Callis
Although trials usually start on Monday mornings in Madison County, a trial stemming from an accident in Missouri will be delayed a day so that parties can argue pre-trial motions.
Defense attorney Dominique Seymoure asked Madison County Chief Judge Ann Callis at a hearing Thursday to push off Monday's trial and to certify questions for appeal. But Callis told attorneys for the parties that she saw no reason not to pick jurors next week.
"I haven't really heard anything as to why we shouldn't have a trial," Callis said, noting the case's age. The case was filed in 2008.
Thomas and Betty Edwards are suing Millstadt Rendering Co. and the company's driver, Gary Collier, for injuries they claim to have suffered when the truck Collier was driving allegedly caused an accident and hazardous road conditions on an interstate highway in Ste. Genevieve County, Mo. in 2007.
Earlier this year, Slay Transportation filed to intervene in the case.
Slay asks to recover property damage costs it incurred in the accident.
The Edwardses are seeking damages in excess of $50,000 and costs.
The case was set for trial Nov. 8 at 9 a.m. before Callis. It will now begin Nov. 9 at 9 a.m.
Plaintiff's attorney Eric Carlson told Callis his motions filed earlier this week were not out of the ordinary and that it was actually a courtesy that the plaintiffs got them early.
"There's no surprise here," Carlson said.
He told Callis that his side was ready for trial.
Seymoure questioned the timing of the motions and argued that there were still major issues related to the plaintiffs' requests to bar many of her experts based on conflicting police reports.
Callis told both parties that she would hear the motions Monday and that Seymoure had until Monday morning to respond to the new filings.
Callis said she expected the trial to finish up next week despite the court's closing on Nov. 11, Veteran's Day.
She also indicated that the trial days will run until 5 or 6 p.m. until the jury begins deliberations.
Collier filed a notice of hearing Nov. 1 asking for Thursday afternoon's setting to determine the status of the case.
The Edwardses are represented by Eric Carlson and others.
Seymoure and Martin Morrissey represent the defendants.
Michael Ward represents Slay.
The case is Madison case number 08-L-813.