Expert testimony is intangible, so no TTCA claim for use in SOAH hearing, says Austin Court of Appeals

Walter Zawislak, MD v. Texas Medical Board, 03-17-00523-CV (Tex. App. – Austin, January 25, 2019). This is a Texas Tort Claims Act (TTCA) case where the Austin Court of Appeals affirmed the granting of a plea to the jurisdiction by the Texas Medical Board (TMB), involving the use of an expert for testimony in a […]

Austin Court of Appeals holds dog owner entitled to jury trial in appeal from municipal court of record

In re: Linda Pool, 03-18-00299-CV (Tex. App. – Austin, January 23, 2019) This is a mandamus case where the Austin Court of Appeals conditionally granted the writ requiring a county court-at-law to hold a jury trial on a dangerous dog determination appeal. Pool owns a dog named Pepper, who allegedly attacked a jogger named Hoffman. […]

1st District Court of Appeals holds section of Texas Water Code regarding sewer CCNs unconstitutional

City of Tyler v. Liberty Utilities (Tall Timbers Sewer) Corp., 01-17-00745-CV (Tex. App. – Houston [1st Dist.], December 20, 2018) This is a declaratory judgment case where the First District Court of Appeals in Houston held a provision of the Texas Water Code unconstitutional. Liberty Utilities (Tall Timbers Sewer) Corporation provides retail sewer utility service […]

14th Court of Appeals held Authority was not immune from claim of accidental shooting simply because it asserted the officer did not possess the the discharging weapon

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas v. Terry Smith 14-17-00807-CV (Tex, App. – Houston, [14th Dist.] Dec. 11, 2018) This is an interlocutory appeal from the denial of a plea to the jurisdiction in a Texas Tort Claims Act/negligent use of tangible property case where the Fourteenth Court of Appeals affirmed the denial. Houston […]

Order granted County’s plea to the jurisdiction reversed by 13th Court of Appeals in Whistleblower Act case

Leticia Perez v. Cameron County and Juan A. Gonzalez 13-17-00581-CV (Tex. App. – Corpus Christi & Edinburg, November 15, 2018). This is a Texas Whistleblower Act case where the Thirteenth Court of Appeals reversed and remanded the order granting the County’s plea to the jurisdiction. Perez worked as a deputy clerk in the Cameron County […]

Car accident plaintiff failed to meet notice requirements of Tort Claims Act since County investigation of claim failed to reveal subjective awareness of fault

Jefferson County, Texas v. Luis Fernando Martinez Reyes, 09-18-00236-CV (Tex. App. – Beaumont, November 15, 2018). This is a vehicle accident/Texas Tort Claims Act (“TTCA”) case where the Beaumont Court of Appeals reversed the denial of the County’s plea to the jurisdiction based on formal written notice and dismissed the claims. Reyes asserts a County […]

City retains immunity for accident after changing traffic signal timing says Austin Court of Appeals

City of Killeen v. Mary Cheney, Surviving Spouse of Decedent Eric Cheney, 03-18-00139-CV (Tex. App. – Austin, Nov. 8, 2018). This is an interlocutory appeal from the denial of the City’s plea to the jurisdiction regarding a Texas Tort Claims Act (“TTCA”)/vehicle accident case where the Austin Court of Appeals reversed the denial and dismissed […]

City not liable for takings claim because of alleged failure to enforce ordinances against neighboring property owner/developer

City of Mason v. William Robin Lee, et al.  04-18-00275-CV (Tex. App. – San Antonio, Nov. 7, 2018). This is an interlocutory appeal in a regulatory takings case where the Fourth Court of Appeals reversed the denial of the City’s plea to the jurisdiction and dismissed the takings claims. The Zeschs’ trust asserted they owned […]

U.S. 5th Circuit holds promoter of sex convention had standing to sue after City passed ordinance banning convention

Three Expo Events, LLC v City of Dallas, 17-10632 (5th Cir. October 24, 2018). This is a First Amendment case involving a sex convention where the U.S. 5th  Circuit reversed an order granting the City’s motion to dismiss. Three Expo Events, L.L.C. (Three Expo), produces adult love- and sex-themed conventions in major cities of the […]