News from July 2009
Medical liability insurer says caps law has stabilized malpractice rates
Figures provided by the Madison County Circuit Clerk's office. ISMIE Mutual Insurance will maintain its current medical liability base rates for Illinois doctors due to a continued decrease in liability claims offset by increasing severity -- or amounts of payouts -- since the state legislature enacted caps on damages in 2005, the company announced this week.
Jones 'extraordinary assistance' earns lighter 15 month sentence
Rick Jones exits the federal courthouse in Benton after sentencing. He remains free on bond and does not have to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons until Oct. 22. BENTON – U.S. District Judge Phil Gilbert sentenced former Triad Industries owner Ricki Lee Jones of Wood River to 15 months in prison for tax evasion on July 30.
Sandberg Phoenix attorneys make 'Best Lawyers in America 2010' list
Bean The following Sandberg Phoenix attorneys have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2010 edition of "Best Lawyers:" Kenneth W. Bean, G. Keith Phoenix, Jonathan Ries, John S. Sandberg and Peter von Gontard.
Settlement hearing canceled in Raging Rivers' negligence suit
A hearing over a proposed settlement between one of the defendants in a water park negligence suit and the family of the allegedly injured child was cancelled Thursday morning.
Madison County Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder was scheduled to hear attorneys' arguments asking for approval of the settlement at 9 a.m. As yet, the hearing has not been rescheduled.
Jones sentenced to 15 months in prison
Rick Jones exits the federal courthouse in Benton after sentencing. He remains free on bond and does not have to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons until Oct. 22. BENTON -- U.S. District Judge Phil Gilbert sentenced former Triad Industries owner Ricki Jones of Wood River to 15 months in prison for income tax evasion on July 30.
Injuries claimed in Fairview Heights accident
A man has filed suit against the driver of a 2006 Ford Escape who he says rear-ended him.
Chicago Insurance Co. sues agent, others to recover $1 million
An insurance company is seeking $1 million after it says it was forced to dole out more money than it should have been required to an accident victim.
ISBA online Law Ed program offered every Wednesday in August
Illinois' New Rules of Professional Conduct: An Initial Overview, a Webcast presented by the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA), will be held from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, August 5, 12, 19 and 26.
Walgreens worker says insurer didn't pay for surgery
A Walgreens employee claims her insurance company refused to pay her medical bills for surgery she had on her neck.
Domestic violence victim sues officer for releasing roommate who crashed and died
The father and roommate of a deceased man have filed suit against the Village of New Athens, alleging a policeman failed to protect the man from killing himself in a single-vehicle accident after the officer released the man to attend to another call.
Settlement approval motion before Crowder Thursday
The attorneys for a child hurt at Raging Rivers water park in July 2006 and one of the defendants, Vaughan Pools Inc., are asking Madison County Circuit Judge Barbara Crowder to approve a settlement.
Trial lawyers face tort reform 'danger zone' in health care overhaul, says lobbyist
SAN FRANCISCO - President Barack Obama's push for an overhaul of the nation's health care system could be stymied by Senate lawmakers, particularly moderate Democrats, the lobbyist for trial lawyers said.
Committee conducting interviews in hunt for new Fairview Heights city attorney
Those wishing to provide legal representation for the city of Fairview Heights will be interviewed this week and next by a panel of three aldermen.
8/3 -8/7/09
Monday, August 3
Homeowners sue Fox Ridge Lake association
A Godfrey couple has filed suit against Fox Ridge Lake Homeowners Association and four of its officers, alleging the association and its officers forged a piece of land that was supposed to belong to the couple.
Bank seeks Beechcraft plane or $90,000 in lawsuit
A bank says it is owed a plane worth $90,000 after a man failed to make payments on a loan.
Man dragged under Mississippi River barge sues
An O'Fallon man who says he was dragged under a barge after it tipped on its side is suing the company that owned the barge.
Motion 8/7/09
Friday, August 7
Lobbyist: AAJ looking to quietly pass plaintiff lawyer tax break
SAN FRANCISCO - Federal legislation that would afford trial lawyers a special tax break faces an uncertain future, says one of the chief lobbyists for the nation's trial lawyers.
Negligent entrustment of motorcycle is subject of wrongful death complaint
The mother of a deceased woman blames two men for her daughter's death, caused when her daughter crashed a motorcycle into a sound barrier.