News from June 2024
Ex-Chicago cop sues Kim Foxx, Park Ridge Police for wrongly prosecuting him for detaining suspect who had his kid's bike
Former Chicago Police Sgt. Michael Vitellaro says Park Ridge cops and Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx wrongly prosecuted him after he acted within his lawful authority, capitulating to a public pressure campaign from activists who demanded his arrest for detaining a "young man" who had his son's stolen bike
IL to get $29M from $700M J&J talc settlement deal with states
The settlement will end legal actions launched by 43 states accusing Johnson & Johnson of allegedly misleading consumers about the safety of its talc baby powder and body powder products. The company has denied its products cause cancer, as other plaintiffs have claimed in thousands of other lawsuits
Former student alleges Fenton Community High School District enabled teacher's sexual abuse over decade
A former student has filed a lawsuit against Fenton Community High School District for allegedly allowing a teacher to sexually abuse students over more than ten years. The complaint details extensive allegations against both the teacher involved and the school district's failure to act despite numerous warnings.
Chicago Police accused of racial profiling during traffic stop
A new lawsuit filed in federal court accuses Chicago police officers of racial profiling during a traffic stop that led to an unlawful search and arrest of an African American man named Corris A. Whitfield on May 9, 2023.
Nursing home accuses estate over unpaid fees amid Medicaid dispute
The Council for Jewish Elderly is embroiled in a legal dispute with Julia Kurtz over unpaid nursing home fees related to her late husband’s care despite Medicaid approval claims. The Illinois Appellate Court has reversed an earlier ruling favoring the healthcare facility highlighting unresolved factual disputes requiring further proceedings.
Cook County Judge Flanagan to face investigation over handcuffing of attorney at May hearing
Cook County's courts leadership has asked the state's Judicial Inquiry Board to examine potential disciplinary action against Cook County Circuit Judge Kathy Flanagan for her conduct amid a dispute with a lawyer in her courtroom which resulted in the lawyer being handcuffed to a chair. Flanagan denied wrongdoing
Troutman Pepper Announces Top National Rankings in Chambers USA 2024
Troutman Pepper, a national law firm with more than 1,100 attorneys in 20+ U.S. cities, achieved 64 national and statewide practice area rankings in the latest edition of Chambers USA released.
Cook County court data reporting delayed, months behind other state circuit court systems
Court officials provided no reasons were provided for the delay in reporting 2023 data from the famously backlogged court system. The Cook County Circuit Clerk's office said 2023 statistics will be published when court officials can "ensure data is accurate and complies with record keeping standards.
Chambers USA Recognizes 139 Morgan Lewis Practices, 297 Lawyers in 2024 Edition
Morgan Lewis practices and lawyers have earned high rankings from Chambers and Partners in the 2024 edition of Chambers USA.
Disabled Instructor Sues Roosevelt University Over Discrimination Claims
Diane Field has filed a lawsuit against Roosevelt University alleging discrimination due to her disabilities. Filed on May 29th in federal court, the suit details numerous instances where necessary accommodations were denied affecting both her employment as an adjunct math instructor and as a student at the university.
Plaintiffs Accuse TriState Capital Bank of Financial Exploitation and Fraud
John and Peggy Thodos have filed a lawsuit against TriState Capital Bank alleging financial exploitation of the elderly among other charges after discovering over $10 million missing from their trust fund managed by advisor Richard Ceffalio.
Plaintiff Alleges Amazon.com Services LLC of Discrimination Based on Gender Identity
Ariana Ramp has filed a lawsuit against Amazon.com Services LLC alleging sexual harassment and discrimination based on sex and gender identity under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The complaint details instances of misgendering by a supervisor and retaliatory actions leading up to her termination.
Plaintiff accuses Procter & Gamble Company of deceptive marketing practices
Christy Borovoy has filed a class action lawsuit against The Procter & Gamble Company alleging deceptive marketing practices regarding its Tampax brand tampons' purity and environmental claims. The case was filed on May 28, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
IL Supreme Court says ambiguous language in insurance policies doesn't necessarily 'stack' liability limits in multi-vehicle accidents
Unanimous ruling affirms appeals court's stance to deny a bus driver's quest for $7M payout stemming from a multi-vehicle crash on I-74 in McLean County in 2018.
Grischow, judge who blocked Pritzker's school mask mandate, selected to serve on Springfield appeals court
The Illinois Supreme Court announced it would assign Sangamon County Judge Raylene Grischow to serve on the state's Fourth District Appellate Court. Grischow notably issued an order in 2022 declaring Gov. Pritzker had illegally issued 'emergency orders' requiring students wear masks in school
Plaintiff alleges BioLife Plasma engaged in race and disability discrimination
Latanya Brown has filed a lawsuit against BioLife Plasma LLC alleging race-based pay disparities and retaliation after reporting discriminatory practices. The complaint also includes claims under ADA related to her physical and mental impairments leading to reduced job responsibilities.
Plaintiff accuses major tire manufacturers of illegal price-fixing scheme
Angela McMiller has filed a class action lawsuit against several leading tire manufacturers alleging a conspiracy to fix prices on replacement tires sold in the U.S., resulting in inflated costs for consumers. Filed in Illinois federal court on May 30th, McMiller seeks injunctive relief under federal antitrust laws as well as damages under state statutes.
Former employee alleges Mech-Tronics violated ADA by failing to accommodate disability
Richard Hermosillo has filed a lawsuit against Mech-Tronics alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The suit claims failure to provide reasonable accommodations and retaliatory termination after Hermosillo asserted his rights under the ADA following surgery related to a disability.
Former employee alleges race discrimination against cannabis retailer
Thaddeus Kaszuba-Dias has filed a race discrimination lawsuit against Green Thumb Industries Inc., alleging wrongful termination based on racial bias. The suit details claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and seeks various forms of relief including lost wages and punitive damages.
Illinois Supreme Court Vacates Rental Assistance Orders Entered in Response to the Covid-19 Emergency
Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis and the Illinois Supreme Court announced it is vacating the COVID-era orders related to the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program.