As a defense litigator I’m relied on to evaluate the settlement and verdict potential of cases for my clients. I recently settled a case that involved a female teenager with a large keloid scar on her leg below her knee. Personal injury cases involving scarring may seem straight forward but they can be challenging to […]
Insurance Litigation Defense
General Contractors Beware
General contractors should be aware that simply paying workers’ compensation insurance premiums for a subcontractor will not provide them with the exclusive remedy protection under the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. The Illinois Supreme Court confirmed that the exclusive remedy provisions of the Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305/5(a), 11) do not extend to a general […]
Petrillo Issues Still Coming Up in Trial
In a jury trial I had this summer, the Petrillo issue was once again raised. The trial involved a construction accident resulting in serious injuries. Before the judge could rule on the Petrillo issue, the case settled. What could have been a protracted trial and appellate matter, was averted by the settlement. Nevertheless, the case […]
Knee Reconstruction Surgery and Knee Revision Surgery: Settled for High Costs of Defense
Attorney Alex Sweis recently settled a high exposure knee surgery and pain injection case for a high cost of defense, take it or leave it offer. The plaintiff in the case allegedly sustained left knee ACL tear and underwent various pain management procedures on his cervical spine. The plaintiff underwent two knee surgeries and […]
UNDERSTANDING INSURANCE POLICIES FOR SMALL AND MIDSIZE BUSINESSES
Small to midsize businesses often do not have legal teams to advise them on the types of insurance coverage they need to protect their businesses. They rely upon the broker to assess their needs without fully understanding what an insurance policy is. Below are some insurance coverage basics for both the novice and a refresher […]
The Continuing Evolution Of E-Scooters
Many commuters consider 2018 as “the year of the scooter” with Bird and Lime having started an electric battery-operated scooter service in California late in 2017. With a maximum speed of 15 mph, these short-range electric vehicles consist of a narrow platform on which the rider stands with 1 foot in front of the other […]
COVID 19 Pandemic-Notice To Insurers-Who To Notify And When
The landscape of insurance coverage in this era of the COVID-19 Pandemic is likely to change as insurance lawsuits are being filed to determine scope of insurance coverage. Meanwhile, in direct response to COVID-19, several states are attempting to modify Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance policies through legislation to provide coverage, particularly business interruption insurance, […]
Insurance Coverage And The COVID 19 Pandemic
As more than a billion people are under some sort of quarantine law and numerous US states and foreign countries have “shelter in place” laws now shuttering many businesses, COVID 19 has caused a financial crisis for many businesses.
Three Level Cervical Fusion Surgery Policy Demand: Settled for High Costs of Defense
Attorney Alex Sweis recently settled a high exposure cervical fusion claim for a high cost of defense, take it or leave it offer. The plaintiff in the case allegedly sustained cervical herniations at levels C3-C6.
When an Expedient Settlement in an Insurance Defense Case Works Best
In just eight weeks, McKenna Storer attorney Alex Sweis delivers an expedient settlement with optimal results for his insurance client.