Lawrence Smith News
Alleged misconduct by nurse results in suit against PVH
POINT PLEASANT – A physical altercation between a patient and a nurse at a Mason County hospital has led to a lawsuit against both.
Issues surfaced prior to attorney's fraud charges
CHARLESTON – Records show in the midst of the billing scheme he perpetrated that led to both his disbarment and conviction for wire fraud, Jeremy Bledsoe was rebuked for his conduct in unrelated cases three times in 2010.
Court places Logan lawyer on indefinite suspension
CHARLESTON – As a result of failing to communicate with several of his clients, a Logan County attorney will have to put his practice on hold for at least the next two years.
Suit alleges indifference by Bluefield police led to man's jail death
BLUEFIELD -– A Mercer County woman alleges the city of Bluefield is responsible for her son's death while he was incarcerated in the city's jail.
Suit between Gilmer Clerk, Va. bank settled for $40K
GLENVILLE – Following a lawsuit to compel its release late last year, Gilmer County officials made public last month details of the settlement in a dispute between the county clerk, and a Virginia bank.
Injury suit against Glenville State set for August
This motel in downtown Glenville is where Dale Norman alleges he suffered third degree burns when taking a bath during an overnight stay in October 2008. (Photo by Lawrence Smith) CHARLESTON – A Gilmer County man's lawsuit against Glenville State College for injuries he sustained at a motel the College owns is slated for trial later this summer.
Putnam man accuses family law judge, staff of mischief
WINFIELD – A Putnam family law judge and his staff are accused of legally taking more than $10,000 from a Scott Depot man to pay for his alleged child support arrearage.
Watkins' rulings challenged three times in 2011
WINFIELD – Records show Putnam Family Law Judge William Watkins' decisions were questioned in three other writs of mandamus or prohibition last year including the same case twice.
CIVIL FILINGS: Wood County
Jan. 6
Intermediate appellate court a 'full step' to legal reform, panel says
Williams CHARLESTON - Though a positive step forward, panelists at a legislative forum said revised rules of appellate procedure the state Supreme Court adopted a year ago don't go far enough in providing meaningful legal reform in West Virginia.
Signature agrees to $4.7M Wood Co. hospital settlement
PARKERSBURG – The parent company of a Wood County hospital has tentatively agreed to pay its former employees nearly $5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit.
Raleigh attorney accused of mishandling Boone woman's estate
CHARLESTON – A Raleigh County attorney faces disciplinary charges she failed to diligently settle an estate of a Boone County woman.
CIVIL FILINGS: Wood County
Jan. 4
CIVIL FILINGS: Mason County
Jan. 9
Ketchum lays out goals for Court's next fiscal year
Ketchum CHARLESTON – For the next year, Menis E. Ketchum has two objectives as chief justice of the state Supreme Court –- write opinions and cut the budget.
Municipal trade group accused of concealing details of purchasing program
CHARLESTON – The organization that represents the interests of West Virginia's towns and cities is accused of failing to disclose to its members the relationship between one of its former officers, and his now-bankrupt company in their roles in helping local governments buy equipment.
Cross Lanes attorney surrenders license
CHARLESTON – A Cross Lanes attorney has decided against contesting a statement of charges against him, and opted to surrender his law license.
Smith accused of communication failure in two other cases
CHARLESTON – Records show prior to his disbarment, Martin R. Smith Jr. failed to communicate with two clients about their cases.
Two Wood Co. attorneys face trials after class-action case
PARKERSBURG – After being on the offensive in a class-action suit, two Wood County attorneys will go on defensive in related lawsuits against them for professional misconduct in a Parkersburg businessman's criminal case.