The case was so well developed at the time it was filed, the Department of Justice lawyers representing the Secretary of Health and Human Services elected to not fight the “off-table” injury and instead, focus on compensation for our client.  Given the recent world-wide concerns about the “swine flu” and the propaganda advising everyone to be vaccinated, it is likely that there is going to be an increase in this debilitating disease.  If you or someone you know has suffered GBS after receiving a flu shot or any other vaccine injury, please contact us and find out how we can help you.

Remains left in parked van for almost five years

FORT WORTH — The families of two men whose bodies were mishandled by a cadaver transportation company have reached a legal settlement with the transportation company and two Tarrant County funeral homes.

The families’ lawsuit charged that relatives of the men suffered extreme mental anguish, economic damages and past and future medical expenses from the defendants’ “gross negligence” in the handling of the bodies.

According to police reports, North Star Transportation owner Donald Richard Short failed to deliver the bodies from Williams Funeral Chapel to a crematorium as promised. Instead, the bodies were left in Short’s van to decompose for nearly five years. The lawsuit charged that officials at Brown, Owens & Brumley Funeral Directors allowed Short to park his van on their property and alerted no one when they became aware that he had not disposed of at least one of the bodies.

Relatives of Odis Hughes, 44; Thomas Shadowens, 89; and Lonnie Leffall, 93; were told that the bodies had been cremated and that the ashes had been delivered to them or buried as instructed. In one of the three cases, a family member was given an urn containing ashes that she was erroneously told belonged to her father. All of the men died of natural causes in 2000.

The severely decomposed bodies were discovered inside Short’s van after it was repossessed in March 2005. In April 2006, Short pleaded no contest to two charges of abuse of a corpse. He served 30 days in jail, received two years probation and was fined the maximum $4,000. Short was also ordered to write letters of apology to the victims’ families and perform 200 hours of community service.

Attorney John R. Howie, Jr. of Howie Law, PC said the settlement closes a devastating chapter for the families of Mr. Hughes and Mr. Shadowens.

“This has been hard for these families, and they’re pleased that we were able to resolve this lawsuit so they can move on,” Mr. Howie said. Attorneys Patrick Woodson of Puls, Taylor & Woodson; James Orr of Francis, Orr & Totusek; and Randal Mathis of Mathis & Donheiser were also involved in the settlement. A lawsuit filed by Mr. Leffall’s relatives remains pending.

For more information, contact us at info@howielaw.net.

DALLAS - When Texas trial lawyers seek leadership, they turn to John R. Howie, Jr., the founder of Howie Law, PC. The veteran lawyer recently was elected to the boards of directors of both the Texas Trial Lawyers Association and the Dallas Trial Lawyers Association.

“I believe the civil justice system can improve our communities and change lives,” said Mr. Howie. “The main purpose these groups serve is to protect that system, and I am excited to do my part in furthering that cause.”

The Texas Trial Lawyers Association seeks to protect the rights of Texas families. TTLA is a steadfast defender of the civil justice system in Texas, and works to ensure that ordinary citizens always have a voice in the legislative process.

The Dallas Trial Lawyers Association’s mission is to advance the cause of those who are damaged in person and property. The group seeks to encourage cooperation among lawyers and to promote justice and human welfare.

As a trial attorney, Mr. Howie has amassed an impressive record, focusing on personal injury cases, including trucking and auto accidents, product liability, medical negligence, consumer protection, nursing home litigation, and breach of contract cases.

Howie Law, PC is a trial firm that focuses on business litigation and serious personal injury and wrongful death claims. The firm’s business litigation expertise includes prosecuting and defending claims brought by and against government entities, business competitors, employees, shareholders, customers and the public. The firm’s personal injury practice includes handling claims involving tractor trailer and automobile negligence, medical malpractice negligence, construction accidents, nursing home neglect and products liability cases.

For more information on attorney John R. Howie, Jr. or Howie Law, PC please contact us at info@howielaw.net.

According to the CPSC, this product was sold by independent HVAC dealers nationwide from June 2000 through December 2004. The CPSC further advises that individuals who own an Aprilaire 5000 should immediately turn off the unit or unplug it. The manufacturer will provide a free repair kit containing a flame retardant inner housing and filter upon request. The recall notice can be found at: www.aprilaire.com/aprilairerecall.asp.