News from July 2016
Ruling highlights double standard of protection for elected officials in IL over defamation claims
A recent appellate court ruling highlights the special status state law confers on those who hold elected public office, and use that office to level claims against opponents and critics - even if those assertions may be considered defamatory if they had been uttered by a private citizen.
Cook County's predatory lending actions vs big banks on hold as Supreme Court takes up similar case
Cook County’s lawsuits against three of the country’s biggest banks over claims of predatory discriminatory lending targeted at minorities have been put on hold as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to weigh in on an appeal brought by two of the banks, challenging the ability of local municipal governments, like Cook County, to sue under federal law.
Man says medical procedure went wrong
CHICAGO — A man is suing Daria Terrell M.D., Saint Bernard Hospital and Terrell Surgical Associates S.C., alleging negligence in health care.
Postal carrier sues over porch collapse
CHICAGO — A postal carrier is suing Herminda Lopez, a building manager and occupant, citing alleged negligence in connection with the collapse of a porch.
Patient blames doctor for shoulder infection
CHICAGO — A woman is suing Ho Min Lim, M.D., alleging negligence in health care.
Doctor says he was hit in head by golf ball
CHICAGO — A doctor is suing Kevin Burg, a golfer, citing alleged negligence.
Man alleges damages from surgery
CHICAGO — A man is suing Presence Chicago Hospitals Network d/b/a Presence St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital, Presence Healthcare Services d/b/a Presence Medical Group and Joseph C. Sheehan, M.D., alleging negligence in health care.
Judge: IL State Police needed only offer other jobs to escape ADA suit brought by ex-trooper with diabetes
A former state trooper placed on restricted duty after a diabetic episode caused her to crash a squad car – and to whom the state offered three alternative positions - has failed in her bid to sue the Illinois State Police for discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Jury awards $925K to family of man who suffered aortic dissection; state med society says reform needed
CHICAGO — In a recently publicized example of a large payout in a health-care lawsuit, a doctor and hospital accused of not diagnosing a man’s fatal aortic dissection in time agreed to pay $925,000 to the deceased patient’s family.
Smart meter patent plaintiff could be on hook for ComEd's costs in defending against lawsuit
A Chicago federal judge has ruled Commonwealth Edison should be reimbursed for its legal bills in fending off an allegedly inept patent infringement lawsuit concerning smart meters, but the judge still faulted the utility giant for its own conduct in the case.
7th Circuit: Small added tasks don't mean tipped servers doing other jobs, entitled to more pay
A suburban Chicago chain of pancake houses has stacked another win in its ongoing legal fight with former servers who claimed they weren’t paid enough for work they did in addition to waiting tables at the restaurants.
Misdiagnosis alleged in wrongful death claim
CHICAGO — An administrator of a deceased woman's estate is suing A. Thomas Petropulos, M.D., The Cardiology Group LLC, Consultants in Cardiology & Electrophysiology LLC, Advocate Health and Hospitals Corporation and Advocate Christ Hospital Health Partners in a wrongful death claim alleging negligence in health care.
Man accuses restaurant of causing illness
CHICAGO — A man is suing Carbon on 26th LLC, d/b/a Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill, a restaurant, alleging negligence, insufficient measures taken to prevent injuries and product liability.
Compensation sought for hand injury
CHICAGO — A couple's lawsuit against Superior Staffing Inc. and Alberto Salgado, individually and as agent, servant and employee of Superior Staffing Inc., cites alleged liability and negligence.
Woman says plasma donation procedure went wrong
CHICAGO — A woman is suing CSL Plasma Inc., a foreign corporation, alleging negligence and insufficient measures taken to prevent injuries.
Fall from chair allegedly caused fracture that led to death
CHICAGO — An administrator of a deceased woman's estate is suing Adventist Midwest Health, d//b/a Adventist Lagrange Memorial Hospital, and Steven K. Sauerberg in a wrongful death claim alleging negligence in medical care.
Ideas to reduce Cook County elected officials to save money, boost effectiveness, not going away
While some ideas are moving ahead and others are on the backburner, the concept of reducing the number of the county's elected offices remains a hot topic in Cook County, as supporters believe the reforms could both save money and make the local government more effective by installing the best people for the job, rather than the most popular.
Estate administrator cites Dram Shop Act in death case
CHICAGO — An administrator of a deceased man's estate is suing Club 390 Corp. and unknown alleged intoxicated persons, alleging negligence under the Dram Shop Act.
Man blames dog's death on negligence in veterinary care
CHICAGO — A man is suing Allen Glater and McKillip Animal Hospital Ltd., alleging negligence in veterinary care.
Woman blames nursing home for fall injuries
CHICAGO — A woman is suing Glenwood Healthcare & Rehab Inc., alleging negligence in nursing home care.