News from 2015
Subpoenas sought in challenge to St. Clair County judges' nominations; Dallas Cook seeks emails discussing 'motives and methods'
Subpoenas have been requested of St. Clair County Circuit Judges John Baricevic, Robert LeChien and Robert Haida in a case before the State Board of Elections challenging their nominations as Democratic candidates for seats they vacated. Dallas Cook, Belleville's city clerk, seeks to have the judges' names removed from the March primary ballot, arguing their candidacies are not valid because they are required by statute to run for retention, not re-election as they seek to do.
O’Fallon attorney appointed to Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism
The Illinois Supreme Court on Dec. 11 appointed O’Fallon attorney John Kujawski to the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism.
Madison County lawyers volunteer to help residents through pro bono work
The Third Judicial Circuit Pro Bono Committee continues to provide valuable service to Madison County residents in need of legal advice.
Driver alleges another motorist's speeding caused traffic accident
EDWARDSVILLE – An Illinois woman is suing a Bethalto motorist, alleging negligence for injuries she says she received when the defendant's vehicle struck her car.
Mother alleges two motorists caused accident that injured her children
EDWARDSVILLE – A Madison County mother and her minor children are suing two motorists, alleging negligence over a motor vehicle accident that she says injured all three.
Realtor alleges Diamond State Insurance committed breach of contract
BELLEVILLE – A St. Clair County real estate broker is suing an insurance company, alleging breach of contract in an insurance dispute.
Couple alleges husband's disabling injury caused by neck injection
BELLEVILLE – An Illinois couple is suing a medical group and physicians, alleging the defendants caused disabling injuries he experienced from an injection in his neck.
Spendthrift Farm alleges unpaid debt by Edwardsville man
EDWARDSVILLE – A Kentucky corporation is suing an Edwardsville man, alleging an unpaid debt.
Breach of contract alleged in St. Clair County restaurant transaction
BELLEVILLE – Two men are suing a Sangamon County man, alleging unpaid dividends of an investment in a restaurant.
Roxana construction company alleges insurance firm owes nearly $1 million
BELLEVILLE – The owner of a Roxana construction company is suing an insurance firm, alleging exposure to financial damage.
St. Louis business seeks real estate payment from Gibbol's Novelties
ALTON – A St. Louis company is suing a novelty shop, alleging an unpaid judgment.
Three family members allege another member caused Smithton auto accident
BELLEVILLE – Two Illinois men, alongside two minors, are suing a family member, alleging the defendant caused an automobile accident three of them.
ATRA: Madison County #5 'Judicial Hellhole' in country; Report cites asbestos 'rocket docket' and billion dollar tobacco case
Madison County was once again named to the American Tort Reform Association’s “Top Five Judicial Hellholes” in the country - thanks in large part to what the group calls an asbestos “rocket docket.”
Driver alleges another motorist caused car accident in O'Fallon
BELLEVILLE – An Illinois woman is suing another motorist, alleging negligence after her vehicle was struck from behind.
Pregnant passenger sues Schneider Carriers, truck driver over collision
BELLEVILLE – A Cairo woman is suing a national trucking company and a driver, alleging negligence over injuries she sustained in an accident.
Mother alleges child sexually molested at Cahokia daycare center
BELLEVILLE – A Cahokia woman, on behalf of her minor child, is suing a local daycare center, alleging sexual molestation.
Patients allege injuries from defective pelvic device
BELLEVILLE – Three plaintiffs are suing a Belleville hospital and a manufacturer, alleging negligence for damages caused by the implantation of a medical device.
Missouri woman sues Belleville psychiatric center for collapsed chair
BELLEVILLE – A Missouri woman is suing a Belleville psychiatric center, alleging negligence after she says she was injured when a chair she was sitting in collapsed.
Eleven Madison County jury trials went to verdict in 2015; $830,028 awarded to four plaintiffs
Madison County saw 11 civil jury trials go all the way to verdict in 2015 with Madison County juries awarding a total of $830,028 this year in four of those cases.Of those jury verdicts in favor of the plaintiffs, two of those cases were personal injury lawsuits arising out of car accidents. The other two cases alleged wrongful termination and fraud. Of the 11 jury verdicts, seven cases ended in defense verdicts. Seven cases were law cases and four were arbitration cases that could not reach agr
County using loophole to keep excess tax dollars, according to Treasurer
For years, the Madison County Board has been stockpiling excess tax dollars instead of returning the funds to taxpayers, according to County Treasurer Kurt Prenzler.