News from May 2024
'Unconstitutional dragnet:' Class action seeks to shut down IL cops' automated license plate readers
The federal lawsuit asserts the system, established in Cook County and then expanded to the rest of the state to trace criminals and fight crime, unconstitutionally tracks the movements of drivers throughout the state, whether suspected criminals or not
Plaintiff alleges police officer used excessive force resulting in death
Michael Anthony Godinez has filed a lawsuit against police officer Travon Done and Sauk Village alleging excessive use of force leading to his son's death during an altercation at a party on May 27, 2023.
Plaintiff alleges employment discrimination against former employer GRID Alternatives
Tricia Partlow has filed a lawsuit against GRID Alternatives alleging sex-based discrimination and retaliation under Title VII and IHRA statutes following unwelcome advances from her supervisor Irasema Garcia which led to a hostile work environment and wrongful termination.
IL Supreme Court rewrites attorney 'discrimination' rule; Critics predict court challenges forthcoming
Supporters say the rule change will create a stronger 'deterrent' to discriminatory and harassing behavior by lawyers in the state. Opponents say the new rule imposes an unconstitutional 'speech code' on Illinois lawyers, and likely will be challenged in court
Judge clears City Hall in cops' religious discrimination suit over Covid shot mandate
Federal judge notes city granted exemptions to shot, only insisted on reporting of test and vaccination status
Baker McKenzie wins Client Management Innovation Award at Law.com Legal Innovation & Technology Awards
Leading global law firm, Baker McKenzie is pleased to announce that it has won the Client Management Innovation Award at the 2024 Law.com Legal Innovation & Technology Awards.
Woman sues Creative Dining Services for unpaid overtime wages and disability discrimination
Woman sues Creative Dining Services alleging unpaid overtime wages and wrongful termination due to disability discrimination.
Man sues Bolt Electrical LLC for unpaid wages under federal and state laws
Andrew Stout sues Bolt Electrical LLC alleging non-payment of $1,863 in earned wages under FLSA and state laws.
Plaintiffs allege Mentholatum company's acne products contain carcinogenic Benzene
Wioletta Smoter and Joanna Taraszka have filed a class action lawsuit against The Mentholatum Company alleging its OXY® acne treatment products contain benzene, a known carcinogen. Filed in Illinois federal court on May 20th, they seek damages for misleading safety claims regarding these skincare items.
Plaintiff alleges computer duster manufacturer negligence led to husband's death
Spring Piatek has filed a class action lawsuit against Norazza Inc., alleging that their product Endust led to her husband's fatal addiction due to inadequate warnings about its dangers. The suit highlights rising public health concerns around inhalant abuse involving computer dusters containing harmful chemicals like DFE.
Chicago Police Officers accused of civil rights violations
Jovan Streeter and Marquita Beecham have filed a federal lawsuit accusing several Chicago police officers and the City of Chicago of civil rights violations stemming from two separate encounters involving false arrest and excessive force among other charges.
Honoring Our Military Families: Tressler Attorney Jennifer Dancy and Combat Craft Operator Zac Dancy Move to Guam
“Permanent Change of Station (“PCS”) moves are incredibly stressful for military families.
Burbank OK to strip pension from firefighter convicted of sex abuse of 17-year-old cadet: Appeals court
Firefighter retired one day after notification of 'inappropriate relationship'
Plaintiff alleges Cambium Networks misled investors about financial health
A class action lawsuit has been filed against Cambium Networks Corporation alleging violations of federal securities laws due to misleading statements about their financial health which led to significant investor losses between May 8, 2023, and January 18, 2024.
Former employee alleges race-based discrimination against retail giant Meijer
Debra Lewis has filed a lawsuit against Meijer Inc., alleging race-based discrimination and retaliation under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 after being terminated shortly after reporting racial harassment at work. She seeks compensatory damages among other reliefs.
Plaintiff alleges West Suburban Nursing Home terminated employment due to disability
Marita Santos has filed a lawsuit against West Suburban Nursing and Rehabilitation Center alleging wrongful termination based on disability discrimination after being diagnosed with endometrial cancer. The suit seeks various forms of relief including compensation for lost wages and punitive damages.
Plaintiff alleges Walgreen Pharmacy Services failed to pay overtime
Katie Jackson has filed a collective and class action lawsuit against Walgreen Pharmacy Services Midwest LLC alleging failure to compensate employees for all hours worked including overtime in violation of FLSA laws. The case was filed on May 21, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Chicago says Berwyn blocking investigation of city worker potentially improperly living in suburb
The Chicago Office of the Inspector General has filed suit against the city of Berwyn, claiming the suburban city officials are improperly refusing to turn over complete water bill records which could reveal the identity of a Chicago city worker who may be living in Berwyn in violation of city policy
Illinois Central Railroad hit with class action over truck driver railyard gate fingerprint scans
A class action lawsuit accuses Illinois Central Railroad of allegedly violating the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act by requiring truck drivers to scan their fingerprints when entering their railyards.
Family of woman hurt in laundry room gas vapor explosion can't use IL enviro law to sue gas station owners
The Illinois Supreme Court has ruled the Illinois Environmental Protection Act doesn't empower individuals to sue gas station owners for injuries caused by leaking underground fuel tanks. A woman had sued the owner of a Willowbrook Speedway station over a 2017 explosion in her laundry room caused by vapors that traveled through the sewer