Steve Gonzalez News
Feb. 12-16
3M
Vioxx set to take center stage in Madison County
Madison County Circuit Judge Daniel J. Stack Plaintiff's attorney John Driscoll of Brown & Crouppen will try to convince a jury that Vioxx caused or significantly contributed to the death of Frank Schwaller's wife in Madison County's first trial against Merck over the recalled arthritis pain reliever.
Med mal defendants in new trial face tougher test
Rex Carr Unlike the last two medical malpractice trials held in Madison County, defendants in a current trial may not come out on top.
Fiss charged with illegal transportation of alcohol
Fiss St. Clair County Circuit Judge Jan Fiss has been charged with illegal transportation of alcohol, according to a press release issued by acting Chief Judge John Baricevic this morning.
Wal-Mart sued for permitting crack in parking lot
A man who claims he injured himself at the Murphysboro Wal-Mart filed suit in U.S. District Court Feb. 2.
Daughter claims Seroquel caused father's death at nursing home
The estate of LaRue Simms filed a wrongful death suit against three local nursing homes claiming a drug they gave him contributed to his death.
Ford hit with cruise control suit in Madison County
Brian Williams filed a personal injury suit against Ford Motor Co. in Madison County Circuit Court Feb. 2, claiming the cruise control in his 2004 Ford F-150 was defective and dangerous.
M/V Tom Frazier deckhand sues
Michael O. Bent filed a Jones Act complaint against American Commercial Barge Line in Madison County Circuit Court Feb. 2, claiming he was injured on Feb. 6, 2005.
Self-Help Center will help citizens without lawyers
The Madison County judiciary is introducing a "Self-Help Center."
Illinois Supreme Court announces rule changes
The Illinois Supreme Court announced the filing of new rules on Thursday designed to increase interest paid on attorneys' pooled-client trust accounts (IOLTA accounts).
Unintentional beating victim sues bar and fighter
Timothy Angel filed suit against Mannzy's Corner Pub in Alton and Joshua Stoeckel claiming he was a third-party victim of a barroom brawl.
Transit bus blamed for striking pedestrian
A Godfrey woman is suing Madison County Transit (MCT) after its bus struck her while she was crossing the parking lot at an Alton McDonald's restaurant.
Customer seeks dough in suit against Wonder Bread store
Broken parking curbs at the Wonder Bread store in Alton has prompted a $50,000 personal injury suit in Madison County.
Woman sues hospital for slipping on freshly mopped floor
Saint Anthony's Health Center A woman who slipped on a freshly mopped floor while visiting her daughter in an Alton emergency room, has filed a personal injury suit against the hospital.
Bridge welder makes FELA claim
A bridge welder for Norfolk Southern Railway filed a Federal Employers' Liability Act (FELA) in Madison County Circuit Court Jan. 29, claiming he sustained repetitive trauma injuries.
Tornado cited in railroad worker's injury claim
An Evansville, Ind. man filed a Federal Employers Liability Act (FELA) suit against CSX Transportation in Madison County Circuit Court Jan. 25, claiming it failed to provide him with a safe place to work.
Feb. 5-9
Abbott Labs
Stiehl allows prosecutor to challenge Peel's witness
Attorney Gary Peel lost another court battle this week as U.S. District Judge William Stiehl ruled that the government will be able to hold a hearing to question the relevancy of an expert Peel's public defender hired in his criminal case.
Arbitration training seminars set in Madison County
Judge Callis was instrumental in bringing arbitration to Madison County An arbitration training seminar will be conducted for attorneys interested in becoming certified to conduct arbitration hearings in Madison County
Six class actions filed against Ford in federal court
Jeffrey Lowe of St. Louis filed six class action suits in U.S. District Court Jan. 29, against Ford Motor Co. claiming certain Ford vehicles are defective and unsafe.