News from May 2017
Federal judge scrambles Koch Foods’ dismissal motion in suit claiming chicken catchers not properly paid
Suburban-based poultry wholesaler Koch Foods has laid an egg in Chicago federal court, with its failed motion to dismiss a suit brought against it by former chicken handlers, who claim the company failed to pay them minimum wage and overtime.
Debtor accuses RRCA of misrepresenting collection deadline on letter
An individual is suing RRCA Accounts Management Inc., a debt collector, alleging the company misrepresented a payment deadline.
Class action OK'd vs Oakton Community College over decision to no longer hire SURS pensioners
An age discrimination class action against Oakton Community College after the college decided to no longer hire those collecting pensions through the State Universities Retirement System will be allowed to proceed, after a federal judge weighed in on the matter.
Prenda Law's Steele disbarred; six other IL lawyers also disbarred, nine suspended, IL Supreme Court says
John L. Steele, a Chicago lawyer already indicted for his role in the Prenda Law shakedown scheme targeting downloaders of online porn, has been disbarred. On May 19, the Illinois Supreme Court announced its action against Steele, as well as six others who were disbarred by the court in attorney disciplinary orders handed down May 18. The court also suspended nine other attorneys and censured or reprimanded six more.
Man alleges acquaintance helping to collect lottery winnings took money
A man is suing an acquaintance, accusing her of refusing to turn over the proceeds from a $100,000 lottery prize he claims she was helping him collect.
Nursing home allegedly failed to prevent bedsores in former resident
A representative for an estate is suing Alden Estates of Orland Park; Alden Management Services Inc.; Manorcare Health Services - Palos Heights East; HCR Manorcare Health Services LLC; and Heartland Employment Services LLC, citing alleged insufficient measures were taken to prevent injuries and negligence.
Renter sues E K & W for carbon monoxide poisoning at Rockford property
A tenant is suing Darren Kimerly and E K & W Properties LLC, claiming she suffered carbon monoxide poisoining at a rental property the defendants owned in Rockford.
Woman claims she suffered injuries after tripping over unsafe asphalt
A woman is suing Bethshan Foundation, Bethshan Association and John Zarlengo Asphalt Paving Co., alleging she sustained injuries from tripping over unsafe asphalt.
John Hancock Life sues woman for accepting insurance overpayments
CHICAGO — An insurance company is suing Linda F. Moon f/k/a Linda G. Mocco, citing alleged breach of contract for accepting overpayments and not returning them.
North Carolina woman says Midway TSA gave laptop to someone else after screening
CHICAGO — An individual is suing the United States of America, alleging negligence for having her Apple laptop given to someone else after an airport screening.
PNC Equipment claims two Lemont residents defaulted on vehicle payments
CHICAGO — A Pennsylvania equipment financing company is suing Marius Pranskunas and Virginia Silas, Lemont residents, citing alleged breach of contract.
IL Supreme Court: IHSA may oversee public high school sports, but not a public body subject to FOIA
In an unanimous opinion, the Illinois Supreme Court agreed the Illinois High School Association – the organization which partners with high schools to oversee high school athletics across the state – does not need to share its documents with the public under the Freedom of Information Act.
A Texas corporation sues Illinois corporation
Texas corporation accuses Trans Environmental Ltd. of breach of contractCHICAGO — A Texas corporation is suing Trans Environmental Ltd., an Illinois corporation, citing alleged breach of contract.Starr Indemnity & Liability Company filed a complaint on May 2, in the U.S.
Attorney says retailers could avoid class actions by learning from Kohl's ADA ruling
Retailer Kohl’s won't face a class action lawsuit over wheelchair accessibility in its stores -
and other retailers can learn from the decision, employment and labor attorney John. J. Michels Jr. told the Cook County Record.
Meroni IP law firm sues ex-attorney, client, says owe $5M for subverting business
Chicago intellectual property law firm Meroni & Meroni has sued one of its former attorneys and a former client, demanding they pay $5 million for their roles in an alleged scheme to siphon off business from the firm to its ex-attorney.
IL high court: Atty fee-splitting deals valid even if don't include verbiage declaring 'joint responsibility'
Lawyers in Illinois who benefit from clients sent their way under referral agreements with other lawyers will still need to pay the referring attorneys, even if the referral agreements don’t include language explicitly declaring the lawyers agree to share “joint financial responsibility” for the case, the Illinois Supreme Court has declared.
Nu Image says slew of foreign sites selling unlicensed merchandise with 'Expendables' designs
A movie production company is suing numerous foreign website operators and vendors, citing alleged copyright infringement for selling merchandise that infringes on trademarks of a popular film franchise.
Consumer claims collection agency attempted to collect despite bankruptcy
A woman is suing Ocwen Loan Servicing LLC, a collection agency, citing alleged misrepresentation in debt collection.
Woman claims collection agencies wrongfully sent her direct collection attempts
A woman is suing Transworld Systems Inc. and Asset Recovery Solutions LLC, alleging misconduct by the defendant collection agencies in their communications.
Community Lenders allegedly sent unlicensed repossession agent to take car
A man has filed a class-action lawsuit against Community Lenders Inc. and Brian L. Decker, claiming they improperly repossessed his vehicle.