July 20, 2010

Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, Files Lawsuit Against Jesse White Tumbling Team, Inc.

CHICAGO – Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, has filed a lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court on behalf of its client, a Chicago teenager, against The Jesse White Tumbling Team, Inc., for failing to properly supervise the tumblers and provide proper medical care at a Fourth of July parade in Wheeling in 2008. As a result, the plaintiff, a former team member, suffered permanent paralysis of the lower half of his body.

For the front page story, “A daring stunt gone wrong,” which appeared in the July 20, 2010 Chicago Tribune, http://www.chicagotribune.com/health/ct-met-paralyzed-tumbler-20100719,0,1126862.story

November 24, 2009

Romanucci & Blandin Wins a $22.3 Million Verdict For Client in Medical Negligence Lawsuit

CHICAGO – A Cook County jury late yesterday awarded the parents of a now ten-year-old boy with a $22.3 million verdict in a medical negligence case arising out of the care and treatment on May 29, 1999 at Advocate Christ Medical Center/Hope Children’s Hospital, in the Chicago suburb of Oak Lawn, which resulted in the loss of the boy’s left leg.

After a three week trial, the jury returned the verdict after closing arguments were presented by attorneys Antonio M. Romanucci and Stephan D. Blandin, of Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, who represented the plaintiffs, and Edward H. Nielsen, of Pretzel & Stouffer, Chartered, representing the defendant, Tarek Husayni, M.D., a cardiologist, and Rudy Schade, of CassidaySchade, LLC, representing the remaining defendants.


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October 11, 2009

Parking Pole Bollard Saves Girl's Life

This video is incredible. It demonstartes how a safely designed parking lot and a conscientious owner of the mall saved the life of a young girl. This out of control vehicle was actually stopped by parking bollards and wound up being impaled on top of them. The young girl and the building were protected from any harm whatsoever by the bollards:

October 8, 2009

Romanucci & Blandin Law Firm Participates in Operation PUSH/Rev. Jesse Jackson News Conference

CHICAGO, October 8, 2009 – Stephan Blandin, a partner in the Chicago personal injury law firm of Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, participated in a news conference this morning at Operation PUSH headquarters at the invitation of Rev. Jesse Jackson, to discuss ways that lawyers can mentor students in the wake of the fatal beating of a teenager at Fenger High School by the boy’s peers.

Yesterday, President Obama sent Attorney General Eric Holder and Education Secretary Arne Duncan to Chicago to meet with Mayor Daley, local leaders, and Fenger students.

During a press conference at City Hall, officials announced a $500,000 grant to help make Fenger and the schools that feed into it safer. Daley, Holder and Duncan had breakfast at the Four Seasons Hotel off Michigan Avenue with religious and community leaders to discuss youth violence.

Romanucci & Blandin has a program in place to support and encourage more youths to consider a career in law. Visit www.lawfirmbound.com.

August 28, 2009

Public Justice announces Chrysler Will Cover Future Crash Victims!

Antonio Romanucci, board member of Public Justice, today announced that Chrysler will cover future claims. Public Justice has been working closely on this issue. Consumer Attorneys of California president Christine D. Spagnoli today lauded New Chrysler for accepting responsibility for vehicles produced by Chrysler prior to its bankruptcy.

"On behalf of all consumers, we are heartened that Chrysler understands the need to accept responsibility for defective products. We look forward to resolving legitimate cases in a way that provides justice for victims and their families," Spagnoli said.

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July 16, 2009

NTSB RELEASES PHOTOS OF DAMAGED SECTION OF SOUTHWEST AIRLINES PLANE

SW-737-exterior.jpgIn its continuing investigation of the Southwest Airlines 737-300 (N387SW) that experienced a rapid decompression during a flight from Nashville to Baltimore on July 13, 2009, NTSB Acting Chairman Mark V. Rosenker has authorized the release of two photographs showing the compromised section of the area of the fuselage that failed in flight. Romanucci & Blandin will continue to monitor the progress of the investigation.

The damaged aircraft skin section was visually examined in the NTSB's Materials Laboratory. The damage left a hole measuring approximately 17 inches by 8 inches. The skin in this area of the fuselage is 0.032 inches thick with an additional 0.032 inch thick layer bonded to the interior surface in selected areas.

July 7, 2009

AAJ Forum Leader Romanucci & Blandin ask your help to protect consumer rights

This weekend, a bankruptcy judge approved the sale of GM – leaving those currently injured by defective vehicles in the dust. Last week, the courts provided a partial win for GM vehicle owners by saying those injured in a defective vehicle from the date of sale forward can pursue a claim. However, all pending cases are wiped out by the bankruptcy agreement, including current and future asbestos cases.

AAJ is working with Members of Congress in the House and Senate to restore the rights of people injured by GM and Chrysler. Because legislation will be the only way to ensure everyone has the right to bring a case against Chrysler or GM, HR 3088, the Jeremy Warriner Consumer Protection Act of 2009 has been introduced in the House of Representatives. Jeremy Warriner lost his legs when he was in a tragic auto accident. Investigators discovered the plastic brake fluid container was defective, and caused a major explosion. Jeremy would have walked away from the accident had it not been for this defect. This bill will require an automobile manufacturer that the Federal Government has an ownership interest in or that has an outstanding loan from the Federal Government to purchase liability insurance from an insurance company, and we will be working hard to get this bill passed. We will keep bringing you progress updates.

PLEASE CALL YOUR CONGRESSMAN AND SENATORS AND ASK THEM TO SUPPORT THIS BILL. IT IS VITAL TO THE PROTECTION OF CONSUMER RIGHTS.

June 26, 2009

Romanucci Nominated to Three Year Term to Public Justice

Antonio Romanucci is proud to announce he has been nominated to a 3 year term to Public Justice Foundation, America's largest public interest law firm dedicated to civil rights, consumer rights, the environment, and access to justice.

May 21, 2009

AAJ Reports Breaking News -- Major Victory for all Consumers!

I’m writing to share breaking news regarding a landmark achievement that was announced today in Washington D.C. From now on, the regulatory preemption of state common law will be strictly limited. Even regulations issued within the past 10 years will have to be reviewed and in some cases amended.

This is a major victory for the rights of all Americans under state law and is the culmination of years of tireless and dedicated effort by AAJ’s Regulatory Affairs team, headed by Gerie Voss.
Today, President Obama issued a Directive to the Heads of all Executive Branch Departments and Agencies stating it is the policy of his Administration that “preemption of State law by executive departments and agencies should be undertaken only with full consideration of the legitimate prerogatives of the States and with a sufficient legal basis for preemption.” Preemption of state common law will no longer be presumed or asserted by regulatory agencies absent “explicit preemption by Congress or an otherwise sufficient basis under applicable legal principles.”

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April 9, 2009

Your Help Desperately Needed to Assist Italian Citizens Whose Lives Have Been Devastated by Worst Earthquake in Decades

The worst earthquake in three decades in the area of Ambruzzo, Italy, has left 283 dead with many injured and homeless. In this time of tragedy, Romanucci & Blandin urges you to make a financial contribution to show compassion and support. Please send checks made payable to the JCCIA Earthquake Relief Fund 2009 to the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, 3800 Division Street, Stone Park, IL 60165.

March 31, 2009

Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, in Chicago, Hails Supreme Court Ruling

March 31, 2009 – Antonio M. Romanucci, a partner at the Chicago personal injury firm of Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, and a board member of the Public Justice Foundation, hailed today’s U.S. Supreme Court against tobacco giant Philip Morris as a victory for consumers. The Court issued a one-sentence order today in Philip Morris USA v. Williams saying, "The writ of certiorari is dismissed as improvidently granted."

The order rejects the tobacco company's latest challenge to the jury's $79.5 million punitive damages award in that case. This is exactly what the Court should have done. Public Justice had filed an amici brief explaining that Philip Morris had not legally preserved the challenge it was trying to make.

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March 5, 2009

U.S. Supreme Court Deals Blow to Pharmaceutical Industry;

March 5, 2009 – The U.S. Supreme Court yesterday voted 6-3 to uphold the traditional right of consumers to sue a manufacturer if they are harmed by a defective product. Attorneys at Romanucci & Blandin in Chicago hailed the decision as a victory for consumers.

The ruling affirmed a nearly $7 million jury verdict in favor of Diana Levine, a Vermont musician whose right arm was amputated after she was injected with an anti-nausea drug. The ruling applies to more than 11,000 drugs on the market in the U.S., including over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs.

Tony Romanucci, a partner in the law firm, said the decision will not only lead to compensating individuals fairly but will uncover drug hazards and provide incentives for drug manufacturers to promptly disclose safety risks.

September 23, 2008

Romanucci & Blandin Backs Metal Bat Ban in Chicago

Tony Romanucci, who has extensive experience in traumatic brain injury (TBI) litigation, has thrown his support behind an Ordinance introduced by Chicago Alderman Bob Fioretti on Sept. 10 at a Chicago City Council meeting to ban the use of metal baseball bats by organized youth leagues.

Tony, who helped organize a news conference preceding the Council meeting, spoke about the dangers of using metal bats. Other speakers were Christina Russo, the mother of a teenage son whose face was shattered when he was struck by a baseball hit by a metal bat, and Dr. Ricardo Senno, M.D., a specialist in the rehabilitation of TBI patients.

Tony also distributed copies of a letter of support from New York City Councilman James Oddo, who introduced similar legislation which was passed and upheld earlier this year by the New York Appellate Court. A photo of the news conference participants is posted in the Romanucci & Blandin Firm News, under Press Releases, 2008.

June 4, 2008

The Chicago Tribune deserves praise for its front page story

The Chicago Tribune deserves praise for its front page story, “More safety gear urged for young ballplayers” (June 2, 2008), for calling the public’s attention to the need for greater safety on the baseball diamond.

As parents, we encourage our children to excel at sports, often compromising safety for a winning pennant. This is a mindset in our nation that must change. Where does it say that our children should accept and face the risk of a life threatening injury, such as a traumatic brain injury, simply because they play baseball? Serious injuries inflicted as a result of the lack of proper equipment are simply unacceptable.

The biggest contributor to serious injuries is metal baseball bats because they propel the ball farther and faster than baseballs hit with a wooden bat. Yet, a bill introduced this spring by state Rep. Robert S. Molaro to ban their use in all organized games involving children under age 13, failed to make it out of committee and onto the House floor. It’s unfortunate: more injuries could easily be prevented by the use of a wooden bat

This issue could still be resolved if all local baseball leagues simply chose to ban the use of metal bats. They should do so – for the sake of our children and their parents.

March 3, 2008

Another Jet Runway Incident -- This Time Pilot is a Hero

This has to be one of the most dramatic saves a pilot has made on a landing. As the wheels touched down a nearly 100 mph crosswind blew the jet off the runway causing one of the wings to scrape the runway. The pilot cooly steers the jet from the side of the runway to put it in position for a full engine thrust and manages to circle the jet for a second landing which was successful. Watch the video and look at the serious yaw the plane is experiencing before the wheels touch the runway. Kudos to Lufthansa and its pilot.

February 29, 2008

Aging Infrastructure Cause of Another Mall Explosion??

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Romanucci & Blandin has been actively involved in the Ford City Mall natural gas explosion for quite some time now. In that occurrence, many people were injured when a natural gas pipeline ruptured in the Ford City Mall parking lot. As having personally inspected the scene several times after the explosion -- it looked nothing short of a war zone. Quite frankly, it appeared as if a bomb had been dropped into the parking lot. as the cause and origin of that explosion is yet to be determined and the litigants are deep into discovery, it would be inappropriate to comment at this time what we feel is the cause of that particular explosion.

However, this most recent incident underscores that this State and this country is facing a crisis in its aging infrastructure. in the Waukegan incident it has been reported that a main ruptured. Mains are not supposed to rupture unless they are so old that they cannot handle he pressure of the gas in the main or they are being ill-maintained. Either way, we have a problem and it will not be fixed unless we get our butt out of Iraq and stop spending the money on a war we will never win and spend that money here at home fixing our infrastructure and education system. OK. Enough said. Thanks for listening.

February 17, 2008

Chicago and Illinois on Edge of Banning Non-Wood Baseball Bats

Romanucci & Blandin has reported that we have been the major proponent behind the ban of metal baseball bats in little league play. We are now one step closer to achieving that life saving reality. Rep. Robert Molaro of Illinois has introduced HB4140 which would ban non wood bats for organizational use for children under 13 years of age. We hope that Committee Hearings will be held soon and then on to Springfield for a vote. In the near future we will be publishing all of the known data inherent in the risks of metal bat use in baseball. This blog entry is to advise our readers of the introduction of the bill.

February 2, 2008

Blue Man Group named in Lawsuit -- Unnecessary Roughness

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In the lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court by Romanucci & Blandin, LLC, Plaintiff Jim Srodon says the Blue Man actors used the "esophagus cam" to project an image of Srodon's mouth and throat onto a large screen for the audience's amusement.

The lawsuit alleges the Blue Man actors circled him, held his neck and arms and "forced his head back" to insert the camera. It claims he was restrained from removing the camera from his mouth.

"At the time the 'esophagus cam' was inserted into plaintiff's mouth, it was covered in food, liquid and grime from the Briar Street Theatre floor, including the thick blue paint used to cover the actors' faces," the lawsuit said.

Reaction to this lawsuit has been mixed. There have been very many negative responses, partly due to the wild popularity the Blue Man Group enjoys. R&B recognizes that there are two sides to the story whick is why we are publishing BMG's responses and those of their supporters. One Chicago Tribune reader said:

I was disappointed by your recent article about the Mr. Srodon suing Blue Man Group. It was the most ridiculous thing I've read in the Tribune since the last ridiculous thing I read there. We can only hope the judge throws out the case as the most absurd, senseless, pointless and nonsensical lawsuit in the history of frivolous lawsuits. With any luck, the judge will also jail Mr. Srodon and his lawyer for sheer stupidity.

The R&B response was as follows:

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November 19, 2007

Lawsuit Filed Against Chicago Police Department

A Petition was filed today in the Circuit Court of Cook County against the Chicago Police Department by the eldest son of the late rapper Freddie Wilson, who was shot and killed by police on November 13, 2007 (case no. 2007 P 008169).

The plaintiff ― Wilson’s eldest child, a 13-year-old son who resides with his mother in Madison, Wis. ― is represented by the Chicago law firm of Romanucci & Blandin, LLC. Antonio M. Romanucci, a principal in the firm, said that his client is seeking unnamed monetary damages which may include punitive damages.


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September 10, 2007

Illinois Appellate Court upholds $18M verdict in Chicago police department chase

The Illinois 1st District Appellate Court on Friday affirmed a $17.68 million verdict in favor of Romanucci & Blandin client, Vernon Hudson, who was left paralyzed when his vehicle was struck by a Chicago police car involved in a chase of a homicide suspect.

chicago%20police.jpgHudson was on his way home from his job as a truck mechanic at the time of the May 2001 collision on the Eisenhower Expressway. He sued the city and Officer Sung Joo Lee, who later was dismissed from the suit. Hudson brought both negligence and willful and wanton conduct counts against the city.

A Cook County jury ruled in favor of Hudson on both counts after a March 2005 trial before Cook County Circuit Judge Irwin J. Solganick. Solganick denied the city's motion for judgment notwithstanding the verdict or a new trial.

Among the city's arguments on appeal was that it was immune against the negligence count pursuant to the Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act, 745 ILCS 10/1-101 et seq. The city also argued that Lee's conduct was not willful and wanton.

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