LOUIS S. GLAZA

• Lead complex litigation strategies in high-stakes insurance cases.
• Manage all aspects of complex civil litigation from initial filing through resolution of the matter.
• Represent Zurich North America Insurance Company insureds in litigated and non-litigated claims. I handle a wide variety of cases which included construction, product liability, premises liability and general tort claims.
• Review and negotiate settlement agreements to mitigate risks effectively.
• Prepare pleadings, motions and other documents related to civil litigation matters.
• Collaborate with legal teams, paralegals, and administrative staff to coordinate case preparation and manage workload efficiently.

• Represented Nationwide Insurance Company's insureds in litigated and non-litigated claims. As a Senior Trial Attorney, I handled a wide variety of cases which included construction, product liability, premises liability and general tort claims. Managed cases from initial pleading stages through trial, ensuring comprehensive legal representation. When initially hired on, I was requested to obtain state licensure in Indiana. Upon obtaining my Indiana Law License, I handled a case load of over 100 files in both Illinois and Indiana. In 2022, I gave up my Indiana Law License and continued to focus strictly on Illinois claims.

Notable Highlights:

• Ellis v. WBK Engineering, et al. (Cook County) Obtained summary judgment for WBK Engineering arising out of an action filed by a union electrician who was injured when he fell from an unsecured ladder. Successfully briefed and argued that WBK Engineering owed no duty of care on Plaintiffs 414 and 343 claims as it was not contractually responsible for the work performed by Plaintiff at the time of the accident.

Recent Trial Experience:

• Chavez v. Brewster Creek et al. (Judge John H. Ehrlich May/June 2023) First Chair in a premises liability claim where Plaintiff fell on snow and ice resulting in over $600K in claimed medical damages, plus a wage loss claim of $280K. Represented employer on third-party claims by direct defendants. Secured partial summary judgment on expressed indemnity allegations, strengthening case position. Obtained Directed Verdict at trial on contribution claims. Facilitated Nationwide Insurance Company's recovery of its full workers' compensation lien post-jury verdict.
• Tzankov v. Kesani (Judge Calvin Hawkins Lake County, IN July 2019) First chair in a motor vehicle accident claim where Plaintiff (passenger) suffered multiple spinal fractures resulting in a four-level fusion. Plaintiff also alleged bilateral torn rotator cuffs that needed to be surgically repaired. There was also a loss of consortium claim. Claimed damages totaled $475K. Plaintiffs Counsel asked for a verdict of $2.3 Million Dollars. The jury awarded Plaintiff $1.39 Million Dollars and reduced the award by 40% as the jury found the Plaintiff's wife to be contributorily negligent. The final award was reduced to $834K which was less than the pre-trial settlement offer made to Plaintiffs.

• Represented general contractors, subcontractors, and premises owners in personal injury litigation defense in State and Federal Court. Managed cases from initial appearance through jury trial, overseeing investigation, pleadings, written discovery, motion practice, depositions, substantive motions, and expert discovery.

Notable Highlights:

• Secured summary judgment for general contractor in case involving injury to City of Chicago union plumber from trench collapse. Briefed and argued that Walsh Construction Company owed no duty of care on Plaintiffs' 414 and 343 claims, establishing it was not responsible for work performed by Plaintiff at the time of the accident.
• Samek v. Grubb and Ellis Management Services, Inc., et al., (Cook County) Obtained summary judgment for an employer (Third-Party Defendant) in a wrongful death action where the principal for a steel fabricator fell through a covered hole to his death during the course of a construction walk-through. Successfully briefed and argued that Third-Party Defendant had no liability and that any fault attributable to the employer, was solely attributable to the Decedent, for Decedent's comparative fault.

• Represented general contractors, subcontractors, owners and product manufacturers in defense of personal injury litigation in both State and Federal Court. Managed cases from initial appearance through representation at trial by jury. Conducted all aspects of case development, including investigation, pleadings, written discovery, motion practice, depositions, substantive motions and expert discovery.
• Notable Highlights:
• Johnson v. Barton Malow Company, et al., (Cook County) Obtained summary judgment for general contractor arising out of an action filed by an employee of Shriners Hospitals for Children. The employee slipped on water in an area adjacent to ongoing construction suffering a herniated disc requiring multiple surgeries. Took and/or defended depositions of plaintiff, architects, project managers, foremen, and all other witnesses in matter. Summary judgment was granted by the trial court on the issues of duty and proximate cause. Drafted appellee brief in support of grant of summary judgment. Summary judgment was affirmed by the First District in February 2009.
• Joyce v. Mastris, et al., 224 Ill.2d 576, 871 N.E.2d 56 (1st Dist. 2007) Obtained summary judgment for general contractor arising out of an action filed by an Employee of independent contractor who was injured when he fell from a ladder sustaining career ending injuries. Successfully briefed and argued the matter before the First District of the Illinois Appellate Court in November 2006. The First District affirmed the grant of summary judgment by the trial court in January 2007.
• Byers v. Remington Homes, LLC, et al., (Will County) Obtained summary judgment on behalf of owner/general contractor arising out of a construction negligence and premises liability claim where injured plumber alleged a career ending ankle injury as a result of a fall within a collapsed garage foundation.
• Clampitt v. D Construction, et al., (Grundy County) Secured favorable settlement for road construction general contractor in collision case involving motorcycle and construction dump trailer. Navigated extensive litigation over three years, including obtaining Motion to Transfer based on forum non conveniens. Conducted and defended depositions of engineers, project managers, foremen, doctors, and eyewitnesses, and prepared comprehensive trial documents, including motions in limine and jury instructions. Successfully pre-tried the matter for settlement below twenty-five percent of total value.
• Bartos v. Gallant Construction, et al. (Cook County) Achieved summary judgment for carpentry contractor, contributing to resolution of case with settlement exceeding six million dollars.

• Represented plaintiffs in medical negligence actions. Drafted briefs and motions, performed extensive research, drafted discovery responses, and prepared and argued substantive motions in both Federal and State court.

• Managed personal injury, property damage, and uninsured motorist files. Participated as lead counsel at trials and arbitration hearings. Took and/or defended depositions. Prepared and argued motions.

• Coordinated Congressman Durbin's city and suburban appearances to optimize visibility and engagement. Scheduled and briefed surrogate speakers, enhancing representation for Congressman Durbin. Coordinated statewide volunteer recruitment to monitor and analyze media markets effectively. Organized canvassing projects within the Chicagoland area.

• Supported Chief Negotiator in compensation and working condition negotiations with unions for District government employees, contributing to effective labor relations.