News from 2007
Metropolis radio station sued for copyright infringement
Lionel Richie wrote "All Night Long (All Night)" Sun Media, Inc. and its general manager Samuel K. Stratemeyer, which operate WRIK-FM radio station in Metropolis, Ill. may be in trouble over Somebody's Baby.
Hand-in-elevator-door case set for trial Dec. 3
Madison County Circuit Judge David Hylla is set to preside over a trial against Kone Elevator and Saint Anthony's Hospital set for Dec. 3.
Aromatic amines exposure claimed in suit against major oil cos., others
A Kentucky barge worker diagnosed with bladder cancer filed suit in Madison County Circuit Court claiming he was exposed to aromatic amines and aromatic amine-containing products over the course of a 30-plus year career.
Edward Jones Dome blamed for 'bunched up' carpet in personal injury suit
Edward Jones Dome A woman who was injured at the Edward Jones Dome when she fell on carpet that was "bunched up" filed a personal injury suit in Madison County Circuit Court Nov. 13.
Arizona plaintiff claims mesothelioma in Madison County suit
An Arizona man suffering from mesothelioma filed suit against 67 defendant corporations alleging their negligence led to his contraction of the fatal disease.
Peel sentenced to 12 years in prison
Peel leaves the federal courthouse following his conviction in March. Attorney Gary Peel was sentenced to 12 years in prison by U.S. District Court Judge William Stiehl Monday afternoon.
Mascoutah home owners sue city for sewer backup
A Mascoutah couple claims the city's failure to maintain its sewage system and lift station caused raw sewage to back up into their basement on four separate occasions within six months.
Woman sues District 189 for sidewalk mishap
A woman attending a conference at East St. Louis School District 189 claims she fell in an unguarded opening in the sidewalk's concrete.
Staunton bank seeks $711k in unpaid loans
First National Bank in Staunton filed suit against O'Bryan Consulting and Glen and Cecelia O'Bryan alleging they failed to re-pay two promissory notes.
More doctors or more lawyers?
In the end, it's not about our civil rights or access to our courts. Illinois' running debate over the size of "pain and suffering" awards in medical malpractice lawsuits is about priorities.
Judge Larsen: Courage Under Fire
The winds of fearful political consequences notwithstanding,in an act of true courage, Cook County Judge Diane Larsen struck down the damage caps, finding they violate both the separation of powers provision as an impermissible infringement on the judicial process, as well as seeing the law for what is always was, an unabashed attempt to give even more special indemnities under the law to an already overly privileged class.
Judge Larsen: 'We may not refuse to follow' the law
When Cook County Circuit Judge Diane Joan Larsen declared a state law establishing caps on damages in medical malpractice cases unconstitutional, her much anticipated ruling prompted an outpouring of criticism as well as praise.
Judge in Orbitz case blasts defendants' motion to depose Fairview Heights aldermen
Richard Burke Conveniently forget on U.S. Magistrate Judge Donald Wilkerson's watch, and he's one to forgive.
Maag pleads not guilty, requests speedy trial in solicitation case
Thomas Maag An attorney representing Thomas Maag in his criminal case for soliciting a prostitute filed a motion asking for a speedy trial.
E-Crane caused Beelman worker's injuries, suit says
A Caseyville man who was permanently injured when he was struck by an E-Crane filed suit against Beelman Truck Company, Frank Beelman, Fabick and Company and E-Crane International in Madison County Circuit Court.
Stack amenable to tossing non-resident asbestos cases
Judge Stack Madison County Circuit Judge Daniel Stack reminded a group of asbestos lawyers that he's not opposed to dismissing cases with little or no tie to the county.
SimmonsCooper sinks teeth into Apple claiming iChat patent infringement
Paul Lesko A local law firm that amassed a fortune in Madison County asbestos litigation is now courting intellectual property claimants.
Holiday Shores cases against chemical makers await ruling
Judge Stack After two years under advisement in Madison County Circuit Judge Daniel Stack's court, six class action lawsuits against major chemical manufacturers await action.
Class action against Allstate claims different rates charged for similar risks
Four southern Illinois Allstate insurance policy holders filed a federal class action complaint alleging the insurer charges different rates to individuals with similar insurance risk in violation of state law.
Chiropractor ordered to cough up billing records in class action against Safeco
Judge Crowder If chiropractor Frank Bemis intends to pursue a class action against Safeco Insurance for paying him less than he charged for treating accident victims, he must explain how he sets his prices.