News from 2005
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.
Striking workers drawing attention
Madison County employee Jim Corey of Edwardsville waves at one of the many "honking" cars supporting strikers. He works for the assessor's office.
The long anticipated strike by 447 American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 799 union members started today as workers and county officials failed to reach an agreement.
Thursday, Oct. 20
8:30 a.m.
'Unnatural' substance on grocery store floor leads to $50k suit
Aldi's in Fairview Heights A St. Louis woman who allegedly fell in the check-out line at Aldi's in Fairview Heights filed suit against the discount grocer seeking $50,000 in damages for fracturing her right wrist.
Wednesday, Oct. 19
9 a.m.
New Lawsuits: Tuesday, Oct. 11
Fresh from the courthouse:
Workers set to strike at 5 a.m. Wednesday
A two-hour negotiation session with a federal mediator failed to resolve a contract dispute between Madison County workers and administration officials on Tuesday.
Fairview Heights aims class action at Internet hotel sales
Fairview Heights City Hall The City of Fairview Heights filed a class action lawsuit against companies that operate Internet travel sites for failing to reimburse it for taxes on gross receipts.