Federal Court Awards Summary Judgment to Counsel on Long-Running Malpractice Claims

HOUSTON — A federal judge has ruled that a South Carolina woman’s malpractice claims against a Texas law firm that formerly represented her and her late husband in a silica lawsuit are time-barred.

Judge Melinda Harmon of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas said Sept. 10 that Sharon Kirkland’s causes of action are untimely whether South Carolina’s or Texas’ limitations periods applied.

Underlying this lawsuit is the Maloney, Martin & Mitchell firm’s representation of Clark and Sharon Kirkland in a lawsuit alleging that Clark Kirkland’s silicosis was linked to workplace exposures to silica.

The Kirkland’s …