On their second day of deliberation, jurors in the court of state District Judge Monica McCoy Purdy awarded damages of $3.94 million to the family of electrician Gabriel Vela, who was killed in 2019 while working at a West Texas midstream energy plant. However, because the jury found Vela 51 percent responsible for his death, the defendants will not be liable. Bruce Tomaso reports.
Wrongful Death Suit Over Worker’s Electrocution is a Grab for a ‘Champagne and Caviar Lifestyle,’ Defense Lawyer Says
In closing arguments, attorneys for a West Texas midstream gas facility say electrician Gabriel Vela died because of his own negligence. A plaintiff’s attorney counters that the gas plant’s conduct was ‘the grossest of gross negligence’ he’s seen in 34 years of practice.
Federal Judge’s $3.64M Verdict Doesn’t Quell Long, Bitter Litigation Between Legal Recruiters
Since U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman ruled that Evan P. Jowers improperly poached business from his former boss, Robert E. Kinney, Jowers has filed a new lawsuit in Florida and a motion for a protective order, alleging that Kinney threatened his family. Kinney, in turn, is seeking sanctions against Jowers and his current and former lawyers.
Worker’s Electrocution Blamed on Multiple Failures at West Texas Midstream Plant
In opening statements in state court in Dallas, lawyers for the family of Gabriel Vela say EnLink Midstream cut corners in its rush to expand the plant. Defense lawyers say Vela’s actions led to his death.
Alleged Kickbacks in Pharmacy Fraud Trial Were Legitimate Loans to Doctors, Defense Lawyers Contend
In opening statements, the defense attorneys tell jurors in Dallas their clients did not write thousands of bogus prescriptions, for which the government was billed $196 million, as a federal indictment contends.
Biden Nominates Three for U.S. Attorney Slots in Texas
Long-awaited nominations are in to lead prosecutions for the Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas. Two of the nominees are veteran federal prosecutors; the third was El Paso’s DA for 27 years. Still to come: a nominee as U.S. attorney in the Eastern District. Bruce Tomaso has the details.
$158M Healthcare Fraud Trial Starts in Dallas Next Week
Long delayed by COVID, the trial involves what federal authorities say is a $158 million scam by doctors and pharmacies to bill a government workers’ insurance program for fraudulent, ultra-costly prescriptions.
Texas Supreme Court Weighs Meaning of ‘Double Fractions’ in Ancient Oil-and-Gas Agreements
In one case alone, $50 million in disputed royalties are at stake. And that could be just the tip of the iceberg.
For the Best Deal, Come Clean, Top DOJ Prosecutor Advises Corporate Wrongdoers
At the 8th annual Government Enforcement Institute in Dallas, the assistant U.S. attorney general in charge of the criminal division says new guidelines favor companies with vigorous compliance practices.
5th Circuit Weighing Appeals in Forest Park Medical Fraud Convictions
Seven imprisoned defendants, including four physicians, make their case for reversal before appellate court.