News from November 2015
Edwardsville couple's $1.53 million jury verdict involving sediment trespass will stand
The Illinois Supreme Court on Sept. 30 denied the defendants' petition for leave to appeal a Fifth District Appellate Court decision that upheld a verdict awarding Fred and Jaunita Steinkuehler $765,000 in compensatory damages against both defendants and $765,000 in punitive damages against Thiems.
Texas lawyer indicted over BP oil spill litigation had sought 'tens of millions' in '07 MC Vioxx trial
Texas attorney Mikal Watts, under indictment for fraud and identity theft in the BP oil spill litigation, may be hoping for "red and black" jurors if the case against him ends with trial rather than a plea in the Southern District of Mississippi.
Wrongful death suit filed against Lenzburg man for allegedly shooting father of three
Family sues Lensburg man claiming he shot father of three with intent to kill.
The purpose of the First Amendment
Demanding impartial reporting as opposed to cheerleading requires effort; it requires commitment; it requires dedication. In the final analysis, the document that begins “We the People,” must be enforced BY the people. It may be painful, but worth the struggle.
Supreme Court overturns reinstatement of Price v. Philip Morris, but leaves door slightly open for another Tillery appeal
SPRINGFIELD – Fifth District appellate judges placed themselves above the Illinois Supreme Court when they reinstated a $10 billion Madison County judgment against cigarette maker Philip Morris, the Supreme Court ruled on Nov. 4. The high court ruled 4-2 to overturn the Fifth District, but Justices did not shut down the 15 year old action. Instead, they invited a direct petition to recall a mandate they issued in favor of Philip Morris in 2006.
Passenger alleges driver's negligence caused roll-over accident in Lebanon
A Madison County resident is suing a motorist, alleging negiligence for injuries she sustained in a car accident while riding as a passenger.
Alton business sues Guarantee Company, Kroeschell Engineering over unpaid balance for asbestos removal project
An Alton company is suing an insurance firm and an engineering business, alleging an unpaid balance for goods and services provided.
Stobbs rules MC asbestos court lacks personal jurisidction over Texan defendant; Murco's joint compound blend also did not contain asbestos
Madison County Associate Judge Stephen Stobbs dismissed a Texas defendant from an asbestos suit on Oct. 20, for lack of jurisdiction. He entered an order in favor of Murco Wall Products six days after a hearing. “Defendant Murco maintains that they did not conduct business or make sales of products manufactured by Murco to the state of Illinois and the plaintiff offers insufficient evidence that it did,” Stobbs wrote.
Life insurers sue state Treasurer and contingency fee auditor over new rules imposed on unclaimed property
Life insurance companies are suing Illinois state Treasurer Michael Frerichs and private auditing company Verus Financial alleging that recent efforts to tap into policy proceeds under the Unclaimed Property Act are unconstitutional.
Motorist sues body shop, insurance firm, two motorists
A motorist is suing two other motorists, a body shop and an insurance company, alleging negligence for injuries he sustained in two separate vehicle collisions.
Gleeson’s order granting stay in Sauget contamination class action upheld by Fifth District
The fifth district appellate court affirmed St. Clair County Circuit Judge Andrew Gleeson’s order granting another stay in a putative class action against Cerro Flow alleging contamination in Sauget.
Coming up short: What if Illinois’ pension funds miss their investment targets?
Illinois has less than 50 cents of every dollar it needs to pay for teacher pensions.
Disabled woman alleges retaliatory discharge
An Illinois woman has cited her former employer and immediate supervisor for engaging in unlawful employment practices.
American National Insurance sued over employee's alleged misrepresentation
A Madison County woman is suing an insurance company and its rep over misrepresentation of work.
Retired Illinois Supreme Court Justice Fitzgerald passes away
Justice Thomas R. Fitzgerald, who retired from the Illinois Supreme Court in 2010, passed away Sunday at his home following a battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 74.
Dunstan says he will ask for review of boards and commissions in wake of MESD questions
Dunstan said he would request a review by a County Board Committee of all policies and procedures used by board and commissions in different areas of Madison County.
Rep. Davis introduces bill to help repay student loan debt
A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives aims to help pay back student loan debt by allowing employees to repay their student loans with pre-tax dollars.
Madison County foreclosures Oct. 23-29
A list of recent Madison County foreclosures. Including Alton, Collinsville, East Alton, Granite City, Highland, Maryville, Troy and Wood River.
Madison County civil docket Nov. 9
Madison County Circuit Judges Ruth, Mudge, Crowder and Matoesian have hearings scheduled on the civil docket for the week of Nov. 9.
Madison County asbestos jury docket Nov. 9
The asbestos jury docket for Madison County will be held at 9 a.m. on Nov. 9 in Associate Judge Stephen Stobbs' courtroom, room 327, at the Madison County Circuit Court in Edwardsville.