Ann Knef News
Sponsors drop from plaintiffs' windfall bill, but proponents push for more time
Ed Murnane Three Democratic legislators have withdrawn their support of a bill that has been criticized as a "money grab" by trial attorneys. And in the meantime, the bill's proponents have asked to extend the deadline for action on what has become a controversial proposal.
Office Max named in defective chair complaint
James McQuillan of Belleville is suing Office Max for injuries he sustained after falling from an allegedly defective chair.
Bar patron sues owner for punch in the face
A patron of Good Tymes Saloon in Dupo claims the bar's owner Michael L. Simmons punched her in the face without provocation early in the morning on Oct. 8, 2005.
Bad behavior in litigation to be addressed in forum
ISBA President Robert Downs A joint committee of the state's top legal associations is holding open forums in Chicago and Collinsville next week for Illinois judges and lawyers on how to solve negative behavior in litigation.
Treasurer candidate says office holder should be steward
The ink on his resume suggests vision.
Francis firms files more FELA suits in St. Clair County
St. Louis attorney Daniel Francis has taken aim at a familiar target in a familiar venue by filing another set of personal injury suits against Illinois Central Railroad.
Cancer patient claims radiation over used
Cancer patient Alice Louise Boyd claims her oncologists administered radiation too broadly on her abdomen in a medical malpractice lawsuit filed in St. Clair County.
Savings account drained, complaint states
A man accused of draining more than $94,000 from his 66-year-old acquaintance's bank account is being sued in St. Clair County Circuit Court.
Madison County to get new associate judgeship
Judge Ed Ferguson Madison County will gain a new associate judge next month due to a six-year-old census report.
High court refuses to hear Elam appeal
The Illinois Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal of defendants in a $1 million Madison County jury verdict -- the only welding rod trial successfully litigated in the United States.
Judges required to take more continuing education courses
The Illinois Supreme Court is requiring that all state judges take 30 hours of continuing legal education courses over a two-year period, addressing such issues as judicial conduct, ethics and professionalism.
Volkswagen accused of changing oil maintenance specs in class action
Volkswagen of America has been targeted in a St. Clair County class action lawsuit by a group that claims the automaker unfairly changed maintenance specifications which more than doubled their oil change costs.
Seatbelt and airbags defective, claims passenger
Diane L. Truttman claims a van's airbags and seatbelts were defective in a lawsuit filed against General Motors in St. Clair County on March 28.
GOP leader hopes for balance on board
Jason Plummer The up and coming leader of Madison County's GOP organization hopes his energy and enthusiasm will make a difference in the "extraordinarily important" election of November 2006.
Daughter files wrongful death suit against O'Fallon Healthcare
Dorothy L. Lunsford is suing O'Fallon Healthcare as a result of her mother's death.
Madison County administrator Monday abruptly resigns
Questions swirling over the sudden departure of Madison County Administrator Jim Monday on Wednesday were answered through a hired spokesman for the county board.
Ann Callis elected chief judge in Madison County
Ann Callis Madison County Circuit Judge Ann Callis will replace Circuit Judge Edward Ferguson as chief judge on May 1.
Groups line up against plaintiffs' windfall bill
Ed Murnane A legislative proposal designed to provide windfall recovery to plaintiffs in personal injury litigation is an "affront to fairness," said the president of the Illinois Civil Justice League, Ed Murnane.
Reporter subpoenaed in judge substitution hearing
Lawyers from the Lakin Law Firm subpoenaed a Belleville News-Democrat reporter on short notice Monday to testify at a hearing on the alleged bias of Madison County Circuit Judge Don Weber.
Man sues Gold's Gym for slipping on basketball court
Corey Strother is suing Gold's Gym in O'Fallon for injuries he suffered after slipping on a wet basketball court.