News from January 2008
Brent Coon's silicosis suits shipped to Cook County
Brent Coon In the biggest export ever of Madison County lawsuits, Circuit Judge Daniel Stack packaged 33 silicosis claims and shipped them to Cook County.
Wexstten claims Cates broke 'positive campaign' pledge in complaint to ISBA
Wexstten launches his campaign in September. Here, he makes a stop at the courthouse in St. Clair County surrounded by county officials who back his candidacy. Gloves came off today in the race for Fifth Judicial District judge.
Injured barge worker claims vessel unseaworthy
Walter Burdick filed a Jones Act complaint against AEP River Transportation in U.S. District Court Jan. 3, alleging he was injured in the performance of his job duties.
Billions evaporate as flaky Ford paint case is decertified: Judge Tognarelli relies on Avery and Gridley
Lakin attorneys wanted to depose William Clay Ford, Jr. Madison County Associate Judge Richard Tognarelli delivered a stunning setback to the Lakin Law Firm on Dec. 20, shutting down a class action over flaky paint on millions of vehicles that Ford Motor Company built from 1989 to 1996.
Ohio woman's second-hand exposure blamed in Madison County asbestos suit
A West Chester, Ohio woman who suffers from mesothelioma filed an asbestos suit against 72 defendants in Madison County Circuit Court Dec. 27, alleging she was exposed to airborne asbestos fibers from her father's clothing.
Mother suing herself for son's injuries in crash with ambulance
Sydney L. Bender of Fairview Heights is apparently suing herself as well as an ambulance driver for an accident that left her infant son permanently injured two years ago.
Life insurance policy paid to wrong beneficiaries, suit claims
The estate of Kenneth Bigham filed suit against the Knights of Columbus alleging the wrong beneficiaries were paid on a life insurance policy.
Mini van owner seeks $200k for cutting hand on Chrysler emblem
A woman who cut her hand on the emblem of her 2001 Chrysler Town & Country is seeking $200,000 for injuries so severe they caused permanent disability, disfigurement and the loss of a normal life.
Infection not treated, wrongful death suit claims
The estate of Joann Jungk filed a wrongful death suit against Erik Stabell, M.D. in Madison County Circuit Court Dec. 21, alleging the doctor was negligent his treatment of acute gallbladder pancreatitis and any other infectious disease.
Wrongful death claimed in suit against doctor
The estate of John Varel filed a wrongful death suit against Keith Thomae, M.D. in Madison County Circuit Court Dec. 31, alleging the doctor's negligence caused his death on Feb. 5, 2007.
Illinois Central engineer claims back trauma
Railroad engineer and fireman Roy Clark of Elkville, Ill. filed suit against Illinois Central Railroad claiming occupational back injuries as a result of repetitive and cumulative trauma to his back.
Asbestos Motion Docket: Friday, Jan. 11
SMOTHERS MARY INDIVIDUALLY V. AW CHESTERTON INC
Bitter Lakin-Burke feud threatens to bump class attorneys as 'incompetent'
Lakin BENTON – U.S. Magistrate Judge Philip Frazier has warned that if Brad Lakin and Richard Burke keep tearing each other down in a struggle to control class actions that Lakin's firm filed with Freed and Weiss of Chicago, their clients might fire both firms.
Mascoutah Ambulance Service, Memorial Hospital named in wrongful death suit
Mascoutah Ambulance Service and Memorial Hospital in Belleville have been named in a wrongful death complaint filed by William Jenner on behalf of his wife, Elizabeth Jenner.
Lakin may have attempted witness intimidation by sending fax
Tom Lakin Thomas Lakin violated a court order forbidding him from having contact with government witnesses when he faxed a hand-written note and grand jury testimony to the attorney representing a witness.
'Offset' language not included in work comp claim, suit says
Kenneth L. Boyle of Belleville filed a complaint against attorney Barry Bruhn and Reed & Bruhn P.C. of Belleville for allegedly failing to include "offset" language in a workers' compensation claim.
Railroad machinist claims injuries from loading governor on locomotive
Railroad machinist Lawrence A. Osborn claims his left knee popped while loading a governor onto a locomotive, according to a Federal Employers' Liability Act suit filed Dec. 18 in St. Clair County Circuit Court.
CSX employee claims injuries during rescue of co-worker
A McLeansboro, Ill. man filed a Federal Employers' Liability Act suit against CSX Transportation in U.S. District Court Dec. 19, alleging he was injured on two separate occasions while working for the railroad.
Friday, Jan. 11
9 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 10
9:30 a.m.