News from October 2005
Wednesday, Oct. 26
9 a.m.
Strikers feasting on support
Madison County Probation Department workers Brad Paschal and Harlan Bloodworth grab sandwiches off a tray carried around by Circuit Clerk employee Linda Murray during lunchtime on Wednesday. The food was provided courtesy of Troy attorneys Bonnie Levo and Angela Potter Donohoo.
On strike for the fourth day, Madison County employees are feasting on the support being lavished upon them by some of the folks they serve--literally.
Oct.17-21
Allstate
Monday, Oct. 24
9 a.m.
Comfort food
Several mornings ago, local lawyers brought loads of doughnuts down to the picket line for Madison County’s striking workers. Wooing the cause of labor has always been competitive sport in the Metro East, and unionized workers make for the some of the best plaintiffs around.
A lawsuit magnet
Unfortunately, that’s how countless plaintiffs’ lawyers – and potential employers – around the country view Illinois. In fact, a recent Harris Poll conducted for the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR) ranks Illinois one of the worst states in the country (46th out of 50 states) for lawsuit abuse.
Disgruntled, overworked employees file class action suit
One current and two former employees of CC Services, Inc, filed a class action lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois on Oct. 11, alleging CCSI failed to pay overtime compensation.
Progressive suing policy holder
Progressive Casualty Insurance filed suit in federal court Oct. 13 accusing George Luna of Collinsville of concealing information when he applied for insurance coverage.
Toxic tort tide on a turn
U. S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack For anyone who wonders if the tide of toxic tort litigation has turned, a New York Times article should erase all doubts.
New asbestos/silicosis suits may be interchangeable
Robert B. Ramsey Despite medical evidence that refutes dual silicosis and asbestosis diagnoses, and in spite of the fact there has been a steady clinical decline of silicosis cases in the past 30 years because of U.S. work safety standards, asbestos attorneys across the nation have recently branched into silicosis litigation.
Lowes seeks to be dismissed from chainsaw class action
Lowes In Fairview Heights Lowes Home Center has filed a motion to dismiss a class action case that alleges the retailer deceptively advertised Remington chain saws had greater horsepower output than less expensive models.
Tenpas appointed to Assistant Deputy AG
Ronald Tenpas Ronald Tenpas, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois since November 2003, was appointed Associate Deputy Attorney General by Acting Deputy Attorney General Robert McCallum, Jr.
Madison County bench waiting for new occupant
Former Circuit Judge Phillip Kardis While there is no timetable for filling the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Madison County Circuit Judge Phillip Kardis, an announcement could be made soon.
Friday, Oct. 21
10:30 a.m.
Unshaven beards and apples symbols of sympathy for strikers
Even the most stalwart of strikers in Madison County must have welcomed the quiet support of unshaven bailiffs and a big bag of apples over the repetitive, blaring of car horns on Thursday.
Son sues salon owner's estate for mother's wrongful death
Dorothy Bone The son of a Belleville woman who was brutally murdered at a hair salon March 2 is suing the estate of the shop's owner in St. Clair County Circuit Court.
New round of Vioxx suits filed in St. Clair County
Jeff Lowe Two new Vioxx lawsuits filed in St. Clair County on behalf of 21 Illinois plaintiffs not only allege pharmaceutical Merck was negligent for producing a defective product, they cast blame on several major retailers for selling the pain reliever to sickly customers.
Railroader files FELA suit in St. Clair County
A former Alton & Southern Railway trackman is suing his former employer for permanent injuries he allegedly sustained on the job.
East St. Louis politico pleads guilty in election fraud case
Kelvin Ellis, 55, of East St. Louis, a former Democratic precinct committeeman and former director of the city's Regulatory Affairs Department, pled guilty to obstruction of justice and tampering with a witness in a volatile election fraud and vote buying case.