Lawrence Smith News
Ballard, Thomas, Cornett victorious in family law races
CHARLESTON – In family law races covering Kanawha, Mason, Jackson and Wirt counties, two incumbent judges were defeated, and a former family lawmaster won a newly created seat.
Workman case against Pa. attorney might get revived
CHARLESTON -– A state Supreme Court candidate says a lawsuit filed against a Pennsylvania attorney for allegedly stealing away a client of hers in a Fayette County wrongful death suit may be re-filed by another attorney.
Pa. attorney approached wrongful death suit responsibly, records show
CHARLESTON – Despite being accused of unethical conduct by a candidate for state Supreme Court, records show a Pennsylvania attorney seemingly took the necessary steps to be admitted to practice law in West Virginia.
Kanawha family law judge threatened twice
Smallridge CHARLESTON – Similar to a Parkersburg dentist, two people in Kanawha County stood accused of making threats on a family law judge only to have their cases result in different outcomes.
Cedar Grove woman says officers held her against her will, threatened her into sex
CHARLESTON – A Cedar Grove woman has filed suit against two of the town's police officers, alleging they arrested her without justification, and would release her only if she performed sexual favors.
Point VFD alleges Ohio contractor failed to complete insulation job
The Point Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department alleges in a lawsuit an Ohio contractor failed to complete insulation work on this building on Jackson Avenue. (Photo by Lawrence J. Smith) POINT PLEASANT – An Ohio contractor is named as a defendant in a breach of contract suit filed by a Mason County volunteer fire department for failing to insulate one of its buildings.
Court candidates differ on punitive damages, caseload
Ketchum SOUTH CHARLESTON – Punitive damage awards and the volume of cases heard by the state Supreme Court were among two of the issues discussed during a candidate forum last week.
Supreme Court annuls Wheeling attorney's license
CHARLESTON – Citing the "profoundly disturbing" nature of a Wheeling attorney caught on tape conversing with a convicted felon about acquiring a handgun, and collecting debts, the state Supreme Court has opted to annul, rather than suspend, his law license.
Ohio woman sues Point doctor for ineffective sterilization
Nolan POINT PLEASANT – An Ohio woman alleges that a Mason County physician's failure to properly sterilize her resulted in not only an unwanted, but also life-threatening pregnancy.
ELECTION BRIEFS: South Charleston Chamber sponsoring candidate forums
SOUTH CHARLESTON – As Election Day draws near, the South Charleston Chamber of Commerce will host two forums to allow voters an opportunity to hear where candidates for one statewide and one local race stand on issues.
Point Pleasant wrongful termination suit amended
POINT PLEASANT – Two plaintiffs have been added to a civil suit in Mason County that alleges wrongful termination.
Records show multiple small claim judgments awarded against justice's son
PARKERSBURG – Should a Randolph County couple be successful in their small claim suit against Joseph P. Albright Jr., they will have to wait in line with others to collect their judgment.
Couple files suit against Wood attorney for return of retainer
PARKERSBURG – A Wood County attorney is named a small claim suit by two former clients who allege he failed to render legal services for which he was paid.
Couple claim they were injured by hospital's faulty emergency room doors
PARKERSBURG – While most people go to a hospital emergency room seeking treatment for injuries, one couple alleges a Wood County hospital's emergency room injured them.
St. Joseph's Hospital, others named in wrongful-death suit
PARKERSBURG – A Wood County hospital, several of its related business entities and a Parkersburg physician are named as defendants in a wrongful-death suit.
State fails to make case for reversing magistrate to dismiss attorney's DUI
Wolfe CHARLESTON – A magistrate's failure to reschedule a trial in a Charleston attorney's DUI case prior to the expiration on the statute of limitations is insufficient reason for the case to be reopened, a Kanawha Circuit judge has ruled.
Suit alleges broken water fountain contributed to WVSU student's injuries
CHARLESTON – A faulty drinking fountain is to blame for injuries a Nitro woman sustained while attending classes at a Charleston-area university.
Renewed motion to reconsider filed in case against alleged Va. P.I.
MORGANTOWN – Despite inaction by judicial officials, five West Virginia residents remain undaunted in moving their civil suit forward against an alleged Virginia private investigator.
BB&T, Golden reach agreement on payment of defaulted credit
Golden CHARLESTON – Provided she can make the payments, a Charleston bank has agreed to drop its lawsuit against a South Charleston attorney for defaulting on over $30,000 in credit extended to her.
MPLA a 'monster,' Starcher writes
Starcher CHARLESTON – Though the state Supreme Court was correct in remanding a malpractice case from Mason County back to the circuit court, one of the justices said the piece of reform legislation that gave rise the suit has become a Frankenstein "monster."