Illinois Supreme Court to Decide Viability and Scope of Gant: Negligent Training Claims Against Employers for Employee’s Motor Vehicle Accident

In McQueen v. Pan-Oceanic Engineering Co., Inc., the plaintiff sued both a truck driver for negligence and the employer for vicarious liability, as well as for independent claims of negligent and reckless training. Although Pan-Oceanic admitted responsibility for the driver’s conduct, the jury found the driver not negligent yet imposed liability on Pan-Oceanic for failing to properly train the driver, awarding both compensatory and punitive damages; the trial court upheld the verdicts as legally consistent. On appeal, the Illinois Appellate Court reversed, holding that under Gant an employer cannot be held liable for negligent training where the employee is found not negligent, rejecting the plaintiff’s argument that negligent training claims are analytically distinct from negligent hiring and retention and remanding the matter for further proceedings.

The Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) Is Back Before the Illinois Supreme Court

The Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) is back in the spotlight as it heads to the Illinois Supreme Court. The case, McDonald v. Symphony Bronzeville Park LLC, questions if employees can seek damages under BIPA in light of the Workers’ Compensation Act. The appellate court suggests that BIPA’s privacy protections may outweigh workers’ comp rights. As the Supreme Court prepares to weigh in, corporate defendants brace for a tough battle. Will BIPA claims prevail? Read on to find out!

Get Ready for a Wild Ride: The Illinois Supreme Court Decides that a Bare Violation of BIPA Supports a Cause of Action, with No Actual Injury Required

Get ready for a pivotal decision from the Illinois Supreme Court on the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA)! This ruling establishes that a violation of BIPA alone can support a legal claim, with no actual harm needed. As biometric data is sensitive, this empowers consumers against companies that fail to protect their information. Discover how this ruling is changing the legal landscape in Illinois!

Illinois Supreme Court Analyzes Circumstances Where Illinois Courts May Obtain Jurisdiction Over Foreign Corporations

In a landmark decision, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that a French company, SNFA, could be held liable in Illinois despite having no physical presence in the state. This case, stemming from a tragic helicopter crash, raises critical questions about jurisdiction and the “stream of commerce” doctrine. The court’s analysis reveals a split in legal interpretations, with implications for how foreign corporations engage in U.S. markets. As the majority affirms jurisdiction based on business relationships, dissenting opinions warn of potential overreach. Discover the nuances of this pivotal ruling and its impact on corporate accountability.