News from September 2016
'Dennis’ Law' reinforces existing traffic rights of bicyclists under IL law, Chicago attorney, advocate says
Legislation signed into law last month reinforces the legal understanding that bicyclists have the same right-of-way traffic rights as any other vehicle - rights they already had, said a Chicago attorney who maintains a popular cycling advocacy website.
Server tips class action vs suburban Buffalo Wild Wings franchisee cleared to move forward
Despite a federal appeals court's recent ruling that restaurants aren’t necessarily breaking federal labor law by requiring tipped servers to perform tasks other than waiting tables, a Chicago federal judge has decided to allow servers at several suburban Buffalo Wild Wings franchise locations to sue their employers for that same reason.
Landlord accused of breaching lease by demolishing building, not providing new salon location
A hair salon is suing its landlord, Windy City RE LLC, alleging breach of contract and fraud after the real estate company allegedly demolished the building in which the salon was located, and failed to provide equivalent space elsewhere in which to operate.
Doctor, hospital accused of negligence in colostomy
A patient claims he underwent a colostomy despite contraindications.
Intelligentsia Group LLC, guarantors accused of failing to pay debt
A financial institution is suing Intelligentsia Group LLC and its guarantors, Brice Leckpa and Arnaud Tawud, alleging breach of contract through failure to pay a debt.
Man claims Climate Master Mechanical Contractors employee assaulted him
A man is suing Climate Master Mechanical Contractors Inc. and one of its employees, alleging assault, battery, negligence and insufficient measures taken to prevent injuries.
Renaissance Park South, Oak Lawn Respiratory and Rehabilitation Center accused of negligence in woman's care
An administrator of a deceased woman's estate is suing a nursing home, saying they didn't do enough to minimize the woman's risk of stroke.
Man blames landlord for his injuries in a fire, saying owner didn't install smoke detectors, fire escape
A man is suing Equitybuild Inc., a property owner, saying the landlord didn't install smoke detectors, fire doors and a fire escape, causing him to be injured in a fire.
Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital accused of not preventing development of sacral ulcers
A patient is suing Schwab Rehabilitation Hospital and Care Network and Ray Lee, M.D., alleging negligence in medical care in connection with the development of sacral ulcers.
Ultra Foods, others accused of negligence in connection with slip, fall
A woman is suing over an alleged fall over a wet rug in a store.
Man trying to resurrect his credit asks court to order Equifax to recognize he is not dead
A live human person filed a civil complaint in federal court in Chicago Aug. 22 asking a judge to order a credit reporting bureau to acknowledge he is not, in fact, dead.
Evanston business owner sues union for harassing him amid labor fight vs E. Chicago casino
An administrator and part owner at an Evanston mental illness treatment center has sued a labor union, accusing the labor group of unfairly harassing him and invading his privacy as part of the union’s ongoing dispute with an Indiana casino.
Investors in business deal gone awry blame former Ungaretti firm for loss, demand $3.5 million
Three men who say their lawyers’ mishandling of business deals cost them more than $8 million have sued the former firm of Ungaretti & Harris, in hope of recouping nearly half their losses.
Illinois employers should prepare now to track paid leave benefits under new law, attorney says
Illinois employers should prepare for the state's new Employee Sick Leave Act, which allows employees to use paid personal sick leave benefits to take care of family members, a labor and employment attorney said in a recent interview.
Riffner Firm, others accused of poor legal representation
Two Illinois real estate companies and an individual are suing Robert Riffner; Scott Barber; Riffner, Barber, LLC; The Riffnew Firm, PC; and John M. Driscoll, law firms and lawyers, citing alleged negligence.
Mother claims gym teacher's lack of supervision led to her son breaking his arm, wrist
A minor and his guardian are suing a physical education teacher for Schaumburg Consolidated School District 54, alleging negligence, liability and insufficient measures taken to prevent injuries.
Artist Peter Doig triumphs over claims he painted a work he asserted wasn't his
In a seeming case of mistaken identity, a Scottish painter has been cleared of any obligations to a purchaser of a painting that the artist claims he never painted.
15-year incumbent Evans faces two challengers in race for Cook County Chief Judge
Timothy Evans, a judge who has served for the last 15 years as Cook County’s top jurist, is again asking his fellow judges of the Cook County Circuit Court for another turn as the circuit’s Chief Judge. However, when the judges cast ballots next week, Evans will face at least two challengers, and possibly more, who believe the local courts need a new face at the top.
Mother says carbon monoxide leak at school injured children
A mother of two minor children is suing the Chicago Board of Education, Chicago Public Schools and the Public Building Commission of Chicago, alleging her children were harmed by carbon monoxide leaking from improperly maintained boilers.
Property owner accused of not maintaining a roof, which later collapsed
A couple is suing Richardson Property Management Inc. and Frank Richardson, property owner, alleging negligence in connection with a roof collapse.