News from August 2018
Bankruptcy judge OKs Oakfabco's liquidation plan withdrawal, but blasts lawyers; Oakfabco requests mediation
Even as the company has requested the chance to head to mediation to resolve differences between its insurers and trial lawyers representing tens of thousands of asbestos claimants, a federal bankruptcy judge has granted bankrupt boiler maker Oakfabco’s request to abruptly withdraw its liquidation proposal, leaving unsettled for now how the company will continue through bankruptcy and wind down those asbestos-related personal injury claims.
Judge refuses try by St. Louis Billy Goat Chips maker to dismiss Chicago Billy Goat's trademark suit
In an ongoing battle of the Billy Goats, a federal judge this week gave a win to the iconic Chicago side, saying the Billy Goat Tavern can continue with its trademark infringement lawsuit against a St. Louis snack chip maker.
Appeals panel upholds $500K verdict for butcher vs South Side grocer for sexual, racial harassment
A federal appeals panel has upheld a lower court’s order requiring a Chicago grocery store to pay more than $500,000 to an African American former butcher who claimed he suffered severe racial and sexual harassment at the hands of his Hispanic coworkers.
Couple says DuPage Medical responsible for woman's amputations
A husband and wife are suing DuPage Medical Group Ltd. and Dr. Bejan Fakouri, citing alleged negligence.
Class action: Members claim Chicago Athletic Clubs, others cut rewards program without warning
A club member has filed a class action lawsuit against Chicago Athletic Clubs LLC and several other athletic clubs, citing alleged breach of contract and violations of the Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act.
Estate administrator blames Symphony of Lincoln Park for patient fall, pressure sores
An estate administrator is suing Symphony Lincoln Park LLC, doing business as long-term care facility Symphony of Lincoln Park, citing alleged violation of the Nursing Home Care Act.
Couple blames doctor, Metro South Memorial Hospital for heart damage
A couple is suing Dr. Mohammed Asgar and Metro Primary Care Associates LLC, doing business as Metro South Memorial Hospital, citing alleged negligent failure to diagnose, vicarious liability and loss of consortium.
Jury deals $315M verdict to casino tech maker who said rival used patent litigation to stifle competition
A group of casino technology manufacturers have hit a legal jackpot, as a Chicago federal jury has dealt them a verdict potentially worth more than $300 million, amid their ongoing antitrust battle against a rival manufacturer accused of misusing patents to stifle competition.
Sears reaches deal to end class action over flammable Craftsman mowers; Lawyers could get $3.2M
A federal judge has signed off on a preliminary deal to settle a class action lawsuit against Sears, which had leveled accusations that some of its Craftsman riding lawnmowers caught fire as a result of faulty fuel systems.
CORBOY & DEMETRIO: Corboy & Demetrio files lawsuits for 11 passengers in Aeromexico Flight 2431 Plane Crash
Corboy & Demetrio filed six lawsuits on behalf of 11 passengers on Aeromexico Flight 2431, which crashed after an attempted take-off in a heavy storm including severe wind, rain, and hail, on July 31, 2018, in Durango, Mexico. The aircraft, en route to Mexico City, hit the ground a few hundred yards from the runway of the General Guadalupe Victoria International Airport.
New IADC president, Venable partner says to seek to help shape future for defense attorneys
The newly appointed president of the Chicago-based International Association of Defense Counsel (IADC) said he is excited about the opportunity to add his voice and vision to shape the future of the defense bar and legal profession.
Estate administrator blames John Stroger Jr. Hospital for patient's death
An estate administrator is suing John Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County and Cook County Health & Hospitals Systems, claiming the defendants did not take sufficient measures to prevent injuries.
Patient blames Biomet Orthopedics, Rush Oak Park for post-operative infection
A man is suing Biomet Orthopedics and Rusk Oak Park Hospital Inc., claiming Biomet manufactured an unsafe artificial knee system.
IL high court: Cities can't sidestep lawsuits by simply calling property repairs 'discretionary'
The Illinois Supreme Court has reduced the reach of the legal shield long enjoyed under Illinois state law by cities and other public bodies when faced with personal injury lawsuits, as the high court indicated the rationale advanced by lower court judges in rejecting a woman’s lawsuit over the injuries she sustained tripping on a Danville sidewalk was overbroad.
Appeals panel: Objector earned $80K atty fees for getting Southwest passengers class two more free drinks each
A federal appeals panel has cleared an objector to claim attorney fees for his role in landing a class of eligible Southwest Airlines passengers two more free in-flight drinks, amid a long-running class action lawsuit over drink vouchers the airline formerly provided to passengers.
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE RODNEY L. DAVIS (IL-13): Davis Highlights Workforce Training, President Signs Career and Technical Education Overhaul Into Law
S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) this week continued his focus on increasing workforce training and helping people fill the jobs being created by our growing economy.
FOX ROTHSCHILD: Donna B. More Honored on Crain’s Chicago’s 2018 List of ‘Notable Women Lawyers’
Fox Rothschild LLP congratulates Donna B. More on being named by Crain’s Chicago Business to its 2018 list of “Notable Women Lawyers” who have made significant contributions to the industry over the past year.
JONES DAY: Jones Day earns "Most Recommended" law firm status for 17th straight year
Jones Day has been chosen as one of the Top 5 law firms clients recommend to their peers for the 17th consecutive year.
NEAL GERBER & EISENBERG LLP: Angela Elbert Recognized as One of Chicago’s Notable Women Lawyers 2018
Neal Gerber & Eisenberg LLP issued the following announcement on July 30. Neal Gerber Eisenberg is pleased to announce that Angela R.
HOLLAND & KNIGHT: Holland & Knight Expands New Philadelphia Office
Holland & Knight announced that 12 more lawyers have joined its newly opened Philadelphia office, bringing the total number of lawyers there to 24.