Ann Knef News
Report scorns RTS for lacking qualification
A medical screening firm that was banned by a major asbestos trust fund and scorned by a report on attorney-funded disease testing is believed to be responsible for the diagnoses of multiple plaintiffs in recent Madison County litigation.
Shimkus votes for limiting frivolous obesity lawsuits
Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-19) voted in support of the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act (HR 554), which limits frivolous lawsuits against restaurants and encourages personal responsibility.
St. Louis attorney files Vioxx suits for Illinois women
John Driscoll St. Louis plaintiff's attorney John Driscoll filed two more Vioxx lawsuits against Merck & Co. and Walgreens on behalf of two Illinois women who claim the arthritis pain-reliever caused their health problems.
Madison County bench waiting for new occupant
Former Circuit Judge Phillip Kardis While there is no timetable for filling the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Madison County Circuit Judge Phillip Kardis, an announcement could be made soon.
New round of Vioxx suits filed in St. Clair County
Jeff Lowe Two new Vioxx lawsuits filed in St. Clair County on behalf of 21 Illinois plaintiffs not only allege pharmaceutical Merck was negligent for producing a defective product, they cast blame on several major retailers for selling the pain reliever to sickly customers.
Railroader files FELA suit in St. Clair County
A former Alton & Southern Railway trackman is suing his former employer for permanent injuries he allegedly sustained on the job.
QA: Publish judges' opinions, says St. Clair County Judge Stephen Rice
St. Clair County Associate Judge Stephen Rice Editor's note: Associate Judge Stephen Rice weighs in this week as The Record picks up its dialogue with St. Clair County judges.
County offers to drop 'two-tier' plan
In its effort to avert a strike and maintain business as usual, Madison County officials are dropping a "two tier" pay plan and offering a four-year contract to a union threatening to walk out.
Clinical expert questions rise in lawsuits despite decline of silicosis cases
A renowned pulmonologist who specializes in a variety of end stage lung diseases asserts there is no medical explanation for the thousands of new silicosis lawsuits that are being filed in state and federal courts across the country, nor is it at all likely that these claimants also can suffer from asbestos-related diseases.
Silicosis litigation raising 'red flags'
Ed Murnane Madison County's reputation as the nation's No. 1 "judicial hellhole," was earned largely for hosting the country's most massive asbestos docket.
Philip Morris decision in Supreme Court's lap
Judge Nicholas Byron One of the most anticipated decisions to come from the Illinois Supreme Court is expected soon.
19 more silica suits filed in Madison County
Plaintiff's attorney Brent Coon A day after an aggressive national asbestos litigation firm deluged Madison County Circuit Court with 153 asbestos and silicosis lawsuits, it returned with another 19. (Editor's note: The Record reported Sept. 28 that another 21 new silica suits were filed on Wednesday. That figure was incorrect. The Record regrets the error).
Appellate court affirms St. Clair County's decision to toss class action
Justice Stephen L. Spomer The Fifth District Appellate Court upheld a St. Clair County Circuit Court decision to dismiss a class action suit that named the Lawyers Trust Fund (LTF) of Illinois and Illinois Supreme Court Justices over interest earned on client funds.
Mealtime not so happy for injured McDonald's customer
A trip to a fast food eatery last year ended in physical pain and mental anguish for a Caseyville McDonald’s customer.
Autozone named in personal injury suit
The owner of a Belleville auto parts store will have to make a pit stop in St. Clair County Circuit Court.
Red Poweraid caused back injuries, suit says
A Collinsville Shop ‘N Save customer claims she sustained low back injuries after slipping and falling on red Poweraid in a grocery store aisle, according to a suit filed Sept. 21 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.
QA with Judge LeChien: 'Behind' the scenes
Judge LeChien Editor's note: The following is a conversation with St. Clair County Circuit Court Judge Robert LeChien about legal reform, politics and judicial qualifications. In a lighter moment, he describes one of the benefits of wearing a robe to work.
GOP baton passes in St. Clair County
New: St. Clair County GOP Chairman Bill Zychlewicz Bill Zychlewicz, first vice-chairman of the St. Clair County Republican Committee, ascended to the organization's top spot following the resignation of Chairman Michael McGlynn on Sept. 13.
Employer blamed in worker's attack, death
On behalf of Michael Lee Beverly--who died two years ago after being attacked at work--Delores Beverly is suing the decedent's East St. Louis employer, American Pallet-Midwest, for not providing adequate security.
Land broker seeks $210k commission in court
Belleville real estate broker Terry Johnson is seeking a $210,000 commission he claims he earned putting together the sale of 131 acres of prime farmland on Illinois 161 and Greenmount Road in Belleville.