Steve Gonzalez News
Barroom beating victim seeks $600k
Patty's Pub in Fairmont City A Fairmont City man filed suit against Patty's Pub II, Patricia Alvarez and Richard Skinner in Madison County Circuit Court Jan. 5, claiming he sustained injuries after being assaulted at the Fairmont tavern.
Jan. 8-12
Abbott Labs
Stack denies plaintiff's second 'bite of the apple'
Richard Hunsaker Madison County Circuit Judge Daniel Stack denied a family's request for a new medical malpractice trial on Jan. 2.
Hunter sues deer stand maker after collapse
A man who injured himself when his deer stand collapsed filed a personal injury suit in Madison County Circuit Court Jan. 3, against the manufacturer of the stand.
Last case of '06 in Madison County is new class action
Heller An Edwardsville man filed a class action suit against Terminix and The ServiceMaster Company in Madison County Circuit Court Dec. 29, claiming the defendants failed to provide termite services as required by statute.
New Yorker files first asbestos case of '06 in Madison County
A New York woman who suffers from mesothelioma filed the first asbestos suit of 2007 against 104 defendants in Madison County Circuit Court Jan. 3, alleging she was exposed to airborne asbestos fibers from his father's clothing.
Hartford resident claims benzene exposure caused cancer
Courtney and Jim Vostry filed a benzene lawsuit Jan. 2 in Madison County Circuit Court -- the first civil lawsuit seeking damages in excess of $50,000 this year.
Appellate court orders Byron to allow substitution
Nick Byron The Illinois Appellate Court ordered Madison County Circuit Judge Nicholas Byron to allow a benzene defendant's motion for substitution of judge he denied last year.
Tire makers blamed for auto death
Celestine Taylor filed suit against Hercules Tire and Rubber and Cooper Tire and Rubber in federal court Dec. 18, claiming Hercules Ultra Touring TR brand tires were not reasonably safe in design which caused her to lose control of her vehicle and crash.
Race was reason for firing, Prairie Farms worker claims
Maurice Morris filed suit in U.S. District Court Dec. 28, claiming he was fired from Prairie Farms because he is an African-American.
Trackman claims back injuries and asbestosis in FELA suit
A former CSX employee filed a Federal Employer's Liability Act (FELA) suit in U.S. District Court Dec. 29, claiming CSX failed to provide him a safe place to work.
New Lawsuits: Tuesday, Jan. 2
Fresh from the courthouse:
Jan. 2-5
84 Lumber
Judge Stiehl gives Peel unwanted Christmas present
Gary Peel United States District Judge William Stiehl denied former Lakin lawyer Gary Peel's motion to suppress evidence on Dec. 22.
The Record's most read stories in 2006
The following were the most well-read reports on the Record's website (www.madisonrecord.com or stclairrecord.com) in 2006:
Retired Florida worker migrates north to file asbestos suit
A Florida man diagnosed with mesothelioma filed suit in Madison County Circuit Court Dec. 21, claiming 111 defendant corporations are responsible for his illness.
Humiliation and stress claimed in retaliatory discharge suit
Lisa Abernathy filed a retaliatory discharge suit against Rosewood Care Center in Madison County Circuit Court Dec. 18, seeking damages in excess of $50,000.
Knee replacement malfunctions, company sued in Madison County
Jerry Linder filed suit against knee replacement manufacturer Smith & Nephew Oxinium in Madison County Circuit Court Dec. 18, claiming a knee replacement failed to function properly requiring him to get a second one.
Legal mal suit claims junkyard owner paid too much to settle
The owner of an Alton junkyard filed a legal malpractice suit against his former attorneys in Madison County Dec. 22, claiming they negligently failed to settle a case for $35,000, which led to a settlement that caused him to pay $155,000 more than he should have.
Madison County Judge Heflin to hear Young's DUI case
Judge Janet Heflin Madison County Associate Circuit Judge Janet Heflin was appointed by the Illinois Administrative Office of the Court to preside over St. Clair County Circuit Judge Patrick Young's DUI case.