Umbrella Insurer Obligations under BIPA: Thermoflex Waukegan LLC v. Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance USA Inc.
Umbrella insurance policies provide excess liability above the limits of one’s typical insurance policy. Umbrella insurers cover any incidents that are not specifically excluded, such as some professional or business activities or any liabilities you agree to assume. On May 17, 2024, in Thermoflex Waukegan LLC v. Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance USA Inc., the 7th Circuit
Illinois Counties Selling Houses for Unpaid Taxes and Not Reimbursing Owners for Equity Triggers Class Action Lawsuit
Tax foreclosures are indeed legal. However, on May 25, 2023, the Supreme Court held in Tyler v. Hennepin, 598 U.S. 631 (2023), that when a local government takes a home at a property tax foreclosure and keeps the homeowner’s equity after the tax debt is paid, it violates the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment
FTC Votes to Ban Noncompetes
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has voted to approve a regulation which would ban noncompete agreements on a national level. The regulation stipulates that noncompete agreements unfairly limit workers’ mobility and lead to lower pay. The agency first proposed the ban on noncompete agreements in January of 2023, asserting the argument that they unfairly limit
Noncitizen Workers & Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement
In 2011, the Department of Labor (DOL), in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), issued a memorandum known as the “DHS-DOL Worksite Enforcement Memorandum of Understanding,” in order to address protections for undocumented workers. Updates and revisions to this memo have taken place periodically over time and, most recently, in 2023 when the
A Comprehensive Overview of the Illinois Trade Secrets Act (765 ILCS 1065/)
The Illinois Trade Secrets Act (“ITSA”) serves as a crucial legal framework for protecting businesses from the unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information. Enacted under 765 ILCS 1065/1 et seq., the ITSA establishes a cause of action for individuals harmed by the improper access of trade secrets. This article provides a comprehensive overview of
§179D Energy Efficient Tax Deduction
Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, you may qualify for the Internal Revenue Code §179D energy efficient tax deduction on construction or capital improvement costs designed to increase a building’s energy efficiency. This deduction is available for private or commercial buildings, as well as public schools, federal, state, local government, municipality, and military buildings.
The Surge of Genetic Privacy Lawsuits in Illinois and the Impact of GIPA on Businesses
Illinois’ Genetic Information Privacy Act (GIPA) has gained notable attention alongside the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA), particularly due to an increase in class action lawsuits, reaching 30 cases in 2023. This surge is attributed to several factors, including parallels in the right of action and remedy provisions shared between GIPA and BIPA. GIPA,
Chicago Mayor Introduces Clean Buildings Ordinance to Phase Out Fossil Fuels in New Construction
Mayor Brandon Johnson introduced an ordinance on January 24, 2024, establishing an indoor emissions standard that would eliminate fossil fuel combustion in many new commercial and residential construction and renovation projects. The ordinance essentially prohibits the use of natural gas appliances and energy systems such as gas stoves and boilers in new construction. At the
Labor & Workers’ Compensation Law Updates for 2024
P.A. 103-0282 (HB 1363) (Rep. Guzzardi, Sen. Villa) – GENDER VIOLENCE- EMPLOYER DUTY This new legislation provides that an employer is only liable for gender-related violence committed in the workplace (rather than the work environment) by an employee or agent of the employer when the gender-related, violent interaction arises out of and in the course
Healthcare & Insurance New Laws
P.A. 103-0123 (HB 1384) (Rep. Cassidy, Sen. Loughran Cappel) – RECONSTRUCTIVE SERVICES This new law provides that a managed care plan that is altered, presented, issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025 may not refuse coverage for medically necessary services reconstructive services that are intended to restore physical appearance. Illinois Municipal League took