News from January 2005
One Beacon seeks to collect
One Beacon Insurance Company filed suit on behalf of Greg and Pam Wright of Collinsville against Bel-O Cooling & Heating of O’Fallon and Edwardsville Electric of Edwardsville Jan. 31 seeking damages the Wrights suffered in a house fire in 2001.
New Lawsuits: Monday, Jan. 31
This Just In…
Inmate files suit against attorney Hildebrand
A man who was sentenced to 38 years in prison for armed violence, arson, fraud and theft claims he was manipulated by his attorney into entering a guilty plea even though he really was innocent of arson.
Stack's dismissal of 25 asbestos case resonates
Circuit Judge Daniel Stack A precedent-setting decision in Madison County's nationally renowned asbestos docket last October--where a Louisiana man's claim for damages was dismissed for improper venue--continues to resonate.
New Lawsuits: Friday, Jan. 28
Friday's Law Division filings
On the Down low
Presiding last week over a notorious case in a notorious place, Madison County Judge Phillip J. Kardis took time to praise one lawyer for his “tremendous efforts” while assailing another for talking with the media.
Reflections in a Golden Eye
I have now been a Madison County Record columnist for three months--five columns. Not giving up the day job just yet.
Asbestos bill is on right track
Need proof that class-action lawsuits have run amok?
Asbestos trust fund hurts victims
I would like to comment on the article written by Lisa Rickard on January 17, 2005, which comes from a perspective that the victims in the asbestos cases are the corporations and the insurers.
Proposed Rule 225: A new David & Goliath
Who will you find to represent the consumer with a claim of minimal value?
Bring it on
Assistant Attorney General for Legislative Affairs William Moschella.
Faithful readers will remember The Record's report back in September that U.S. Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-GA) had asked U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft to investigate Madison County's courts.
Update: In Court Last Week Jan. 21-27
Arthur E. Cates Sr. v. TTX Company
Friday Feb.4
8:30 am
Jury service reform may be resurrected
Ed Murnane If it meant serving the public good, would you dutifully give up a day's wage in exchange for $15-20?
Boy chased by dog results in $30k verdict
A Madison County civil jury awarded $30,000 to the family of a boy who was attacked by a dog while riding his bike.
New Lawsuits: Wednesday, Jan. 26
Fresh from the courthouse:
Class action and asbestos reform: what you need to know
Sen. Arlen Specter Legal reform in Illinois may be a longshot, but federal legislators are poised to take action on asbestos and class action reform soon. Read on about the proposed Class Action Fairness Act.