Steve Korris News
Benjamin concurrence takes shot at Starcher dissent
Benjamin CHARLESTON – On Brent Benjamin's last Friday before taking charge as Chief Justice of a West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, he sounded an echo from the old Court by deploring a dissent from Justice Larry Starcher.
Harron wants judge to dismiss conspiracy claim
Harron WHEELING – Radiologist Ray Harron of Bridgeport has asked U.S. District Judge Frederick Stamp to dismiss a claim that he conspired to fabricate asbestos lawsuits against CSX Transportation in West Virginia state courts.
Lawnmower makers lying about power, suit alleges
CHARLESTON – Manufacturers of lawnmowers conspired to cheat consumers by exaggerating the power of engines, according to a class action suit in federal court.
Ketchum has lots of questions on first day
Ketchum CHARLESTON – Like a rookie swinging at every pitch, Justice Menis Ketchum asked about as many questions as the other four Justices together on the first day of his new job at the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.
Former bank VP goes to federal court for discrimination case
CHARLESTON – Former Ameribank Vice President Bonnie Robertson of Thorpe, who accused the bank of discrimination by age and gender in McDowell Circuit Court, must now seek damages from a federal agency in federal court.
Starcher goes out with a dissenting bang
Starcher CHARLESTON – To the end, the old West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals worked hard at making decisions. And former Justice Larry Starcher worked hard at disagreeing.
After class status denied, five Columbia Gas suits re-opened
DiTrapano HUNTINGTON – From the wreckage of an immense class action against Columbia Gas Transmission, Charleston attorney Rudy DiTrapano has picked up just five little pieces.
Sanctuary owner, DNR reach agreement
ELKINS – Wildlife sanctuary owner Joel Rosenthal can capture wild animals anywhere in West Virginia and rehabilitate them on his farm near Hillsboro under an agreement he reached with Division of Natural Resources director Frank Jezioro.
Hospital right in firing worker, Justices rule
CHARLESTON – Williamson Memorial Hospital managers properly terminated a brand new employee whose special treatment upset other workers, the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has ruled on Dec. 12.
Judge awards $3.9 million in attorney fees, blasts critic
Cohen NEW CUMBERLAND – As Circuit Judge Ronald Wilson awarded $3.9 million to lawyers who secured a $12.2 million statewide sales tax holiday on appliances, he blistered a court critic who asked for an accounting of the work the lawyers performed.
Justices say farmers can't seek more money after selling to coal company
CHARLESTON – Farmers who sell land to coal companies without knowing it can't sue for more money after they find out who bought the land, the state Supreme Court has decided.
Sides still fighting over Workman's fees in estate dispute
Workman CHARLESTON – Lawyer Edward ReBrook, representing Supreme Court Justice-elect Margaret Workman, has found a fatal flaw in a Kanawha Circuit Court order that favored Workman in a fee dispute.
Man's suit against attorney lands in Cabell County
HUNTINGTON – John David Mooney, who claims attorney Michael Frazier should have kept him out of federal prison, has shifted his claim from federal court to Cabell Circuit Court.
USSC cigarette ruling has secondhand results in W.Va.
Recht WASHINGTON – If tobacco companies deceived smokers of "light" and "low tar" cigarettes, smokers can sue them under state consumer laws, the U.S. Supreme Court decided on Dec. 15.
Justices rule against Hampshire residents
Benjamin CHARLESTON – Kanawha Circuit Judge Paul Zakaib overstepped constitutional lines when he ordered West Virginia legislators to authorize a reform election in Hampshire County, the state Supreme Court has ruled.
Justices rule for insurer in underage drinking case
Maynard CHARLESTON – Just because a 19-year-old drank too much at someone's home doesn't mean the homeowner's insurer has to pay for a fatal accident she caused down the road, according to the state Supreme Court.
Judge Moats enters state's first electronic order
Moats CHARLESTON –- Judges on the state's Mass Litigation Panel have kept their promise to convert their business from paper files to computer screens.
Sanctuary owner mocks DNR officials, assistant AG, lawyers in letter
ELKINS – Wildlife sanctuary owner Joel Rosenthal proposes to settle a suit against state officials who prosecuted him for rescuing a half drowned fawn, but his aggravation hasn't subsided.
Federal maritime law doesn't govern rafting, Justices say
Benjamin CHARLESTON – Federal maritime law does not govern whitewater rafting in West Virginia, the state Supreme Court has ruled.
Parking tickets can lead to arrest, Justices rule
Maynard CHARLESTON – Drivers who ignore parking tickets commit a crime and subject themselves to arrest, the state Supreme Court of Appeals has decided.