News from June 2024
Former Employee Sues Senior Living Facility Over Alleged Biometric Privacy Violations
A former nursing assistant has filed a class-action lawsuit against a Chicago senior living facility for allegedly violating Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act by collecting employees' facial geometry without consent through its timekeeping system. Bertrand Bayeg seeks statutory damages on behalf of himself and over three hundred other affected workers after discovering these practices during his employment from September 2017 to January 2019 at The Admiral at the Lake
Doctor Accused of Medical Malpractice Over Alleged Botched Circumcision
A medical malpractice lawsuit has been filed against Dr. Marc Feldstein alleging negligence during a circumcision procedure that purportedly caused significant harm to an infant boy resulting in a urethral fistula. The case involves complex expert testimonies debating whether the injury was congenital or due to surgical error.
Plaintiffs Allege Village Negligence After Fatal Police Chase
A lawsuit against the Village of Dolton has resulted in a $33.5 million award for plaintiffs Aja Seats and Sabrina Wright following a fatal police chase in October 2016 that left one dead and another severely injured. The court found that crucial dashboard camera footage had been lost or destroyed by Dolton police officers involved in the pursuit.
IL Dem Speaker: Courts can't hear GOP challenge to law that would kick Republicans off ballot
Lawyers for Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch asked the Illinois Supreme Court to allow Democrats' new law to take effect to strip parties of the power to select candidates after the primary election. They argued state lawmakers can change ballot access rules whenever they like, even amid an election cycle
Reveille and Fahrenbach Secure Defense Verdict in High-Stakes Medical Malpractice Case
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP attorneys Kristine C. Reveille and Katherine R. Fahrenbach obtained a defense verdict in a jury trial on behalf of their clients, a cardiologist and his group, in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois.
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Co-Sponsors LAGBAC - Chicago's LGBTQ+ Bar Association's Pride Parade Judicial Reception Event
Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP is proud to co-sponsor the LAGBAC - Chicago’s LGBTQ+ Bar Association's Pride Parade Judicial Reception on June 30 at Big Gay Sal’s Pizza in Chicago, Illinois.
Plaintiff alleges cryptocurrency fraud against multiple defendants in Pig Butchering scheme
A Chicago resident has filed a lawsuit alleging he was defrauded out of over $350,000 in a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam known as Pig Butchering. The suit names several defendants including Binance.US and Tether Limited among others, accusing them of facilitating fraudulent transactions and failing to prevent or reverse them despite apparent red flags.
Plaintiffs accuse former attorney of negligence leading to financial losses in condemnation case
A recent court ruling highlights a legal malpractice case where Petey’s Two Real Estate LLC accused their former attorney Thomas Goedert of negligence during a decade-long condemnation dispute with IDOT resulting in significant financial losses for overpaid compensation plus interest.
Construction company cleared of consumer fraud allegations but ordered partial refund
A recent court ruling favored a construction company accused of consumer fraud but awarded partial damages to Sahar Halabi who alleged incomplete work on her condo renovation project. The court found no breach under Consumer Fraud Act yet ordered a refund citing excessive charges retained by contractors amidst unresolved third-party regulatory compliance issues.
Hockey coach sues St. Viator HS, says school broke 'handshake deal' for head varsity job
Ex-Stevenson HS junior varsity head hockey coach Ralph Menotti says Saint Viator and its hockey club committed fraud by allegedly verbally offering him the head varsity coach position, only for higher-ups in the club and school to take it back after he had already quit his current job
Greenberg Traurig Attorneys Recognized as Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers
Seven lawyers from global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP were recognized as Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers.
Timothy M. Ravich Elected to the Decalogue Society of Lawyers Board of Managers
Tressler attorney Timothy M. Ravich has been elected to the Decalogue Society of Lawyers Board of Managers.
Cook Co 'assault weapons' ban not constitutional, even under prior appeals court ruling upholding IL gun ban: Filing
Second Amendment rights advocates urged the Seventh Circuit Appeals Court to strike down Cook County's "assault weapons" ban ordinance and overrule their colleagues, saying the ordinance and the decision violate the Constitution and clash with two Supreme Court rulings
Plaintiffs Allege Major Food Corporation Misleads Consumers with False Claims About Frozen Fish Products
Plaintiffs have filed a class action lawsuit against Conagra Brands alleging deceptive marketing practices regarding their frozen fish products labeled as “100% Whole Fish.” The lawsuit claims these products contain industrial fillers like sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) to artificially increase weight and seeks various forms of relief including damages and injunctive measures.
Citizen Sues City of Chicago Over Alleged Civil Rights Violations
A gripping lawsuit has been filed by Derrick D. Evans against the City of Chicago and several police officers over alleged civil rights violations dating back to June 2022. The case involves accusations ranging from unlawful seizure of property to excessive force and false imprisonment.
Former Employee Alleges Severe Discrimination Against Healthcare Provider
Ruby Maskey has filed a lawsuit against Clarity Clinic alleging severe workplace discrimination based on national origin and retaliation following complaints about harassment. Filed in June 2024 in Illinois' Northern District Court, Maskey seeks over $400K in damages.
Judges’ association member recuses himself from case demanding judge association members recuse themselves from cases
U.S. District Judge Jorge L. Alonso is asking to be removed from a case that claims members in the state's largest judicial lobbying group-- of which he is one-- play favorites and back the rulings of their fellow members over those of litigants.
Herman Williams granted Certificate of Innocence by Lake County, Illinois Judge
Certificate of Innocence (COI) for Herman Williams is a validating milestone in his fight for justice following his wrongful conviction and decades in prison for the 1993 murder of his former wife.
Celebrating Pride Month: A Conversation With Kara Ingelhart
This year, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law’s Bluhm Legal Clinic launched the LGBTQI+ Rights Clinic to advance advocacy in support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) rights.
Burke sentenced to two years + $2M fine; Sentencing a 'disappointing spectacle,' says BGA
Prosecutors sought 8 years in prison for ex-Chicago Ald. Ed Burke, the highly powerful political figure who was convicted on extortion and political corruption charges in Dec. 2023. Burke held the position of City Council's Finance Chairman for decades, epitomizing political corruption and patronage, according to critics and prosecutors