News from December 2023
Avoiding a conflict of interest: Nearly a third of Illinois lawmakers have rejected a taxpayer-funded pension
Illinois’ public pension crisis is coming to the fore after three years of being ignored during covid. Billions in federal aid to both the private and public sectors helped Illinois politicians paper over the state’s growing debts and worsening retiree security, but with pandemic aid finally drying up, they soon won’t be able to ignore the problems.
Suit alleges railroad worker died due to exposure to toxins
The estate of a deceased railroad employee alleges he developed cancer due to exposure to toxins
Truck driver alleges wrongful termination following wrist injury
A man claims he was terminated from his employment after seeking workers compensation benefits following a wrist injury.
Plaintiffs in Paraquat litigation blame research shortage on Syngenta, EPA; Rosenstengel hears arguments on excluding experts
EAST ST. LOUIS - After an expert witness for plaintiffs claiming weed killer paraquat caused Parkinson's disease testified to attributing 74% of the weight of his causation opinion on one study, the plaintiffs explain a shortage of research by accusing manufacturer Syngenta of corrupting science in general and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in particular.
Transgender Burger King employee sues over alleged discrimination
A transgender Burger King employee claims she experienced a hostile work environment and discrimination based on her sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Attorney General Raoul Obtains Guilty Plea From Mclean County Man Over Dissemination of Child Pornography
Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that a Hudson, Illinois man prosecuted by the Attorney General’s office pleaded guilty to the dissemination of child pornography and was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Collinsville homeowners allege bathroom remodel caused house to flood
Collinsville homeowners claim their property suffered water damage when one of the plumbing fittings "catastrophically separated" from the pipe during a bathroom remodel and caused their home to flood.
Firefighter sues over PFAS exposure
A firefighter is suing several companies, alleging he developed cancer due to exposure to toxic chemicals.
Illinois population drops for 10th year in a row during 2023
People moving out of Illinois led to the 10th consecutive year of population decline, new Census Bureau data shows.
Rosenstengel presides over four-day hearing on Paraquat experts; Nearly 75% of causation depends on study from 1997
EAST ST. LOUIS - Thousands of plaintiffs who claim weed killer paraquat caused Parkinson’s disease depend mostly on a study from 1997 that didn’t establish causation, according to the transcript from a four-day hearing in Chief U.S. District Judge Nancy Rosenstengel's court.
Attorney General Raoul Reaches Settlement With Meat Processing Company Over Unpaid Overtime Wages
Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a consent decree resolving a lawsuit the office filed against a deli meat processing company based in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.
Bank sued over beneficiary check written for man presumed dead
A bank is being sued for allegedly writing a beneficiary check to a man who has been missing and is presumed dead.
Madison County homeowners sue over botched home repairs
Madison County homeowners claim construction companies failed to adequately repair their home following substantial fire damage in May 2019.
William J. Rogers and Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP Support The Special Olympics Annual Champions Ball
Partner William J. Rogers, his wife Mary, and Swanson, Martin & Bell, LLP were proud to support the 2023 Special Olympics Champions Ball.
Health care system sued following private network hack
A proposed class action was filed against a health care system for allegedly failing to adequately protect patients' private information.
Former Wood River resident alleges PFAS exposure in drinking water
A man who was raised in Wood River claims he developed cancer due to exposure to toxins.
Mandatory mediation sees 57% success rate in the Southern District of Illinois, saving court resources
EAST ST. LOUIS - Mediators have achieved 111 settlements of civil suits in U. S. District Court since Chief Judge Nancy Rosenstengel introduced mandatory mediation.
It's A Wonderful County!
Hope born of the realization that despite all the negative publicity, (Madison County) really was a Wonderful County, and the power to change the current course of events comes from within–within him and all who think alike.
Thompson Coburn Names Six New Partners, Four Counsel for 2024
Thompson Coburn is proud to announce that the Firm has elected six attorneys to partnership and promoted four attorneys to counsel, effective January 1, 2024.
Class action alleges damages following credit union data breach
A proposed class action was filed against a credit union after it allegedly failed to notify customers about a data breach.