John Sammon News
Historian in opioid trial says mistakes repeated in flooding market with pills
CHARLESTON – Plaintiff attorneys in a lawsuit accusing opioid manufacturers of causing a drug epidemic in West Virginia produced a witness who seemed to suggest that those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
At manufacturer trial, plaintiff attorneys portray prescription opioids as dangerous
CHARLESTON – On the second day of a trial accusing opioid manufacturers of causing an drug epidemic in West Virginia, plaintiff attorneys sought to undercut a central defense contention – that prescription drugs are safe and effective in dealing with pain.
Trial opens as West Virginia blames opioid suppliers for epidemic
CHARLESTON – The state court trial accusing Janssen, the drug arm of Johnson & Johnson, and opioid suppliers Teva, Cephalon and Allergen of causing an epidemic in the West Virginia began Monday.
J&J top corporate rep grilled in Oklahoma opioid trial - state focuses on 'Norman' poppy strain
NORMAN (Legal Newsline) – A corporate spokeswoman for Johnson & Johnson and its drug subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals on Thursday faced questioning by lawyers for the State of Oklahoma who attempted to link the company’s quest for profits to an opioid epidemic in the state.
Father recounts loss of son in Oklahoma Johnson & Johnson opioid trial
NORMAN, Okla. (Legal Newsline) – Fighting back tears, a father who lost his son to an opioid overdose recounted the nightmare during testimony in a trial alleging that Johnson & Johnson flooded the state with addictive drugs for profit.
Opening remarks in opioid case against Johnson & Johnson alleges greed created drug epidemic
NORMAN, Okla. (Legal Newsline) – Opening arguments began Tuesday in a first-ever trial in attempt to hold drug manufacturers accountable for an opioid over-dose crisis, accusing Johnson & Johnson and its subsidiary company Janssen Pharmaceuticals of providing medications for profit that destroyed thousands of lives.
Jenkins invites EPA chief to view West Virginia's coal resurgence
CHARLESTON – U.S. Rep. Evan Jenkins said he has invited Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt to come to West Virginia to see the resurgence of the region’s coal mining industry after the Trump administration relaxed alleged damaging regulations enacted by the Obama administration.
New U.S. Attorney Stuart to appear at Huntington Chamber dinner
HUNTINGTON – Recetntly appointed U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia Mike Stuart will be the keynote speaker at the annual Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce dinner May 22, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena, 1 Center Plaza, in Huntington.
Observers say third-party litigation funding transparency likely to gain acceptance
HUNTINGTON – After Wisconsin became the first state to enact a law requiring disclosure of third parties funding litigation in the hope of sharing in damage awards with plaintiffs, observers following the issue have indicated that more states are likely to follow suit.
Submission open for Kids Kick Opioids contest
CHARLESTON – West Virginia, the state with the highest drug overdose death rate in the country, will seek again this year to promote student awareness of prescription painkiller abuse with the 2018 Kids Kick Opioids contest.
Perrone honored as Lawyer & Leader for 2017
CHARLESTON – Bruce Perrone, Legal Aid of West Virginia advocacy support counsel, has been honored with a 2017 Lawyers & Leaders award presented by the West Virginia University College of Law and West Virginia Executive Magazine.
Charleston attorney honored with Top 100 award
CHARLESTON – Charles R. “Rusty” Webb of the Webb Law Centre has been selected as one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers of 2017 by the National Trial Lawyers.
Medical screening program underway in DuPont case, informational meetings planned
PARKERSBURG – Chemical giant DuPont and spin-off company Chemours are in the process of paying out $670 million to 3,500 claimants in Ohio and West Virginia who contended in lawsuits their health was jeopardized from a spill of toxic chemicals used to make Teflon from a plant near Parkersburg more than a decade ago.
Attorneys discuss business practices, Trump changes at SuperVision event
CHARLESTON – The annual West Virginia SuperVision event featured attorneys advising business leaders on issues of importance to employers and human resource directors. That included everything from ultrasound policies for unborn infants and use of social media in the workplace to anti-discrimination policies and updates from the West Virginia Legislature.
West Virginia attorney wins client statisfaction award again
BARBOURSVILLE – Though he said he is humbled to receive it, Attorney Jon D. Hoover’s accessibility to clients and his attention to detail has yet again earned him this year’s 10 Best Family Law Attorney for Client Satisfaction – the fifth year running he has been so honored.
Attorney honored with Youth Service System's Good Samaritan Award
WHEELING – A West Virginia attorney has won the Good Samaritan Award for 2017 for his work in helping impoverished families and at-risk youth in the community.
Goodwin says 'Emory Law 100' honor puts him in very good company
CHARLESTON – In being named to the Emory Law 100, a prestigious listing of the famed Emory University Law School’s most illustrious graduates, Carte Goodwin said he is honored because of the former alumni whose company he will now keep.