News from 2024
Former Employee Alleges Illinois Department of Corrections Engaged in Racial Discrimination
Kenya Smith has filed a lawsuit against the Illinois Department of Corrections alleging racial discrimination and retaliation following her complaints about unfair treatment at work. The case highlights serious accusations involving lost wages due to exclusion from key duties and wrongful termination.
Former Employee Sues Hotel Management Company Over Biometric Data Violations
A former employee has filed a class action lawsuit against a hotel management company for allegedly violating Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA). The suit claims that the company collected and stored employees' fingerprint scans without proper consent or disclosure.
Deputy Alleges Racial Discrimination by Sheriff's Department
Desmond B. Warren has filed a lawsuit against Will County and its Sheriff’s Office alleging racial discrimination and retaliation after repeatedly being passed over for promotions despite being more qualified than selected candidates. The case highlights systemic issues within the department regarding race-based employment practices.
Chicago Police Officer Accused of Excessive Force in Lawsuit Filed by Local Resident
A new lawsuit filed by Jerome Fears accuses a Chicago police officer of using excessive force without justification during an incident outside a McDonald's on June 11, 2023. The case brings attention to issues of racial profiling and misconduct within the police department.
Sergeant Alleges Discrimination Against Village Police Department Over Pregnancy Accommodations
Kristina Tountas has filed a lawsuit against the Village of Westchester alleging multiple counts of discrimination related to pregnancy and disability accommodations. Filed on June 21, 2024, in federal court by Caffarelli & Associates Ltd., Tountas seeks various forms of relief including monetary damages for lost wages and emotional distress.
Former Employee Sues Chicago-Based Laundry Service Over Unpaid Overtime Wages
Magaly Ramirez has filed a lawsuit against Doctors Laundry Service Inc., alleging failure to pay overtime wages as required by law. Represented by Justicia Laboral LLC attorneys Daniel I. Schlade and James R. Mata, Ramirez seeks compensation for unpaid wages along with other statutory damages.
Former Employee Alleges Retaliation Against National Association of Realtors
A former employee has filed a lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors alleging discrimination and retaliation following internal complaints about workplace misconduct. The plaintiff seeks substantial damages for emotional distress and financial losses due to delayed or lost employment opportunities.
Former Employee Sues American Cleaning Company Over Sexual Harassment Allegations
A former project manager has filed a lawsuit against American Cleaning & Restoration South LLC and its executives for alleged sexual harassment and wrongful termination. The plaintiff seeks compensation for lost wages and emotional distress while demanding punitive damages against those involved.
Chicago Police Officer Accused of Excessive Force by Local Resident
A Chicago resident has filed a federal lawsuit accusing a city police officer of using excessive force during two separate incidents earlier this year. The complaint alleges violations of constitutional rights and seeks compensatory and punitive damages along with legal costs.
Plaintiff seeks recognition from Defendant USA on grounds rooted in history
Shedrick Northern has filed a lawsuit against multiple federal agencies seeking recognition for the Tribe of Judah as a distinct Indian tribe due to significant historical ties and constitutional rights violations alleged under various amendments and statutes
Plaintiff alleges Cook County Sheriff’s Office violated FOIA
Shedrick Northern-Bowes has filed a lawsuit against the Cook County Sheriff’s Office alleging violations of FOIA after failing to receive requested records related to his house arrest incident in August 2023. The case highlights issues surrounding transparency and compliance with public information laws.
Federal judge tosses suit vs IL Judges Assn accusing judges of creating 'league' to control courts, squelch critics
The Illinois Judges Association said the 'rambling diatribe against the judicial system' can't be heard in federal court. Judicial reform advocate plaintiff Edward "Coach" Weinhaus said the IJA's arguments in their motion to dismiss essentially prove his point. A federal judge agreed, three days after the motion to dismiss was filed
Greenberg Traurig Shareholder Jena M. Valdetero, Firm Recognized by Delinian Legal Media Group
Jena M. Valdetero, co-chair of the U.S. Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Practice of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, was named the “2024 Privacy & Data Protection Lawyer of the Year” by the Delinian Legal Media Group as part of its “Women in Business Law Awards Americas 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.