News from September 2016
Bretz Wildlife Lodge & Winery in Carlyle accused of performing BMI music without license
Music producer and publishing group BMI (Broadcast Music Inc.) on Aug. 31 filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois alleging that Bretz Wildlife Lodge & Winery in Carlyle violated copyright laws by playing music from BMI's catalog without a license.
Sandberg Phoenix bolsters medical practice with hiring of two new attorneys
ST. LOUIS – Sandberg Phoenix is bolstering its health law practice with the hiring of two experienced attorneys, Cassie Lewandowski and Untress Quinn.
Asbestos plaintiff seeks to restore verdict after Fourth District rejects claims
SPRINGFIELD – Former plasterer Joseph Sondag, who won a jury verdict in an asbestos trial but lost it on appeal due to his excellent breathing, aims to restore it at the Illinois Supreme Court.
Motorist alleges another driver caused crash
BELLEVILLE — A St. Clair County woman is suing a motorist, alleging negligence in causing a vehicle crash that injured the plaintiff. .
Estate accuses retirement facility owner of wrongful death
BELLEVILLE — A St. Clair County woman is suing a Caseyville retirement facility, alleging their negligence led to a wrongful death.
Class certification order in property tax sale scheme stands; Losses may be determined by sub classes
MOUNT VERNON – Associate circuit judge William Becker may proceed with a class action trial over bid rigging by former Madison County treasurer Fred Bathon, Fifth District appellate judges ruled on Sept. 7.
Take home pay of Madison County officials is four times higher than average worker, thanks to current salaries and pension payments
Four county officials and a state senator from Madison County combined earn close to $1 million annually in current salary and pension payments, all funded by taxpayers.
Legal counsel seeks $700,000 from former employer
EDWARDSVILLE — A Madison County man is suing a local company where he once worked as legal counsel, alleging unpaid wages of $700,000.
Driver blames another motorist for causing crash
EDWARDSVILLE — A Madison County woman is suing a motorist, alleging the defendant's negligence caused a car crash that injured the plaintiff.
Chinese storage rack manufacturer alleges distributor owes $311,000
EDWARDSVILLE — A China-based storage rack manufacturer is suing a Madison distributor, alleging it owes more than $311,000 for breach of contract.
Milk hauler blames Prairie Farms Dairy for interfering with his employment
COLLINSVILLE — A truck hauling manager is suing Prairie Farms Dairy and its employee, alleging they unfairly interfered with his employment.
School administrator blames ex-husband for recording his alleged rape of her and sending to co-workers
EDWARDSVILLE — A Madison County woman is suing her former husband, alleging he interfered with the performance of her job as a school administrator.
Prenzler questions whether county IMRF members are putting in 600 hours
Madison County Treasurer Kurt Prenzler doubts whether all county board members currently enrolled in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) are putting in the necessary hours for eligibility in the pension fund.
Couple blames Phillips 66 for husband's injuries
EDWARDSVILLE — A Madison County couple is suing Phillips 66, alleging an unsafe work environment led to the husband suffering injuries.
Highland couple alleges insurance providers breached contract
EDWARDSVILLE — A Highland couple is suing insurance companies, alleging lack of coverage after an automobile accident.
Missouri motorist accuses truck driver of causing crash
EDWARDSVILLE — A Missouri motorist is suing a driver and his employer, alleging their negligence caused a crash that injured the plaintiff.
Madison County man accuses employer of age discrimination
EDWARDSVILLE — A Madison County man is suing a Collinsville business, alleging he was fired because of his age.
Updated asbestos standing order sets max trial settings and moves cases not ready for trial into 'special closed' docket
Beginning in 2017, the court will set no more than 780 cases for trial each year; plaintiffs will be required to show proof of asbestos-related illness before requesting a trial setting; lung cancer cases will be subjected to greater scrutiny and cases that aren't ready for trial as their trial date approaches will be placed in a "special closed" docket.
Report: Justice for sale in Illinois
More than $35 million in trial lawyer contributions to elected officials in Illinois during the past decade and a half further evidences that justice is for sale in a state that has become
Fifth District upholds LeChien; Affirms order granting dismissal, summary judgment in farmland dispute
The Fifth District Appellate Court affirmed St. Clair County Circuit Judge Robert LeChien’s order granting dismissal and summary judgment in a leased farmland dispute.