Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – December 2024
Bradley Cosgrove and Craig J. Squillace, partners at Clifford Law Offices, obtained a record $66 million judgment on behalf of a mom who bled to death following a negligent surgical procedure that went unnoticed. The jury returned a $56 million verdict, the highest verdict or settlement against a plastic surgeon in the state of Illinois, according to the Jury Verdict Reporter. With post-judgment interest, the court entered the judgment for $66.262 million. Cosgrove said the verdict will provide Cervantes and his four children “justice for their loved one who passed away” and that “it’s one step in the process of trying to make sure that this type of conduct doesn’t happen in Illinois.” Read the full article here.
CBS News – December 2024
Bradley M. Cosgrove and Craig J. Squillace, partners at Clifford Law Offices, obtained a record $66 million judgment on behalf of a mother of four who bled to death following a negligent surgical procedure that went unnoticed. “They essentially abandoned her in the recovery room,” said Cosgrove. “This is a case about unrecognized and untreated blood loss that went on for hours and hours and hours, and she essentially was allowed to bleed to death.” Read the full article here.
Fox 32 News – December 2024
Bradley M. Cosgrove and Craig J. Squillace, partners at Clifford Law Offices, obtained a record $66 million judgment on December 20, 2024, on behalf of a mother of four who bled to death following a negligent surgical procedure that went unnoticed. Read the full article here.
Chicago Tribune – December 2024
Bradley M. Cosgrove and Craig J. Squillace, partners at Clifford Law Offices, obtained a record $66 million judgment on behalf of a family whose wife and mother of four died due to negligent plastic surgery. A Cook County jury returned a verdict of $56 million Friday and $10 million in pre-judgment interest was added to the verdict. It is believed to be a record in the state. Read the full article here.
Chicago Sun-Times – December 2024
The family of Idalia Corcoles, a Chicago woman who died following a negligent surgical procedure that went unnoticed, was awarded a record judgment of $66 million in a lawsuit against the surgeon. The result was obtained by Bradley M. Cosgrove and Craig J. Squillace, partners at Clifford Law Offices. Read the full article here.
The Beverly Review – December 2024
Robert Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, announced a $1 million gift to his alma mater, Marist High School, where he graduated in the class of 1969. Mr. Clifford’s support will fund scholarships and financial aid to students. “Robert Clifford’s generosity is a testament to the power of the Marist experience,” said Larry Tucker, Marist Class of ’79 and president of Marist High School.“His time at Marist played a pivotal role in his success, and it is heartening to see him give back to the school that helped shape him. This gift will directly benefit our students, providing them with opportunities for academic success and success in life.” Read the full article here.
Illinois Patch – December 2024
Robert Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices and Marist High School class of 1969, was recognized as a distinguished alumnus at the school’s second annual “A Night of Honor, Glory and Fame” event on Saturday, December 7, 2024. During his acceptance speech, Mr. Clifford announced a generous $1 million gift to Marist in support of its ongoing mission and growth through scholarships and financial aid to Marist students, reaffirming his strong connection to Marist and its community. Read the full article here.
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – December 2024
Erin Clifford, Managing Partner at Clifford Law Offices and corporate wellness consultant and coach, will speak on “Successful Self-Care Strategies for Lawyers and Judges in the New Year” at the Municipal District Advisory Committee Monthly Meeting on Jan. 8 in Room 1307 of the Daley Center. The program begins at 8:00 am and is open to judges, lawyers, court personnel, and the public. Lawyers will receive one hour of CLE credit for attending. Read the full article here.
Law360 – December 2024
On Thursday, December 5, 2024, a Texas federal judge announced his rejection of Boeing’s plea agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice in its criminal conspiracy case. U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor found flaws in how the DOJ intended to use race and diversity to select an independent compliance monitor to oversee Boeing and how the court was cut out of that process. The original deal would have allowed Boeing to avoid a major criminal trial over the two 737 Max 8 crashes in 2018 and 2019 by paying additional penalties and agreeing to increased oversight. Read the full article here.
eTurboNews – December 2024
Federal U.S. District Court Judge Reed O’Connor has rejected the DOJ plea agreement with Boeing in its criminal trial related to the crashes of two 737 MAX8 jets in a 12-page opinion released on December 5, 2024. Judge O’Connor particularly took issue with the corporate monitor requirements outlined in the plea deal. This ruling means that Boeing may still face criminal charges and a trial for the deaths of the 346 people killed. Read the full article here.
ABC7 Chicago – November 2024
A passenger injured in the November 2023 crash of a Yellow Line train spoke to ABC 7 Chicago about the crash. Clifford Law Offices filed complaints on behalf of several passengers injured when it struck a standing snow plow on the tracks in Rogers Park that left dozens injured. Joseph T. Murphy, partner at Clifford Law Offices, spoke to Goudie about the avoidable crash of the Skokie Swift train. Read the full article here.
Legal Talk Network – November 2024
Tracy Brammeier, partner at Clifford Law Offices and co-host of The Chicago Bar Association’s @theBar podcast, joined co-host Maggie Mendenhall Casey to interview Jay Edelson about how his firm uncovered the exploitation of personal injury clients by the Girardi & Keese law firm. Jay shares details of his firm’s work with Girardi, the investigation into Girardi’s actions, and the court case against him. The group also discusses broader instances of fraud and Jay’s efforts to create more protections for clients. Read the full article here.
ABC7 Chicago – November 2024
A passenger injured in the November 2023 crash of a Yellow Line train spoke to WLS-TV’s Chuck Goudie about the horrific crash of a CTA train into a snow plow. Clifford Law Offices represents several passengers injured when the Skokie Swift train struck a standing snow plow on the tracks in Rogers Park, leaving dozens injured. Joseph T. Murphy, partner at Clifford Law Offices, spoke to Goudie about the avoidable crash of the Skokie Swift train. Read the full article here.
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – November 2024
Julia C. Brosnahan joins Clifford Law Offices as its newest associate. A recent graduate of DePaul University College of Law, she clerked at the firm for two years. Brosnahan is active in the legal community and engaged in several bar associations. Read the full article here.
Lake & McHenry County Scanner – November 2024
The filing of a lawsuit in the death of a 17-year-old Barrington girl who was struck and killed by a Metra train while walking to school in January 2024 spurred Barrington city officials to implement changes to their pedestrian safety plan. Officials said the village received notice that the Illinois Commerce Commission allocated $1.15 million in its crossing safety improvement program budget toward installing pedestrian crossing gates in Barrington but is still cutting through bureaucratic red tape in order to obtain permits needed to install pedestrian gates at multiple railroad crossings in downtown Barrington. Read the full article here.
U.S. & World Report – October 2024
Joseph T. Murphy, partner at Clifford Law Offices and attorney for multiple passengers who were injured when a Chicago commuter train crashed into a snowplow in 2023, expressed his disagreement with National Transportation Safety Board officials who stated alcohol did not play a role in the train crash despite the operator having alcohol in his system at the time of the crash. “If the person had alcohol in their system, it’s human error as well,” he said. “You can’t have someone driving around hundreds of passengers a day with alcohol in their system.” Read the full article here.
AP News – October 2024
A National Transportation Safety Board report states that the operator of a Chicago commuter train that crashed into a snowplow in November 2023 had alcohol in his system at the time of the crash. NTSB officials said in a statement that the alcohol wasn’t a factor in the crash. Joseph T. Murphy, partner at Clifford Law Offices and attorney for multiple passengers who were injured in the crash, responded, “If the person had alcohol in their system, it’s human error as well,” he said. “You can’t have someone driving around hundreds of passengers a day with alcohol in their system.” Read the full article here.
ABC News – October 2024
Joseph T. Murphy, partner at Clifford Law Offices and attorney for multiple passengers who were injured when a CTA commuter train crashed into a snowplow in November 2023, said his clients were disturbed to hear that the train operator had alcohol in his system when the incident occurred. Murphy commented on the NTSB’s statement to the Sun-Times that the operator’s alcohol levels weren’t a factor in the crash: “If the person had alcohol in their system, it’s human error as well,” he said. “You can’t have someone driving around hundreds of passengers a day with alcohol in their system.” Read the full article here.
Legal Talk Network – October 2024
Tracy Brammeier, partner at Clifford Law Offices and co-host of The Chicago Bar Association’s @theBar podcast, joins co-host Maggie Mendenhall Casey to interview featured guest Aurora Austriaco in their latest episode, “Who Picks Your Presidential Candidate, Anyway?” Austriaco shares her experience serving as an elected delegate at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago and explains the process of becoming a nominating delegate. Listen to the full episode here.
Chicago Sun-Times – October 2024
Joe Murphy, partner at Clifford Law Offices, who represents six people injured in the November 2023 CTA crash, said his clients were disturbed to find out that the train operator had alcohol in his system while operating the train. “We are disturbed that the CTA did not release this critical information to the public the moment they knew that one of their conductors had alcohol in his system,” he said. “You can’t have someone being responsible for hundreds if not thousands of passengers a day while operating a train with alcohol in their system. It took long enough for them to trust the CTA when [the Yellow Line] reopened. It makes them reluctant to get on the CTA again,” he said. See the full article here.
CBS Chicago – October 2024
The release of the latest National Transportation Safety Board findings in the crash of a Chicago Transportation Authority Yellow Line commuter train in November 2023 reports that the train’s operator had a blood alcohol level that was over the legal limit. The two-car train crashed into a snow plow around 10:30 a.m. on Nov. 17 close to the Howard rail yard, injuring dozens. Clifford Law Offices is representing multiple passengers who were injured in the incident. Read the full article here.
Law360 – October 2024
A federal judge in Texas ordered the Department of Justice and Boeing to provide more details about a provision in the proposed plea deal related to the Boeing 737 Max8 crashes in 2018 and 2019. Specifically, the judge wants to know how a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policy would be used to select an independent monitor for the deal. Both parties must submit their responses by October 25th. The judge said, “The court needs additional information to adequately consider whether the agreement should be accepted.” Clifford Law Offices is among the law firms representing families of victims of the Boeing 737 Max8 crash in Ethiopia in 2019. Read the full article here.
Law360 – October 2024
The federal government told a Texas federal judge on Friday, October 11, 2024, that its proposed plea deal with Boeing over allegations that it lied to safety regulators about the 737 Max8 development is “the best the government could do.” Lawyers representing families of victims of the two crashes laid out several reasons why the court should reject the agreement and be held accountable at trial. Read the full article here.
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – October 2024
Erin Clifford, partner at Clifford Law Offices and Corporate Wellness Consultant at Erin Clifford Wellness, will speak at the Illinois State Bar Association and Illinois Judges Association Joint Midyear Meeting on December 13, 2024, at the JW Marriott in Chicago, Illinois. Read the full article here.
LegalNews.com – October 2024
At the 2024 American Bar Association Annual Meeting, Erin Clifford, partner at Clifford Law Offices and Corporate Wellness Consultant at Erin Clifford Wellness, presented “Real Solutions for Lawyers to Thrive Even During Stressful Times,” sharing her tried-and-true wellness strategies for achieving work-life harmony. Read the full article here.
Fox 21 – October 2024
Clifford Law Offices is announced as the Premiere Sustaining Partner Sponsor of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) for the 2024-2025 Bar Year. The partnership will facilitate growth and new opportunities for both the association and the firm, supporting the continued advancement of WBAI’s mission. Read the full article here.
WGN-TV – October 2024
The Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) welcomes Clifford Law Offices as its Premiere Sustaining Partner Sponsor for the 2024-2025 Bar Year. Robert Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, stated, “Partnering with the WBAI is a powerful step toward empowering women, ensuring their voices shape the future of law, and creating a legal community where equality, leadership, and opportunity thrive for all. We are honored to help continue to grow the mission of the WBAI.” Read the full article here.
DC News Now – October 2024
A constant supporter of women in the law, Clifford Law Offices joins the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois’ (WBAI) mission to foster a productive and inclusive environment for women lawyers as its Premiere Sustaining Partner Sponsor for the 2024-2025 Bar Year. Read the full article here.
Women’s Bar Association of Illinois – October 2024
Clifford Law Offices is announced as the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois’ (WBAI) Premiere Sustaining Partner Sponsor for the 2024-2025 Bar Year. “Clifford Law Offices is deeply committed to advancing women in the law, fostering an environment where women can lead, innovate, and inspire, ensuring that the future of our profession is as diverse and dynamic as the talent within it. The firm will make an exceptional partner for the WBAI this year,” said Sarah King, Partner at Clifford Law Offices and WBAI President. Read the full article here.
Practising Law Institute – October 2024
In an article for the Practising Law Institute, Erin Clifford, partner at Clifford Law Offices and Corporate Wellness Consultant at Erin Clifford Wellness, shares six tips to support law student well-being. She stresses that “law students may also benefit from incorporating self-care into daily routines and building a prevention toolbox, which will also set them up for success when they enter the legal profession after graduation.” Read the full article here.
Illinois State Bar Association – October 2024
Erin Clifford, partner at Clifford Law Offices and Corporate Wellness Consultant at Erin Clifford Wellness, will speak on “Creating the Environment to Make Effective Decisions” at the Illinois State Bar Association Continuing Legal Education program “An Insider’s Look at Judicial Decision-Making” on December 13 at the JW Marriott in Chicago. The program has been approved for 2.25 hours of MCLE credit, including 2.25* hours of Professional Responsibility MCLE credit in the following categories: Professionalism, Civility, Legal Ethics, and Sexual Harassment Prevention credit. Read the full article here.
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – October 2024
Bradley M. Cosgrove, partner at Clifford Law Offices, will speak on “Proving Agency Against a Managed Care Organization Like Advocate” at the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association’s annual Medical Malpractice Seminar on December 13 at the Westin Chicago River North. The program has been approved for 4.5 hours of continuing legal education credit. Read the full article here.
Chicago Tribune – September 2024
Despite multiple preventable pedestrian deaths at railroad crossings in Barrington, Illinois, pedestrian safety measures are still lacking. “There should be pedestrian gates at all crossings where pedestrians are using them,” said Jim Pullos, partner at Clifford Law Offices, who filed a wrongful death lawsuit earlier this month on behalf of the family of Marin Lacson, a 17-year-old girl who was struck and killed by a Metra train while walking to school in January 2024. “It is utterly distressing that basic safety measures were ignored for years and continue to be ignored,” Pullos continued. Read the full article here.
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – September 2024
Tracy A. Brammeier, partner at Clifford Law Offices, will speak at the Chicago Bar Association seminar on “The Ultimate ADR Seminar: A Conversation with ADR Experts” on the topic of “Managing the Mediation: How to Deal with the Hard Bargainer.” The seminar takes place on Sept. 24 at the CBA, 8:55 a.m. to 4 p.m., and offers 5.5 hours of continuing legal education credit (pending). Read the full article here.
Law360 – September 2024
In a lawsuit filed in Cook County circuit court, the family of Marin Lacson is suing Union Pacific Railroad Co. and Chicago’s commuter rail system, claiming they failed to put pedestrian safeguards in place, which led to the teenager’s death. James C. Pullos, partner at Clifford Law Offices, who is among the Clifford Law Offices attorneys representing the family, said in a statement, “Marin’s death was entirely preventable.” Read the full article here.
Miami Herald – September 2024
The family of Marin Lacson, a 17-year-old girl who was struck and killed by a Metra train on her way to school, filed a lawsuit against Union Pacific Railroad Company, Metra, and the Village of Barrington in hopes of initiating changes that will prevent future tragedies. According to the lawsuit, Lacson thought she was free to cross the tracks after an outbound train passed, however, a second train went through the crossing, and killed her. Attorneys shared that the lack of pedestrian gates and other safety precautions contributed to the tragedy. Read the full article here.
Lawdragon – September 2024
Keith Hebeisen, partner at Clifford Law Offices, discusses the intersection of politics and the law, as seen in his experience as an elite Chicago medical malpractice attorney, in an interview for Lawdragon’s Lawyer Limelights series. He notes how post-COVID jurors are more open to holding healthcare providers accountable and stressed the importance of advocacy in the political arena, stating, “Rights get taken away, and then it’s really hard to get them back.” Read the full article here.
Legal Talk Network – September 2024
Tracy Brammeier, partner at Clifford Law Offices, has been announced as one of the new co-hosts of The Chicago Bar Association’s @theBar Podcast. Long-time host Jon Amarilio is stepping back after six years and bringing in new voices, including Brammeier, to continue the show’s tradition of unscripted conversations about legal news, events, and stories. Brammeier brings her expertise in personal injury law, adding a fresh perspective to the podcast’s focus on engaging discussions for young lawyers. Read the full article and listen to the podcast here.
Fox 32 – September 2024
The family of Marin Lacson, a 17-year-old killed at a Barrington rail crossing, is suing Metra, the rail company, and the Village of Barrington for wrongful death. The lawsuit claims the crossing lacked pedestrian safety measures including gates, which could have prevented the accident, and aims to push for safety upgrades at rail crossings. Read the full story here.
WBBM-Newsradio – September 2024
Months after a 17-year-old girl was fatally struck by a train in Barrington, her family has filed a lawsuit suing the Union Pacific Railroad Company, Metra, and Village of Barrington stating there were no pedestrian safety measures at that particular railroad crossing. The Lacson family hopes “that by improving the safety and protecting others from something like this from ever happening, Marin’s death wouldn’t be in vain.” said attorney James Pullos. Read the full story here.
Yahoo! News – September 2024
Clifford Law Offices filed a lawsuit on behalf of the family of Marin Lacson, a 17-year-old girl who was struck and killed by a Metra train in January 2024. The wrongful death lawsuit claims multiple railroads, the transportation authority, and the Village of Barrington were negligent in their failing to warn and protect pedestrians at the Hough Street railroad crossing. Attorneys cited at least two prior occasions when trains struck pedestrians. “No action was ever taken to address the long-standing safety concerns at this crossing,” said attorney James Pullos. Read the full story here.
WGN-TV – September 2024
The family of a 17-year-old girl who was struck and killed by a Metra train while walking to school in January filed a lawsuit in Cook County Court on Wednesday, September 18. Clifford Law Offices filed the claim on behalf of Marin Lacson’s family alleging negligence “for their failure to adequately warn and protect pedestrians at the Hough Street railroad crossing” and details two similar incidents. Watch the full story here.
ABC7 Chicago – September 2024
Clifford Law Offices has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the family of 17-year-old Marin Lacson, who was tragically killed by a Metra train in Barrington, Illinois, in January while walking to school. The lawsuit alleges negligence against Union Pacific Railroad Company, Metra Railroad, and the village of Barrington “for their failure to adequately warn and protect pedestrians at the Hough Street railroad crossing,” where Lacson was struck. Read the full article here.
Daily Herald – September 2024
The family of 17-year-old Marin Lacson, who was killed when hit by a Metra train while walking to school on January 25, has filed a lawsuit against the Union Pacific Railroad, Metra, the Regional Transportation Authority, and the village of Barrington alleging that pedestrians were not adequately warned of the danger at the crossing. “Marin’s death was entirely preventable,” attorney James Pullos said in an announcement of the lawsuit filed Wednesday, September 18, in Cook County court. Read the full article here.
Outer Temple – September 2024
Kevin P. Durkin, partner at Clifford Law Offices, presented on ‘Holding Boeing to account – the 737 Max Litigation’ at the Outer Temple’s product liability conference ‘Running product liability, aviation and mass tort claims in the UK & US’ on September 4, 2024, in London. Mr. Durkin is one of the key lawyers in the civil litigation pending in federal district court in Chicago against Boeing in the crash of a 737 MAX8 jet in Ethiopia five years ago. Watch the recording of his presentation or download his full slide deck here.
LegalNews.com – September 2024
Erin Clifford, partner at Clifford Law Offices and Corporate Wellness Consultant at Erin Clifford Wellness, presented “Stress Busters: Six Ways To Achieve Work-Life Harmony” at the American Bar Association’s annual CLE in the City Program on Thursday, August 1, 2024, in Chicago IL. Erin shared her strategies for lawyer self-care and helping attorneys reach the ultimate goal of work-life harmony. Read the full article here.
American Bar Association – September 2024
In an article for the American Bar Association, Erin Clifford, partner at Clifford Law Offices and Corporate Wellness Consultant at Erin Clifford Wellness, shares her “Six Strategies To Spring Into A Happier, Healthier Well-Being”. Erin emphasizes utilizing this time of year as an opportunity to start fresh by clearing space for renewal to reset and rebalance yourself. Read the full article here.
The Bar News – August 2024
Clifford Law Offices was among multiple organizations hosting a reception on August 22, 2024 to honor the 148th president of the Illinois State Bar Association, Sonni Choi Williams. Attendees included Sarah F. King, partner at Clifford Law Offices and President of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois. Read the full article here.
Law360 – August 2024
The families of victims of the 2019 Boeing 737 Max8 crash filed a 47-page brief asking a Texas federal judge to reject the ‘cozy’ plea agreement submitted by the Department of Justice. “The mandated sentence that would follow from the court accepting this binding plea flunks on every measure. The plea agreement does not disclose the true ‘circumstances of the offense’ because it ignores the 346 deaths,” the families said. Clifford Law Offices represents some 70 families of passengers killed in this tragic incident. Read the full article here.
Cision PRWeb – August 2024
Kevin P. Durkin, partner at Clifford Law Offices, has been recognized by Best Lawyers® as the 2025 “Lawyer of the Year” for Aviation Law and Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs in Chicago. Recognized by The Best Lawyers in America® since 2011, this marks his eighth “Lawyer of the Year” accolade for Durkin. Best Lawyers honors are determined through a rigorous peer review process, reflecting the high regard of fellow lawyers for Kevin’s legal abilities, professionalism, and integrity. Read the full article here.
Jornal Da Record – August 2024
As investigações federais continuam no acidente de um avião turboélice ATR-72 no Brasil, que matou 62 pessoas. Especialistas levantam a hipótese de que o acúmulo de gelo contribuiu para a causa do acidente. Kevin P. Durkin, sócio do Clifford Law Offices e advogado de aviação internacional, que representou dezoito famílias em um acidente semelhante em Indiana há 30 anos, compartilha as semelhanças dos dois acidentes: “Os pilotos sabiam da existência de gelo, mas não sabiam do impacto que ele teve nas asas e o avião caiu de forma semelhante ao do Brasil. Ele girou até atingir o solo e todos morreram.” Leia o artigo completo aqui.
Jornal Da Record – August 2024
Federal investigations continue in the crash of an ATR-72 turboprop plane in Brazil, which killed 62 people. Experts hypothesize that ice build-up contributed to the cause of the crash. Kevin P. Durkin, partner at Clifford Law Offices and international aviation attorney, who represented eighteen families in a similar crash in Indiana 30 years ago, shares the similarities of the two crashes: “The pilots knew about the existence of ice, but they did not know about the impact it had on the wings and the plane fell in a similar way to the one in Brazil. It spun until it hit the ground and everyone died.” Read the full article here.
The Wall Street Journal – August 2024
Javier de Luis, Ph.D., aerospace engineer and member of the FAA Expert Review Panel, who lost his sister, Graziella, in the 2019 crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, authored an article for the Wall Street Journal criticizing Boeing’s negligence that led to the crashes of two 737 Max8 planes within a matter of months. Javier de Luis responded to a newspaper columnist’s inaccurate attempt to blame pilots for the crash. Javier is one of 68 families represented by Clifford Law Offices in the ongoing litigation against Boeing with a trial scheduled in federal district court in Chicago Nov. 12. “A Federal Aviation Administration expert panel, of which we were members, published a report on Boeing’s safety management system. It found a continuing “disconnect” in Boeing’s safety culture. This is unacceptable. The American flying public deserves better,” writes de Luis. Read the full article here.
Lawdragon – August 2024
Shannon M. McNulty, partner at Clifford Law Offices, shared her unique path to becoming a personal injury attorney at one of the top firms in Chicago in an interview with Lawdragon for their Lawyer Limelights series, emphasizing her priorities for advocacy and prevention that betters communities as a whole. For the last 20 years, she’s fulfilled that undertaking by leading the firm’s mass tort, fraud, whistleblower/qui tam matters, and class actions. “Every day is different,” she says. “As they say, variety is the spice of life.” Read the full article here.
Law360 – August 2024
As some families of victims of the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crash prepare for a November jury trial, six additional cases are being scheduled for trial in April. Despite the forward momentum, Boeing has opposed a request by the families’ counsel for a standalone trial for Paul Njoroge, a Kenyan-born Canadian resident who lost five family members in the crash including his wife and three children. Clifford Law Offices represents some 70 families of passengers who were killed in the crash. Read the full article here.
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – August 2024
Kevin P. Durkin, partner at Clifford Law Offices, will join an international panel of lawyers as he presents “Holding Boeing to Account — the 737 MAX Litigation” at the annual conference sponsored by the Outer Chambers in England on September 4, 2024. Mr. Durkin has represented victims in major aviation crashes for the past 40 years. Read the full article here.
Reuters – August 2024
Aviation experts share the variety of factors that may have led to the crash of an ATR-72 turboprop plane as the investigation into the August 9 crash continues. Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, who has represented families of victims in another ATR-72 aircraft crash in 1994, shares that in many cases there can be more than one cause. Read the full article here.
Forbes – August 2024
Investigators have recovered the black box of the ATR-72 turboprop plane that crashed Friday, August 9, near Sao Paulo, Brazil, killing all onboard. A preliminary report is expected to be presented within 30 days, according to the head of the Aeronautical Accident Investigation and Prevention Center. Aviation experts from around the world have weighed in on the potential causes of this incident which include icing, engine failure, or human error. In many cases, there is more than one cause, said Robert A. Clifford, a lawyer who represented some families of the victims of a similar crash in Indiana in 1994. Read the full article here.
U.S. News & World Report – August 2024
Investigations are underway following the crash of an ATR-72 turboprop plane near Sao Paulo, Brazil, killing all 62 passengers aboard. Aviation safety experts say several factors will be investigated including weather, ice build-up, and proper functioning of the plane’s engine and controls. International aviation attorney Robert A. Clifford, who represented some of the families of victims in the crash of a similar aircraft in Indiana in 1994 shared that in many instances multiple factors can lead to a crash. Read the full article here.
AFP – August 2024
While Boeing struggles to recover after the crashes of 2018 and 2019, aeronautical experts and analysts are full of praise for the aerospace manufacturer’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, calling him “an asset”, “a good choice”, and “a beneficial recruitment.” Robert Clifford, a lawyer for the families of victims of the 2019 crash in Ethiopia, reacted positively to Ortberg’s appointment, noting his “good reputation” and that he does not come from within Boeing. Read the full article here.
MSN – August 2024
Aerospace veteran Kelly Ortberg will attempt to rebound Boeing from a series of safety and quality control problems in his new appointment as CEO which he assumes on August 8. “The arrival of a new CEO at Boeing could not have happened at a more crucial and necessary time for the safety of the traveling public around the world,” said Robert Clifford, attorney for the families of Boeing crash victims. Clifford also noted that under recent Boeing CEO and Boeing’s “do nothing” board, the company has been in a “nosedive.” But now there is hope as Ortberg is from “outside of Boeing” and has a “well-regarded reputation.” Read the full article here.
Barron’s – August 2024
Aviation experts have praised Boeing’s appointment of Kelly Ortberg, who steps into his role as the airplane manufacturer’s new CEO on Thursday, August 8. Robert Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, and one of the lawyers representing the families of the victims of the 2019 Boeing plane crash in Ethiopia, reacted positively to Ortberg’s appointment, noting his “well-regarded reputation” and the fact he came from outside the company. Read the full article here.
Outer Temple – August 2024
Kevin P. Durkin, partner at Clifford Law Offices, will speak at the Outer Temple ‘Running product liability, aviation and mass tort claims in the UK & US’ Conference in London on September 4, 2024. Durkin’s presentation “Holding Boeing to account – the 737 Max Litigation” is a featured event at the conference, and focuses on product liability issues and claims including the differences in defending claims in the UK and the US Read the full article here.
Law360 -August 2024
Boeing’s appointment of aerospace veteran Robert “Kelly” Ortberg as CEO signals a course correction amidst legal and regulatory troubles, as victims’ families continue to push for a criminal trial over the two 737 MAX 8 crashes. Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices and lead counsel in the ongoing litigation in the 2019 Boeing 737 MAX8 crash in Ethiopia, said in a statement, “This move may give the company the ability to pull out of its impending total crash, unlike what occurred to the 346 innocent victims of the two Boeing 737 Max 8 preventable disasters.” Read the full article here.
American Bar Association – August 2024
During the American Bar Association Annual Meeting, Erin Clifford, partner at Clifford Law Offices, shared her wellness strategies for achieving work-life harmony. The presentation “Real Solutions for Lawyers to Thrive Even During Stressful Times” was part of the ABA’s CLE in the City series, a unique opportunity for attendees to earn educational credits from industry experts at top law firms in Chicago. “If we don’t practice self-care, we won’t be at our best for our family, friends and clients,” Clifford said. Read the full article here.
Common Dreams – August 2024
Attorneys representing the families of victims in two Boeing 737 MAX8 crashes have filed motions urging U.S. Judge Reed O’Connor to reject the “morally reprehensible” plea agreement finalized between Boeing and the Department of Justice in July. Families of victims express their anger at the lack of accountability and disciplinary action the deal demonstrates. Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices and lead counsel in the ongoing litigation in the 2019 Boeing 737 MAX8 crash in Ethiopia, is quoted. Read the full article here.
CNN – August 2024
Aviation attorney Robert Clifford, who represents families of 737 Max crash victims, appeared hopeful at the announcement of Boeing’s incoming CEO, Kelly Ortberg. “While this man is an industry insider, he comes from outside Boeing and, on the face of it, has a well-regarded reputation in the industry,” Mr. Clifford commented. Read the full article here.
MSN – August 2024
Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, has reportedly chosen to be based out of Seattle, its main manufacturing hub, where Boeing was founded in 1916, signaling his intent to get the plane maker back on track. “Maybe he can bring the company back to the stature it once held before it criminally and preventively killed 346 people,” commented aviation attorney Robert Clifford who is representing the families of 737 Max crash victims. Read the full article here.
Yahoo! News – August 2024
Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, already seems to have given a major indication of where his priorities lie. “[He] has a well-regarded reputation in the industry,” said Bob Clifford, an aviation attorney representing the families of 737 Max crash victims. “Maybe he can bring the company back to the stature it once held before it criminally and preventively killed 346 people,” he added. Read the full article here.
Business Insider – August 2024
Boeing’s incoming CEO, Kelly Ortberg, is already signaling his intent to get the plane maker back on track with the prioritization of production quality over financial performance. “[He] has a well-regarded reputation in the industry,” said Bob Clifford, an attorney representing the families of 737 Max crash victims. Read the full article here.
Law360 – July 2024
Families of victims of the 737 Max 8 crashes have asked a Texas federal court to reject Boeing’s plea agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, arguing that the deal unfairly minimizes Boeing’s financial penalties and absolves its senior leadership of criminal responsibility. Tracy A. Brammeier, partner at Clifford Law Offices, is among the attorneys representing families of victims of the Boeing Max737 8 crash in Ethiopia in 2019. Read the full article here.
CNN – July 2024
Boeing has named Robert “Kelly” Ortberg as its incoming CEO following second-quarter losses of $1.4 billion and increased scrutiny over the company’s plane safety and quality. “The arrival of a new CEO at Boeing could not have happened at a more crucial and necessary time for the safety of the traveling public around the world,” said Robert Clifford, lead counsel in the civil litigation against Boeing. Read the full article here.
ABA Journal – July 2024
American Bar Association President Mary Smith will present Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, with one of six Presidential Citations at the 2024 ABA Annual Meeting in August. The six recipients will be honored at several of the annual meeting’s signature events, including the Democracy Summit. Read the full article here.
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – July 2024
Tracy A. Brammeier, a partner at Clifford Law Offices, to speak at the 14th annual McGill Conference on “International Aviation Liability, Insurance and Finance” on September 13-14 in Montreal. At the event sponsored by the McGill University Institute of Air and Space Law, Brammeier will serve as a panelist on a “Liability of Air Carriers” discussion. Read the full article here.
Law360 – July 2024
On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, Boeing finalized its agreement to plead guilty to conspiring to defraud safety regulators about the 737 Max 8’s development, agreeing to pay a second criminal fine of at least $243.6 million, invest at least $455 million in strengthening its compliance and safety programs and be subject to a three-year independent compliance monitor. The plea agreement remains subject to court approval. Tracy A. Brammeier, partner at Clifford Law Offices, is among the attorneys representing families of victims of the Boeing Max737 8 crash in Ethiopia in 2019. Read the full article here.
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – July 2024
At the American Bar Association’s annual meeting on August 1, Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, will receive the 2024 Presidential Citation from ABA President Mary Smith. This prestigious award, presented at the Chicago Club, recognizes Clifford’s unwavering commitment to justice, integrity, and professionalism. Read the full article here.
LegalNews – July 2024
Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, to be awarded the 2024 Presidential Citation by the American Bar Association for his significant contributions in advancing the rule of law and serving the legal profession in the city of Chicago and beyond. The award will be presented during the ABA’s Annual Meeting in Chicago by President Mary L. Smith. Read the full article here.
American Bar Association – July 2024
American Bar Association President Mary Smith will award a Presidential Citation to Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner of Clifford Law Offices, at the association’s Annual Meeting, July 31-Aug. 6, 2024, in Chicago. Read the full article here.
American Bar Association – July 2024
Mary L. Smith, President of the American Bar Association, will award Presidential Citations to six distinguished members of the legal community for their profound contributions to the profession, democracy, and the rule of law. Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, is among three esteemed Chicagoans receiving this honor. Read the full article here.
Above The Law – July 2024
Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, has been named among the National Law Journal’s 2024 Elite Trial Lawyers Lifetime Achievement Award recipients. Read the full article here.
CNN – July 2024
Compared to other incidents in which corporations plead guilty to felonies, families of Boeing crash victims say the airplane manufacturer is “getting off cheap” and the deal reached with the Department of Justice is a gross “miscarriage of justice.” “Why is Boeing getting a pass that other criminal defendants do not? Because they’re Boeing,” said Robert Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices and lead counsel in the civil litigation against Boeing. Read the full interview here.
ABC Listen – July 2024
Families of Boeing crash victims want a public trial and a “day of reckoning in court,” said Robert Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices and lead counsel in the civil litigation against Boeing, expressing the families’ disappointment in the company’s guilty plea to conspiracy to commit fraud against the FAA that resulted in a “sweetheart deal” and will allow Boeing to avoid a public trial and charges against individual employees. “There are certain corporations, and Boeing is one of them, that are too important to fail… Boeing is integral to America’s defense and military.” Nonetheless, the families are pursuing the option to overturn the DOJ deal in federal district court. Listen to the full interview here.
Legal Newsline – July 2024
Keith A. Hebeisen, partner at Clifford Law Offices, and associate Courtney A. Berlin, obtained a $6.35 million verdict on behalf of Edgardo Lopez and his wife after Mr. Lopez underwent a heart transplant following undiagnosed coronary ischemia. The case underscored medical negligence in testing that delayed proper treatment, affecting Mr. Lopez’s health irreversibly. “The negligence that occurred here clearly was avoidable and the jury understood that,” Hebeisen said following the verdict. Read the full article here.
WION – July 2024
Boeing’s plea agreement with the Department of Justice grants the company immunity from criminal prosecution in two deadly crashes. Families of victims, represented by Clifford Law Offices, expressed strong disappointment, arguing that Boeing continues to prioritize profits over safety. Watch the full broadcast here.
BBC – July 2024
Boeing is spared a contentious trial by accepting a Department of Justice plea deal. Robert Clifford, an attorney for the families of the victims of the Boeing Max crashes has said the families are highly disappointed by the deal reached by Boeing and the DOJ. “Much more evidence has been presented over the last five years that demonstrates that the culture of Boeing putting profits over safety hasn’t changed,” he said. Watch the full broadcast here.
Newsweek – July 2024
“While a guilty plea is significant and certainly a move in the right direction by the Boeing Company from their prior stance, they still feel that Boeing is getting let off the hook. Boeing is having to answer for defrauding the FAA, but not for the 346 deaths from the two crashes,” said Tracy Brammeier, partner at Clifford Law Offices and one of the attorneys representing the families of victims of the Boeing crash in Ethiopia. Read the article here.
The Alex Pierson Show – July 2024
On the July 9, 2024, episode of The Alex Pierson Show podcast, Robert A. Clifford, senior partner at Clifford Law Offices and lead counsel in the civil litigation against Boeing, discusses the “sweetheart deal” offered to Boeing. Listen to the podcast here.
ABC News – July 2024
Following Boeing’s acceptance of a plea deal presented by the Department of Justice, attorneys for families of victims of the two MAX crashes indicated that they intend to exercise their rights under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act to be heard in opposition to the proposed plea. “The families intend to argue that the plea deal with Boeing unfairly makes concessions to Boeing that other criminal defendants would never receive and fails to hold Boeing accountable for the deaths of 346 persons. As a result, the generous plea agreement rests on deceptive and offensive premises,” attorneys stated. Read the full article here.
Law360 – July 2024
Boeing’s plea agreement with the Department of Justice allows the company to avoid a high-profile criminal trial in exchange for paying additional penalties and being subjected to an independent compliance monitor for the next three years. Attorneys representing the families of victims of the 2018 and 2019 737 Max crashes express disappointment. “Much more evidence has been presented over the last five years that demonstrates that the culture of Boeing putting profits over safety hasn’t changed,” said Robert Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, and chief counsel representing families suing Boeing in Illinois federal court over the Ethiopian Airlines crash. Read the full article here.
Fox Business – July 2024
Javier de Luis, aerospace engineer and member of the FAA Expert Review Panel, whose sister was killed in the Boeing 737 MAX8 crash in Ethiopia in 2019, says the federal government failed the flying public by not imposing a “significant” penalty on Boeing, emphasizing the importance of “a robust monitoring regime” to ensure commitment to safety. Robert A. Clifford, senior partner of Clifford Law Offices and lead counsel in litigation representing the victims’ families says the families are fighting to have the final say in the monitor selection. Read the full article here.
ABC 4 – July 2024
Families of victims of two Boeing 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 say the deal Boeing made with the Department of Justice is a “sweetheart deal.” Aviation attorney Robert Clifford, who is representing some of the families said, “Boeing is getting away with what the families believe is a slap on the wrist.” Read the full article here.
WGN 9 – July 2024
Boeing agreed to plead guilty to a fraud charge associated with the crashes of two 737 Max airplanes in 2018 and 2019, but the families of victims said the deal Boeing made with the Department of Justice is a “sweetheart deal.” “The agreement is a terrible affront to the families,” said Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices and lead counsel in the civil litigation against Boeing. “346 people needlessly died and Boeing is getting away with what the families believe is a slap on the wrist.” Read the full article here.
The National – July 2024
Boeing’s guilty plea to a criminal fraud conspiracy charge related to two fatal 737 Max crashes is expected to strain its relationship with Middle Eastern customers, with industry leaders citing lost trust and confidence in the airline manufacturer. “Much more evidence has been presented over the last five years that demonstrates that the culture of Boeing putting profits over safety hasn’t changed,” said Robert Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices and lead counsel in the civil litigation against Boeing. Read the full article here.
Law360 – July 2024
The US Justice Department shared that Boeing has agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to defraud safety regulators about the 737 Max 8’s development, avoiding a criminal trial over the deadly 2018 & 2019 crashes. Boeing will pay a $243.6 million criminal fine, invest at least $455 million in strengthening its compliance and safety programs, and be subject to a three-year independent compliance monitor. Read the full article here.
Yahoo Finance – July 2024
On Monday, July 8, 2024, Boeing announced it had reached an agreement with the US Department of Justice over two fatal 737 MAX crashes. The deal follows prosecutors’ conclusions that Boeing violated a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement by failing to improve its compliance and ethics programs after the crashes that killed 346 people in Ethiopia and Indonesia. Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices and lead counsel in the civil litigation against Boeing, is quoted. Read the full article here.
United Press International – July 2024
In a late Sunday court filing by the US Justice Department, Boeing has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to defraud the government related to two 737 Max crashes, agreeing to a $487.2 million fine and $455 million investment in safety programs. The company will be on probation for three years with a compliance monitor installed by the Justice Department. Robert Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, said, “The families will most certainly object before Judge Reed O’Connor and ask that he reject the plea if Boeing accepts.” Read the full article here.
Barron’s – July 2024
In a statement on Monday, July 8, 2024, Boeing said it had reached an agreement with the US Department of Justice over the two fatal 737 MAX crashes in Ethiopia and Indonesia. The families of MAX victims were highly disappointed with the plea deal. Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices and lead counsel in the civil litigation against Boeing said, “Much more evidence has been presented over the last five years that demonstrates that the culture of Boeing putting profits over safety hasn’t changed. This plea agreement only furthers that skewed corporate objective.” Read the full article here.
The Alex Pierson Show – July 2024
On the July 3, 2024, episode of The Alex Pierson Show podcast, Robert A. Clifford, senior partner at Clifford Law Offices and lead counsel in the civil litigation against Boeing, discusses the plea deal offered to Boeing. He speaks to Alex about why he believes the US Department of Justice offered the plea deal and how this will only further hurt the families. Listen to the podcast here.
WBEZCHICAGO – July 2024
The widow of 53-year-old Tennessee audio engineer Duane Tabinski, who was electrocuted to death during the setup of the 2023 NASCAR Chicago Street Race, is suing NASCAR, the Chicago Park District, and multiple equipment and production contractors, alleging they were negligent in inspecting the area “which was wet from on and off rain that had been occurring within the few days leading up to the electrocution.” Read the full article here.
Best Lawyers – July 2024
Six Clifford Law Offices attorneys have been named to the Best Lawyers® 2024 Women in the Law list and are featured in the ninth annual Best Lawyers Women in the Law Business Edition. Tracy A. Brammeier, Susan A. Capra, Marta K. Davidson, Sarah F. King and Shannon M. McNulty were recognized in this edition, honoring excellence in their respective practice areas. Read the full article here.
Yahoo! News – July 2024
Tracy Brammeier, partner at Clifford Law Offices and one of the attorneys representing the families of victims of the Boeing crash in Ethiopia, shares specifics of the Justice Department’s offer to Boeing which includes paying an additional $243 million penalty and agreeing to have an external monitor in exchange for a guilty plea. “The guilty plea is significant. No one wants to be a convicted or admitted felon,” said Brammeier, who nonetheless described family members as dissatisfied with the proposal. Read the full article here.
ABC News – July 2024
The relatives of victims killed in two Boeing jet crashes in 2018 and 2019 are awaiting Boeing’s response to a Justice Department plea agreement that would settle a criminal fraud charge against the airplane manufacturer. The plea and the sentence outlined by the Justice Department include a $244 million fine and the appointment of a monitor to oversee the agreement. However, the families want to put Boeing on trial and would ask “ask that [Judge Reed O’Connor] reject the plea if Boeing accepts,” said Robert Clifford, an attorney for the victims’ families. Read the full article here.
U.S. News & World Report – July 2024
Federal prosecutors and the families of victims in two Boeing jet crashes are waiting for Boeing to decide whether to accept a plea agreement that would settle criminal charges against the airplane manufacturer. If Boeing takes the deal, it would plead guilty to a criminal fraud charge. If Boeing declines the offer, the Justice Department will take the case to trial. “The families will most certainly object before Judge Reed O’Connor and ask that he reject the plea if Boeing accepts,” said Robert Clifford, an attorney for the victims’ families. Read the full article here.
Chicago Lawyer – July 2024
In an article for Chicago Lawyer Magazine, Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, writes that baby formula cases are starting to move in the Northern District of Illinois. 389 necrotizing enterocolitis cases were consolidated in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois by Chief Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer. In the first trial involving Enfamil formula, a jury returned a $60 million verdict on March 13, 2024, on behalf of Chance Dean, an infant born at 31 weeks who became ill and died from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after consuming the baby formula. Read the full article here.
BBC Newshour – July 2024
In what attorneys call a very favorable agreement to Boeing, the DOJ offers the airplane manufacturer a new plea agreement that includes paying a $246 million criminal penalty and orders Boeing’s board of directors to meet with the victims’ families. “This is another sweetheart deal for Boeing… There are no new prosecutions of individuals. The belief is that senior leadership of Boeing is responsible for these 346 deaths,” said Robert Clifford, Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia. Listen to the full interview here.
United Press International – July 2024
The Justice Department plans to present Boeing with a plea deal related to the two fatal 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019. The plea deal was presented to the lawyers representing the families during a two-hour call on Sunday. “I can tell you that the families are very unhappy and angered with DOJ’s decisions and proposal. And the families will most certainly object before Judge Reed O’Connor and ask that he reject the plea if Boeing accepts,” said Robert Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, and Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia. Read the full article here.
CNN – June 2024
The US Justice Department’s plea deal with Boeing includes a corporate monitor and a fine in exchange for a guilty plea to criminal charges. The victims’ families say that the government is letting the company off the hook for the death of their loved ones in a “sweetheart deal” for Boeing. “There is no accountability, no admission that Boeing’s admitted crime caused the 346 deaths,” said Robert Clifford, lead counsel in the civil litigation against Boeing. Read the full article here.
AVweb – June 2024
On Sunday, June 30th, 2024, families of victims of two fatal Boeing crashes were presented with the proposed plea deal that they say is a “sweetheart deal” for the airline manufacturer. Robert Clifford, lead counsel in the civil litigation against Boeing, said, “The families will most certainly object before Judge Reed O’Connor and ask that he reject the plea if Boeing accepts.” Read the full article here.
USA Today – July 2024
The Justice Department offered Boeing a plea agreement Sunday, June 30, 2024, to resolve a criminal charge over two fatal 737 MAX crashes that killed 346 people overseas. Robert Clifford, a lawyer representing the victims’ families in pending civil litigation in federal court in Chicago, said the relatives would ask U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor to reject the plea deal if Boeing accepts it. Read the full article here.
CBS – June 2024
The Justice Department has presented Boeing with a plea deal following its violation of a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement put in place after two 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019. “I can tell you that the families are very unhappy and angered with the DOJ’s decisions and proposal. There is no accountability, no admission that Boeing’s admitted crime caused the 346 deaths, and the families will most certainly object,” said Robert Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, and Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia. Read the full article here.
ABC – June 2024
The Department of Justice is preparing to present Boeing with a plea deal that would allow the aerospace giant to avoid trial again. Attorney Robert Clifford wrote in a statement, “The deal will not acknowledge, in any way, that Boeing’s crime killed 346 people. It also appears to rest on the idea that Boeing did not harm any victim. The families will strenuously object to this plea deal.” Read the full article here.
Politico – June 2024
The Justice Department will criminally charge Boeing for violating the terms of a 2021 agreement that allowed the airplane manufacturer to avoid prosecution following two fatal plane crashes in 2018 and 2019. Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, and Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia, is quoted. Read the full article here.
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – June 2024
Keith A. Hebeisen, partner at Clifford Law Offices, and Courtney A. Berlin, associate, obtained a $6.35 million verdict on June 26, 2024, on behalf of a west suburban man who had a heart transplant following undiagnosed coronary ischemia. The patient’s wife also was a plaintiff in the lawsuit. “This man relied upon his doctor to do what was necessary…He neglected to do the right thing and now Mr. Lopez and his wife are left to suffer for the rest of their lives,” Hebeisen said in a press release. Read the full article here.
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – June 2024
Clifford Law Offices partner Sarah F. King will be sworn in as president of the Women’s Bar Association of Illinois at its 110th annual installation ceremony and dinner at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St. Read the full article here.
The Hill – June 2024
Attorneys representing some of the families of those killed in Boeing 737 Max crashes argued in a court filing on Monday, June 24, 2024, that there should be an independent corporate monitor to look over the company as it faces rising concerns over product safety. Read the full article here.
Reuters – June 2024
On Monday, June 24, 2024, the attorney for the families of victims of two Boeing 737 Max crashes filed a motion for reconsideration before a Texas federal judge to name a corporate monitor to examine the plane manufacturer’s facilities and safety and corporate compliance procedures. Read the full article here.
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – June 2024
Erin Clifford, partner at Clifford Law Offices and corporate wellness consultant at Erin Clifford Wellness, encourages lawyers to reset and reenergize their wellness routine over the summer by utilizing healthy habits and lifestyle strategies. She urges law professionals to take the time to completely “reboot your body, mind and spirit” to be at their best for loved ones, clients and colleagues. Read the full article here.
Barron’s – June 2024
Boeing disputed the Justice Department’s determination of its compliance with a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement, meeting a deadline to file an official response by June 13, according to a person close to the matter. Read the full article here.
Yahoo Finance! – June 2024
Boeing has contested the Department of Justice’s determination that the airline manufacturer failed to uphold a deferred prosecution agreement and can potentially be prosecuted for two 737 MAX crashes that killed 346. Victims’ families “asked for full transparency including a criminal trial on conspiracy and other possible criminal charges against Boeing and their executives responsible for the two crashes,” states a press release from Clifford Law Offices, the Chicago firm representing more than 70 victims. Read the full article here.
The Washington Post – June 2024
On Friday, May 31, forty family members who lost loved ones in two Boeing crashes took part in an all-day, closed-door meeting with the Department of Justice in Washington D.C. to request the prosecution of the airline manufacturer following the violation of its deferred prosecution agreement with the DOJ. Robert A. Clifford, a Chicago-based attorney who is Lead Counsel in the civil litigation against Boeing, said Justice Department officials allowed family members to speak frankly about how the department should move forward in exchanges that were at times tense and emotional. Read the full article here.
C-SPAN – May 2024
Surviving family members of victims of two Boeing crashes spoke outside of the Bond Building on Friday, May, after meeting with the Department of Justice about the next steps in the potential prosecution of Boeing. “The families had an opportunity to express their goals against Boeing and to demand that the Department of Justice continue to prosecute Boeing and go forward with a trial as expeditiously as possible,” said aviation attorney Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices who is Lead Counsel in the civil litigation against Boeing. Watch the full press conference here.
The Seattle Times – May 2024
Families of the victims of two Boeing crashes met Friday, May 31, with The Department of Justice (DOJ) requesting the prosecution of Boeing as a company and of individual executives following the DOJ’s ruling that Boeing had violated the terms of a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement to avoid criminal charges. Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices and Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia, said the Justice Department lawyers in the meeting listened but were “tight-lipped about their intentions.” Read the full article here.
The Epoch Times – May 2024
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will meet with Boeing crash victims’ families on Friday, May 31, before announcing the next steps in Boeing’s case by July 7. The DOJ could potentially pursue multiple options if it criminally prosecutes Boeing. Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices and Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia, says, “that he is “quite hesitant to speculate” about what the DOJ will ultimately do but expects it to “continue the prosecution of Boeing” and set a public trial date with the court.” Read the full article here.
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – May 2024
Clifford Law Offices attorneys Patrick F. Bradley, of counsel, and Nicholas T. Motherway, associate, represented the family of a 41-year-old woman who died as a result of an opioid addiction allegedly caused by her doctor. A Cook County jury awarded $6 million to the family to cover loss of society, grief, and pain and suffering damages. Read the full article here.
PRWeb – May 2024
John V. Kalantzis has been named partner at Clifford Law Offices. An associate at the firm since 2019, John has been involved with many complex personal injury and wrongful death cases at the firm including the pending litigation in federal district court against Boeing in the crash of a 737 MAX8 in Ethiopia. “We are proud of John’s accomplishments over the years,” said Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at the firm. “In particular, John has been an invaluable part of the aviation team. His legal skills and insights are a testament to his dedication to his clients and to the profession.” Read the full article here.
PRWeb – May 2024
Erin Clifford, partner at Clifford Law Offices and corporate wellness consultant and coach, will lead a free one-hour continuing legal education webinar titled “Working Wellness: Healthy Solutions for Lawyer Well-Being,” on June 13, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. CDT. The event will address critical health and wellness issues common among lawyers and other legal professionals, stemming from stress, work exhaustion, and an imbalanced lifestyle. The program is presented by Clifford Law Offices and is open to the public. Read the full article here.
Litigation Radio – May 2024
Erin Clifford, partner at Clifford Law Offices and corporate wellness consultant and coach, joins Dave Scriven-Young on the American Bar Association Litigation Section’s Litigation Radio podcast to share insight and tips for lawyers struggling with a stressful lifestyle and the subsequent physical and mental health concerns associated with chronic stress. Listen to the full interview here.
The i Paper – May 2024
Boeing’s future in commercial aviation is under threat as the Department of Justice considers criminal prosecutions over the 737 Max crashes. The company may face new legal challenges for breaching a deferred prosecution agreement. “We have high expectations for the integrity of the process going forward,” said Bob Clifford, Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia. “We’re hearing from families around the world about renewed faith and hope in the performance of our Department of Justice, and that they will reach the right conclusion for the right reasons.” Read the full article here.
Global News – May 2024
In a letter, the Department of Justice warned Boeing is subject to prosecution due to a violation of a deferred prosecution agreement reached following the two 737 Max8 crashes that killed 346. Robert A. Clifford, Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia, says, “It was a sweetheart deal that families were excluded from participating in in violation of their rights as crime victims.” Watch the full interview here.
King 5 – May 2024
The Justice Department says Boeing could now be prosecuted on criminal charges after violating a settlement following two crashes involving its 737 Max8 plane. Aviation attorney Robert A. Clifford, Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia, believes this is a positive step for the families of the victims who are still seeking justice for the loss of their loved ones. Watch the full interview here.
Global News – May 2024
Robert A. Clifford, Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia, says Boeing has “worn out a lot of their good credibility,” in response to the Department of Justice’s announcement that the airplane manufacturer violated a 2021 Deferred Prosecution Agreement that protected it from criminal prosecution in the two 737 Max8 crashes that killed hundreds. Watch the full interview here.
Scripps News – May 2024
On May 13 the Justice Department’s criminal division accused Boeing of failing to “fulfill completely the terms and obligations” of the 2021 Deferred Prosecution Agreement that protected the company from criminal charges in the two 737 Max8 crashes that killed 346. While Boeing denies violating these terms, families of victims of the two crashes feel vindicated. Robert A. Clifford, Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia, says families will meet with the DoJ in a scheduled meeting on May 31 in Washington, D.C. Read the full article here.
NBC 11 – May 2024
The US Department of Justice announced that Boeing violated a deferred prosecution agreement that protected the aviation manufacturer from criminal charges in two 737 Max crashes that killed 346. “There will be transparency now associated with the review of the criminal conduct,” said Robert A. Clifford, Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia. Read the full article here.
eTurboNews – May 2024
Boeing’s breach of a Deferred Prosecution Agreement reached in 2021 means the pending criminal conspiracy charge filed against the airline manufacturer in the Federal District Court in Texas will now move forward, which could lead to a criminal conviction against Boeing. “The lawyers for all of the victims’ families have supported them during this battle, and we are now gratified that the Department of Justice is standing up for the rights of these families – admitted crime victims – who have fought so hard for the protection of their rights and that of the flying public under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act,” said Robert A. Clifford, Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia. Read the full article here.
Business Insider – May 2024
Boeing may still face criminal charges as the Department of Justice announced the airplane manufacturer violated the terms of its 2021 Deferred Prosecution Agreement that originally allowed the company to avoid criminal prosecution following two fatal 737 Max crashes by agreeing to a settlement that included strengthening its compliance program. Federal prosecutors stated Boeing failed to “design, implement and enforce a compliance and ethics program to prevent and detect violations of the U.S. fraud laws throughout its operations.” Robert A. Clifford, aviation attorney, and Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia, is quoted. Read the full article here.
ABC 7 – May 2024
The Department of Justice announced that Boeing failed to “design, implement and enforce a compliance and ethics program to prevent and detect violations of the U.S. fraud laws throughout its operations,” violating its 2021 Deferred Prosecution Agreement that allowed the aircraft manufacturer to avoid criminal prosecution. “This is a way for Boeing to be held criminally responsible in court,” said Robert A. Clifford, aviation attorney, and Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia. “It’s what the families have wanted. They want answers as to what really happened in the crashes and for the safety of the public to be protected.” Read the full article here.
CBS News – May 2024
The Justice Department is in the process of determining if it will prosecute Boeing on criminal charges for failure to comply with a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement as Federal prosecutors push that Boeing “breached its obligations,” in part by allegedly failing to “design, implement, and enforce a compliance and ethics program to prevent and detect violations of the U.S. fraud laws throughout its operations.” Robert A. Clifford, aviation attorney and Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia, is quoted. Read the full article here.
Daily Herald – May 2024
Boeing could face criminal prosecution over two fatal 737 Max crashes after they were accused of violating a settlement that allowed them to avoid earlier charges. The Justice Department will decide whether to pursue charges, amid increasing scrutiny over the safety of the company’s planes, by July 7. Robert A. Clifford, who is Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia, told the outlet, “The DOJ has been very nontransparent in disclosing to the families how they are going about making the determination of compliance or breach. That has been a very disappointing feature of the department’s contact and communication with the families. But, in fairness to the department, prosecutors seldom discuss the details of their investigations, so this is not out of the ordinary.” Read the full article here.
Law.com – May 2024
Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices has been named a 2024 Elite Trial Lawyers (ETL) Finalist by The National Law Journal as a winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award. Award recipients will be recognized at the ETL award ceremony at Lotte New York Palace in New York City on July 11. Read the full article here.
Law360 – May 2024
On Tuesday, May 7, U.S. District Judge Jorge Alonso selected six cases for a November trial over the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash, giving Boeing the power to decide the order in which they’ll face a jury, but prioritizing cases whose discovery will end in July. Aviation attorney Robert Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices who is representing families of the crash victims, said his clients are “by and large very satisfied” with Judge Alonso’s decisions in the hearing because “now we have target cases, and we can work on them.” Read the full article here.
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – May 2024
Clifford Law Offices partner Bradley M. Cosgrove will host the Bradley Cosgrove 1L Mock Trial Competition on Friday, May 10 at the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. Read the full article here.
The Hill – May 2024
The Department of Justice has requested a May 31 meeting with the families of victims of two Boeing 737 Max8 crashes to inform them of the DOJ’s decision regarding Boeing’s potential violation of a 2021 deferred prosecution agreement that allowed the company to escape criminal prosecution. “The DOJ has been very nontransparent in disclosing to the families how they are going about making the determination of compliance or breach,” said aviation attorney Robert A. Clifford, who is representing families of the Max8 crash victims. “That has been a very disappointing feature of the department’s contact and communication with the families. But, in fairness to the department, prosecutors seldom discuss the details of their investigations, so this is not out of the ordinary.” Read the full article here.
ABC News – May 2024
The Justice Department contacted the families of victims of two fatal Boeing 737 Max crashes as it nears a crucial decision over whether the company violated a 2021 deal that allowed it to escape criminal prosecution over the incidents. Families are invited to attend a meeting where they will be informed of the DOJ’s decision as to whether the company breached the deferred prosecution agreement or DPA. “The DOJ has been very nontransparent in disclosing to the families how they are going about making the determination of compliance or breach,” said Robert A. Clifford, who is representing families of Max crash victims. “That has been a very disappointing feature of the department’s contact and communication with the families. But, in fairness to the department, prosecutors seldom discuss the details of their investigations, so this is not out of the ordinary.” Read the full article here.
WGN Radio – May 2024
Hon. Henry R. Simmons (Ret.), a former judge and managing partner at Clifford Law Offices, joins Lisa Dent to talk about the hallmark case and first-ever trial, being held in Chicago, over claims that the heartburn drug Zantac causes cancer. The complaint against two pharmaceutical companies alleges insufficient warnings. Listen to the full interview here.
Law.com – April 2024
John V. Kalantzis has been named partner at Clifford Law Offices. An associate at the firm since 2019, John’s caseload includes complex personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits including the pending litigation in federal district court against Boeing in the crash of a 737 MAX8 in Ethiopia that killed all 157 on board from 35 countries. Read the full article here.
Crain’s Chicago Business – April 2024
John V. Kalantzis has been named partner at Clifford Law Offices. An associate at the firm since 2019, he is involved in many complex personal injury and wrongful death cases including the pending litigation in federal district court against Boeing in the crash of a 737 MAX8 in Ethiopia that killed all 157 on board from 35 countries. Read the full article here.
CBS 6 News – April 2024
Boeing crash victim families met with the Department of Justice (DOJ) to present evidence and demand Boeing not be protected from prosecution and instead, held accountable for the 346 deaths by crashes on October 29, 2018, and March 10, 2019. “The justice system in America is on full display with these families,” said Bob Clifford, the lead lawyer for the victims’ families. “And I have to report to you that they are all very, very disappointed. There is a concern that Boeing is somehow in a position to get DOJ to stand down on a fair review of their alleged criminal conduct.” Read the full article here.
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – April 2024
Clifford Law Offices promoted John V. Kalantzis to partner. He has been an associate at the firm since 2019. Read the full article here.
The Seattle Times – April 2024
U.S. Justice Department officials met on April 24, 2024 with families of Boeing 737 MAX crash victims who have attempted to share information they’ve obtained through civil litigation against the company, including about 200 depositions and millions of documents, but their efforts have been thwarted by Boeing and the courts after a protective order was cast over the evidence. “The government should be reviewing this material,” Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, who represents more than 70 families who lost loved ones in the 2019 Ethiopia MAX 8 crash, said in an interview. “Maybe some of the documents will help prosecutors connect the dots.” Read the full article here.
Bloomberg – April 2024
Families from the U.S. and at least four other countries who lost loved ones in the crash of the MAX8 jet in 2019 met with representatives of the Department of Justice (DOJ) in a “conferral meeting” regarding whether Boeing has complied with the deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) entered into as a result of two disastrous crashes of the MAX 8 jet in 2018 and 2019. Read the full article here.
Legal Talk Network – April 2024
Erin Clifford, partner at Clifford Law Offices and corporate wellness consultant and coach, joins Dave Scriven-Young on Litigation Radio to share healthy lifestyle strategies from the American Bar Association Litigation Section’s Mental Health and Wellness Task Force. Listen to the full podcast here.
The Seattle Times – April 2024
Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, who represents more than 70 families who lost loved ones in the 2019 Ethiopia MAX 8 crash, said the litigation against Boeing is likely to last into 2025, as families pursue trial dates to hold Boeing accountable. “There are some people who demand that there be a public reckoning of Boeing’s criminality and wrongdoing — and they would rather a jury decide,” Mr. Clifford stated. Read the full article here.
The Alex Pierson Show – April 2024
Robert A. Clifford, who is Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia, is interviewed on The Alex Pierson Show to talk about the Boeing whistleblower who came forward, saying he believes that all Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes need to be grounded ASAP due to security and safety concerns. Listen to the full podcast here.
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – April 2024
Courtney A. Berlin, associate at Clifford Law Offices, will speak during the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association webinar on “Practice Tips for Young Lawyers” from 9 to 11 a.m. on April 26. Berlin will address “Trial Preparation & Strategies for Success with Motions in Limine.” Learn more here.
The National Herald – April 2024
The National Hellenic Museum presents the Trial of Pericles at the Harris Theater in Chicago on April 17, 2024. The trial series takes historical legal cases and controversies and tries them before an audience to demonstrate the continued relevance of these ancient disputes in modern society. Sarah F. King and James C. Pullos, partners at Clifford Law Offices, will represent Pericles in the mock trial, with the fate of the Athenian statesman in the hands of the audience. Read the full article here.
WVON AM – April 2024
Sarah F. King, partner at Clifford Law Offices, was interviewed on the Rufus Williams Show on WVON (1690 AM) morning radio to speak about the upcoming mock Trial of Pericles, an event sponsored by the National Hellenic Museum on April 17 at the Harris Theater. Listen here.
Law360 – April 2024
An Illinois federal judge has scheduled trials in November for some of the remaining lawsuits stemming from the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crash, denying Boeing’s request to delay to allow for settlement talks. Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, and Lead Counsel in the pending federal litigation, says cases are ready to go to trial. Read the full article here.
Business Insider – April 2024
The families of Boeing 737 Max 8 crash victims will meet with the Justice Department to determine the possibility of criminal charges in the 2018 and 2019 disasters as officials investigate if Boeing violated its compliance agreement amid events including the Alaska Airlines blowout. Aviation attorney, Robert A. Clifford, who is Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia, is quoted. Read the full article here.
The Visualist – April 2024
Sarah F. King and James C. Pullos, partners at Clifford Law Offices, will join a roster of experienced Chicago attorneys in the National Hellenic Museum’s Trial of Pericles on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the Harris Theater. Attorneys will cross-examine and litigate for and against Pericles on his changes to the Athenian Constitution, and the audience will have an active role in deciding the verdict. Read the full article here.
Business Insider – March 2024
Boeing announced that CEO Dave Calhoun would resign at the end of the year, making him the second successive chief to go after a 737 Max crisis. “The watershed moment should have been when nearly 400 people died in the Boeing Max 8 disasters years ago,” said Bob Clifford, lead counsel in pending federal litigation for families of the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines crash victims. “If the company had taken the Max crashes seriously, it is likely that the Alaska Air debacle could have been averted, and the company would be on the way to healing itself, and ensuring the safety of the flying public.” Read the full article here.
Law.com – March 2024
Clifford Law Offices filed a lawsuit against NASCAR and other entities on behalf of a man who was killed during the construction of the 2023 Chicago street races. “There was a terrible lapse in safety,” said Kevin P. Durkin, partner at Clifford Law Offices, who is representing the family of the victim. Read the full article here.
USA Today – March 2024
Experts react to the continuing changes in Boeing’s C-suite as CEO Dave Calhoun announces that he will step down. Aviation attorney, Robert A. Clifford, who is Lead Counsel in the federal litigation pending in the 2019 Boeing crash in Ethiopia, is quoted. Read the full article here.
Wisconsin Public Radio – March 2024
The Justice Department has begun sending letters to passengers of Alaska Airlines 1282, informing them that they might be victims of a crime. Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices in Chicago, whose firm represents families of victims from the Max 8 crashes as well as the Alaska Airlines flight, is quoted. Read the full article here.
CNN – March 2024
Passengers on board the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 that suffered a terrifying midair blowout in January have received a letter from the FBI saying they may be victims “of a crime.” Aviation attorney Robert Clifford, who represents many family members of the 2019 crash victims of a Boeing 737 Max jet flown by Ethiopian Air as well as some of the recent Alaska Air passengers, is quoted. Read the full article here.
NPR – March 2024
Boeing crash victims’ families are “optimistic” that the DOJ will be “more strict with how they look at this new criminal investigation from the Alaska Airlines case,” said aviation attorney Robert Clifford, whose firm represents families of victims from the Max 8 crashes, as well as passengers on board Alaska Airlines 1282 when the door plug blew out. “I have seen letters to clients,” Clifford said in an interview. That’s an important step, he says, because it’s something the Justice Department did not do after the Max 8 crashes. Read the full article here.
Chicago Sun-Times – March 2024
A photo of Bradley Cosgrove, partner at Clifford Law Offices, along with Devin J. Piper, associate at the firm, was one of the Chicago Sun-Times top must-see news photos of the week. The photo featured Cosgrove pushing Antonio DeAngelo’s wheelchair into a conference room for a press conference following a Cook County jury record verdict that awarded DeAngelo $39.9 million. See the full article here.
Chicago Sun-Times – March 2024
Bradley Cosgrove and Charles Haskins, partners at Clifford Law Offices, obtained a record jury verdict on behalf of a man who suffered a stroke that left him permanently disabled. Mr. Cosgrove said the stroke could have been prevented if a “proper standard of care medicine had been followed.” The $39.9 million is the highest awarded in a stroke-related lawsuit in Illinois, according to Mr. Cosgrove. “Through their verdict, we hope to get the wheelchair access that Tony requires to get through the day,” said the victim’s wife. Read the full article here.
Daily Herald – March 2024
Bradley Cosgrove and Charles Haskins, partners at Clifford Law Offices, obtained a $39.9 million record verdict on behalf of a man who suffered a life-altering stroke after his doctor failed to address warning signs. “This man should be enjoying life to the fullest now. Instead, he finds himself struggling to get through every day,” his attorney Bradley Cosgrove said. Read the full article here.
BNN Breaking – March 2024
A Cook County jury awarded a $39.9 million record verdict to Antonio DeAngelo, a 37-year-old man from Hoffman Estates who suffered a debilitating stroke after his doctor failed to address his high blood pressure. This verdict, obtained by Bradley Cosgrove and Charles Haskins, partners at Clifford Law Offices, is the highest reported for a stroke victim in Illinois, and highlights a significant moment in medical malpractice and patient care standards. Read the full article here.
Audacy – March 2024
A jury awarded Antonio DeAngelo $39.9 million Thursday evening in a record verdict against Advocate Physician Partners. Bradley Cosgrove and Charles Haskins, partners at Clifford Law Offices, represented Mr. DeAngelo, who is permanently disabled following the doctors’ failure to treat his abnormally high blood pressure that led to him suffering a debilitating stroke. Read the full article here.
ABC7 News – March 2024
Bradley Cosgrove and Charles Haskins, partners at Clifford Law Offices, obtained a $39.9 million record verdict on behalf of Antonio DeAngelo, who is permanently disabled following Advocate Physician Partners’ failure to treat his abnormally high blood pressure that led to him suffering a debilitating stroke. The physician treated him with an antibiotic for flu-like symptoms and failed to follow up with any care despite knowing of the patient’s hypertension. “Certainly would have reduced his blood pressure within what’s called gold range within 30 days, and would have prevented Tony’s stroke,” Brad Cosgrove said. Read the full article here.
NewsNGR – February 2024
Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, spoke to Nigerian reporter Justice Okamgba about the circumstances surrounding the tragic helicopter crash that killed six passengers in California. “Helicopters are, in my opinion, the most unsafe aviation device ever created,” Clifford stated. “The installation of an FDR or CVR is an economic decision of the owner.” Read the full article here.
Punch – February 2024
In an interview with Justice Okamgba, Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, shares his perspective on the circumstances surrounding the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of a Nigerian family. Read the full article here.
The National Herald – February 2024
The National Hellenic Museum presents the Trial of Pericles in their latest Trial Series installment on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 7 PM, at the Harris Theater in Chicago. Sarah F. King and James C. Pullos, partners at Clifford Law Offices, will be participants in the trial event which will examine the ethics and controversy surrounding Pericles’ changes to the Athenian constitution. Read the full article here.
Lawdragon – February 2024
Fifteen attorneys from Clifford Law Offices have been named to the 2024 Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers list. Lawyers for this guide are selected through Lawdragon’s time-honed process of independent journalistic research and submissions to identify the top professionals in their practice area. Read the full article here.
Law360 – February 2024
As Boeing braces for additional federal investigation, the airline manufacturer has fired the head of its 737 Max program. “For a corporation that professes a goal to reinvigorate a company-wide culture of safety over profits, these moves at Boeing totally miss the mark,” said Robert A. Clifford, senior partner of Clifford Law Offices and chief counsel representing families suing Boeing in Illinois federal court over the Ethiopian Airlines crash. Read the full article here.
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – February 2024
Erin Clifford, partner at Clifford Law Offices, will present at the Chicago Bar Association’s annual Women’s History Month Summit on March 7, 2024. Clifford, who is a corporate wellness coach, will present “Secrets to Self-Advocacy: Negotiating Compensation and Prioritizing Balance to Achieve Career Success” which will focus on how women lawyers can advocate for themselves during compensation negotiations, set boundaries, and focus on their well-being. Read the full article here.
Aeromorning – February 2024
The families who lost loved ones in the crash of a Boeing 737 MAX8 jet in Ethiopia nearly five years ago reacted to the firing of the corporate executive who headed the 737 MAX passenger jet program. “True cultural change at Boeing will only come about when the board recognizes that it needs to make major C-suite changes and cleans house of those who oversaw the nearly decade-plus decline in a culture once dominated by a philosophy that rewarded engineering safety. Instead, it now is dominated by a profit motivation on the balance sheet and investor return.” Read the full article here.
Audacy – February 2024
A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed by the son of former area hospital CEO, Ruth Colby, alleging negligence in her death following a heart surgery. The lawsuit said her doctor recommended a minimally invasive robotic heart valve procedure. “Our expert report states that Ms. Colby underwent the wrong procedure which was negligently performed,” attorney Keith Hebeisen, partner at Clifford Law Offices, said in a statement. Read the full article here.
Business News Network – February 2024
Erin E. Clifford, a partner at Clifford Law Offices and certified Holistic Health Coach, will present at the Chicago Bar Association’s History Month Summit titled ‘Secrets to Self-Advocacy: Negotiating Compensation and Prioritizing Balance to Achieve Career Success.’ By advocating for a balanced lifestyle, Clifford aims to inspire women lawyers to set boundaries that foster both career growth and personal fulfillment. Read the full article here.
Shaw Local – February 2024
On February 14, 2024, Keith A. Hebeisen, partner at Clifford Law Offices, filed a complaint on behalf of the family of Ruth Colby, against the University of Chicago Hospital and Health Systems and Dr. Husam H. Balkhy. After reviewing more than 8,000 of Colby’s health records, the firm’s medical expert wrote that Colby’s death was “preventable.” Read the full article here.
WGN TV – February 2024
Keith A. Hebeisen, partner at Clifford Law Offices, explains the professional negligence outlined in a complaint filed February 14, 2024, on behalf of Ruth Colby’s family. “Our expert says that surgery should have been a replacement of the valve and not trying to repair it. The second thing is during the procedure while attempting to repair the valve, there was some shaving of tissue around the valve done by the surgeon that made things worse.” Read the full article here.
ABC 7 Chicago – February 2024
The family of Ruth Colby, 69, who died after receiving a surgical procedure at the University of Chicago Hospital in September 2023, is suing the hospital and one of its cardiac surgeons, claiming negligence. “If we can prevent that from happening to other families throughout Chicago, that would be a win for us,” said Colby’s son, David Chodak. Read the full article here.
Patch – February 2024
Keith A. Hebeisen, partner at Clifford Law Offices filed a complaint against the University of Chicago Hospital and one of its cardiac surgeons on behalf of the family of Ruth Colby who died after receiving a surgical procedure in September 2023. “Our expert report states that Ms. Colby underwent the wrong procedure, which was negligently performed,” Hebeisen said. “We intend to get to the bottom of what happened because Ms. Colby did everything as she was advised and relied on this hospital and its doctor to properly treat her condition without her dying.” Read the full article here.
Becker’s Hospital Review – February 2024
UChicago Medicine and one of its cardiothoracic surgeons have been named in a lawsuit over the death of Ruth Colby, the former CEO of Silver Cross Hospital. Keith A. Hebeisen, partner at Clifford Law Offices, filed the formal complaint alleging medical negligence on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, on behalf of Colby’s family. Read the full article here.
Fox 32 Chicago – February 2024
Keith Hebeisen, partner at Clifford Law Offices, filed a complaint Wednesday, February 14, 2024, against the University of Chicago and one of its doctors on behalf of former Silver Cross Hospital CEO, Ruth Colby, who died following complications from a surgical procedure performed by Dr. Husam H. Balkhy in September 2023. The complaint alleges negligence in an attempt to repair the patient’s heart valve. Read the full article here.
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – February 2024
A Cook County jury awarded $6.47 million to a man and his wife over injuries he sustained from a malpositioned hip implant that was allegedly overlooked by his orthopedic surgeon. The family was represented by Sarah King and Joseph Murphy, partners at Clifford Law Offices. Read the full article here.
Crain’s Chicago Business – February 2024
Clifford Law Offices filed a complaint against the University of Chicago Hospital and one of its doctors for negligently causing the death of Ruth Colby who died last October following complications following a surgical procedure performed last September. “Our expert report states that Ms. Colby underwent the wrong procedure, which was negligently performed,” Keith Hebeisen, a partner at Clifford Law Offices, said in a press release. “We intend to get to the bottom of what happened because Ms. Colby did everything as she was advised and relied on this hospital and its doctor to properly treat her condition without her dying.” Read the full article here.
Columbus Dispatch – February 2024
The Columbus Dispatch spoke with aviation attorney Robert A. Clifford who shared he thinks aviation regulatory agencies need to “clean house.” He said that as long as the industry continues “chasing down profit over safety,” people can “draw a lot of lines” from one aviation accident to another. Bob also said federal agencies deserve some blame for the state of the industry, but he insisted that the pilots who died in the February 9, 2024, crash deserve deference until more details are revealed. Read the full article here.
Business Insider Africa – February 2024
In an exclusive interview, Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices and aviation attorney, shares the expectations and process of the NTSB investigation being conducted following the crash of an Airbus Helicopter EC130B4 that killed six. “NTSB investigators will thoroughly examine all aspects of what led up to the crash and ultimately will use their expertise to determine the probable cause to see if it was avoidable… At this time, the family of the victims need to be patient in allowing the NTSB to do its job. They are credible, honest, and capable investigators in whom I have great confidence.” Read the full article here.
Vanguard News – February 2024
Aviation attorney Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, shared that the fatal helicopter crash that killed six passengers in California may have been avoidable given the known weather conditions at that time. “It is always a horrific tragedy when innocent lives are lost in an aviation disaster.” Read the full article here.
New National Star – February 2024
Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices stated in a press release the possibility that the deadly California helicopter crash was a preventable tragedy and expressed his confidence in the National Transportation Safety Board to thoroughly investigate the cause of the incident and determine if the crash was, in fact, preventable. Read the full article here.
Daily Post – February 2024
Chicago aviation attorney Robert Clifford, spoke out amid an ongoing NTSB investigation of the Airbus Helicopter EC130B4 that crashed on Saturday, February 10, killing six. Clifford said in a statement, “The crash… immediately strikes one as a tragedy that may have been avoided given the known weather conditions at that time.” Read the full article here.
Business Traffic – February 2024
“The crash of a helicopter that killed six people including a top Nigerian banker and his family along the California-Nevada border Saturday night immediately strikes one as a tragedy that may have been avoided given the known weather conditions at that time,” said Chicago aviation attorney Robert A. Clifford, who is currently Lead Counsel in the crash in Ethiopia of a Boeing 737 MAX8. Read the full article here.
Shaw Local – February 2024
Clifford Law Offices has filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a 25-year-old worker who was killed following an explosion and fire last year at Seneca Petroleum’s refinery in unincorporated Lemont. freestar “The families of these workers need answers as to what happened that tragic day,” Craig Squillace, partner at the firm, said. Read the full article here.
Business News Network – February 2024
Clifford Law Offices, a highly respected legal institution specializing in complex medical malpractice and personal injury cases, announced the addition of partner Thomas ‘T.J.’ Tomasik. Tomasik brings to the firm a dedication, expertise, and passion for justice and demonstrates the firm’s commitment to nurturing talent and delivering exceptional legal services. Read the full article here.
ABC 6 – February 2024
ABC 6 spoke with aviation attorney Robert Clifford, who says investigators will have a lot to sort through as they work to determine the cause of the Bombardier Challenger 604 crash. “I can tell you, it’s highly unusual to lose both engines at one time,” he said. “Was it a contaminated fuel? Was it a bad switch that made the engines go off? Was it something the pilots did or didn’t do?” Read the full article here.
CBS News – February 2024
Aviation attorney Robert Clifford spoke with CBS News about the crash of the Bombardier Challenger 604 that crashed near Naples, Florida. Clifford handled a case about a Bombardier Challenger Jet that crashed in Colorado. Read the full article here.
WINK News – February 2024
In this interview with WINK News, Chicago aviation attorney Bob Clifford weighed in on Friday, February 9 2024 Bombardier Challenger jet crash in Naples, Florida, and how the NTSB will handle its investigation. Read the full article here.
NBC 6 – February 2024
NBC 6 spoke with aviation attorney Robert A. Clifford about the crash of the Bombardier Challenger 604 that took off from Ohio Friday and was scheduled to land in Naples. It crashed on I-75 near Naples. Clifford handled the case of the Bombardier Challenger jet that crashed in Colorado in 2004. Read the full article here.
Cision PR Web – February 2024
The 17th Annual Clifford Law Offices Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 2:30 pm CST. The two-hour webcast will cover the topic of “Ethics 2024: Questions from the Trenches” and offer CLE credit in five states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. To register for the free event click here.
The Chicago Lawyer – February 2024
Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices further explores both the known and unknown ethical dilemmas that AI technology presents in the legal industry in his latest article in The Chicago Lawyer. “AI can’t listen, empathize, advocate or understand the emotions and politics involved in legal matters… it can’t replace the critical thinking and problem-solving skills human lawyers use to represent human clients.” Read the full article here.
KFI AM 640 – January 2024
Bob Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, who currently represents families of victims in the Ethiopia MAX 8 crash, joins KFI AM 640’s John Kobylt show to discuss the continued concerns surrounding Boeing Max jets. “You have to be uber diligent about the quality of your product, and that’s where [Boeing] slipped and failed us all.” Listen to the interview here.
The Loyola Phoenix – January 2024
The National Transportation Safety Board opened an investigation into the commuter train crash that occurred near the Howard Station on the Yellow Line Nov. 16. Clifford Law Offices partner Joseph T. Murphy, who is representing six passengers said, “If it were just human error, that’s one thing. But if we have a design flaw here, then the question becomes is this the entire fleet of CTA trains?” Read more.
CNN – January 2024
“In the light most favorable to Boeing, the first crash was an accident, the second crash is a crime,” said Robert Clifford, the attorney suing Boeing on behalf of families of the victims of the second crash, the one in Ethiopia, in an interview with CNN, adding, “They gambled with people’s lives and the people lost.” Read more.
The Washington Post – January 2024
Robert Clifford, an attorney for families of the Ethiopian Airlines Max crash victims, who is also representing some passengers on the Alaska Airlines flight, said the FAA’s patience with Boeing appears to have finally run out. Read more.
SF Gate – January 2024
Aviation attorney Robert Clifford who is representing families of the Ethiopian Airlines Max crash as well as some passengers of the Alaskan Airlines flight, says the FAA’s patience with Boeing appears to have finally run out. “The trust factor has been substantially diminished,” he said. Read more.
The Spokesman-Review – January 2024
The FAA’s past critics say its response to the Alaska incident has been markedly different from how it handled the earlier crashes. Robert Clifford, who is representing families of the Ethiopian Airlines Max crash as well as some passengers of the Alaskan Airlines flight, says the FAA’s patience with Boeing appears to have finally run out. Read more.
Los Angeles Times – January 2024
Aviation attorney Robert Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, who currently represents families of victims in the Ethiopia MAX 8 crash, criticized the FAA for allowing Boeing 737 Max 9 jets to resume flying: “While we applaud the FAA for saying it will halt any Boeing 737 Max production expansion, it should not be rewarding the company by clearing Max 9 inspection instructions, paving the way for the planes to be ungrounded until Congress and the regulators hold immediate hearings.” Read more.
Yahoo! News – January 2024
As airlines begin flying previously grounded Boeing Max 9 jets, Robert Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices and experienced aviation attorney, criticizes the FAA’s decision: “[The FAA] should not be rewarding the company by clearing Max 9 inspection instructions, paving the way for the planes to be ungrounded until Congress and the regulators hold immediate hearings.” Read more.
Kiro 7 – January 2024
Aviation law expert Robert A. Clifford says more needs to be done as work halts for the day at a Boeing facility in Renton, Washington as airlines push to bring back grounded 737s. “It matters to all of us who are going to get on an airplane tomorrow of course,” he told KIRO 7. “It doesn’t change what’s occurred.” Read more.
Super Lawyers – January 2024
Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner of Clifford Law Offices, has been ranked the #1 lawyer in the state of Illinois by Super Lawyers® “Top 10: 2024 Illinois Super Lawyers List.” Read more.
Super Lawyers – January 2024
Robert A. Clifford, founder and senior partner at Clifford Law Offices, was interviewed by Super Lawyers, highlighting his years of experience as a top personal injury attorney, decades of recognition by the rating service, and his vision for the future of the law. “I’m empowering several of my younger partners to help with the growth of Clifford Law and the sustainability of our firm. I’m surrounded by young people who want a future, and I’m determined to help give it to them.” Read the full article here.
Chicago Daily Law Bulletin – January 2024
Keith A. Hebeisen, partner at Clifford Law Offices, will speak on closing arguments during the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association’s Damages seminar on February 16, 2024, at the Westin Chicago River North. freestar “The families of these workers need answers as to what happened that tragic day,” Craig Squillace, partner at Clifford Law Offices, said. Read the full article here.
ABC News – January 2024
“What’s going to come out within the next probably 24-48 hours is that this plug is far more than a plug,” said attorney Robert Clifford about the “door plug” on a Boeing 737-MAX 9 jet, that ripped a hole in the side of the airplane during flight on January 5th, 2024. “This so-called plug is really a spring-latched mechanism, a very complicated mechanism, that was just an accident waiting to happen.” Read the full article here.
KPIC – January 2024
“When the FAA chose to ground the fleet, they immediately believed that there was a systemic, fleet-wide problem on that MAX 9 because the FAA wouldn’t have grounded everybody for any other kind of reason,” said Robert Clifford, an experienced aviation attorney who currently represents families of victims in the Ethiopia MAX 8 crash. Read the full article here.
KTVL – January 2024
Aviation attorney Robert Clifford said the FAA would not take the step of grounding every MAX 9 plane if it wasn’t worried about a systemic, fleet-wide problem on the MAX 9. “I have great confidence in the FAA nowadays. I didn’t before, but they have been rattled by the disclosures over the last five years of their cozy relationship with companies like Boeing, and they’re not taking it anymore,” Clifford said. Read the full article here.
KATU – ABC Portland – January 2024
Bob Clifford was live on ABC Portland saying the FAA would not take the step of grounding every MAX 9 plane if it wasn’t worried about a broader problem. An aviation attorney who represents families of victims killed in the Ethiopia Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 crash in 2019, Clifford said the FAA’s grounding of all MAX 9 planes pointed to a possible systemwide issue. Read the article and watch Bob Clifford’s live interview here.
The Alex Pierson Show – January 2024
“The fact remains that the public’s safety is oftentimes compromised by these manufacturers and operators all for the sake of their profit,” says Robert Clifford in a podcast with The Alex Pierson Show, stressing the importance of holding Boeing accountable, including limiting deferred prosecution in pending cases. Listen to the full podcast here.
Independent – January 2024
“(Boeing) has to stop giving lip service to the idea that they put safety over profits because right now it looks like they put… speed to the marketplace over safety,” aviation trial attorney Robert Clifford told CNN as federal investigations into Boeing’s 737 Max9 aircraft continue. Loose bolts were found on grounded Boeing 737 Max9 jetliners of another airline during inspections that followed the emergency landing of an Alaskan Airlines flight when a door plug blew out of the side of the plane. Read the full article here.
CNN – January 2024
Shares of Boeing and one of its key suppliers, Spirit AeroSystems, dropped on January 8, 2024, as investors grew worried about possible damage to the businesses after a piece of fuselage on a Boeing 737 Max 9 blew out mid-flight. “This is a company that went from being the gold standard in engineering expertise and precision to now a company that seems like it’s at the bottom of the barrel,” Robert A. Clifford said. Read the full article here.
ABC 7 – January 2024
Dozens of flights are canceled at O’Hare airport on January 8, 2024, after mainly United Airlines and Alaska Airlines planes were grounded. Aviation trial attorney Bob. Clifford said the incident will have reputational repercussions for Boeing and the company will likely be on the hook to pay airlines for lost revenue. Read the full article here.
NBC 4 Washington – January 2024
After a side panel of a Boeing 737 MAX 9 broke off midflight on January 5th, 2024, the FAA decided to ground all of those planes for inspection. Aviation attorney Robert A. Clifford of Clifford Law Offices said the incident raised questions of whether regulators were too quick to let Max planes return to flying. Read the full article here.
NBC 4 New York – January 2024
Boeing faces new scrutiny about the safety of its best-selling plane after federal officials announced the temporary grounding of some Boeing 737 Max planes on January 6, 2024, following a flight in which an Alaska Airlines jetliner was left with a gaping hole in its side. Robert Clifford, Chicago aviation lawyer, said this incident raised questions of whether regulators were too quick to let Max planes return to flying and of Boeing of putting profits over safety. Read the full article here.
CNN – January 2024
An Alaska Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing Friday, January 6th, 2024 when a panel and window blew out of the Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft. Aviation trial attorney Robert Clifford said this incident will have consequential reputational repercussions for Boeing and will likely be on the hook to pay airlines for lost revenue. Read the full article here.
NBC 7 San Diego – January 2024
Some Boeing 737 Max planes were grounded after a window and a chunk of the fuselage blew out of the plane shortly after takeoff, causing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon, on January 5, 2024. Robert A. Clifford, a Chicago aviation lawyer who is representing families of passengers killed in the Ethiopian crash, said the incident raised questions of whether regulators were too quick to let Max planes return to flying. Read the full article here.
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Fox 32 Chicago – January 2024
On January 5, 2024, a fuselage panel blew out on an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 seven minutes after takeoff from Portland, Oregon. Robert A. Clifford, who is representing families of passengers killed in the 2019 Ethiopian crash, said this incident raised questions about whether regulators were too quick to let Max planes return to flying. Read the full article here.
WGNRadio – January 2024
Bob Clifford joined Jon Hansen of WGN Radio to discuss the Alaska Airlines flight that made an emergency landing after a door on its Boeing 737 Max9 blew out mid-flight. He talked about what role the Federal Aviation Administration will play and the compensation that the airline will offer to the flyers. Listen to the interview here.
ABC27 – January 2024
Boeing faces new scrutiny about the safety of its 737 Max planes following a harrowing flight on January 5 in which an Alaska Airlines jetliner was left with a gaping hole in its side. Aviation attorney Robert Clifford, who is representing families of passengers killed in the 2019 Ethiopian crash, said this incident raised questions about whether regulators were too quick to let Max planes return to flying. Read the full article here.
Telemundo- January 2024
“Clifford Law Offices está llevando a cabo su propia investigación para determinar exactamente qué sucedió con respecto al accidente de la Línea Amarilla en noviembre. La NTSB concluyó que el conductor estaba al tanto de los equipos en las vías, así como de un defecto de diseño, pero aún queda mucho por aprender sobre exactamente qué salió mal en este incidente evitable. El público permanece en la oscuridad y la CTA necesita ser más transparente para que los pasajeros puedan tener más confianza al viajar en la Línea Amarilla”, the team at Clifford Law Offices said in a news release following the reopening of the Yellow Line that had been closed since a November crash that injured dozens. Read the full article here.
WEBZ Chicago – January 2024
As the CTA Yellow Line commuter train reopens following a crash on November 16, 2023, passengers injured in the crash pursue lawsuits alleging negligence on the part of the CTA. Clifford Law Offices is representing passengers in the matter. Read the full article here.
Chicago Sun-Times – January 2024
“The CTA needs to be more transparent so the passengers can have more confidence riding on the Yellow Line,” Joseph T. Murphy, partner at Clifford Law Offices, said in a news release following the reopening of the Yellow Line that had been closed since November 2023, when a crash injured dozens. Read the full article here.
NBC Chicago – January 2024
Joseph T. Murphy, partner at Clifford Law Offices, was interviewed by NBC about the reopening of the Yellow Line that had been closed since November 2023, when a crash injured dozens of individuals. Watch the full report here.
ABC 7 Chicago – January 2024
The CTA Yellow Line has reopened following NTSB investigations into the causes of a November crash between the passenger train and snow removal equipment that injured 40. Watch the full report here.
NBC Chicago – January 2024
Seven weeks after a crash, the CTA Yellow Line is set to reopen on Friday, January 5, 2024, following NTSB investigations. Clifford Law Offices, quoted in this article, is representing several passengers who were injured when the speeding train struck equipment on the track and is conducting its own investigation. Read the full article here.
