Steve Gonzalez News
Ex-factory worker had to express breast milk in dirty toilet stall, suit says
Patricia Lee filed suit against the Swan Corporation in U.S. District Court Dec. 26, alleging her employer wrongfully discriminated her in violation of Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) because her employer required her to express breast milk in a dirty toilet stall.
FELA complaint filed in federal court
A locomotive engineer for CSX Transportation who was injured when while disembarking a tank car in Evansville, Ind. filed a Federal Employers' Liability Act complaint against his employer in U.S. District Court alleging tthe company failed to provide him a safe place to work.
Vioxx claim is last civil suit filed in Madison County in '07
A Granite City woman filed a civil suit against Merck & Co. seeking damages for personal injuries, death and economic damages she claims her husband suffered as a result of taking the prescription medication Vioxx.
Injured barge worker claims vessel unseaworthy
Walter Burdick filed a Jones Act complaint against AEP River Transportation in U.S. District Court Jan. 3, alleging he was injured in the performance of his job duties.
Ohio woman's second-hand exposure blamed in Madison County asbestos suit
A West Chester, Ohio woman who suffers from mesothelioma filed an asbestos suit against 72 defendants in Madison County Circuit Court Dec. 27, alleging she was exposed to airborne asbestos fibers from her father's clothing.
Life insurance policy paid to wrong beneficiaries, suit claims
The estate of Kenneth Bigham filed suit against the Knights of Columbus alleging the wrong beneficiaries were paid on a life insurance policy.
Mini van owner seeks $200k for cutting hand on Chrysler emblem
A woman who cut her hand on the emblem of her 2001 Chrysler Town & Country is seeking $200,000 for injuries so severe they caused permanent disability, disfigurement and the loss of a normal life.
Infection not treated, wrongful death suit claims
The estate of Joann Jungk filed a wrongful death suit against Erik Stabell, M.D. in Madison County Circuit Court Dec. 21, alleging the doctor was negligent his treatment of acute gallbladder pancreatitis and any other infectious disease.
Wrongful death claimed in suit against doctor
The estate of John Varel filed a wrongful death suit against Keith Thomae, M.D. in Madison County Circuit Court Dec. 31, alleging the doctor's negligence caused his death on Feb. 5, 2007.
Lakin may have attempted witness intimidation by sending fax
Tom Lakin Thomas Lakin violated a court order forbidding him from having contact with government witnesses when he faxed a hand-written note and grand jury testimony to the attorney representing a witness.
CSX employee claims injuries during rescue of co-worker
A McLeansboro, Ill. man filed a Federal Employers' Liability Act suit against CSX Transportation in U.S. District Court Dec. 19, alleging he was injured on two separate occasions while working for the railroad.
Defendants get a break in 2007: Whose 'judicial hellhole' is it anyway?
Circuit Judge Dan Stack Madison County may no longer be a "judicial hellhole" for civil litigation defendants. But ask a trial lawyer to gauge the climate and you may get a different answer.
Pizza Hut plaintiff 'dramedy' attracts most readers in '07
The following were the most well-read reports on the Record's website (www.madisonrecord.com or stclairrecord.com) in 2007:
Man with cut fingers claims saw's manufacturers to blame
A Godfrey man who was injured while using a radial arm saw filed suit against Sears and Emerson Tool Co. alleging the defendants failed to warn of the saw's dangers.
Patient claims CT tech slammed hand on machine
A woman allegedly injured during a CT scan at Alton Memorial Hospital filed a personal injury suit against the hospital in Madison County Circuit Court Dec. 18, alleging she has sustained damages in excess of $50,000.
Personal injury lawsuit in Madison County settles
A man who was accused of killing a motorcycle passenger settled a wrongful death suit for $125,000, just 17 days after the case was filed against him.
Powell's conviction upheld by federal appeals court
The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago affirmed the convictions of Charlie Powell, Jesse Lewis, Sheila Thomas and Kelvin Ellis for paying voters and conspiring to pay voters in East St. Louis in the 2004 federal election.
Professional malpractice claim filed against CPA firm
John Kjar of Diamond Island Marina filed a professional malpractice case against Grabel, Schnieders, Hollman & Co., in Madison County Circuit Court Nov. 30, alleging his certified public accountant gave him lousy tax advice causing him to suffer damages in excess of $500,000.
Jury says 'no' to woman's hand-in-elevator-door complaint
Barely an hour into deliberations, a Madison County jury on Wednesday cleared Kone Elevators of any negligence or wrongdoing after an eight-day trial in Erma Smith's personal injury suit.
Med mal case against Dalla-Riva goes to jury
A woman's medical malpractice case that survived a mistrial and legal derring-do just three days before it was set for trial last year, is finally getting its day in court.