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Category: Litigation

Our transportation attorneys have extensive experience in representing companies in the transportation industry, with particular emphasis on representation of interstate and intrastate trucking companies and mass transit. We directly represent major interstate transportation firms which are self-insured or which retain substantial self-insurance limits. Additionally, we represent many interstate and intrastate trucking companies through several major insurance carriers. We have significant experience in the following areas, among others:

Trucking, Buses and Train Accident Litigation

We have represented trucking and transportation companies of all sizes and transit authorities in both the federal and state courts in Illinois in accident cases involving personal injury and wrongful death. The firm's extensive jury trial experience (Querrey & Harrow is perennially one of the leaders among Illinois firms in number of jury trials) and reputation as a trial oriented firm assists the firm in obtaining the best possible results for its clients, whether by verdict or settlement.

Transportation Coverage and Contract Issue

Our attorneys are well versed in the reading and interpretation of insurance agreements commonly used in the transportation industry. Additionally, we have a resource in the firm's Insurance Law Practice Group, which has broad based experience in all aspects of insurance coverage practice. Indemnification, lessor-lessee, agency and independent contractor issues are routinely handled by members of this group for transportation and rental/leasing companies alike.

Cargo Claims

We are experienced in handling claims for cargo losses and related cargo claims. We have represented major interstate freight carriers and carriers of household goods in connection with cargo claims.

Administrative Matters

We advise trucking companies in all aspects of compliance with USDOT safety regulations and hazardous material regulations, and regularly represent companies in administrative challenges to Notices of Proposed Safety Ratings and civil penalty actions. We also represent trucking companies in matters before the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Commerce Commission.

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Category: Litigation

Our subrogation attorneys help insurers pursue at-fault parties through litigation to make them responsible for their negligent or intentional actions.  We have extensive experience in handling automobile and property claims, product liability issues, and uninsured motorist claims, as well as health insurance subrogation, including ERISA claims. 

Our attorneys deal with claims in Indiana, as well as in central and northern Illinois, and represent national and regional carriers.  Although we strive to achieve settlement prior to litigation, should legal action become necessary, the case is moved forward in a prompt and efficient manner through the courts to effect a speedy trial date or to obtain a judgment. 

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Category: Litigation

Our real estate litigation practice has a proven track record of helping clients resolve disputes. Our clients have included property owners, Fortune 500 companies, title insurance companies, landlords, tenants, municipal corporations, lenders, investors, and developers from both the plaintiff and defense side.

Querrey & Harrow has the resources and experience to advise on any type of real estate litigation. We have represented two national title insurance companies in the real estate litigation, and our bankruptcy group and real estate transactional groups provide added resources and experience.  The core services we provide in this area include:

• Breach of real estate contracts
• Breach of construction contracts
• Residential Real Property Disclosure Act claims
• Fraud
• Quiet title
• Specific Performance
• Contract reformation or rescission
• Tax Deeds
• Real Estate Broker disputes
• Mechanics Liens

We have recovered unpaid fees for condominium boards, recovered damages incurred by victims of mortgage broker fraud, and handled Residential Real Property Disclosure Act claims. We have assisted individuals and title companies in resolving real estate title disputes including quiet title, contract reformation, contract rescission and specific performance claims.

We assist contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers and owners recover the amounts due them through mechanics liens and bond claims. We have prosecuted and defended claims involving private and public projects. When necessary, we have obtained judgments against owners and sold the real estate to recover the mechanics lien judgment.We also have experience with mediation, arbitration and trials of real estate disputes.

Recent Successes Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Obtained judgment against sellers for fraud and in violation of the Residential Real Property Disclosure Act.  Buyers discovered defective foundation after moving into the home and contacted engineers and contractors, who advised that sellers had previously contacted them for foundation repair bids.  Sellers claimed they thought the foundation had been repaired.  They had engineer testify that he had investigated the masonry and foundation, consulted with engineers and contractors, and ultimately told sellers the house did not need foundation repairs. We established, on buyers’ behalf, that sellers knew the house was settling as evidenced by their obtaining repair bids, and by the frequent tuck pointing and painting that was required to maintain the house. Our petition for attorney fees and costs was also granted.

Obtained a verdict in breach of contract and fraud case against mortgage broker who backed out on table funded loan it was unable to resell.  Borrowers sought a commercial loan, and broker advised that the loan was approved. Borrowers attended closing and funds were dispersed the following week.  Seven days after the closing, the broker advised that the lender was rescinding the loan and cancelled the checks.  Apparently, the broker table funded the loan and backed out of the loan when it was unable to resell it.  They jury entered judgment in favor of the borrowers for breach of contract and fraud including an award of punitive damages.

Successfully defended a homeowner in a mechanics lien foreclosure action. In this mechanics lien foreclosure action, the trial court found that the mechanics lien was invalid because the contractor had inflated the amount of the lien by 56%.  The court also found that the contractor had violated the Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act and denied the contractor any recovery for breach of contract. The court found in favor of our clients on her breach of contract claim and awarded her damages.

Representative Matters

• Drafted Economic Incentive Agreements between Village and businesses

• Represented commercial tenant in rent calculation disputes

• Negotiated settlement commercial tenant resulting in recovery of approximately $800,000 for Tenant Improvement Allowance

• Draft easements and licenses

• Obtained settlement whereby home purchaser client was paid sums for repair of flood damage as a result of failure to disclose flooding in home purchase

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Category: Litigation

The attorneys in our professional liability practice group defend architects, attorneys, insurance brokers, real estate brokers, directors and officers, engineers, and other professionals in malpractice, fraud, breach of contract, and breach of fiduciary duty claims.  These attorneys not only have trial experience in defending these cases, but have also conducted seminars for insurers and professional associations regarding the proper handling of professional liability claims and risk management practices to avoid such claims.