News from December 2008
Call for special election
Dear President Jones and Speaker Madigan:
Helmkamp Construction sued by bank employee who falls at work site
A Lebanon woman has filed suit against Helmkamp Construction and one of its project managers plus First States Investors and Burr Wolff, alleging her lower back, right arm and left leg were severely injured after she fell at a construction site.
Defense: Class plaintiff's trial plan 'put together on the fly'
Bozarth Jonathan Piper of the Lakin Law Firm lacked a trial plan going into a class certification hearing in Madison County Circuit Court. But according to defense attorney Jeffrey Lennard for MetLife Auto and Home, he developed one as he went along.
High value Madison County asbestos cases like 'steak of the salmon'
Behrens As the Madison County asbestos docket continues to rise following a brief, yet dramatic two-year period of decline, many legal experts say the real growth spurt is just getting started.
Police officer dismissed in Pizza Hut personal injury case
Maag Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth has immunized Troy policeman Clarence Jackson from attorney Amanda Verett's claim that he injured her at Pizza Hut.
Two fans, two seats; Court fight is on for Cards opening day tickets
Two St. Louis Cardinal baseball fans who shared season tickets this year have started a court fight over seats for next year.
Driver claims he was rear-ended on Carlyle Avenue
Herbert Lush has filed suit against Wanda Patterson, alleging he was seriously injured after an accident.
Suit: Doctors failed to diagnose meningitis in infant
A St. Clair County woman has filed suit against Belleville Memorial Hospital and five of its doctors, alleging her infant daughter died of cardiac arrest because of the doctors' negligence.
Alton collision is subject of suit
A Missouri man has filed suit against an Alton woman, alleging he was seriously injured after she collided with him.
Railroad worker claims toxic fumes caused illness
A former Norfolk Southern Railway Company employee has filed suit against the company, alleging he was exposed to airborne pollutants and toxic fumes throughout his employment.
Constitution expert says high court made right decision in Blagojevich case
Armstrong The Illinois Supreme Court made the right decision not to oust Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office, said a constitutional law expert.
Chiropractor ordered to answer questions in class discovery
Chiropractor clients of the Lakin Law Firm routinely require insurers to answer intrusive questions. Now, an insurer has turned the tables.
Donzo's Lounge named in Dram Shop suit
Anthony W. Jones has filed suit against Donzo's Lounge, alleging he was injured after a collision with a drunken driver who had purchased alcoholic beverages at the bar.
Illinois court rejects AG's attempt to remove governor
Madigan SPRINGFIELD - In a blow to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's efforts to oust embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the state Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected her lawsuit to transfer the governor's powers to Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn.
East Alton sued by woman who slips at Subway restaurant
Mitchelle Price has filed suit against the village of East Alton, Alton Shopping Center and Subway Enterprises, alleging she was hurt after slipping on ice that had accumulated outside a Subway restaurant.
Seven new asbestos cases filed Dec. 8-12
A total of seven new asbestos lawsuits were filed in Madison County during the week of Dec. 8 through Dec. 12.
Union Pacific sued by long-time machine operator
A Union Pacific Railroad Company employee has filed suit against the company, alleging he has experienced long-term cumulative trauma from his work for the railroad.
YTB class actions await judge's ruling on consolidation
Lawyers in two separate class action suits against YTB International were given two weeks to report on issues involving case consolidation.
Chain of Rocks Road collision is subject of suit
Steve Haxton has filed suit against Mary K. Simpson, alleging he was seriously injured after a collision.
High court's tobacco ruling might have saved $10.1 billion Price verdict, expert says
Samp Madison County's famous $10.1 billion tobacco verdict might have held up, had a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision been in place, a legal expert said.