News from December 2011
McGraw among AGs against mobile call bill
McGraw WASHINGTON - A group of attorneys general, including West Virginia's Darrell McGraw, is urging Congress to reject a bill that it says would allow debt collectors and other businesses to robocall consumers on their cell phones.
Preston court sides with grantee in oil and gas case
Hudkins KINGWOOD - The Preston Circuit Court, charged with determining the ownership of a one-seventh interest in a 225-acre oil and gas tract, last month ruled that the oil and gas passed onto the grantee.
THEIR VIEW: Get out and play in wintry West Virginia
Tomblin CHARLESTON -- December is the perfect time to begin exploring nature in hibernation. From personal walks along state park trails to tours of homes grandly decorated for the holidays, the winter wonderland of fun in the hills of West Virginia is just beginning.
Half say it's time for McGraw to go, survey says
McGraw CHARLESTON – Nearly half of registered voters surveyed think it's time for someone other than Darrell McGraw to be West Virginia's attorney general.
Wheeling officer named in civil rights suit accused of sexual assault
Kotson WHEELING –A Wheeling police officer accused of improperly detaining a man last year for lawfully carrying a firearm now stands accused of sexually assaulting two women.
Big East asks court to dismiss WVU lawsuit
MORGANTOWN - Lawyers for the Big East Conference are asking a Monongalia Circuit Court to dismiss West Virginia University's lawsuit against the conference, which was filed in hopes of being able to move to its new home, the Big 12, more quickly.
Car dealer can't blame power company for fire, Justices rule
CHARLESTON – Parkersburg car dealer Kendall Richards can't blame Monongahela Power for a fire that started six days after a dump truck driver accidentally pulled down power lines, the Supreme Court of Appeals decided.
Family plans to appeal Digitek ruling
Goodwin RICHMOND, Va. – Survivors of California resident Daniel McCornack plan to challenge U.S. District Judge Joseph Goodwin's rejection of their wrongful death suit against drug maker Actavis Totowa.
PERSONNEL FILE: Nutzman joins Dinsmore's Charleston office
Nutzman CHARLESTON -- Dinsmore is pleased to announce that Jason Nutzman has re-joined the firm as an associate in the Labor & Employment Department and Mine Safety & Health Practice Group.
PERSONNEL FILE: Hooper appointed to Commission for National, Community Service
Hooper WHEELING -– Jackson Kelly attorney Michael E. Hooper was recently appointed by West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin to the West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service.
PERSONNEL FILE: Martin & Seibert named Go-To Law Firm
MARTINSBURG -- In-house counsel at the country's top 500 companies have recognized Martin & Seibert, L.C. as their "Go-To law firm."
Former directors at Mason Co. hospital say they were fired for being gay
POINT PLEASANT – The former human resources and marketing directors for a Mason County hospital allege they were terminated from their positions by the hospital's board of trustees on account of their sexuality.
BrickStreet lawyers say case protects state's business climate
Parker CHARLESTON -- Lawyers at Charleston firm Spilman Thomas & Battle PLLC say a recent case involving their client, workers' compensation insurer BrickStreet Mutual, holds "great importance" for all workers' compensation insurance carriers operating in West Virginia.
Weirton pharmacist selected to McGraw's Citizens Advisory Committee
Bernabei CHARLESTON – Attorney General Darrell McGraw has chosen a Weirton pharmacist to serve on the Citizen's Advisory Committee.
Alpha to pay $210M for UBB disaster
Goodwin CHARLESTON – The Justice Department on Tuesday announced an agreement with Alpha Natural Resources totaling nearly $210 million in payments connected to the 2010 Upper Big Branch mine disaster.
Drug stores appeal Minn. class action ruling
Glasser MINNEAPOLIS – Several drug stores sued in Minnesota by a West Virginia law firm are appealing a ruling that says the class action lawsuit should be heard in a state court.
Couple sues Smith & Nephew for defective knee components
CHARLESTON -- A South Charleston couple is suing Smith & Nephew for defective knee components used during knee surgery.
Employees sue Shoney's for sexual harassment
CHARLESTON -- Three Shoney's employees are suing the restaurant after they claim they were sexually harassed and assaulted by another employee.
Individuals sue Canyon Sudar Partners, others for deaths
HUNTINGTON -- Two individuals are suing Canyon Sudar Partners for family members' deaths in separate cases.
C8 panel finds link between DuPont chemical, preeclampsia
Deitzler VIENNA -- A panel of scientists has found there is a "probable link" between exposure to a processing aid chemical that DuPont uses and pregnancy-induced hypertension.