News from August 2016
Salon owner accuses former franchisee of trademark dilution
HOUSTON — A salon franchiser is suing a Cypress business owner, alleging trademark dilution and unfair competition.
Small businesses hit hard by lawsuit abuse
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NIFB), America’s leading small business association, small businesses in this country employ about half of private-sector employees, have generated 60 to 80 percent of net new jobs annually over the last decade, and create more than half of nonfarm private gross domestic product. Yet these businesses are increasingly targeted with frivolous lawsuits by plaintiff’s attorneys that use ev
Motorist blames trucking company, driver for causing wreck
MARSHALL — A Franklin County woman is suing a trucking company and its employee, alleging negligence in causing an accident that led to injuries for the plaintiff.
Lawsuit states that IRS and U.S. Treasury overstepped their authority in merger regulation
AUSTIN -- On Aug. 4, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Association of Business filed suit against the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of the Treasury, along with the respective heads of those organizations, John Koskinen and Jacob Lew.
Court rejects Similasan labeling settlement after attorneys general point out unfairness
AUSTIN – The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California has rejected a proposed settlement of a class action lawsuit filed against Similasan Corp. that alleges false and deceptive labeling of Similasan’s homeopathic products.
State Farm suspects Voss Law Firm of bringing storm suit without plaintiff’s knowledge, Voss attorney denies charge
HOUSTON – It’s not often that a defendant in a civil suit fights a plaintiff’s motion to dismiss, but that’s exactly the case in a storm suit against State Farm – a lawsuit that the insurer suspects may have been brought on the plaintiff’s behalf without her knowledge.
Beaumont motorist alleges driver caused accident
BEAUMONT — A Beaumont motorist is suing another driver, alleging the defendant's negligence caused a crash that injured the plaintiff.
Delivery driver alleges former employers owe overtime wages
HOUSTON — A Houston woman is suing a flower business, alleging violation of workers compensation acts by failing to pay mandated overtime wages.
Insurance company alleges helicopter owner made unlawful claim
BEAUMONT — An insurance company is suing a Beaumont helicopter owner, alleging the defendant placed an unlawful claim.
Machine operator alleges drilling company failed to pay proper overtime
HOUSTON — A Rusk man is suing a Katy drilling business, alleging violation of workers compensation acts by not paying overtime wages.
Customer blames grocery store operator for injuries
HOUSTON — A Harris County woman is is suing a grocery store operator, alleging its negligence caused her to fall and sustain injuries.
Pizza chain accuses Pearland franchisee of unfair competition
HOUSTON — A pizza chain is suing a Pearland restaurant operator, alleging breach of a franchise agreement and unfair competition.
Account manager accuses orthopedic center of illegal employment practices
HOUSTON — A Harris County woman is suing a Houston orthopedic center, alleging unlawful employment practices.
TWIA board votes not to raise rates, questions raised
AUSTIN - On Aug. 2 the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association Board of Directors voted not to raise windstorm rates for either residential or commercial policyholders along the Texas coast. The Insurance Council of Texas believes the board’s decision does not protect the financial security of TWIA for its policyholders.
There ought to be a law against barratry, and there is!
There ought to be a law!How many times have you heard that one?The funny thing is, when people say it, there often is a law: a law already in existence that prohibits, restricts, regulates, taxes, or otherwise penalizes the very action or practice they think there ought to be a law for.
Maritime worker blames U.S. government for injuries
GALVESTON — A New York maritime working is suing the United States, alleging negligence aboard a vessel led to the plaintiff sustaining injuries.
Family members blame Chevron for relative's death
BEAUMONT — A Texas wife and her son are suing Chevron, alleging gross negligence led to the death of their husband/father.
Car dealer alleges ex-employee, competitor took proprietary information
HOUSTON — A Houston car dealer is suing a former employee and a Katy competitor, alleging breach of a confidential relationship.
Assault suit against Dixie Dance Hall set to be dismissed for want of prosecution
A notice of intent to dismiss for want of prosecution has been filed in a suit brought over an alleged physical assault that transpired at the Dixie Dance Hall.
Baby Olivia trial: Texas med-mal cap cuts $10M verdict to $750K
BEAUMONT – Last week, a Jefferson County jury awarded the mother of Baby Olivia millions of dollars for her mental anguish and past and future loss of companionship.