Another case arises in which a judge voting to overturn a huge plaintiffs’ verdict is accused of being improperly influenced by significant financial help from the party favored by his vote.

It’s in Illinois, where a decision overturned a billion-dollar 1999 jury verdict against State Farm for using inferior parts for vehicle repair. The case was tried to a jury by Tom Thrash of Little Rock. On appeal, lawyers tried unsuccessfully to get Republican Justice Llloyd Karmeier off the case because of insurance industry support he received in a $9 million election campaign. In a new filing to restore the verdict, plaintiffs’ lawyer say their investigator found $2.5 to $4 million had been funneled to Karmeier by State Farm through an insurance PAC.

Advertisement

Invest in the future of great journalism in Arkansas

Join the ranks of the 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts who know that the Arkansas Times is the go-to source for tough, determined, and feisty journalism that holds the powerful accountable. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been on the front lines of the fight for truth, and with your support, we can do even more. By subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be helping us hire more writers and expand our coverage. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference with your subscription or donation to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article VP resigns from Arkansas Lottery Next article Democratic challenger for Tea Party’s Hubbard