Category: Business Law
Hospitality Industry Loses COVID-19 Lawsuit Against State of Illinois
Hospitality jobs in Illinois have declined nearly 52 percent since the pandemic began, according to new data, as lawsuits continue against the governor’s orders to close nonessential businesses. While leisure and hospitality jobs were hit the hardest, the number of small businesses open in Illinois overall has fallen by about 36.5 percent, as of March
Proposed Changes to Biometric Information Privacy Act
Illinois lawmakers have introduced House Bill 559 to add new provisions to the Biometric Information Privacy Act (“BIPA”). However, there is debate over whether the changes would gut BIPA’s power. BIPA requires private entities to inform persons in writing about the purpose of any biometric information collection, use, or storage. Biometric data includes fingerprint technology,
Leave Pay for Employees During Military Service
Many businesses employ individuals who must take leave from work for military service. In these instances, employers are often unsure of which federal, state, and local wage laws apply. Fortunately, the Seventh Circuit recently clarified the applicable laws regarding employee compensation during short-term military leave. On February 3, 2021, the Seventh Circuit decided White v.
New Illinois Law Allows Third-Party Services to Deliver Alcohol
Illinois residents hoping to enjoy a cocktail, but not wanting to face the cold weather or deal with strict social distancing practices, can now have spirits delivered directly to their home via smartphone apps. On January 13, 2021, the Illinois General Assembly passed a bill allowing third party service companies, such as Grubhub and Doordash,
The Specialized Knowledge of Construction Engineering Firms and their Duty to Disclose Conditions
Construction engineering firms should be aware of a recent ruling regarding a firm’s duty to disclose housing conditions to purchasers. In the case 21 Kristin Condominium Ass’n v. Pioneer Engineering & Environmental Services, the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court reversed a circuit court’s dismissal of a complaint that alleged negligent misrepresentation on the
Lightfoot’s New Budget Includes Property Tax increase
The Chicago City Council voted to approve Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s $12.8 billion budget plan, including a $94 million property tax increase. The budget was passed on November 24th, which was followed by the property tax levy that then passed by a 28-22 vote. The property tax increase goes into effect in 2021 and includes an
Strategies to Combat Truck Driver Shortages
The freight industry has experienced a massive pendulum swing this year, beginning with an all-time high of 471,000 drivers in February 2020, to an eight-year low of 440,000 drivers by October 2020. The drop in the number of drivers is a product of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated economic effects. Among these effects was
Momentum Grows For Change In Law Firm Ownership Rules
There is a growing list of states considering a change to their legal system rules that would allow non-lawyer entities to own law firms. New York, Illinois, Connecticut, Florida, and North Carolina are all exploring the possibility of making substantial ownership changes they hope could potentially make civil legal services more affordable to middle class
Major Boon for Insureds Seeking COVID-19 Business Interruption Coverage
Recent cases involving insurance companies against insured businesses seeking COVID-19 business interruption coverage could be of great importance due to the decisions’ focus on the impact of the virus as well as the expectations of a reasonable insured. A Missouri Court in Blue Springs Dental Care v. Owners Ins. Co. examined the “direct physical loss
Business Liability for Family Members of Workers who Contract COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised many new questions in employment law. One emerging question is the liability of a business when a worker who was infected while on the job, passes the COVID-19 infection to his or her family member(s). This issue has yet to be addressed by most courts, however a recent Kane County,