News from November 2009
Hello 'hellhole'
Earlier this year, the Illinois Civil Justice League (ICJL) praised Madison County for improving its transparency and public access, announcing that Madison is no longer a judicial "hellhole."
Take note, elected officials
To the editor:
Penalties stiff for underage persons who violate state drinking laws
Consumption of alcohol by persons under age 21 is a persistent problem for law enforcement and an offense that can have serious consequences for anyone involved.
Suit blames dog owner for failing to warn driver of roaming pet
A woman claims she sustained neck and back injuries after a dog ran in front of her car, causing her to hit it.
LakinChapman files new PPO class action in Madison County
Schmieder A class action lawsuit has been filed against a company acting as a claims administrator that allegedly resold preferred provider organization benefits to insurance companies without authorization.
Federal appeals court kicks back H&R Block class action
CHICAGO – Madison County Associate Judge Ralph Mendelsohn accidentally turned a state class action against tax preparer H&R Block into a federal case.
Woman blames Amtrak for slipping on water near steps
A woman claims she slipped on water in a dark hallway while a passenger on an Amtrak train.
Driver ran red light, caused accident, suit claims
A woman claims she and her minor child became sick, sore, lame, disordered and disabled after a driver failed to obey a red light.
Driver injured in I-55 exit ramp accident sue car owners
A man has filed suit against the driver who he claims rear-ended him while he was stopped at a stop sign.
Asbestos trial setting will be modified in Madison County
Stack With little more than a year to serve before his term expires in December 2010, Madison County Circuit Judge Daniel Stack said he plans to make a big change to the court's asbestos standing order.
27 new asbestos cases filed Nov. 2-6 in Madison County
Phillips A total of 27 new asbestos lawsuits were filed in Madison County Circuit Court throughout the week of Nov. 2 through Nov. 6.
No verdict yet in Granite City retaliatory discharge case
Although the jury deliberated until an hour after the Madison County courthouse closed, there was not a verdict Thursday night in a retaliatory discharge suit brought by a former hospital manager.
Witnesses remain as Alton foot amputation suit goes into Friday
A Madison County jury was unable to begin deliberations Thursday in an Alton foot amputation and accident suit due to witness travel schedules that require more testimony Friday morning.
AT&T class wins $21.20 in phone line credits; lawyers get $7 million in fees
Stack Madison County Circuit Judge Daniel Stack has ordered telephone company AT&T to pay $21,671,857 for mistakes Illinois Bell made eight years ago in distributing $90 million in refunds to business customers.
AP Poll: Americans want medical malpractice reform
Maas WASHINGTON - The majority of Americans say federal lawmakers ought to make it more difficult for allegedly aggrieved patients to sue for medical malpractice, a poll Thursday indicates.
Parents sue United Healthcare over daughter's unpaid treatment
Two anonymous Madison County residents claim United Healthcare refused to pay for their daughter's treatment at a mental health care facility despite an agreement that promised coverage for such services.
Overturned motorcyclist claims driver in front stopped suddenly
A man has filed suit against the driver who he says suddenly stopped in front of him, causing him to overturn his motorcycle.
Mother sues tow truck driver in I-255 accident
The mother of two children has filed suit against a tow truck driver and another driver who struck a wheel lift that fell from the tow truck and struck the car the mother was driving.
Land owner injured in ground collapse sues CSX Transportation
A Troy man claims the ground collapsed beneath him into a sinkhole due to defective drainage a railroad company installed on his land.
Edwardsville Road accident is subject of suit
A man has filed suit against the driver who he says attempted to turn in front of him, yet struck him instead.