Steve Stanek News
Local asbestos judges wary of federal trust fund bill
Circuit Judge Daniel J. Stack As federal lawmakers attempt to bring hundreds of thousands of asbestos-related lawsuits under control, two local judges have recently made their own moves to control the asbestos dockets in their courtrooms.
Illinois pols, reformers react to class action reform
"There are still alot of state classes," said Mike Pope of Chicago's McDermott, Will & Emery. With a few strokes of his pen Feb. 18, President George W. Bush signed into law an act which Congressman John Shimkus (R-Collinsville) described as "a bill that most people believe is a major tort reform that will go down in history as making a big difference."
Class action reform passes--may dry out local courts
Sen. Obama--Votes "yes" In a vote of 72-26, the U.S. Senate passed the Class Action Fairness Act—a bill that limits class action lawsuits by shifting them from state to federal courts—on Thursday afternoon.
Adoption of Rule 225 would impact local courts
Chicago plaintiff's attorney Myron Cherry Class action lawsuits would be more difficult to bring in Illinois under a proposed rule a committee of the state Supreme Court is scheduled to consider on Monday.
Supporters to push med mal court in state assembly
State Sen. Dave Luechtefeld A court that would specialize in medical malpractice lawsuits would be created in the 5th Judicial Circuit, which includes Madison and St. Clair Counties, under legislation that supporters promise to introduce this year.
Web postings: Docs would rather fight than settle
Every year for several years, legislation to identify individual physicians involved in medical malpractice lawsuits has been introduced in the Illinois General Assembly without advancing to a vote.
Congressional action may nip obesity suits in the bud
Senator Harry Reid Persons who are considering suing the food industry for allegedly contributing to their obesity may be running out of time.
Illinois legislature not yet up to reform challenge
State Rep. Tom Holbrook State officials on both sides of the aisle assert they want to stem a physician exodus that has reached critical mass in Illinois, particularly in the Metro-East.
National tort reform outlook is good
Prospects for significant legal liability reform in 2005 look good nationally, say tort reform advocates.
Sorry Works! awaits State House action
Could an apology solve the state's medical malpractice insurance crisis?
Asbestos trust fund hopes rise post-election
Congressman John Shimkus Business groups are expressing cautious optimism about the chance to eliminate asbestos lawsuits, which have been a huge source of revenue for some Madison County trial lawyers and others around the country.
A supreme upset may be in the works
Karmeier has attracted support from both political parties. For the first time since the 1960s, a Republican appears poised to win the Illinois Supreme Court's 5th Judicial District seat.
Healthcare alliance SMASH ready for test
Dr. Morris Kugler After one year, several rallies and nearly 30,000 thousand letters, the organizers of SMASH (Southern Illinois Medical Alliance for the Survival of Healthcare) are about to learn if their efforts have had a bearing on electors in Madison, St. Clair and other Southern Illinois counties.
OxyContin maker won't capitulate
The makers of the painkilling drug OxyContin may have a won-loss record of 202-0 in lawsuits against the company, but that hasn't stopped litigation accusing drug maker Purdue Pharma of everything from creating drug addicts to filing fraudulent patents.
DOJ considers investigation of 3rd Circuit
U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft's Department of Justice is "reviewing" a request for it to investigate Madison County's courts. WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Justice Department spokesman Blaine Rethmeier said a request by former U.S. Attorney General Griffin Bell and Georgia Congressman Charlie Norwood for a federal investigation of the Madison County court system is being considered.
Blame game newest twist in med-mal crisis
The American Insurance Association represents more than 450 property-casualty insurance companies. EDWARDSVILLE-- Business groups and insurance companies have spent the better part of two years trying to pin the blame for Illinois' medical malpractice insurance crisis on aggressive plaintiff attorneys and out-of-control courts.
Georgia congressman calls for Madison County inquiry
Madison County has drawn plenty of criticism for its willingness to accept lawsuits that have been rejected in other jurisdictions. Last week that criticism took a step beyond the rhetorical when a Georgia congressman asked the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate Madison County’s legal system.
Senate candidates embody tort debate
Haine the trial lawyer vs. Sherrill the businessman.