News from July 2024
Seafood Distributor Sues Major Banks Over Fraudulent Check Transaction
Marine Foods Express has filed a lawsuit against BMO Bank N.A., Wells Fargo Bank N.A., and an unknown individual over a fraudulent check transaction resulting in significant financial losses. The company seeks damages and various forms of relief following alleged negligence and wrongful actions by both banks.
Healthcare Company Accused of Race-Based Discrimination
Donjeaneau Domio has filed a lawsuit against Vital Home & Healthcare alleging race-based discrimination after being offered lower pay than Caucasian counterparts despite having more experience. The case seeks back pay and damages among other reliefs in what could be a significant civil rights litigation.
Appeals court: People can't sue insurers for not processing claims fast enough
Panel affirms Kane County ruling that only government can enforce that element of the state's Insurance Code
Consumers Sue Unilever Over Alleged False Advertising of Dove Deodorant
Keith Robinson and Willie Kimbrough have filed a class action lawsuit against Unilever US/Dove in federal court alleging deceptive advertising practices related to Dove deodorant products falsely labeled as alcohol-free. The plaintiffs seek $30 million in damages among other forms of relief.
Dolton can't escape $33.5M verdict for families linked to fatal police chase
October 2016 crash left one dead, one severely injured. The plaintiffs are separately asking another judge to potentially order the village to raise taxes to cover the cost of the verdict, pointing to Dolton's dire financial circumstances amid the scandal- and dysfunction-plagued administration of Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard
Illinois Family Accuses Pennsylvania Superior Court of Harassment Over Unjustified Invoice
An Illinois family has filed a lawsuit against the Superior Court of Pennsylvania alleging harassment through unjustified invoices despite being granted In Forma Pauperis status. The plaintiffs seek compensatory damages for emotional distress and punitive damages against what they describe as judicial bullying.
Retired Attorney Alleges Red Light Camera System in Skokie Is Rigged
Ronald Teeple has filed a lawsuit against Skokie alleging their red light camera system is more about generating revenue than ensuring public safety. Citing procedural errors and potential conflicts of interest, he seeks significant reforms and financial compensation.
Former Employee Alleges Racial Discrimination Against Industrial Giant
Ray Brantley has filed a lawsuit against Sumitomo Heavy Industries alleging severe racial discrimination and harassment during his employment as a Quality Inspector. The complaint outlines numerous incidents contributing to a hostile work environment and seeks various forms of relief from the court.
Plaintiffs accuse City Government of mishandling millions in uncashed checks
The Appellate Court has revived a class action lawsuit against Chicago concerning over $11 million in uncashed checks spanning three decades. Plaintiffs John Thulis and James Webb allege violations under multiple acts including RUUPA after an earlier qui tam suit was dismissed.
Aziz Huq Discusses SCOTUS Decisions on EMTALA, Purdue, EPA, and Murthy on WNYC
Aziz Huq, professor of law at the University of Chicago Law School and author of the forthcoming The Rule of Law.
Wisconsin-Based Company Alleges Fraudulent Inducement Against Delaware Corporation
Orange Pelican alleges it was defrauded into selling its stake in Maestro International Cargo at an undervalued price and seeks over $30 million in damages after learning the company was sold for significantly more shortly after their transaction.
Teacher Alleges Unfair Labor Practices by Chicago Public Schools Over Union Activities
A teacher has accused Chicago Public Schools (CPS) of unfair labor practices related to her participation in union activities. The Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board found merit in her claims, leading CPS to appeal but ultimately losing as their actions were deemed retaliatory.
Aclu of Illinois Responds to Supreme Court Order on Medical Care for Pregnant Persons in Need of Emergency Care
In response to the Supreme Court’s order in Moyle v. US, a case raising the question of whether pregnant people in Idaho can receive emergency medical care – as prescribed by federal law – including abortion care under that state’s ban on such care.
Plaintiff alleges Medical Negligence Against Healthcare Providers
In a case involving allegations of medical negligence leading to wrongful death,
the plaintiff seeks justice after being barred from presenting crucial rebuttal evidence during trial.
Car Dealership Accused of Breach of Warranty Over Defective Vehicle
A recent ruling by the Illinois Appellate Court has denied a car dealership's attempt to compel arbitration in a dispute involving an allegedly defective vehicle sold as certified pre-owned. The dealership's initial lawsuit against the buyer led to a counterclaim citing multiple misrepresentations and statutory violations.
Chicago Police Officer Denied Duty Disability Benefits After Long Legal Battle
In a significant ruling dated June 28th this year; Appellate Court upheld prior decisions denying Michele M Blasz—a long-serving Chicago Police Officer—her claim for duty disability benefits despite presenting substantial medical evidence linking injury-related disabilities stemming from rear-end collision whilst performing official duties back In July ‘08 ultimately leading board & court respectively concluding insufficient grounds proving direct causation required under state law governing such claims
Lawsuit: Northwestern Law School discriminates vs white male faculty in favor of 'mediocre' minority candidates
The lawsuit asserts Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law has for years rejected even highly distinguished white male candidates out of hand, simply because the school's leadership prefers black, female, gay and transgender faculty candidates, even if significantly less accomplished
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Attorneys Amanda Alasauskas and Mark McLoughlin Invited to Join the Recording Academy Class of 2024
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys Amanda Alasauskas and Mark McLoughlin have been invited to join the Recording Academy Class of 2024 as leading practitioners in their field.
BFKN Adds Two New Associates
BFKN is pleased to announce the addition of two new associates to the firm. Jacob Aubrecht joins the Corporate & Securities Group, and Brian Ingram joins the Motor Vehicle Group.
Supreme Court won't step in - yet - to overturn Illinois 'assault weapons' ban
The U.S. Supreme Court denied petitions from Illinois gun owners to review a Chicago federal appeals court's decision allowing Illinois' controversial gun ban law to take effect. Justice Clarence Thomas, however, called that decision 'nonsensical,' and warned the Illinois law will ultimately face a difficult reception at the high court