News from July 2006
ATLA wants to drop 'trial lawyer' from name
To spiff up its image, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America is considering changing its name to the American Association for Justice.
Driver and two pubs sued for man's death
The mother of a man who died when he was struck by an alleged drunk driver filed a civil suit against the driver and two local taverns in St. Clair County Circuit Court June 29.
Justices toss Lakin class action against US Bank
Justice Spomer The Illinois Appellate Court unanimously reversed Madison County Circuit Court Judge Nicholas Byron's decision to deny US Bank's motion to dismiss a 2003 class action lawsuit. The July 7 decision, which effectively dissolves the case, asserts the plaintiffs "do not have standing."
Alton Memorial sued for slip and fall
Alton Memorial Hospital David Haggett filed a personal injury suit against Alton Memorial Hospital in Madison County Circuit Court July 7, seeking damages in excess of $50,000 for injuries he received after falling on a slippery floor.
Wal-Mart sued for water on floor
Wal-Mart Mascoutah resident Kimberly Biekert is seeking in excess of $100,000 from Wal-Mart for injuries sustained when she slipped on a pool of water at the O'Fallon store on July 3, 2004.
Fired worker claims sexual harassment
A woman who claims she suffered humiliation, nervousness, problems with her husband, sleep deprivation and loss of concentration filed a sexual harassment suit against her former employer in Madison County Circuit Court July 6, seeking damages in excess of $50,000.
Electrician's widow sues AmerenIP
AmerenIP is being sued by a woman whose husband was electrocuted at the power company's Belleville facility last year.
Cahokia Nursing and Rehab sued in St. Clair County
John Hare, the independent administrator of the estate of Mable Phillips, filed a wrongful death suit against Cahokia Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in St. Clair County Circuit Court June 30, claiming the nursing home failed to protect Phillips from neglect.
Med equipment provider sues doctor for arears
A Tennessee doctor was sued in St. Clair County Circuit Court July 3 by HPSC, Inc. which alleges the physician has failed to pay bills for medical equipment.
Lakin employee withdraws as plaintiff in class action against Ford
Joyce Phillips, who filed a class action suit against Ford Motor Company through the Lakin Law Firm while working at the firm, has asked to be excused from the case.
Tillery searches phone books to prove Pfizer connection
Stephen Tillery St. Louis attorney Stephen Tillery claimed he could prove that drug maker Pfizer did business in Madison County, but his search for proof in phone books has turned up nothing but a wrong number.
Good for lawyers, bad for jobs
It wasn't a local story, but last week Honda chose a site in Indiana over East Central Illinois for its new $400 million manufacturing plant--- one that will eventually be worth 2,000 new high-paying jobs.
Take me out to the lawsuit-free ball game
Now that summer is in full sweltering swing, families are pouring into stadiums across the county to enjoy America's favorite pastime--baseball.
�Que usted sabe?
Judge Moran The Judicial Inquiry Board, the investigative arm of Illinois' court system, has been calling employees at the Madison County courthouse asking questions about former Circuit Judge George Moran, Jr., Dicta has learned.
Byron makes final decision on meaning of 'until'
Madison County Circuit Judge Nicholas Byron listened again to the Lakin Law Firm definition of "until," but again he could not accept it.
Asbestos cases continue to drop in Madison County
Pipe fitter Donald Enright is taking on 130 U.S. corporations as Madison County's 120th asbestos plaintiff in 2006.
Cueto's election bid may be challenged
The Illinois Civil Justice League may challenge the constitutionality of 20th Circuit Judge Lloyd A. Cueto's election bid.
Unsell claims his client received threatening phone calls
Ed Unsell A plaintiff in the high profile civil sexual assault complaint against powerful attorney Thomas Lakin and his sons Brad Lakin and Kris Lakin, has been receiving threatening phone calls, according to attorney Ed Unsell.
Delays mounting in RR right of way suit
Madison County Circuit Judge Andy Matoesian keeps preparing for a class certification hearing in a suit over railroad right of way, but the parties keep putting it off.
Countrywide moves for summary judgment in $30 courier fee case
Countrywide Home Loans has mysteriously moved for summary judgment in a suit over a $30 courier fee it charged at the closing of a loan.