Chicago Attorneys Obtain Summary Judgment for Convenience Store Client in a Premises Liability Action

Chicago Partner Paul A. Ruscheinski and Counsel Alissa DeConinck recently obtained summary judgment in a premises liability action stemming from an incident at a convenience store located in Will County, Illinois.

Plaintiff, an elderly gentlemen sustained significant injuries and alleged that crumbled pavement combined with snow and ice, to cause his fall in front our client’s convenience store. Paul and Alissa’s primary argument was: 1) there was no evidence that Defendant’s conduct caused Plaintiff’s injuries; and, 2) Defendant did not possess any duty to protect Plaintiff from snow tracked in from outside an overhead awning covering the front area of the store.

Our Illinois defense team fortified their argument regarding causation by citing to Plaintiff’s concessions, which he provided to his medical providers immediately after the fall, stating that he did not know what caused his fall. The 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Will County, Illinois agreed with the defense argument regarding causation, and granted summary judgment in our client’s favor.

Paul Ruscheinski has extensive experience in defending professional and executive liability matters, premises and products liability claims as well as and toxic tort defense. His legal practice also includes employment and business liability matters assisting clients with corporate and commercial litigation.

Alissa DeConinck focuses her practice on premises liability claims, construction negligence, products liability and toxic tort matters. She has experience researching and analyzing related negligence and liability case law, and has successfully argued dispositive motions before the court, jury trials, bench trials and arbitrations. Alissa has acted as lead defense counsel on more than a dozen personal injury and property damage trials.