News from March 2016
ILR: The MDL blueprint for benefiting plaintiffs' attorneys over actual plaintiffs
The Wall Street Journal’s Sara Randazzo last week ran a profile piece on the Elizabeth Cabraser, the lead plaintiffs’ attorney in the emissions-related class action litigation against Volkswagan AG.
While noting Cabraser’s (and her firm, Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP’s) role in headline-grabbing multi district litigation, such as the Gulf oil spill, Takata air bags, GM ignition switches and breast implants, it also notes the criticism that has come the way of Cabraser and fellow “top cl
Southeast Texans return to communities following record floods
Communities in southeast Texas are returning to assess damage to their homes and businesses this week following heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding of major rivers including the Sabine, Neches and Trinity Rivers.
Judge denies liquor seller’s motion to intervene in Wal-Mart’s Texas liquor permit suit
HOUSTON—A federal judge denied a motion by Gabriel Investment Group to intervene in Wal-Mart’s suit against the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
California finds friend in Texas in push for tort reform
AUSTIN—California state legislators and lawsuit reform supporters marched in front of the State Capitol Building last week advocating for changes to the criminal justice system’s rules regarding lawsuits.
Man alleges GM's negligence caused wife's death in auto accident
MARSHALL – A Ben Wheeler man is suing an auto manufacturer alleging that it knowingly manufactured vehicles that are not crashworthy.
Former employee alleges Fieldwood Energy did not pay overtime wages
HOUSTON – A Houston business is facing a class-action lawsuit from a former employee over allegations it did not pay overtime wages.
Valero denies entering into a contract with Layne Walker
Valero Energy has denied entering into an agreement with a former district judge who sued the energy giant for breach of contract, seeking to extract more than $6 million in damages.
State Farm alleges driver's negligence caused injury
BEAUMONT — State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, as subrogee of Ryan Olson, is suing a Vidor motorist, alleging negligence resulting in injury.
Management group alleges two clients owe more than $1 million
SHERMAN — Reliant Management Group LLC is suing Trent Tolbert and Deborah Jones, alleging breach of contract.
Four workers allege wireless company violated federal wage law
HOUSTON — Justin Novick, Chris Kehn, James Abraham, and Zahid Islam have filed a class-action lawsuit against Shipcom Wireless, Inc., alleging unpaid wages.
Ninth Court axes injury suit against city of Beaumont, reverses Judge Floyd
BEAUMONT – The Ninth Court of Appeals recently reversed a lower court’s ruling denying the city of Beaumont’s plea to the jurisdiction in a car wreck suit.
Abbott appoints Larson judge of 395th Judicial District
AUSTIN – On March 21 Gov. Greg Abbott appointed Ryan Larson of Hutto as judge of the 395th Judicial District Court in Williamson County for a term set to expire at the next general election in November 2016.
Galena Park administrator claims race behind termination attempt
A Galena Park official has sued the city and its mayor on allegations he was the target of an attempted termination, recent Houston federal court records show.
Lawsuit: Mount Pleasant school district fired art teacher for addressing alleged misuse of tax dollars
An East Texas school district is accused of terminating an art teacher for addressing the former’s use of tax dollars, according to a civil rights lawsuit filed Mar. 17 in Marshall federal court.
Slip & fall against Buffalo Wild Wings ends with $112K verdict, jury awards no damages for alleged malice
BEAUMONT - While a jury found Buffalo Wild Wings negligent for injuries suffered by a former waitress who slipped on a freshly mopped kitchen floor, awarding more than $112,000 in damages, no exemplary damages were awarded.
Texas AG says Spanish-speaking consumers should be aware of scammers posing as debt collectors
AUSTIN – On March 21 Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a warning to Spanish-speaking consumers, alerting them to scam artists posing as debt collectors calling on behalf of government entities.
Veteran accuses United Airlines of violating employment laws
HOUSTON — A Marine Corps veteran is suing United Airlines, alleging failure to uphold federal laws.
Fresh accusations against John M. O’Quinn & Associates
Millionaire Houston attorney John O’Quinn died in 2009, but his legacy of filing flimsy silicosis cases and cheating his clients lives on.
Customer alleges GM negligence led to car accident
MARSHALL — A customer is suing a GMC dealership, alleging its negligence led to an accident.
Ex-employee accuses car dealership of age discrimination
SHERMAN — A former employee is suing a car dealership, alleging age discrimination led to his termination