News from December 2005
Defendant burned by lawsuit
(Editor's note: The following letter relates to a federal lawsuit filed by Carol J. Deichmann of Bond County on Nov. 22, seeking damages for burning her feet on microwave-heated slipper insoles, Cozy Toze. She bought the product from the TV show, QVC.).
Friday, Dec. 16
9 a.m.
Kardis was correct in dismissing class action, court rules
Former Madison County Circuit Judge Philip Kardis' decision to dismiss a class action complaint in 2003 was affirmed by the Illinois Appellate Court Dec. 7.
Ornament links Simon and Lincoln in Springfield
Madison County Clerk Mark Von Nida shows off a pine cone ornament, one similar donated to the Lincoln Museum in Springfield, as requested of the state's county clerks. It may not have been obvious at first. But a few days after receiving a request from the Abraham Lincoln Museum in Springfield for a Christmas ornament representative of Madison County, the choice was clear for County Clerk Mark Von Nida
ATRA's 'hellhole' list due soon: Will Madison County move off top spot?
Ed Murnane On the eve of the fourth annual "Judicial Hellhole" report, a review of this year's class action lawsuits in Madison County provides a hint that the American Tort Reform Association may move the Illinois venue off the roster's top spot.
Status call on Madison County's 2005 class action lawsuits
Editor's note: In 2005, the number of class action lawsuits dropped almost in half from the previous year, marking a turning point of sorts in Madison County.
New Lawsuits: Thursday Dec. 8
Christopher Switzer v. James Spencer
Thursday, Dec. 15
8:30 a.m.
Maag's pursuit of leaky roof claim stayed
Attorney Thomas Maag of the Lakin Law Firm thought he could press a leaky roof claim out of client Armettia Peach in two courts at once, but Madison County Circuit Judge Andy Matoesian has temporarily closed his courtroom to Maag and Peach.
Coon firm overlooks illegality of punitive damage prayer in original complaints
Bob Ramsey When attorney Robert Ramsey filed 138 asbestos lawsuits in Madison County Circuit Court for Texas attorney Brent Coon, he broke the law 138 times.
New Lawsuits: Wednesday, Dec. 7
Fresh from the courthouse:
China House II donating proceeds to Salvation Army
If a fortune cookie were written to express restaurant owner Don Wong's philosophy, it would read: "It is better to give than to receive."
Two new Vioxx suits brought in St. Clair County
Facing its first federal trial of 7,000 such product liability cases nationwide, a Merck & Co. executive testified Tuesday that the "overhwelming majority" of company officials wanted to keep the popular pain-relieving drug, Vioxx, on the market.
Wednesday, Dec. 14
9:30 a.m.
Shop 'N Save sued over false accusations
Shop N Save Customers at the East Alton Shop 'N Save are seeking damages for being falsely accused of stealing a purse owned by Ruth Dilley--who later realized she had left it at home.
Woman claims extensive injuries from highway job
United Rentals Carlotta Mossotti-Myers filed suit in Madison County Circuit Court Dec. 2, seeking at least $50,000 against United Rentals for injuries she allegedly sustained on May 5.
Godfrey convenience store's freshly mopped floor subject of suit
Melville Dairy Store in Godfrey A man who claims he slipped and fell on a freshly mopped and soaking wet floor at Melville Dairy Store in Godfrey is seeking at least $50,000 for unspecified injuries.
Commissary employee sued for misplaced meat pallet
A woman who tripped on a meat pallet at the Scott Air Force Base commissary filed a $50,000 personal injury complaint against a store employee in Madison County on Dec. 5.
New Lawsuits: Tuesday, Dec. 7
Fresh from the courthouse: