News from November 2016
Appellate ruling on home warranty liability boosts legal risk for home builders
General contractors and home builders could face increased litigation and liability risk for home defects in light of a recent Illinois appellate court decision, essentially tossing out a defense employed by home builders in home warranty cases.
Class action settled vs NorthShore Physicians group over medical debt liens, terms confidential
A woman injured in a 2012 car crash has dropped her lawsuit against an Evanston-based medical practice, after a judge signed off on a settlement agreement ending the putative class action litigation in which she had accused the doctors at the practice of wrongly slapping liens on patients in an attempt to collect more than they should under agreements with health insurers.
Illinois employers could be fined for asking employee to like or retweet employer social media posts
Illinois employers who try to boost their social media presence by having employees participate in their Facebook, Twitter and other online activities should reconsider that practice, a labor and employment attorney said during a recent interview.
Lawsuit: Northern Trust should pay class action settlement for falsely certifying client's ability to pay
Two law firms seeking money owed by a real estate management company following a class action complaint are chasing the $845,000 settlement in Cook County Circuit Court, demanding Northern Trust Company be held liable for the sum for allegedly providing a letter purportedly verifying the real estate management group had the required cash on hand, when it actually did not.
SEIU official sued for defamation says plaintiffs, Local 73 colluded on 'secret' deal to let union slide
An official with Chicago-based Service Employees International Union Local 73 has asked a Cook County judge to take another look at the decision to allow the union to escape a defamation lawsuit and to potentially sanction attorneys representing plaintiffs in that case, after he alleged the union and the plaintiffs and their attorneys cut a deal to let Local 73 off the hook, but never disclosed it to union members or the court.
Home Instead Senior Care accused of negligence in injury case
A deceased woman's family is suing Hutchison Enterprises Inc., and Home Instead Senior Care, alleging negligence in home health care services.
Vintage Healthcare Services accused of failing to provide proper supervision
An administrator of a deceased woman's estate has filed a wrongful death claim against Vintage Healthcare Services Inc., alleging negligence in the provision of home health care services.
Woman's lawsuit vs Bayer AG, others adds to litigation over Xarelto
A woman's lawsuit against several drugmakers over the side effects of a medication has added to the litigation over prescription drug Xarelto.
Customer contract provision sends spam text message class action vs Jackson Hewitt to arbitration
A suburban Marengo man will not – for now - be able to press his claim income tax return preparer Jackson Hewitt, and its partners American Express and Restaurant.com, illegally spammed his phone with text messages, after a Chicago federal judge ruled the agreement he signed with Jackson Hewitt also mandated all disputes over the contract be handled through arbitration.
Trump will impact federal cases, but appellate lawyer believes effect may be more measured
As the administration of President-elect Donald Trump begins its transition into the White House, the effect of this new administration may have less sweeping changes and more to do with picking its battles. According to Christopher Keleher, a Chicago-based appellate lawyer, the affect of a Trump presidency on the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals may be less broad and more measured.
Duratel LLC, others accused of breaching contract with utility-pole inventor
A man is suing Duratel LLC; Trident Industries LLC; and Peter Ceko, saying they should pay him $2.5 million for allegedly taking his invention of a superior utility pole.
Ingalls Memorial Hospital accused of not properly addressing fall risk
A deceased woman's family has filed a wrongful death claim against Ingalls Memorial Hospital, alleging negligence in medical care.
Advocate South Suburban Hospital, others accused in case alleging needless procedure
A patient is suing Sanath Kumar, M.D.; Advocate South Suburban Hospital; and Advocate Health Partners, alleging negligence in medical care.
Central Dupage Hospital Association, others accused of negligence in man's care
A patient is suing John Boudeman, M.D.; West Central Anesthesiology Group Ltd.; and Central Dupage Hospital Association, alleging negligence in medical care.
Woman dismisses her lawsuit vs man she accused of defamatory internet posts following break-up
A woman has voluntarily dismissed her lawsuit against a man she claimed defamed her after a purported romantic involvement ended several years ago.
Nora Medical Group, doctor accused of not diagnosing cancer in timely manner
A married couple's lawsuit against Andres Giraldo, M.D., and Nora Medical Group, S.C., alleges negligence in health care.
Shopping center manager, owner accused of negligence in connection with fall
A married couple's lawsuit accuses shopping center manager Lake/Ridge L.L.C. and property owner Accretion Management Company of not doing enough to prevent them from slipping and falling on their sidewalks.
Woman blames property owners for injuries stemming from porch collapse
A woman is suing an Evanston couple, alleging they are responsible for injuries she suffered in a porch collapse.
Uropartners LLC accused of negligence in connection with hip fracture
A woman is suing Uropartners LLC and Geoffery Engel, M.D., alleging negligence in medical care.
Man blames Unity Point Health, employee, Peoria police officer for alleged malicious prosecution
A man is suing Unity Point Health; a Unity Point employee; and a Peoria police officer, alleging malicious prosecution.