News from November 2014
Judge strikes down pension law; state plans appeal to Illinois Supreme Court
A Sangamon County judge has invalidated a 2013 law intended to fix the state's pension problems, a ruling the state's top lawyer says she will immediately appeal to the Illinois Supreme Court. Circuit Judge John Belz, in a six-page order issued Friday, said pension reform legislation passed last year "is void in its entirety" because the law "without question diminishes and impairs the benefits of
Lawyer files legal malpractice suit against his divorce attorneys
A Chicago lawyer is suing his divorce attorneys, claiming their alleged malpractice forced him to pay nearly a million dollars in taxes that his ex-wife should have had to split with him.
Cleaning company faces suit over garbage bags that allegedly caused man's fall
SalviA man who allegedly fell at a suburban Lexus dealership is suing a cleaning company and its employee, claiming they're to blame for leaving the garbage bags out that he tripped over.Peter R. Drobneiwski filed a complaint Nov. 19 in Cook County Circuit Court against Oksana Chop and Active Maintenance Inc., alleging negligence.According to the complaint, the plaintiff on Jan. 22, 2013 was at the
Two recusals and a divide forces Supreme Court to dismiss appeal in Chicago red light camera case
Unable to muster a majority, the Illinois Supreme Court today had to dismiss a challenge to Chicago’s red light camera program.This relatively rare outcome was produced by two justices -- Ann Burke and Lloyd Karmeier-- recusing themselves and a divide among the remaining five justices. The state Constitution requires four justices to agree in order for a decision to be handed down.Because a majority
Security guard blames rehab center for ear injury he says he sustained while breaking up fight
A security guard who claims his eardrum was broken breaking up a fight at an alcohol and drug rehab center is suing the owner of the spar's site, as well as the two alleged fighters.
Cash advance company claims owner of now-closed Congress Theater owes $162K
The owner of the now-shuttered Congress Theater is facing a lawsuit that accuses him and his business entity of failing to keep their promise under a future receivables agreement.
Man sues daughter over claims she ousted him from his candle company
A dispute between a father and daughter over the ownership and operation of a candle company has landed in Cook County's court system.
Seventh Circuit lets City of Chicago off the hook for paying attorney's fee award against cop
TinderThe City of Chicago does not have to pay an attorney's fee award for a police officer who was sued by a man allegedly injured while detained in handcuffed, a federal appeals panel held this month.The ruling reverses U.S. District Judge Elaine E. Bucklo's determination that the city was liable for the fees awarded against its officer under the Illinois Local Governmental and Governmental Employees
Airport shuttle bus driver claims he was fired for filing workers' comp claim
A Chicago man is suing his former employer, claiming it terminated him in retaliation for seeking workers' compensation benefits.
City faces suit over baggage handler's fall at O'Hare
A baggage handler is suing the city for injuries he allegedly sustained while working at O'Hare International Airport.
