Steve Gonzalez News
Crowder set to preside over Dec. 8 Jones Act trial
Judge Crowder A jury trial in a 2007 Jones Act case against Marquette Transportation and Bluegrass Marine will begin at 9 a.m. on Dec. 8 in Madison County Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder's courtroom.
Callis announces associate judge vacancy
Chief Judge Ann Callis Attorneys in Madison and Bond County have until 5 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2009 to submit their applications for the associate judge vacancy created when Richard Tognarelli was sworn in as circuit judge Dec. 1.
Hylla transfers personal injury case against Dollar General to arbitration docket
Judge Hylla
Madison County Circuit Judge David Hylla has transferred a personal injury suit filed in the Law Division to the mandatory arbitration docket after discovery showed the damages in the case did not exceed $50,000.
IDOT worker settles personal injury case avoiding trial
A personal injury suit involving an Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) employee has settled for an undisclosed amount.
Union Pacific seeks dismissal of FELA suit
Judge Hylla Union Pacific Railway wants a Madison County judge to dismiss a Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) complaint with prejudice, arguing the allegations are vague.
Madison County swears in two new judges
Dennis Ruth is sworn in to a six-year term as Madison County Circuit Court judge on Dec. 1. More than 125 people gathered in the Madison County courthouse to watch Dennis Ruth take his oath of office to become Madison County's newest circuit judge.
YTB International class actions set for status
An attorney for YTB International is asking a federal judge to set a status conference in class actions that alleges YTB is an illegal pyramid scheme.
Troy Lions Club wants out of parade float amputation case
The Troy Lions Club wants to be dismissed from a personal injury case involving a woman who lost her leg after falling off a parade float.
Alton & Southern wants FELA case dismissed
Alton & Southern Railway is asking a judge to dismiss a Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) complaint because the complaint is "substantially insufficient in law in order to state a cause of action."
Belleville doctor drops lawsuit over bailout bill
A Belleville doctor has voluntarily dismissed his request for a restraining order against Congress and President Bush.
Lakin firm files nationwide class action against Harrah's in federal court
Brad Lakin A Missouri man is seeking to represent a nationwide class of individuals who received a prerecorded telephone call from Harrah's Metropolis Casino advertising its vacation services.
Railroad argues FELA complaint should be dismissed for defects
Norfolk Southern Railway Company is asking a judge to dismiss a Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) claim pursuant to Section 2-615 of the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure.
Stack takes insurance class certification under advisement
Madison County Circuit Judge Daniel J. Stack has given lawyers 21 days to file supplemental pleadings after hearing arguments on whether to certify a 15-state class action.
Lakin's prison release date set for Nov. 30, 2013
Tom Lakin The Bureau of Prisons has projected that Tom Lakin will be released from federal prison on Nov. 30, 2013.
Dollar General settles slip and fall case
A mother who slipped and fell while holding her daughter at the Pontoon Beach Dollar General store has settled her personal injury suit that had sought damages in excess of $15,000, but less than $50,000.
Defense verdict reached in personal injury trial against Norfolk Southern
Dr. Paletta After deliberating four hours on Wednesday afternoon, a Madison County jury returned a defense verdict in favor of Norfolk Southern Railway.
Jury sides with plaintiff in breach of contract trial
Crowder A Madison County jury awarded Michael Reichert $12,965.14 after a three day breach of contract trial on Nov. 13.
Lakins want Unsell's malicious prosecution suit dismissed
Unsell A lawyer for Brad Lakin, The Lakin Law Firm and Kristopher Lakin has asked a judge to dismiss a malicious prosecution suit filed against them by East Alton attorney Edward Unsell.
Illinois Power sues to recover costs of damaged utility pole
Illinois Power Company has filed suit against Carrie Cauble alleging she damaged a utility pole when her car left the roadway.
Kris Lakin settles personal injury claim, avoids trial
Lakin Kris Lakin avoided trial and settled a personal injury case filed against him.