CHICAGO – A retail jeweler in Chicago alleges the building it leases was damaged by a nearby construction project and cost it more than $2 million in lost profits.
Harry Winston Inc. filed a complaint on Dec. 28 in Cook County Circuit Court against 65 Oak Street Owner LLC, LG Development Group LLC, and others, citing the Chicago Excavation Ordinance and other counts.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff leases a three-story building on East Oak Street in Chicago. The plaintiff alleges in February 2017, the defendants' construction activities for a new multilevel retail building on the same street caused "significant ground vibrations" and caused cracks in the plaintiff's building. It alleges it had to temporarily close for repairs and alleges the defendants' actions caused it lost profits of at least $2 million.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants failed to properly supervise the excavation and installation of earth retention systems, and failed to provide adequate safety measures or precautions.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks judgment against the defendants of more than $50,000, plus costs, expenses and other relief as the court deems just. It is represented by Peter E. Kanaris and Matthew F. Policastro of Kanaris, Stubenvoll & Heiss PC in Chicago.
Cook County Circuit Court case number 18-L-13934