Business and Commercial Litigation

Our Business and Commercial Litigation Practice involves representing large and small businesses in a variety of complex corporate matters for both Plaintiff and Defense clients. Representative litigation cases encompass virtually every type of dispute that can arise in a business setting.

Cases

Trial verdict for $2.2 million on behalf of Fortune 500 client arising from crane accident at plant in South Milwaukee. (Subrogation)
Four homeowners sued developers for fraud due to ground settlement of homes of over 10 inches resulting in widespread damage. At trial, Plaintiff was awarded in excess of $2,000,000; including compensatory damages, Attorney fees and punitive damages. Note from jury received 10 minutes after deliberations started, asking if they could award Attorney fees and punitive damages. Case was affirmed on appeal. Linhart v. Bridgview Creek Dev., Inc., 391 Ill. App. 3d 630, 909 N.E.2d 865 (Ill. App. Ct. 2009) appeal denied, 223 Ill. 2d 561, 919 N.E.2d 353 (2009). (Real Estate and Transaction)
Defended a Director of an elder care facility against allegations of national origin and religious discrimination. Also prosecuted a counterclaim for defamation resulting in the dismissal of the claims for discrimination and the recovery of compensatory damages and attorney’s fees for the defamation counterclaim. (Defamation and Trade Disparagement)
$850,000. Settlement on behalf of St. Louis public utility arising from methane gas explosion. (Subrogation)
Represented Fortune 500 Company for damages resulting from an electrical explosion caused by contractor who struck underground electrical line. (Subrogation)
Represented a major restaurant group in Corporate and Shareholder disputes. (Corporation and Shareholder Disputes)
Represented University claiming damages caused by premature discharge of sprinkler head in new library building on campus. (Subrogation)
Defended subrogation suit seeking $12 million in damages for explosion which destroyed office building, resulting in settlement for nuisance value. (Subrogation)
Represented Seller of Real Estate in multimillion dollar real estate transaction dispute with Buyer. Trial verdict affirmed on Appeal. Awarded compensatory damages and attorney’s fees. (Real Estate and Transaction)
Suit against Beverage Industry giant for trademark infringement concerning the use of the brand name “Zero”. (Intellectual Property)
Trial verdict awarded over $300,000. on behalf of oil terminal located in Detroit whose river dock was destroyed by a barge which struck the dock after dark. (Commercial)
Represented insurance company in asserting successful arson defense. Courts of the Phoenix v. Charter Oak Fire Ins. Co., 560 F.Supp. 858 (N.D. I11. 1983). (Insurance Fraud and Property)
Established criteria for granting continuance of trial under Illinois Civil Procedure. Bethany Reformed Church of Lynwood v. Hager, 406 N.E.2d 93 (1st I11.App. 1979). (Procedural)
Established guidelines for long-arm jurisdiction under Illinois law while representing bank under U.C.C. forged check provisions. Froning & Deppe, Inc. v. Continental Illinois Nat. Bank & Trust Co., 695 F.2d 289 (7th Cir. 1982). (Procedural)
Established precedent under Illinois law for pursuing sanctions against bank for bad faith litigation. Riverdale Bank v. Papastratakos, 639 N.E.2d 219 (1st I11.App. 1994). (Procedural)
Insurer sued insured seeking an assignment to pursue subrogation rights which Insured had refused to give. Trial Court found for the Insured. Reversed on appeal, in favor of American Family. American Family v. McGrath 2011 Ill. App.Unpub. LEXIS317.