Archive for August, 2005

Prempro Class Action Suit Denied

A federal judge in Arkansas has denied class action status for three women attempting to sue drugmaker Wyeth.

Oregon Sues Vioxx Manufacturer

Portland, Oregon -- The State Treasurer sued Merck & Co., Inc. last week, alleging that the pharmaceutical giant failed to disclose risks associated with its popular painkiller Vioxx.

Michigan Court of Appeals Upholds Excessive Force Lawsuit

Michigan Court of Appeals judges have decided to support an excessive force lawsuit filed against a Benzie County Police Officer by allowing the case to be tried in front of a jury.

Lawsuit Against JetBlue Airways Dismissed

U.S. District Judge, Carol Bagley Amon, dismissed the lawsuit filed against JetBlue Airways for the unauthorized use of personal passenger information.

New Adoption Legislation in Illinois Protects Biological and Prospective Parents

Illinois governor signs adoption legislation that eliminates profiteering and establishes a bill of rights for biological and adoptive parents.

Courts Have No Authority To Compel Visitation

Family courts in four states have ruled that the court has no authorization to compel reluctant parents to exercise their visitation rights.

Sons sue Ford and local dealer in car crash death of parents

Two Texas men are suing Ford Motor Co. and an Oklahoma Ford dealer over the deaths of their parents in a 2003 New Mexico highway collision.

Illinois school districts to pay $1 million to man injured in bus crash

An Illinois man injured when his pickup struck a school bus that allegedly pulled in front of him abruptly will receive $1 million from the insurance company representing two school districts.

Ohio Couple Sues State Inspectors over Boy's Electrocution Death

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A Madison Township couple is suing state safety inspectors over the death of their son, who was electrocuted while waiting in line for a bumper car ride.

Jury Awards $800,000 to Woman Who Underwent Radical Mastectomy on Faulty Diagnosis

A Bronx jury awarded Ruth Byron $800,000 after finding that her doctor misdiagnosed her with cancer and removed one of her breasts.

Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Manufacturing Meth

Man from Benton, Arkansas was found guilty of manufacturing methamphetamine.

New Jersey parents sue teen driver in death of daughter

A Mount Olive, N.J., couple is suing the 17-year-old driver of the car in which their daughter was riding when she was killed in a Jan 21 car crash.

Lawsuit Over Brain Injured Boy Killed in Hospital

The family of a Missouri boy is suing the hospital after their son died as a result of his feeding tube becoming unnoticeably dislodged.

1,000 Individual Oxycontin Cases Filed In New York Court

In a blow to Purdue Pharma Inc., a New York judge has not certified the request for a class-action suit of Oxycontin addicts. Instead, separate cases have been consolidated and will be considered individually.

Cause of death still undetermined in Taser death

CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio -- A deputy's use of a Taser stun gun in the death of a 40-year-old Laurelville man Friday is currently under investigation.

Nanny Sues Oklahoma Football Coach over Work Injuries

A nanny is suing the University of Oklahoma's football coach and his wife for injuries sustained while working at the couple's home.

Two Missing After Barge Smashes Into Houseboat

Divers desperately searched the Ohio River on Thursday for two missing bodies after a barge smashed into a 36-foot, incapacitated houseboat.

Family of Wrongful Death Victim Awarded $14 million

A jury in Lubbock County, Texas awarded $14 million to the family of a woman who died shortly after undergoing a hysterectomy at a local hospital.

SCLC to march against Taser gun use

LAWRENCEVILLE, Georgia -- The Southern Christian Leadership Conference on Friday said it would lead a march to protests law enforcement's use of Taser stun guns.

$2 Million Verdict in Bus-Pedestrian Accident Appealed Again

Laidlaw is again appealing the $2 million dollar verdict award for a crash in which a Laidlaw bus accidentally hit and fatally injured a crossing guard.

Autopsy scheduled in Taser death

STUART, Flor. -- An autopsy today could determine whether a Port Salerno man's death this weekend is linked to the use of a Taser stun gun.

Fisherman wins $14 Million in DuPont Lawsuit

A Mississippi fisherman who claimed dioxins from a DuPont factory cause his rare form of cancer was awarded $14 million in actual damages.

Court: Wife Can't Sue HIV Research Firm for Husband Infecting Her

A Maryland woman can't sue her husband's employer for her contracting the virus from her husband, a research scientist infected while on the job.

Wisconsin Medical College Cleared of Wrongdoing in Cystic Fibrosis Lawsuit

The Medical College of Wisconsin and other parties involved in a cystic fibrosis research study have been cleared of all negligence charges in a medical malpractice lawsuit filed in Dane County Circuit Court.

Missouri judge rules parts companies can be sued in fatal bus crash

A Missouri judge ruled Friday that the designers or manufacturers of parts used on a school bus involved in a fatal May crash in Liberty can be sued by the families of crash victims.

Judge Overturns Jury's Decision In Medical Malpractice Case

Judge David N. Hurd of New York's Northern District overturned a jury's decision that held that a doctor accused of causing serious injury to a teenage patient was innocent of malpractice.

National Guardsman Loses Custody of Son While in Iraq

After serving 15 months in Iraq, a National Guardsman returned home from his deployment to find he no longer had shared custody of his 10-year-old son.

Parents' Wrongful Death Suit Claims Negligence and Conspiracy

In Haverhill, New Hampshire the parents of Kelly Ann Nester have filed a civil suit against Plymouth State University and four Sigma Kappa Omega sisters for the death of their daughter.

Man Convicted of Attempting to Murder His Former Drug Dealer

Kenneth Pringle was convicted of attempting to murder his former drug dealer to whom he owed $6,000.

Settlement reached in death of man hit by truck in 2002 accident

Settlement was reached this week without placing responsibility in the Michigan case of a man who was hit by a truck as he crossed the street in late 2002 and died last year.

Stroke Victim Awarded 1.2 Million in Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

A Kentucky man who claims that several of his doctors failed to diagnose and treat his "mini strokes" was awarded over 1.25 million dollars in a verdict handed down by a Whitley County jury on August 12th.

Illinois Governor Enacts Medical Malpractice Caps

Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed legislation Thursday that restricts the amount of damages that can be awarded to plaintiffs in medical malpractice lawsuits.

Man Pleading Guilty to Federal Drug Charges Receives 5 Year Sentence

Man from Webster, Massachusetts sentenced to five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to federal drug offenses.

Texas Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against Officer Who Shot Dog

BEAUMONT, Texas -- A state appeals court ruled that a police officer was justified in shooting and killing a Great Dane after it mauled a girl.

Quadriplegic Teen Files $12 Million Lawsuit for Injuries from Tragic Fall

Asher Mendonsa, 16, has filed a $12 million lawsuit in Chatanooga, Tennessee Circuit Court for injuries resulting from a slip and fall accident that rendered him a quadriplegic.

Judge in rail crossing death to hear case

ALASKA -- A wrongful death suit against Alaska Railroad will go to trial after a Superior Court judge denied half the railroad's motion for summary judgment Wednesday afternoon.

Woman Awarded $1.5 Million Following Unsuccessful Breast Reduction Surgery

A jury in Roanoke, Virginia found Dr. Carol Wray guilty of malpractice after one of her patients had to undergo a double mastectomy to correct injuries from breast reduction surgery that Wray performed.

TSA to Allow Corporate Aircraft Back at Reagan Airport

Beginning on October 18 the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin allowing some corporate aircraft to fly in and out of Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).

Gynecologist Faces Lawsuit After Patient Dies Following Routine Surgery

The family of a Texas woman who died from massive blood loss following a routine hysterectomy has filed suit against a Lubbock County gynecologist for negligence and medical malpractice.

DynCorp Sued by Army Pilot Widows

The widows of two army airmen, who were killed in a plane crash in August, 2003, are suing DynCorp International, a long time maintenance contractor for the United States military.

Novato Man on Trial for Attempted Murder in Hit-Run

Ryan Robert Romaine, 25, is standing trial for attempted murder for intentionally running his car into Curtis Smith, 33, and severely injuring him.

Murder Charge Dropped in Infant's Fatal Brain Injury Case

The murder charge against Antonio Driskell for inflicting fatal traumatic brain injuries upon his 4-week-old infant daughter, Samara, were dropped on July 22, 2005 after he spent 13 moths in jail for the crime.

Victims' families sue California trucking company in fatal crash

The families of four construction workers killed Aug. 10 when their van was struck by a produce truck filed suit this week against the trucking company, claiming its driver was too tired to be on the road.

Nursing Home Staff Accused of Neglect

A lawsuit alleging neglect was filed against a nursing home in Tinley Park, Illinois after one of it's residents was found to have been suffering from gangrenous ulcers.

Woman Sues Planned Parenthood for Wrongful Birth

A woman who became pregnant despite injections of the contraceptive drug Depo Provera has filed a "wrongful birth" lawsuit against Contra Costa Regional Medical Center and a Northern California Planned Parenthood.

California Supreme Court Defines Parental Rights For Gay and Lesbian Couples

The California Supreme Court ruled that gay and lesbian couples who bear and raise a child together have the same parental rights and responsibilities as heterosexual parents.

Study Shows Possible Link Between Paxil and Suicidal Behavior

Norwegian researchers assert that the antidepressant Paxil causes the chances of suicide in adult patients; previously, suicidal behavior due to Paxil was only linked to children.

Royal Caribbean Launches World's Largest Cruise Ship

In a historic moment, Royal Caribbean's new 'Freedom of the Seas' cruise ship was moved from dry land to wet dock for its final month of construction.

Wrongful death suit filed in girder collapse case

CHICAGO, Ill. -- The family of a man killed in a bridge collapse at a construction site last week has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the construction company.

Passengers Stranded on Runway as Four Tires Blow on Jet

Hundreds of passengers found themselves stranded on a Detroit Metropolitan Airport runway when Northwest Airlines Flight 210 blew four tires during touchdown.

Ford, Oklahoma dealers sued over fatal New Mexico SUV crash

The family of three Oklahoma residents killed in a crash in New Mexico is suing Ford Motor Company and two Oklahoma Ford dealers, claiming defects in a 2001 Expedition led to their deaths.

West Bend Housewares Recalls Coffeemaker Carafes

Due to reports of burn injuries resulting from use of West Bend Housewares LLC's 10-cup Automatic Coffeemaker Carafes, the company has recalled all 10-cup carafes, including replacement carafes, to ensure the safety of their customers.

Widower's Malpractice Suit Reinstated by South Dakota Supreme Court

South Dakota's Supreme Court ordered a retrial of the medical malpractice case against a mental hospital and a doctor accused of failing to prevent a patient from killing herself.

Malpractice Suit Brought Against Doctors, Hospital Following Death of Patient

The family of a prominent Florida man who died following hemorrhoid surgery is suing the doctors involved in the procedure and the corporation that owns the facility where it was took place.

Recent Ruling Cuts 5 Million Dollar Medical Malpractice Award to $359,000

A family who was awarded 5 million dollars in a medical malpractice lawsuit filed against a Michigan Hospital in 2003 is the latest target of a state law which caps non-economic damage awards at $359,000.

L.A. Rejects $18 Million Settlement for Rapper's Death

LOS ANGELES -- The City Council refused an $18 million offer to settle the wrongful death lawsuit brought by the family of deceased rapper Notorious B.I.G.

DuPont Blood Cancer Trial Begins

A team of attorneys is trying to prove that the manufacturing giant is responsible for their client's rare form of blood cancer. The case is the first of nearly 2000 civil suits against the company.

More delays in Monterey Taser case

MONTEREY, Calif. -- The latest findings concerning the cause of death of a 40-year-old Salinas man who was tasered by police earlier this year have been delayed another week, officials said.

Innovative Kentucky Family Court Tackles Family Issues One Case at a Time

The family court system in Jefferson County, Kentucky is being hailed as efficient and forward-thinking. Its unique organization enables judges to tackle a wide variety of family issues with inventive solutions.

Missouri Police Chief Sues Taser International for Injuries

Police Chief Jacob Herring has filed suit against Taser International for injuries he sustained after being shocked with a Taser M26 during training exercises.

Man Sentenced to Life in Prison After Murdering His Infant Son

A 21-year-old drug user slit the throat of his infant son and received a life sentence, meaning that he will not be eligible for parole for 25 years.

Police officers in five states sue Taser over training injuries

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Police officers have filed lawsuits against Arizona-based stun gun manufacturer Taser International Inc., claiming they suffered injuries after being shocked during training exercises.

California motorcyclist sues Yukon Territory over road conditions in accident

A California man electronics engineer who lost control of his motorcycle and broke his leg last summer is suing the Yukon government, claiming poor road conditions led to his accident.

Widow Awarded $253 Million in Nation's First Vioxx Trial

Angleton, Texas -- A jury decided against Merck & Co. on Friday, ruling for the plaintiff in the United State's first Vioxx trial.

Lawsuit Filed After Explosion at Chemical Plant

Several residents have filed a lawsuit in the wake of a fire at a chemical processing plant, fearing adverse health effects from the release of potentially deadly toxins into the community.

Family of child killed by truck files suit against allegedly drunken driver

A New York City man indicted for killing a 3-year-old with a truck while driving under the influence now faces a civil suit being filed by the child's family.

$700,000 Settlement in Defective Ladder Lawsuit

The widow of a South Carolina man who died after the ladder he was using collapsed beneath him has reached a $700,000 settlement agreement with the ladder's manufacturer.

UnitedHealth Group Sued by Medical Society

The state medical society of Minnesota is suing UnitedHealth Group for a new contract policy that violates state law.

Witnesses to train tragedy awarded compensation

SCOTLAND -- A couple who witnessed a fatal train accident were awarded compensation at the Court of Session today.

Wrongful death suit in construction accident case thrown out

HELENA, Mont. -- The Montana Supreme Court Tuesday threw out a lawsuit filed against the city of Missoula by the family of a construction worker who died in a scaffolding collapse while working at the University of Montana.

67 Women Spilt Sex-Bias Settlement Against Investor Firm

Sixty-seven women will share part of a $40 million settlement that resolved sexual discrimination lawsuits against investment firm Morgan Stanley.

Canadian Hospital Faces Flesh Eating Infection Lawsuit

A woman who contracted a flesh-eating infection after the birth of her child has filed suit against Surrey Memorial Hospital for failing to maintain proper infection control standards and improperly diagnosing her condition.

PA Chemical Company Involved in Cancer Lawsuits

A lawsuit filed on behalf of a retired employee is seeking class action status, claiming that thousands of workers at Rohm and Haas Co.'s Philadelphia area plant should receive periodic testing for brain tumors.

Assault Witnesses Call Sheriff's Reports Inaccurate

Witnesses at the scene of an assault allegedly initiated by two Merced County sheriff's deputies, which resulted in the head injury of one of the victims, are saying their accounts of the incident were inaccurately represented in official reports.

Parents file suit in fatal Missouri school bus accident

A wrongful death suit was filed this week by the parents of a 5-year-old boy killed near Branson when he was struck by a school bus.