News from August 2024
Chicago can use 'public health' concerns to shut down building projects, even if rules don't say so, judge says
The decision OKs Chicago City Hall's denial of an operating permit to the developers of a South Side metal recycling center, which came in response to public pressure. Developers and business advocates say the ruling will give the city sweeping leeway to otherwise illegally use politics to review development projects
Pharmaceutical Company Accused of Negligence Over Drug-Induced Hearing Loss
Judith Bell has filed a lawsuit against Horizon Therapeutics USA Inc., alleging their drug Tepezza caused her permanent hearing damage due to inadequate warnings about its side effects. The suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages among other reliefs.
Community College Faces Class Action Lawsuit Over Data Breach Exposing Students' Personal Information
A new class action lawsuit has been filed against South Suburban College following a data breach that exposed sensitive personal information of current and former students. The plaintiff alleges negligence in safeguarding this data and seeks damages along with improved security measures from the institution.
Independent Administrator Sues Medical Providers Over Alleged Misdiagnosis Leading to Teen's Death
An Illinois appellate court has granted a new trial in a medical negligence case where Lolita McCaley sued several healthcare providers over her daughter Marshana's death following alleged misdiagnosis of a blood clot condition. The ruling comes after procedural errors were identified regarding barred rebuttal testimony critical to countering defense arguments.
Plaintiff appeals pro se after losing motor vehicle collision expenses lawsuit
La’twell S. Haywood sought compensation from Ira G. Cherry for expenses following a car accident but faced procedural challenges in her appeal due to incomplete records and non-compliance with court rules.
Defendant accused of improper notification during condo foreclosure dispute
An appellate court dismissed Mario Morris' appeal against Forest Glen Condo Association due to insufficient records establishing jurisdiction in a contentious condo foreclosure case involving allegations of improper notification and outdated trustee information.
Consumer Sues Major Retailer Over Defective Refrigerators
A new class action lawsuit accuses a major retailer of selling defective Kenmore-branded refrigerators with faulty linear compressors that fail prematurely. Filed by James Grotte on August 6, 2024, in Illinois federal court against Transform SR entities, the suit seeks damages and repairs or replacements for affected consumers nationwide.
Bicyclist Sues Municipal Corporation Over Sidewalk Injury
Martin Johnson sued the Village of Palatine after being injured while riding his bicycle on a village sidewalk. Despite his claims about unsafe conditions and lack of signage prohibiting bicycles, courts ruled against him citing he wasn't an intended user under municipal laws.
Industry Coverage: Michael Graham Joins Thompson Coburn
Partner Michael Graham recently joined Thompson Coburn’s labor and employment practice and is based in the Chicago office.
Judge: Evanston teacher hasn't shown she was harmed by D65's 'anti-racism' policies, programs
A federal judge has tossed, for now, a lawsuit from a white Evanston middle school teacher who claims District 65 has discriminated against her and other white staff and students by allegedly dividing by race and promoting anti-racism and anti "whiteness" curriculum, policies and programs
Summer Experiences: Robert Dohrman, ’26, Honors Legal Intern, Department of Defense, Office of the General Counsel
Robert Dohrman, ’26, is spending his summer in Washington, DC, working in the Department of Defense within the Office of the General Counsel.
Ruth A. Bahe-Jachna Appointed ABA Gavel Awards Committee Chair
Ruth A. Bahe-Jachna, a Litigation shareholder in global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP’s Chicago office, has been appointed chair of the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Standing Committee on Gavel Awards.
Microplastics in water doesn't make it unnatural, judge says; Tosses class action vs Ice Mountain maker
A Chicago federal judge said federal law likely preempts a class action lawsuit accusing BlueTriton, the distributor of Ice Mountain and other brands of bottled waters, of violating Illinois' consumer fraud law by misleading consumers to buy "100% Natural Spring Water" that contains microplastics
Michael Parks Speaks to Bloomberg Law on News Outlets and AI
Thompson Coburn partner Michael Parks weighed in on the evolving relationships between news organizations and AI companies in a recent Bloomberg Law article.
Appeals court: No sanctions for lawyers accused of filing frivolous labor suits based on 'vague recollections'
Milwaukee-based plaintiffs' law firm, which is opening a Chicago office this summer, filed federal labor lawsuits later found to have insufficient evidence, but a split appeals panel said they shouldn't be punished for filing frivolous suits
Ferrill and Keig Obtain Defense Verdict In High-Stakes Medical Malpractice Case
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys Sarah A. Ferrill and Caroline A. Keig secured a defense verdict on behalf of their client, a vascular surgeon, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.
Canton Awarded Cybersecurity or Privacy Woman Law Professional of the Year 2024
Veronica Canton (Associate-Chicago, IL) was selected by the United Cybersecurity Alliance as its Cybersecurity or Privacy Woman Law Professional of the Year 2024.
Sharon Fairley Speaks About Police Reform on WBEZ
Sonya Massey was shot and killed in her own home by Sangamon County sheriff's deputy Sean Grayson after calling 911 for help.
EU Sets Key Artificial Intelligence Regulation Dates
On August 1, 2024, the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) took a major leap forward as the EU AI Act officially entered into force.
Lawsuit: New IL law tramples business owners' First Amendment speech rights
A new federal lawsuit claims the union-backed so-called "Worker Freedom of Speech Act," which bans so-called "captive meetings" in workplaces, only actually restricts employers' free speech and leaves them exposed to lawsuits and fines for exercising their constitutional rights