland teen, is now before the Texas Ninth Court of Appeals.
Nautical Solutions takes special exception to seaman’s loose board injury suit
Nautical Solutions recently answered a Jones Act claim alleging a lose board made a vessel unseaworthy, taking special exception to the plaintiff’s negligence claim.
Speak Easy Lounge goer moves chair, smashes finger, sues
While hanging out at a Port Arthur restaurant, Georgina Thomas attempted to scoot her chair forward and smashed her finger.
Crispy potato surprise at IHOP results in lawsuit
Vidor local Stephen Brady wanted his potatoes served crisped, but not so crisp he’d crack a tooth after taking a bite. Alleging he spit out a piece of plate after scooping in a mouth full of potatoes at IHOP, Brady filed suit against the restaurant’s owner, Bona 1900, on July 9 in Jefferson County District Court.
Jumping World answers $1M suit brought after teen breaks foot
Jumping World USA has answered a suit brought by a local mother seeking more than $1 million in damages after her son broke his foot at the indoor trampoline park. Individually and on behalf of Dalton Brock, Shanna Brock filed her suit March 5 in Jefferson County District Court. A few weeks later, Jumping World answered the suit, asserting a general denial and demanding strict proof. Jumping World also asks the court that the plaintiff take nothing and that it be awarded costs.
HISD granted summary judgment in racial discrimination claim
Successfully arguing there’s no evidence of racial discrimination, the Houston Independent School District was recently granted summary judgment. Talyna Moody, a former HISD employee, brought a lawsuit against the school district on allegations she was "bullied and harassed" because of her race and religion before she was ultimately fired. Moody, who was employed as an onboard specialist, filed the claim Sept. 26, 2013, in the U.S.
Jefferson County 172nd Court District : August 2015
KENNETH LESLIE SHEPPARD V.
DBA: 6/16 - 6/30/2015
License #:18852 Assumed Name:#1 AFFORDABLE PRESSURE WASHING Address:1366 MAGNOLIA BEAUMONT, TX, 77701 Owner Name:PHILLIPS MICHAEL RAY License #:18864 Assumed Name:LEGAL DELIVERY SERVICE Address:1114 BLOCK ST., PORT NECHES, TX, 77651 Owner Name:JENKINS DOYLE License #:18870 Assumed Name:NAILZ BY DIANE Address:3148 GULFWAY DR., SUITE C, PORT ARHTUR, TX, 77642 Owner Name:LE GIANG T License #:18894 Assumed Name:BREATHE Address:4165 OLD DOWLEN RD., APT 152, BEAUMONT, TX, 77706 Owner Name:HERNAND
Time to declare open season on trolls
Troll slayer Unified Patents predicts that 2015 will set a record for patent litigation, with more than 6,000 lawsuits likely to be filed – the vast majority by nonpracticing entities, i.e., patent trolls.
Visiting judge condemns Galveston County judge for interfering with judicial functions
A visiting judge presiding over the legal battle between Galveston County 56th District Court Judge Lonnie Cox and Galveston County Judge Mark Henry recently issued a ten-page order granting temporary injunction in favor of the former. Judge Sharolyn Wood’s order, filed July 6, condemned Henry for purposely interfering with the independence of the county’s judiciary and its ability to perform its judicial functions, one of these being the employment of Bonnie Quiroga as director of Judicial Adm
teasers and front page order list
Story CopyList for page 1 and article order.