News from May 2005
Judge not at fault
To the editor:
Ford juror: I was there
I am writing in response to numerous articles and editorials that have been reported recently in this paper. As an unbiased juror in the Jablonski v. Ford case, I may be able to shed a little insight to the public.
Tort reform realpolitik
In a move akin to Tony LaRussa suggesting allegiance to the Cubs, last week powerful Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) indicated that he would—for the first time ever-- consider a measure pushing caps on “pain and suffering” damages in civil lawsuits.
Rolling down the river
Simmons Why would toxic tort specialist SimmonsCooper recruit Chuck Scholz, former mayor of a far-flung river town like Quincy, to join its firm? Sources tell Dicta it’s all about political ambition-- John Simmons’, that is.
May 9-13
Affirmative Insurance
Merck hit with six suits in Madison and St. Clair
Merck & Co., producer of the once widely-used prescription medicine Vioxx, continues to be pounded in local courts by consumers claiming illness from taking the anti-inflammatory medication.
SMASH crusade goes statewide
Metro East surgeon Morris Kugler, M.D. believes in the strength of numbers and unity.
Friday May 13
8:30 a.m.
Q&A with Madison County Circuit Judge George Moran
Circuit Judge George Moran Q)Your father, George Moran Sr., was a judge. Did you feel any pressure when you were growing up to follow in his footsteps?
Widow files wrongful death suit against RV makers
Collinsville resident Brenda Rutz filed a $300,000 wrongful death suit against RV makers Norcold Inc. of Sidney, Ohio and Jayco, Inc.of Middlebury, Ind., claiming a refrigerator fire caused the death of her husband, Randall Rutz.
Med Society cautiously optimistic on caps amendment
Dr. Craig A. Backs Talk of a caps bill passing in the State House this spring had the Illinois State Medical Society buzzing with optimism.
Bextra suit filed in St. Clair County
Claiming he suffered chest pains and heart attacks from taking the arthritis pain-relieving drug Bextra, Maurice Dulle filed a $300,000 suit against pharmaceuticals Pharmacia & Upjohn, G.D. Searle, Pfizer and a Troy pharmacy, Prescriptions Plus, in St. Clair County Circuit Court April 29.
Woman sues after falling to the ground
Fitness Designs Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab in Edwardsville Carla Jane Johnson, who fell to the ground after the physical therapy equipment she was using at home malfunctioned, is suing Fitness Designs Physical Therapy and Sports Rehab and its president, Michael Pohlman, for injuries to her right elbow, right arm, and other portions of her body.
Cliffside Inn sued for beer bottle injury
Cliffside Inn After an unknown male with a goatee and pony tail struck him in the face with a beer bottle, Edward Bland filed a personal injury lawsuit against the Cliffside Inn of Godfrey.
Patron sues bar and intoxicated customer for brawl
Marine Bar & Grill on North Duncan in Marine Marine Bar and Grill patron Don Schmerbauch filed a four-count $200,000 suit against the bar and fellow patron, Brian Kugler, for injuries he sustained during a brawl at the tavern on Jan. 23.
Father files wrongful death suit against driver
Goshen Road A fatal car wreck two years ago in Edwardsville is the subject of a $50,000 wrongful death suit filed by David Long whose son was killed on Goshen Road in Edwardsville on June 17, 2003. Long's complaint was filed May 4 in Madison County Circuit Court.
Thursday May 12
8:30 a.m.
Gateway Regional seeks dismissal from Petrovich case
Gateway Regional Medical Center Gateway Regional Medical Center of Granite City will be in court May 12 attempting to convince Circuit Judge Nicholas Byron to dismiss them from a medical malpractice lawsuit filed by Bonnie and Jimmy Seitz on March 10.