News from November 2023
IL 'assault weapons' ban challengers ask SCOTUS to step into constitutional court fight, block gun ban
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett directed the state to respond to the petitioners' assertions that, not only is the law unconstitutional, but federal judges in Chicago have twisted SCOTUS rulings to say the state is clearly allowed to ban "dangerous" weapons that aren't protected by the Second Amendment
Class action lawsuit filed against J.B. Hunt Transport over truck driver face scans
Two employees are filing a class action lawsuit J.B. Hunt, alleging that the company's use of biometric cameras to scan drivers' faces on the job violates Illinois biometric privacy laws.
F.A.E. Distributors faces lawsuit claiming violations of IL biometrics law by scanning workers faces
CHICAGO – An employee has filed a lawsuit against F.A.E. Distributors, alleging that the company violates Illinois biometric privacy laws by using biometric cameras to conduct facial scans of employees.
Greensfelder Joins Chicago’s Mhub Innovation & Manufacturing Ecosystem
Greensfelder, Hemker & Gale, P.C. recently established a presence at mHUB, an innovative technology and manufacturing collaboration space in Chicago that recently launched expanded new facilities on the city’s Near West Side.
IL Supreme Court says hospitals can't be sued for requiring nurses to scan fingerprints when dispensing patient medicines
The unanimous ruling said a HIPAA-specific exemption protects Illinois hospitals and health care equipment maker Becton Dickinson from a specific group of potentially catastrophic class action lawsuits under Illinois' biometrics privacy law
Employee lawsuit claims that Centurion Logistics violates IL biometric privacy laws by using biometric cameras
A worker has filed a lawsuit against Centurion Logistics, alleging that the company violates Illinois biometric privacy laws by using biometric cameras to monitor employees.
Class action lawsuit filed against Cook County Health and Hospitals System over data breach
An Illinois woman has filed a class action lawsuit against Cook County Health and Hospitals System and a health information technology firm, claiming that her personal medical information was stolen by hackers during a data breach.
Jill Vorobiev named to Crain’s Chicago Business Notable Leaders in Employment and Labor Law
Jill S. Vorobiev, a partner in the Labor and Employment practice group in Reed Smith’s Chicago office, has been selected by Crain’s Chicago Business for its 2023 Notable Leaders in Employment and Labor Law.
Kevin Cloutier Named a Notable Leader in Employment and Labor Law by Crain’s Chicago Business
Labor and Employment partner Kevin Cloutier was named to Crain’s Chicago Business’ 2023 list of Notable Leaders in Employment and Labor Law.
Class action demands IL counties pay back people whose homes were seized over unpaid property taxes
The lawsuit vs DuPage, Lake, Kane, Will and other populous counties says Illinois counties still using tax sales to seize and sell off homes to settle delinquent property taxes are defying the Constitution and the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled such "equity theft" unconstitutional
Attorney General Raoul Leads Brief Filed Before the U.s. Supreme Court in Support of Transportation Workers’ Rights
Attorney General Kwame Raoul led a coalition of 16 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief before the U.S. Supreme Court urging it to reverse a lower court decision holding that only workers who are employed by a company in the transportation industry can be exempt under the transportation-worker exemption to the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA).
IL Supreme Court: Plaintiffs don't need to ID proper personal estate representative before suing dead person
A split Illinois Supreme Court ruled insurer State Farm couldn't defeat a lawsuit against a deceased man for insurance proceeds by arguing the plaintiff failed to properly identify and sue a personal representative of the dead man's estate. The majority said it was enough to ask a court to appoint a special representative instead
Class action lawsuit alleges CNC Logistics improperly monitored drivers with face-scanning cameras
A worker is suing trucking company CNC Logistics, claiming that the company has violated Illinois biometric privacy law by using biometric face-scanning cameras to monitor drivers on the job.
LGBT Chamber of Commerce and Foundation sue former executive director, alleging financial misconduct
The LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the LGBT Foundation of Illinois are seeking a temporary restraining order against their former executive director after alleged financial misconduct.
Boilers, Blowouts & Booms - Oh My! on November 30, 2023
Jonathan Levy and Andy Thielen of Engineering Systems Inc. (ESI) will present a Cozen O'Connor webinar titled "Boilers, Blowouts & Booms - Oh My!"
David J. Stein Named to Crain’s Chicago Business 2023 ‘Notable Leaders in Employment & Labor Law’ List
David J. Stein, a Labor & Employment shareholder in global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP’s Chicago office, was named a Crain’s Chicago Business 2023 “Notable Leader in Employment & Labor Law.”
BFKN Partner Recognized as Crain’s 2023 Notable Leader in Employment & Labor Law
BFKN is pleased to announce Crain’s Chicago – a top source of news, analysis and information on business in metropolitan Chicago for decision-makers in the private and public sectors – has recognized partner Allison N. Powers as a 2023 Notable Leader in Employment & Labor Law.
Hinsdale South star basketball player sues D86, says was cut for complaining about ex-head coach's verbal abuse of players
The federal lawsuit vs Hinsdale District 86 and varsity basketball coach Michael Belcaster accuses the coach of illegally retaliating against the All-Conference player after he filed a complaint with the school about ex-head coach Michael Moretti's alleged verbal abuse and bullying of players. The lawsuit says D86 has turned a blind eye since
Illinois woman files $30,000 lawsuit for damages following motor vehicle collision in Niles
CHICAGO – A driver has filed an injury lawsuit, alleging that she was injured in a motor vehicle collision in the Village of Niles, Illinois.
Motorists file negligence lawsuit against truck driver after collision near Madison
CHICAGO – Two travelers have filed a negligence lawsuit against a truck driver, claiming that they were injured in a vehicle collision near Madison.