Scott G. Ridge
Cases of Note and Practice Highlights
 
  • Obtained favorable Declaratory Judgment decision in Chancery Court in Cook County, Illinois on behalf of automobile insurer regarding "non owned" auto coverage, and successfully defended case on appeal. The trial court found that insured's use of a non-owned vehicle that resulted in death of a minor pedestrian was "regular use" and ruled insured not covered under policy, and this decision was affirmed by the First District Appellate Court. American Freedom v. Uriosugui, 266 Ill.App.3d 1000 (1st Dist. 2006)

  • Obtained dismissal of plaintiff's products liability complaint against national retailer for sale of BB gun to a minor who lost sight in one eye, and successfully defended appeal of trial court's ruling. Plaintiff's Petition for Leave to Appeal was denied by the Illinois Supreme Court. Young v. Kmart, 266 Ill.App.3d 1130 (2d Dist. 1994), petition for leave to appeal to Illinois Supreme Court denied, 159 Ill.2d 583.

  • Successfully defended appeal plaintiff of Dram Shop jury verdict in favor of defendant in automobile death case where court found that adverse winter conditions were proven to be the proximate cause of auto accident and not the sale of alcohol. Krawczyk v. Polinski and American Stores. Inc., 267 Ill.App.3d 258 (2nd Dist. 1994)

  • Negotiated settlement of $70,000 for a "frozen shoulder" injury claimed by a 33 year old electrician against a national retailer where a store clerk dropped a water heater on his shoulder. The initial settlement demand was $1,500,000. Rance v. Kmart 91 L 296.

  • Successfully defended highway design case involving two lane road where both drivers died in head on collision and there were no witnesses. Plaintiff sued county on theory that the sight distance of no passing zone was inadequate. Case non-suited at close of expert discovery and never refilled. Deceased plaintiff was a corporate executive with six children. Koop v. County of Lake, 84 L 35 (Lake)

  • Defended emergency room doctor in medical malpractice case in which infant plaintiff was not diagnosed with meningitis. Infant sustained permanent brain damage resulting in substantial disability. Plaintiffs sought damages of $25,000,000. Case eventually settled with emergency room doctor making a nominal contribution to $8,000,000 settlement. Deiter v. Condell Hospital et al. 95 L 464 (Lake)

  • Obtained settlement for nuisance value after successful arbitration of a medical malpractice case against an emergency room physician for an alleged undiagnosed clavicular subluxation. Federowicz v. Condell Hospital et al. 95 L 1435 (Lake)