March 2024

IL divorce lawyerRetirement savings accounts are often one of a married couple’s most valuable assets, especially in a long-term marriage. Since Illinois law states that both spouses can be said to have made contributions to building that asset, both spouses will receive a fair and equitable share of their 401(k). Contributions do not need to be direct financial contributions to count under Illinois law. Homemakers and stay-at-home parents can contribute to their spouse’s ability to earn money to put into retirement accounts in other ways. Only allowing the spouse who worked for pay to keep a married couple’s retirement funds could produce
Continue Reading Who Keeps the 401(k) After Divorce in Illinois

IL divorcel lawyerMarital disputes can make you feel completely isolated. Social media is full of carefully created but usually unrealistic portrayals of “perfect” marriages. When you and your spouse are having a serious argument, or your spouse has done something that truly upset you, you might not know what to do. While virtually all married couples have disagreements, some types of disputes or misconduct are more serious than others and may lead to the marriage ending. Some spouses choose divorce right away while others may choose to try to reconcile. You have legal options if your marriage is struggling or you
Continue Reading Legal Options After Marital Disputes in Illinois

IL defense lawyerTwo adults in Illinois can willingly decide to fight. This is in fact, fairly common. In some cases, adults decide to fight for recreational purposes, and it is quite clear that both parties consented to the combat. For example, if you participate in an organized wrestling or martial arts competition, you probably have to sign a document agreeing to experience physical contact that would otherwise be considered criminal assault. In other cases, it is less clear whether both adults implicitly agreed to fight each other. Bar fights are a fairly common example of a physical struggle that may or may
Continue Reading The Mutual Combat Defense in Illinois

Illinois birth injury lawyerBirth injuries can be a very emotional experience for families. In Illinois, surgical interventions are often necessary to address these injuries and provide the best possible outcome for the mother and child. Understanding the types of surgical interventions available and what to expect can help families navigate this difficult time with confidence. If you or your child has suffered a birth injury, contact an experienced attorney who can bear the burden of the legal side of your injury while you help your family recover.
Most Common Forms of Surgical Intervention for Birth Injuries 
A cesarean section (C-section) is arguably the
Continue Reading Surgical Interventions for Addressing Birth Injuries: What You Need to Know in Illinois

Kendall County Personal Injury LawyerThe Illinois workers’ compensation statute was enacted to protect workers if they suffer work-related injuries or develop an occupational disease. Workers’ comp benefits ensure that the injured employee’s medical expenses will all be paid, and they will receive a percentage of their wages while recovering from their injuries.
Unfortunately, far too many employers and their insurance companies deny an injured worker’s claim, leaving that worker in a difficult situation. The following are some of the most common reasons cited for denial. If your claim has been denied, it is important to contact an Illinois workers’ compensation lawyer right away.
Continue Reading Common Reasons for a Denied Illinois Workers’ Compensation Claim 

ABSTRACT: Missouri Supreme Court establishes elements of claim for aiding and abetting discrimination under the MHRA, and also finds that employees may state a claim for hostile work environment, even if they did not directly witness the discriminatory conduct, because they too may feel the impact of discriminatory acts.

In an earlier blog I wrote that the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, had overruled the Circuit Court’s dismissal of claims for racial discrimination, hostile work environment, and aiding and abetting discrimination filed by several Black employees of Syncreon and Harley Davidson. See Emanual Matthews, et al. v. Harley Davidson


Continue Reading Missouri Supreme Court establishes elements of a claim for aiding and abetting discrimination, and more

 
Joliet, IL catastrophic injury lawyerSuffering a catastrophic injury can have a devastating impact on a person’s life, impacting their physical and emotional well-being, financial security, and overall quality of life. In Illinois, people who have sustained catastrophic injuries due to the negligence of another party may be entitled to compensation related to their injury. 
If you or someone you love has suffered a catastrophic injury, taking swift legal action can turn a tragic situation into one of hope and optimism toward building a successful future. To pursue a positive resolution to this tragic situation, contact a lawyer to learn what legal steps
Continue Reading Maximizing Compensation After a Catastrophic Injury in Illinois

Allegations of any criminal wrongdoing can threaten your freedom and your future. Accusations pertaining to violent crimes, though, can be especially threatening. And all too often, individuals who were acting within their rights at the time of the alleged offense are arrested, convicted, and stripped of their liberty, all because they don’t know how to properly defend themselves.
But how can you effectively defend yourself against allegations of violent crime? One of the strongest defense strategies that you might be able to utilize is self-defense. In this post, we want to look at Illinois’ self-defense law and how you might
Continue Reading What you need to know about the Illinois ‘Castle Doctrine’

US Supreme Court to Review Potential Limits of Statute
A case pending before the Supreme Court, Snyder v. United States, is set for oral arguments on April 14, 2024, with a ruling expected in the following months which could impact how and when the federal government prosecutes individuals under what is titled Theft or Bribery Concerning Programs Receiving Federal Funds or section 666 of Title 18 of the United States Code. At issue is whether the statute encompasses conduct other than a “quid-pro-quo” for an official act from a public official. In other words, does an after-the-fact reward that
Continue Reading Supreme Court to Weigh Scope of Federal Bribery Statute

The Unemployment Insurance Act (“Act”) requires all Illinois employers to file a report with the Illinois Department of Employment Security (“IDES”) containing certain information about “newly hired employees.” The definition of “newly hired employees” was amended by Public Act 103-0343, signed into law by Governor Pritzker on July 28, 2023.

Newly Hired Employees Defined

As of January 1, 2024, all Illinois employers must report both employees and independent contractors who (i) have not previously been employed by the employer or (ii) who were previously employed by the employer but have separated from that prior employment for at least 60 consecutive
Continue Reading New Reporting Requirements Under Unemployment Insurance Act

At the heart of our practice lies a deep commitment to serving those who have been wronged. We understand that facing a legal challenge can be one of the most stressful periods in a person’s life, which is why we are dedicated to navigating these tumultuous waters with you. SAM LAW OFFICE, LLC recently represented […]
The post Protecting Children: Success in Hague Convention Case appeared first on SAM LAW OFFICE LLC.
Continue Reading Protecting Children: Success in Hague Convention Case

Construction is a vital industry, but it’s also one of the most hazardous. Workers regularly face risks, and falls from heights are a prevalent cause of catastrophic injuries and even death. Of particular concern are the traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that can result from these falls, often involving ladders and scaffolding.
Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction sector, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A significant portion of these fatalities involve falls from heights, with ladders and scaffolding posing particular dangers. Ladders can become unstable if not properly secured or used incorrectly.
Continue Reading How construction workers may sustain TBIs from falling from heights

If you’ve been hurt at work and need legal help, finding the best work-related injury lawyer near you is crucial. These lawyers specialize in helping people who’ve been injured on the job. They can guide you through the legal process and fight for your rights to compensation. But how do you find the best one for your case? Well, it’s not as hard as you might think! By doing a little research and asking the right questions, you can find a skilled lawyer who will work hard to get you the help you need. Let’s understand everything in detail about
Continue Reading Work Related Injury Lawyer Near Me

An Illinois Appellate Court recently found candidates
substantially complied with the Election Code against a challenge to the language on the circulator’s certification. Gallagher v. Cook County Officers Electoral Board.
Candidates for the office of
Appellate Court Judge filed nomination papers to be included on the March
2024 primary election ballot. The nomination papers included affidavits
certifying their petitions were signed during the required statutory
period. Objectors claimed the candidates’ affidavits did not comply with the
Election Code (Code) because the date range deviated from the Code’s required language,and the candidates should not be on the ballot.
The affidavits contained
Continue Reading Court Finds Substantial Compliance with Election Code

NPE activity was above the norm for year-end.* Frequent filers included Ameranth, AML, Cedar Lane Technologies, Consolidated Transaction Processing, Linfo IP, Locket IP, Nimitz Technologies, R2 Solutions, Recog IP, and Sunflower Licensing.

As usual, I prepared the report in partnership with and using Docket Navigator and its powerful database. Docket Navigator is a valuable resource, and the place to go if you want to keep track of new patent litigation filings or want to know what is happening in particular cases, how your judge has historically handled a particular type of motion, or a particular plaintiff’s litigation history. Finally, please
Continue Reading DECEMBER 2022 RETAIL PATENT LITIGATION REPORT