Latest news with #personalInjury
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Effort to curb personal injury lawsuit payouts dies in the Texas Legislature
Legislation that started as a priority bill to place substantial limits on the personal injury lawsuit industry — those representing accident victims and their families — died this weekend after lawmakers failed to agree on a final version ahead of the deadline. The bill's end came after it had already been pared down to an unrecognizable version that only required disclosure of referrals between lawyers and health care providers. The failure to pass the bill marked a significant defeat for Texans for Lawsuit Reform, a major business-friendly lobbying group in the Texas Legislature. Senate Bill 30, by Sen. Charles Schwertner, sought to limit the amount of damages accident victims could claim by creating specific guidelines around what evidence juries were allowed to consider, and tied the amount of money juries could award to certain thresholds, such as a 150% of what Medicare paid for that service, among others. The goal of the bill, according to the author, was to curb 'nuclear verdicts' — ones that award victims $10 million or more. Company owners testified at an April committee hearing that such lawsuits drive up the cost of doing business in Texas. Lee Parsley, president of Texans for Lawsuit Reform, said the group was disappointed the Legislature did not pass a bill they see as 'necessary to stop this well-documented, barely hidden abuse of our legal system.' 'Today, a kind of fraud is occurring in courtrooms across Texas, as personal injury attorneys and collaborative doctors manufacture medical bills and present them to jurors as if they are legitimate,' he said in a statement. 'This unethical activity is increasing insurance premiums for every business operating in our state. Ultimately, the increased cost of doing business is paid by every Texan. The bill passed the Senate 20-11 in mid-April. The House also passed the bill 87-51 in late May, but with significant changes that the Senate refused to agree on. The House version also added an amendment by Reps. Mitch Little, a Republican from Lewisville, and Joe Moody, a Democrat from El Paso that gave juries discretion to decide what evidence was relevant — a change that House sponsor Greg Bonnen argued defeated the purpose of the bill. For the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, which opposed the bill, that was a win: 'This moment serves as an important reminder that protecting our civil justice system requires ongoing care and attention,' Jack Walker, president of the group, said. The bill failed despite being one of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's priorities, alongside Senate Bill 39, which was specific to curbing payouts from lawsuits against commercial vehicle owners, including trucking companies. SB 30 made it to the final legislative stages despite strong opposition from some conservative activists who previously supported the group's efforts on restricting medical malpractice lawsuits. But the group's influence has waned, especially after backing a rival candidate to Attorney General Ken Paxton. One of Paxton's lawyers in his impeachment trial was Little, who was appointed to the conference committee. Cody Dishon, a trial lawyer who says the bill spurred him to begin paying attention to the Legislature, was glad to see the bill outcome: 'People from all walks of life have voiced strong opposition to the controversial SB 30, including a former trial judge with 16 years on the bench, medical doctors and healthcare professionals, survivors of sexual assault, conservatives and democrats, defense attorneys, and families who have lost loved ones due to corporate negligence.' First round of TribFest speakers announced! Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd; U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California; and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas are taking the stage Nov. 13–15 in Austin. Get your tickets today!
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
How Rural Texans Are Protecting Their Rights After Serious Accidents
05/30/2025, Sherman, TX // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Texans in rural areas often face unique challenges when injured due to accidents caused by others. From fewer medical resources nearby to long travel distances for legal counsel, residents outside major metropolitan centers often struggle to get the help they need. But the Law Office of John H. Nix is helping to close that gap. The firm is empowering rural Texans to assert their legal rights and recover damages after serious accidents, wrongful deaths, and other personal injury matters. Serving Sherman and surrounding counties, the Law Office of John H. Nix has built a reputation for results-driven representation in cases involving motor vehicle collisions, oilfield accidents, truck crashes, and wrongful death. Led by experienced trial attorney John H. Nix, the firm provides direct, personalized service without treating clients like case numbers. The firm's clients include farmers, ranchers, blue-collar workers, and families who may have little experience with legal procedures. When these individuals are injured through no fault of their own—whether by reckless drivers, unsafe worksites, or negligent manufacturers—they deserve skilled legal help to pursue fair compensation. That's why the Law Office of John H. Nix offers its services to clients throughout North Texas and the Texoma region. As a personal injury lawyer in Sherman, TX, John Nix brings decades of trial experience, and his background as a former prosecutor gives him insight into both sides of the courtroom. He understands the tactics large insurance companies use to avoid paying fair settlements. Whether negotiating or litigating, Nix tailors each case strategy to the specific needs and goals of his clients. His law firm in Sherman, TX, is known for its attention to detail, thorough case preparation, and aggressive advocacy in court. The Law Office of John H. Nix handles various personal injury claims, including those involving car wrecks, 18-wheeler accidents, and industrial or oilfield injuries. For those who have lost a loved one due to negligence, the firm's wrongful death lawyer in Sherman, TX, provides compassionate legal support during a difficult time. By filing a wrongful death lawsuit, families can get compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and emotional distress. Texans in Grayson County, Fannin County, Cooke County, and the broader North Texas region trust the Law Office of John H. Nix because of its proven track record and strong community ties. Unlike firms based in major cities that may lack familiarity with rural lifestyles, it understands the specific hardships rural clients face. The firm also prioritizes transparency and clarity, offering free consultations and contingency fee arrangements. This means clients only pay legal fees if their case is successful. The Law Office of John H. Nix guides clients through each step of the claims process, from initial evidence gathering to negotiations with insurers and, if necessary, trial representation. Its accident attorney in Sherman, TX, works to maximize settlements while minimizing stress for the client, enabling injured individuals to focus on healing. Learn more about the Law Office of John H. Nix by visiting the firm's website at About Law Office of John H. Nix Law Office of John H. Nix provides legal representation in personal injury and wrongful death cases across North Texas. The firm focuses on client-first strategies, offering tailored legal solutions for rural and small-town residents. ### Media Contact Law Office of John H. Nix 514 N Elm St, Sherman, TX 75090 (903) 868-2600 newsroom: Source published by Submit Press Release >> How Rural Texans Are Protecting Their Rights After Serious Accidents
Irish Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Insurers and businesses call for injury guidelines reform
Insurers, business lobby groups and the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB) have called for an overhaul of how personal injury awards guidelines are set, amid concern that a planned 16.7 per cent hike to payouts will widen the gap with other European jurisdictions when it comes to whiplashes and other minor injuries. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan's officials are working on draft legislation that would bring about the increase, which has been put forward by the Judicial Council under an awards guidelines regime that came into being four years ago. Joe Brennan has the details. Smokers pay tens of thousands of euro more for life insurance and mortgage protection than non-smokers, according to new research from price comparison and switching website For mortgage protection – a legal requirement for anyone taking out a mortgage in Ireland – a 38-year-old couple can pay as little as €35.60 a month for €300,000 in cover over 30 years as long as they're both non-smokers. Conor Pope reports READ MORE Dutch private equity group Waterland is to invest a further €150 million here over the next year and a half as it looks to add to its growing portfolio of Irish companies. At a time when the wider industry is reportedly pulling back on new investments and fundraises, the group's Irish arm signalled on Friday that it plans to 'dramatically' ramp up its expansion plans in the Republic, writes Ian Curran. Ford Chief Lisa Brankin on accelerating the switch to EVs Listen | 41:35 More than two-thirds of job applications are rejected by employers because they lack the relevant skills for the role, new research has found , with others binned because applications are badly formatted or due to unexplained gaps in employment. The survey, which was carried out for hiring platform IrishJobs, found that 78 per cent of employers are dissatisfied with the quality of job applications received, making it slower and more resource-intensive for employers. Ciara O'Brien reports. Average Irish mortgage approval values rose to a record of more than €319,000 in April, new figures from the banking industry reveal, as house prices continued to climb, requiring property owners to take on higher levels of debt, reports Ian Curran. At 7.55am most weekday mornings, about 60 staff at the Seating Matters' manufacturing facility in Limavady, Co Derry meet for 45 minutes with the family owners and management. The factory makes therapeutic seating for people with disabilities. It's part training session to sharpen skills and knowledge, and partly a platform for both sides to air any issues from the previous day and is practice imported from Japanese business culture, Martin Tierney, managing director of Seating Matters tells Ciarán Hancock . He is one of 140 Irish business leaders in Japan this week as part of a CEO retreat organised by the EY Entrepreneur of the Year (EOY) programme. For the last two months European businesses have been facing 10 per cent tariffs, which are import taxes, when selling goods into the US. Cars and steel products sold from the EU to the US have been subject to 25 per cent levies. The threat of across-the-board tariffs of 20 per cent, or even 50 per cent, if negotiations failed, has caused growing alarm across European industries. Jack Power brings us inside a crucial week in the trade talks between the European Union and the US A key lesson from the miserable economic performance of the 1980s is that it is vital to act quickly when in a fiscal crisis. Spreading the adjustment out over the course of a decade made things worse rather than easier, argues John FitzGerald in his weekly column . In the financial crisis that began in 2008-09, this lesson was learned. The really painful adjustment was completed between 2010 and 2013, resulting in a rapid and sustained recovery from 2014. While many at the time argued for a slower adjustment, it is likely that would only have prolonged the agony, as in the 1980s. The Linwoods brand was for most of its history best known as a bread and milk producer and wholesaler but, amid changing economic fortunes and increased competition from multinationals, the family-owned company began to struggle. 'My father always says 'evolve or die',' managing director Patrick Woods told Hugh Dooley in our interview slot . Linwoods has since evolved into one of the largest health food companies in Ireland, with distribution links with big retailers across the UK. If you'd like to read more about the issues that affect your finances try signing up to On the Money , the weekly newsletter from our personal finance team, which will be issued every Friday to Irish Times subscribers.
Irish Times
7 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Insurers and businesses call for injury guidelines reform as 17% rise planned
Insurers, business lobby groups and the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB) have called for an overhaul of how personal injury awards guidelines are set, amid concern that a planned 16.7 per cent hike to payouts will widen the gap with other European jurisdictions when it comes to whiplashes and other minor injuries. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan 's officials are working on draft legislation that would bring about the increase, which has been put forward by the Judicial Council under an awards guidelines regime that came into being four years ago. A Supreme Court ruling last year confirmed that the council had the power to set guidelines, as long as they, and any changes, are rubber stamped by both Houses of the Oireachtas. A number of insurers and business representative groups have used a Department of Finance public consultation on future insurance reforms to register concerns about the planned blanket increase to personal injury awards, the frequency with which they are reviewed and the extent of powers the judiciary has. READ MORE Aviva Insurance Ireland said that while the 2021 guidelines brought down overall injury awards, the going rate for minor neck injuries where recovery is made within six months is up to €3,000, 5½ times higher than that in the UK. 'The large disparity is before the 16.7 per cent increase proposed by the Judicial Council, which, if introduced, will make the gap even larger,' Aviva said. 'Comparing Aviva's claims in the UK and Ireland, attritional claims like whiplash represent 30 per cent of the cost of motor insurance premium in Ireland compared to 10 per cent of premium in the UK in 2024 and lower still in Europe.' 'We estimate that the cost of implementing the 16.7 per cent increase is €74 million, which ultimately will be paid for by customers.' Aviva , Allianz Ireland and Insurance Ireland each called for the guidelines to be benchmarked against European countries. 'Legal expenses and award levels for lower-value claims remain disproportionately high and are not aligned with those observed in the UK and other European jurisdictions,' said Allianz. 'Before any inflationary adjustments are made to the personal injuries guidelines, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive benchmarking exercise with our European counterparts to ensure a proportionate and evidence-based approach.' Alliance for Insurance Reform, a lobby group for business and civic organisations, said the periodic review of awards should be extended from three to seven years. 'The guidelines ought not to be both reviewed and subsequently applied by the judiciary,' the alliance said in its submission to the Department of Finance. 'Rather the former responsibility should be delegated to an independent commission comprising a variety of members, reflective of the many stakeholders and policy considerations involved.' Small business lobby group ISME also called for judges to be removed entirely from the setting of awards guidelines. It claimed, in addition, that 'there is too much judicial discretion improperly exercised in favour of losing plaintiffs' in the injury cases that end up in court. The IRB said the current three-year review cycle does not allow guidelines to be embedded. It suggested it should be extended to five years. It also called for clarity on what happens if the Houses of the Oireachtas does not approve amendments. 'Under the current guidelines model, there could be several versions of the guidelines in use dependent on whether a claim has already been assessed or if legal proceedings have been initiated,' it said. 'A situation cannot exist whereby the same injury, the same claim, that has been rejected within the Injuries Resolution Board goes into the court system and a different set of guidelines is used to value compensation.'
BreakingNews.ie
26-05-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Woman who falsely accused man of sexual assault lied again under oath, judge hears
A woman who has already spent months behind bars for falsely accusing a man of sexual assault lied again under oath in court on Monday in a claim for damages for personal injury, a judge was told in the Circuit Civil Court. Throwing out riding instructor Denise Cribbin's €60,000 claim for injuries she allegedly suffered in a rear-ending traffic accident, Judge Terence O'Sullivan told her she just could not be trusted to tell the truth. Advertisement Defence barrister Shane English told Cribbin she had persistently lied under oath about a minimal impact accident on the M50 in 2018 and had failed to tell the judge about a previous accident in 2016 after which she had falsely accused a man, who had claimed damages against her, of causing the accident by sexually assaulting her. Cribbin spent six months of a 12-month sentence in prison. 'Her evidence has been absolutely filleted by Mr English in the course of his cross-examination and is not reliable,' Judge O'Sullivan said when dismissing her case and awarding costs against her in relation to the 2018 collision. Cribbin was described as the manager of a leisure horse riding business at The Paddocks, Ballyedmonduff Road, Woodside, Sandyford, Dublin 18 and of Stepaside, Co Wicklow. In March 2022 Cribbin, now aged 48, was jailed for a year by the Court of Appeal after the Director of Public Prosecutions had successfully claimed an earlier two-year wholly suspended sentence following her admission of having made a false sexual assault allegation against a passenger in her car was too light. Advertisement At the time, Mr Justice George Birmingham described how the offence had arisen out of events surrounding a single-car crash in July 2016 in Enniskerry, Co Wicklow. Both Cribben and the injured party had been occupants of the car, which belonged to her and which she had been driving. She had claimed in a statement to gardaí that the injured party, who successfully sued her for €35,000 damages, had caused the accident by sexually assaulting her in her car, an allegation gardaí later found to be false and to which Cribbin pleaded guilty when charged. In Monday's case, Cribbin had sued motorist Sharon McConnell, of Old Connell Weir, Co Kildare, and her insurers Allianz for €60,000 damages arising out of what was described as a minimal impact between their cars in traffic on the M50. Cribbin claimed she had injured her left knee in the accident and had chipped two of her teeth when her face had struck the steering wheel. Advertisement Mr English, who appeared with Patrick Brady of Newman Solicitors, told Cribbin she had lied, and lied and lied to the court about the accident and had failed to produce any evidence of treatments for her alleged injuries. Ireland Two teenagers jailed for murder of Tristan Sherry Read More Judge O'Sullivan said Ms Cribbin was not trustworthy and had not come before the court with a trustworthy reputation. 'I do not find it credible that the impact was such as to smash her face into the steering wheel and chip two of her teeth,' the judge said. 'Mr English rightly has given out that there is not a shred of medical evidence that she damaged her teeth.' He said there had been no evidence of damage to either car, and he was very unhappy with the case. The plaintiff had come before the court, having failed to inform the defendant of her criminal prosecution. 'I find her as someone who just cannot be trusted in terms of credibility,' Judge O'Sullivan said.
