News from 2007
W.Va. House committee questions AG's practices
McGraw CHARLESTON - An annual legislative hearing to outline Attorney General Darrell McGraw's budget proposal turned into an impromptu questioning of the office's use of outside counsel and handling of money received from settlements and verdicts.
Rhode Island AG investigating security breach
Lynch PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch is alleging that by allowing a security breach on its computer network, TJX Companies violated the Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Delaware SC denies brain damage claim
DOVER, Del. - The Delaware Supreme Court on Friday decided that a man who was crushed between a truck and excavation machine did not suffer brain damages and denied his claim for additional Workers' Compensation benefits.
Former Fla. AG "reforming" insurance industry
Crist TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Florida Gov. Charlie Crist, who served as the state's attorney general from 2003-2007, has taken away insurance companies' right to drop their policyholders, or raise their rates.
Vermont AG claims children are losing $80 million because of lead
Sorrell MONTPELIER, Vt. - In releasing a report on alleged lead poisoning in Vermont, Attorney General William Sorrell said the effects lead is having on the state's children will cost them $80 million in lost earnings over their lifetimes.
Blumenthal wants more civil-penalty legislation
Blumenthal HARTFORD, Conn. - Connecticut Attorney General announced Wednesday that he will introduce draft legislation that will allow the state's Department of Public Health to impose civil fines.
Money from MCI-Miss. settlement finally given to state
Hood JACKSON, Miss. - Months after Mississippi State Auditor Phil Bryant determined a $4.2 million payment partially funded by Attorney General Jim Hood to the state's Children's Justice Center was improper, the center on Friday gave the money back to the state.
Controversial judge scolds lawyers despite own issues
Justice James W. Hardesty CARSON CITY -- Nevada Supreme Court Justice James W. Hardesty seems to relish any opportunity to sniff out and punish "misconduct" by trial lawyers.
'Fun Day' injury not within scope of employment, N.C. Court says
RALEIGH, N.C. - The Workers' Compensation claim of a woman injured at her company's annual recreational outing should not be honored, the North Carolina Supreme Court said Friday.
Maryland AG names environmental assistant
ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler, helping to fulfill his campaign promise of attacking alleged polluters of the Chesapeake Bay, announced the appointment of Erin Fitzsimmons as his Special Assistant for the Environment on Monday.
Abbott joins Miller in slugging high-risk creditors
Greg Abbott AUSTIN -- The low end of the credit market is taking a hammering from some state attorneys-general these days.
Miss. SC clarifies position on additurs and remittiturs
JACKSON, Miss. -- The personal injury case of a woman involved in a wreck with a laundry company's vehicle recently provided the Mississippi Supreme Court the perfect opportunity to polish its stance on additurs and remittiturs.
Blumenthal settlement draws group's ire
Blumenthal HARTFORD, Conn. - According to Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, the "pay-to-play" principle of business extends beyond the insurance companies against which he has so actively litigated.
Liquidations not taxable as business income: SC
Justice Ronnie White JEFFERSON CITY -- Returns from the sale and liquidation of a company are not considered "business income" and therefore not subject to business income taxation, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled today.
Ambiguity in car insurance policy favors insured, SC rules
Missouri Supreme Court building JEFFERSON CITY -- Injured drivers are entitled to sue their insurers for excess coverage if their policy has an "other insurance" clause, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled today in Tamara Seeck vs. GEICO General Insurance Co. (# SC7995).
Embattled chicken producers want AG on the stand
Drew Edmondson TULSA -- Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson has been so voluble on a controversial forthcoming poultry pollution lawsuit that he's now been called to account.
Brief filed, arguments set in Tenn. SC case
Bredesen NASHVILLE, Tenn. =- Supreme Court Justice hopeful George Lewis filed a reply brief Friday in his case against Gov. Phil Bredesen, and the Court will hear oral arguments Thursday.
Mississippi noisier than its neighbors, attorney says
Hood News stories about lawsuits that claim a lack of insurance coverage after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina have been everywhere recently.
Judge won't sign Hood's settlement
GULFPORT, Miss. -- A federal judge Friday refused to sign off on a settlement between Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood and State Farm Insurance Co., citing procedural concerns over the agreement which would affect nearly 35,000 policyholders who have not filed suit against the company.
Controversial judge lands big win in Supreme Court ruling
Judge Wendell Griffen LITTLE ROCK -- The Arkansas public will finally get to hear the charges against outspoken Appeals Court Judge Wendell Griffen, the Arkansas Supreme Court has ruled.