News from August 2016
Professor says judge's opinion on implied pooling rights marks departure from state oil and gas law
MIDDLEBOURNE — A West Virginia judge made a splash in April when he ruled that there’s an implied right to pool oil and gas leases, giving oil and gas companies leverage to settle future disputes with landowners.
Thousands getting assistance via WVflood.com website, ads run at no cost to state
CHARLESTON – The state senator from West Virginia's northeastern panhandle said he was a bit suspicious when first he saw the two WVFlood.com ads on the same page of the Journal in Martinsburg earlier this month.
Two accuse lender of unlawful interest rate increase
BECKLEY — Two Raleigh County residents are suing Pioneer Community Bank Inc., a mortgage lender, citing alleged breach of contract.
Driver claims damages as result of being hit by truck
BECKLEY — A motorist is suing truck driver Willie Earl Hunt and truck owner Crane Transport Inc., alleging that insufficient measures were taken to prevent injuries.
Woman blames airline for shoulder injury
CHARLESTON — A passenger is suing American Airlines Group Inc., alleging that insufficient measures were taken to prevent injuries.
Cabell County consumers sue over allegedly faulty truck
BECKLEY — Two Cabell County consumers are suing FCA US LLC, f/k/a Chrysler Group LLC; Goldy Auto LLC; and Santander Consumer USA Inc., d/b/a Chrysler Capital, citing alleged fraud and breach of implied warranty of merchantability in connection with a Dodge Ram pickup truck.
Restaurant owner accused of negligence
MOUNDSVILLE — A St. Clairsville couple's lawsuit against Carolla Ventures Inc. and John Doe allege negligence at a restaurant location.
Magistrate reprimanded for ethics violations
CHARLESTON – Senior Status Greenbrier County Magistrate Brenda Campbell has been publicly admonished for violating four judicial ethics rules.
West Virginia legal firm heads to Texas for world's largest oil and gas expo
HOUSTON – West Virginia’s Steptoe & Johnson, which has 14 offices in six states, will be participating in the Summer North American Prospect Expo (NAPE) in Texas today and tomorrow.
Capito takes broad-spectrum approach to opioid abuse and addiction
WASHINGTON – West Virginia's junior U.S. senator, Republican Shelley Capito, is at the forefront of a broad-spectrum movement to address the growing problem of opioid abuse and addiction in West Virginia and nationwide.
WVU report indicates that state's recession has ended for now
MORGANTOWN – A report from West Virginia University is indicating that the state’s economy has stabilized, stopping the economic recession that has been occurring for several years.
Landowners blame damages on mining operators
MOUNDSVILLE — Two landowners have filed a class-action lawsuit against McElroy Coal Company, The Marshall County Coal Co., Murray Energy Corp. and Neil W. Fowkes, mining operators, citing alleged promissory estoppel.
Man claims discrimination by former employer
WEST UNION — A man is suing former employer Rush Wellsite Services LLC, citing alleged discrimination and unlawful termination.
Passenger in vehicle sues driver, employer
BECKLEY — An Indiana man is suing Mountain State Auto Auction Inc. and and auction employee Kathy Meadows, alleging that insufficient measures were taken to prevent injuries.
Motorist says wheel came off car after tire replacement
CHARLESTON — A motorist is suing Ward's Automotive Inc., an auto repair shop, citing alleged breach of duty and negligence after a wheel allegedly came off her car at highway speeds.
Woman seeks order for payout of life insurance benefits
NEW CUMBERLAND — A woman who is the personal representative of her deceased husband's estate is suing The Prudential Insurance Company of America, a life insurance company, citing alleged failure to pay benefits.
Hearing on challenging 'Right to Work' law to be held Wednesday
CHARLESTON – Kanawha Circuit Judge Jennifer Bailey has scheduled a hearing for Wednesday to consider requests from West Virginia AFL-CIO and several other unions representing West Virginia employees who are challenging the “Right to Work” law.
Time to retire the Lear Jet Justice franchise
A sequel is seldom as good as the original, but fans of the first installment can rarely resist seeing the second.
Funeral home owner targeted for ‘criminal investigation’
HUNTINGTON – One of the owners of Gatens-Harding Funeral Home is the target of a “potential and ancillary criminal investigation” after he was accused of cashing in on pre-need funeral contracts for people who were not dead.
Attorney General to host open house in Martinsburg office
MARTINSBURG — Attorney General Patrick Morrisey announced he and employees of his Eastern Panhandle Consumer Protection Office will host a community open house on Thursday.