A sharply divided Texas Supreme Court recently held that unclaimed class action settlement funds may be disposed of in the manner selected by the parties and are not subject to the state’s Unclaimed Property Act. In Highland Homes Ltd. v. The State of Texas, the court considered a settlement between a prominent Texas home builder and … Continue Reading
It’s not uncommon for state and federal regulatory schemes to provide for an award of statutory civil penalties to deter and punish certain conduct that it is difficult to monetize in a suit for damages. Frequently penalties may be assessed on a per-violation or per-day basis, permitting an astronomical award that bears little relation to the … Continue Reading
Two Texas ranchers had a long-standing feud. During a drought, 13 of plaintiff’s cattle strayed from plaintiff’s ranch to defendant’s property along a dry river bed. Defendant rounded up the cattle and sold them, despite warnings from the ranch hands that the cattle were not his. Plaintiff brought a conversion action and prevailed at trial. … Continue Reading
On April 9, the Texas Supreme Court granted petitions for review in the following cases: Offshore Specialty Fabricators v. Wellington Underwriting Associates. The case addresses whether an all-risk insurance policy covers weather stand-by charges incurred by the insured. XTO Energy Inc. v. Smith Production Inc. The case will determine whether joint operating agreements for oil … Continue Reading
