News & Knowledge

On August 1, 2018, Judge Joseph Sclafani entered an Order granting Precision Packaging’s motion for summary in the Robert Tucker case pending in Hinds County, Mississippi. Plaintiff had two claims against Precision: (1) a failure to warn claim; and (2) a “sand is defectively designed and unreasonably dangerous” claim. Plaintiff conceded Precision’s summary judgment motion on plaintiff’s failure to warn claim because plaintiff admitted in his deposition that the did not read Precision’s warning. However, plaintiff vigorously pursued his defective design claim.

On June 22, the silica team of Forman Watkins and Krutz won summary judgment in Crittenden County, Arkansas. The plaintiff claimed he contracted silicosis as a result of his exposure to silica sand supplied by FormanWatkins’ client. The judge ruled that plaintiff did not prove he was ever exposed to defendant’s sand as a matter of law and dismissed plaintiff’s claims against our client with prejudice. The client was defended in this case by Fred Krutz, Brian Hannula, and Andrew Stubbs.

Summertime brings summer vacations and holidays.  However, for employers, it can also bring a pattern of Friday and Monday absenteeism by employees on intermittent leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or, perhaps in these instances, better referred to as the “Friday Monday Leave Act.”  Understandably, this pattern may raise the suspicion of an employer who questions the validity of the absence, but feels there is no recourse for fear of violating the FMLA.  However, employers, have no fear, there are ways to address the matter without running afoul of the FMLA.

Courtney Hunt successfully represented a Guatemalan woman seeking asylum in the United States.  The basis of the asylum claim was persecution that the client had suffered on account of an imputed political opinion.  The firm drafted the client’s asylum brief and represented her at her hearing in the Memphis Immigration Court.  The case was referred to Forman Watkins through its pro bono partnership with Catholic Charities in Jackson, whose immigration attorney Amelia McGowan provided invaluable support.  The firm’s Jackson attorneys are currently representing several other asylum seekers through this partnership.  

On July 10, 2018, Forman Watkins attorneys, McCann LeFeve and Patrice Pujol, obtained a favorable decision for a Fortune 50 company and Firm client from a Beaumont judge in a workers’ compensation contested case hearing. The claimant sought both medical and indemnity benefits, alleging he was injured while walking on a stairway leading to the facility’s entrance. After extensive cross examination of the claimant and highlighting the many inconsistencies in his testimony, the judge ruled in our client’s favor, held the claimant did not sustain a compensable injury, did not have a disability resulting from the claimed injury, and denied the claim in its entirety.

On July 2, 2018, Forman Watkins attorneys Win Gault and Jake Banks obtained summary judgment in an arbitration concerning claims under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.  Claimant sought $3,000,000 in statutory penalties, alleging Respondent made hundreds of unauthorized calls to his cellular phone number to collect a delinquent debt.

NEW ORLEANS, LA (July 2, 2018) – Forman Watkins & Krutz LLP is pleased to have Peter A. Moir join our New Orleans office as Partner.

Forman Watkins & Krutz served as a proud sponsor of the Bessie Young Council’s recent Summer Social held at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. The Council’s mission is to aid the success of legal scholars by mentoring and financially supporting students with advanced life experiences who embody the pioneering spirit of Bessie Young, the first female graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Law. The goal of the Bessie Young Council is to assist those nontraditional students who bring diversity, fresh perspectives, and varied life experiences to our student body through scholarships and mentorship.

The Capital Area Bar Association (CABA) recently held their annual Evening Honoring the Judiciary at the Country Club of Jackson. The dinner not only hosts a keynote speaker but also serves as an opportunity for CABA and Jackson Young Lawyers (JYL) to present their annual awards for outstanding service, pro bono and professionalism. Forman Watkins is extremely proud to have one of its very own presented with the 2017 JYL Pro Bono Service Award, congratulations to Partner Vernon McFarland for this wonderful recognition. Vernon serves on the Firm’s Pro Bono Committee where he shows daily commitment to the growth and expansion of Pro Bono efforts in the Firm and our local communities.

Many have called Madison Timber Properties, LLC the largest Ponzi scheme in Mississippi history. The scheme involved more than one hundred million dollars in investments and hundreds of investors spanning many years. The scheme has attracted the attention of national media outlets including the New York Times, the Washington Post, and Forbes.