News from December 2006
Madison and St. Clair counties' status drops in 'Hellhole' report; Illinois still dominates poll
Madison and St. Clair County courts still remain on the nation's "Judicial Hellholes" list, but according to the fifth annual report issued by the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA), they are showing signs of improvement.
Owens-Illinois worker claims asbestos exposure in suit
A former mold-maker at Owens-Illinois Glass in Alton filed an asbestos suit against 13 defendant corporations claiming his exposure to asbestos caused his lung cancer.
Maddox tosses class action on last day in office
On her last day on the job, Madison County Circuit Judge Lola Maddox dismissed a class action suit that alleged Pekin Insurance Co. improperly reduced payments for treatment of patients who suffered injuries in accidents.
Applicants have until Jan. 11 to apply for Third Circuit vacancy
Duane Bailey Madison County Chief Judge Ann Callis has officially given notice to members of the bar that a vacancy exists for an associate judge position following the election of Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder.
Tenant claims landlord responsible for dilapidated steps
A Granite City apartment dweller who broke his foot filed suit against his landlords in Madison County Circuit Court Dec. 8, seeking damages in excess of $50,000.
Retired orthopedic surgeon named in med mal case
Retired orthopedic surgeon Donald Serot, M.D. is being sued by a former patient claiming a left knee replacement was negligently performed.
Trackman files FELA case in St. Clair County
A former railroad trackman/machine operator has filed a Federal Employers' Liability Act lawsuit against Union Pacific Railroad Co. in St. Clair County Circuit Court.
New Lawsuits: Monday, Dec. 11
Fresh from the courthouse:
OTHS and Prairie State Games named in suit
O'Fallon Township High School and Prairie State Games are being sued in St. Clair County Circuit Court by a young woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted while a spectator of the state's largest amateur sports festival on June 22, 2004.
New Lawsuits: Friday, Dec. 8
Fresh from the courthouse:
Cahokia negligent for asphalt placement, suit claims
Carla Gianformaggio is suing the village of Cahokia for laying asphalt over a drain pipe near her driveway on St. Luke Street.
Suit alleges driver was drunk and driving on suspended license
The families of two Alton Middle School students allege a Godfrey woman was driving a pickup truck under the influence of alcohol and on a suspended license when she struck and seriously injured the children as they were walking to school on Sept. 12.
Inmate suing IDOC director for not authorizing surgery
An inmate at the Pinckneyville Correctional Center is suing the state director of the Illinois Department of Corrections, wardens and prison health care providers for not providing knee surgery.
Bad hair days
With power Recent power outages have devastated the region, displacing familes, disrupting businesses and otherwise making life miserable for lots of folks in the Metro area.
Uncrowding our courts
It won't stop Brad Lakin from pursuing class action lawsuits on behalf of dead plaintiffs, but Madison County taxpayers and justice seekers alike should stand encouraged by the Third Circuit's new mandatory arbitration program, announced last week by Chief Judge Ann Callis.
Friday, Dec. 15
9 a.m.
Thursday, Dec. 14
9 a.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 13
9 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 12
1:30 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 11
9 a.m.