News from April 2016
Man claims excessive force used during arrest
BELLEVILLE – A citizen is suing a police officer and a municipality over alleged use of excessive force preceding his arrest. Anthony Thomas filed the suit March 23 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Officer Antwan Stith and the Village of Washington Park, which employs Stith.
Guest claims Casino Queen slot machine fell apart and struck him
BELLEVILLE – A patron at a casino is suing over injuries he allegedly suffered when a slot machine fell apart and fell on him.
How big must a fraction be to get John Cooney's attention?
Last year, in his ongoing effort to derail the tort reform movement in our state legislature, asbestos attorney John D. Cooney, president of the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, observed that asbestos cases represent “a fraction of total cases filed in Madison County.”
Bill to ban sale of bobcat pelts heads to Illinois Senate
In the midst of the state’s budget, pension and out-migration crises, an Illinois politician has introduced SB 2143 to ban the sale of bobcat pelts, as well as the trapping of these animals.
New bill would make Illinois gas taxes highest in the nation
A new 30-cent-per-gallon tax hike would make Illinois gas taxes the highest in the nation by far, and pour more money into a broken system.
St. Louis jurors toss 16 year old 'light' cigarette case in 73 minutes; Tillery firm originally brought case against Phillip Morris
ST. LOUIS – Jurors in civil court swiftly cleared Philip Morris of a billion dollar claim that it deceived smokers into buying Marlboro Light cigarettes.
Woman sues Casino Queen over slip and fall on wheelchair ramp
BELLEVILLE – A St. Clair County woman is suing over injuries she allegedly suffered while she was walking on casino property. She is citing negligence.
Woman alleges negligence in collision at MotoMart
BELLEVILLE – A motorist who says her parked car was struck by another motorist claims she was injured in the crash. She is citing negligence.
Carbondale attorney sued for alleged legal malpractice
BELLEVILLE – A client of a law firm and her spouse are suing over the firm's alleged mishandling of her case. Breach of contract and legal negligence are among the several charges.
Tow truck driver alleges injuries from gas station collision
BELLEVILLE – A tow truck operator is suing over injuries he allegedly sustained when another motorist backed into his vehicle in a parking lot. He is citing negligence.
Homeowners claim breach of contract after State Farm denies claim
BELLEVILLE – Homeowners are suing over alleged breach of contract by their insurer in the wake of a denied claim.
Fifth District reverses Mengarelli in divorce case involving court reporter and disbarred attorney
MOUNT VERNON – Madison County associate judge Martin Mengarelli failed to listen to a husband in a divorce before granting his wife full authority to sell their home, Fifth District appellate judges ruled in March.
I-LAW supports legislation for oversight in asbestos claims; But 'double dipping' law not likely to get chance in Illinois, Akin says
Companies have put billions of dollars into asbestos trust funds that are designed to compensate victims of conditions that have been caused by exposure to asbestos, and due to slack oversight, there are often opportunities for fraud to occur.
Pro bono programs in Madison County are making a difference.
For Madison County residents who are looking for information and assistance in certain legal matters, the courts offer several legal resources free of charge to clients, through the Pro Bono Committee.
Illinois lawmakers say they're open to some higher education reforms
Some state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle seem open to at least a few of the reform ideas recently proposed by an Illinois think tank to help reduce higher education costs and make colleges and universities more affordable to students in the state.
Petition drive for lowering taxes to be held Saturday; Sheriff and state's attorney say lowering taxes could be 'devastating'
Madison County Treasurer Kurt Prenzler is trying to collect 17,000 signatures by May 1 in order to get this question before voters in November:
Plaintiff claims defendant's negligent driving resulted in injuries
BELLEVILLE – A motorist is suing another driver over injuries that were allegedly sustained in the course of an automobile accident. He is citing negligence.
Bicyclist claims he was injured when car struck him
BELLEVILLE – A bicyclist is suing over injuries he claims to have suffered when a vehicle struck him. He is citing negligence.
Suit claims owner, driver of truck at fault for injuries
BELLEVILLE – A driver is suing both the owner and driver of a truck after she allegedly was injured in a collision. Negligent hiring and training are among the counts.
Motorist claims rear-end collision left him injured
BELLEVILLE – A driver is suing over allegations that he was injured in a rear-end collision. He is citing negligence.