News from February 2006
Amiel Cueto not at meeting
To the editor:
Peel defeats abuse charge, may face FBI probe
Gary Peel Bankrupt Lakin Law Firm attorney Gary Peel stuck sexually explicit photos in the mailbox of his former wife to prove he carried on with her 16-year-old sister 32 years ago, Deborah J. Peel testified Feb. 6 in the courtroom of Madison County Associate Judge Nelson Metz.
Laundry caused 84-year-old's asbestos illness, lawyers claim in Madison County trial
Chris Panatier An 84-year-old woman from Burbank, Ill. is asking a Madison County jury to award her damages because she was exposed to asbestos while washing her husband's work clothes between 1966 and 1970.
Venue bill goes down on party lines
ICJL President Ed Murnane By a vote of 8-6, legislation defining where lawsuits should be filed was defeated along party lines in a State House committee Wednesday.
Judge Weber's substitutions reach 66
Judge Don Weber, who was sworn into office in November, has been substituted on 66 cases. While he and his colleagues must absorb the caseload spilled by Madison County Circuit Judge Moran's sudden departure, Circuit Judge Don Weber is frustrated that he hasn't been given a chance to share the burden.
The sounds of silence
Leaves a void Madison County Judge George Moran's early departure from the bench leaves a gaping hole in the court's capacity until November-our sources tell Dicta will be tough to fill.
Friday, Feb. 24
9 a.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 21
9 a.m.
Moran era over in Madison County
George Moran There was no cake and ice cream; no folks gathered to reminisce about the good old days. On Tuesday, Feb. 14, Madison County Circuit Judge George Moran's last official day on the job after 28 years passed unceremoniously.
Asbestos trust fund bill doomed by senate
The U.S. Senate voted late Tuesday night 58-41 to send a bill that would create a $140 billion asbestos trust fund back to the Judiciary Committee, ostensibly ending any hope that such a fund will be created.
Judges putting brakes on silicosis and asbestos litigation
Federal Judge Janis Jack While an aggressive national asbestos litigation firm waits for its 172 cases to pick up speed in Madison County Circuit Court, more and more judges around the country are putting the brakes on silicosis and asbestos lawsuits.
Boater takes on bowler in court
Two prominent St. Clair County business owners will battle it out in St. Clair County Circuit Court over a real estate deal gone awry.
Widower files wrongful death suit against Touchette
Touchette Regional Hospital in Centerville Richard Steiner filed a wrongful death suit against Touchette Regional Hospital in Centerville and Dr. Louis Gary, alleging the defendants failed to consider his wife's risk factors for an aortic dissection.
Casino worker claims injuries from lifting bag of coins
A Harrah's cage cashier filed a federal lawsuit claiming she was severely injured after lifting a bag of tokens from the floor on Feb. 14, 2003.
Wal-Mart customer sues for head injuries
Wal-Mart customer Ge-Fanic Sanes filed a lawsuit against the retailer and its electrical contractor claiming numerous injuries, including headaches, after two electrical conduits fell on her Feb. 7, 2004.
East St. Louis walker sues city for uneven sidewalk
Parthenia Spates of East St. Louis is suing the city and Denverside Apartments for knee, wrist and ankle injuries she sustained after tripping on a sidewalk.
Hospital patient claims identity stolen by employee
Doris K. Haas of Trenton claims her personal information was stolen by a St. Louis University Hospital employee while she was hospitalized at various times over a three-year period.
White male claims he was passed over for promotion at USDA
Gary Vaughn, an employee with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, filed suit in federal court alleging he was passed over for a promotion because he's white.
Woman sues collection agency for pretending to be lawyers
A woman who failed to make payments on her Citibank credit card filed suit against a collection agency in federal court claiming they violated the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.