News from December 2009
Tort reformers react to Madison and St. Clair counties watchlist designation
Murnane During the peak of its asbestos and class action filings, Madison County for three years straight was considered the No. 1 "Judicial Hellhole" in the nation.
12/21/09 - 12/25/09
Tuesday, December 22
South Florida is top 'Judicial Hellhole'
Sherman Joyce, president of the American Tort Reform Foundation WASHINGTON -- South Florida is again among the country's most plaintiffs-friendly jurisdiction, according to the American Tort Reform Foundation's annual "Judicial Hellholes" report, released Tuesday.
Madison and St. Clair counties on 'Hellhole' watch list
The American Tort Reform Association's 2009 "Judicial Hellholes" report released today places Madison County and St. Clair counties on the group's "watch" list.
Blagojevich had signed caps on damages bill into law
Blagojevich signs bill into law in 2005. More than four years since medical malpractice reform was enacted in Illinois, stakeholders anxiously await a state Supreme Court decision on its constitutionality.
Caps on damages opinion to be released Thursday
The Illinois Supreme Court is expected to release its opinion on the constitutionality of medical malpractice damage caps on Thursday morning, according to a notice posted by the court earlier this evening.
Crowder expresses 'problem' with cause of action in atrazine suits
Crowder Madison County Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder summed up the central problem with a series of proposed class actions suits involving alleged water contamination by a common weed killer.
Attorney Neville becomes fellow of American College of Trial Lawyers
Neville Attorney James Neville of Belleville has become a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers (ACTL).
Pedestrian crossing tracks sues out of control driver
A pedestrian claims a driver who was speeding across railroad tracks suddenly lost control of his vehicle, striking her.
Illinois 161 collision is subject of suit
A woman has filed suit against the driver who she says struck her vehicle, causing her to miss numerous days from work.
CSX engineer claims spinal condition in FELA suit
A former CSX Transportation locomotive engineer claims he suffers from a degenerative spinal condition because of his work for the railroad.
U.S. trial bar still searching for its next leader
WASHINGTON - The nation's trial lawyer group is still looking for a new leader, or so an Internet posting by a leading executive recruitment firm indicates.
CBO stands by estimate tort reform will save taxpayers billions
Elmendorf WASHINGTON - The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office says it stands by its analysis that medial malpractice limits would save American taxpayers billions of dollars.
Poll: Americans divided over which party would fix health care
Reid (D) WASHINGTON - Americans are divided on whether to trust Democrats or Republicans to overhaul the nation's health care system, which critics say is fraught with waste and lawsuit abuse, a national poll indicates.
Obama: Senate to pass health care bill this month
Obama (D) WASHINGTON - The U.S. Senate will pass its health care overhaul bill this month, President Barack Obama said Sunday evening.
Landscaping flaws at Toys "R" Us leads to customer's personal injury suit
A woman claims Toys "R" Us should never have left landscaping stones near the entrance to its store because they caused a tripping hazard.
Living beyond your means
There are only two ways to get out of debt: make more money or spend less.
Another tax?
To the editor:
Time for energy policy 'change'
To the editor:
Xbox scratch suit goes on in MC in spite of federal judge who mocks claim
Stack Litigation against Microsoft Corporation that a Seattle judge buried under sarcasm has sprung to life in Madison County.