APPELLATE PRACTICE

We have represented numerous parties in scores of appeals before the state and federal appellate courts.  The appellate lawyers in the firm have also argued before the Indiana Supreme Court.  Cases have involved a variety of complex issues.  A full listing of appellate work can be provided upon request. 

ASBESTOS LITIGATION

Over the past several years, Bullaro & Carton has been one of the principal defense firms involved in the asbestos litigation which has been centered in Madison County, Illinois.  We have represented, among other defendants, an international corporation, Chicago Bridge & Iron. 

AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS

The firm secured a summary judgment in favor of a Canadian manufacturer, Seeburn Division of Ventra Group, Inc., which manufactures car jacks for General Motors and other automobile manufacturers.  The plaintiff lost his life while changing the oil of a car which was being supported by the car jack.  The plaintiff claimed the car jack was defective by design and failure to warn.  The judge dismissed the case after numerous lengthy oral argument. 

CLASS ACTION - FOOD POISONING

The firm defended Iwan’s Deli, a successful Chicagoland caterer, which was implicated in the largest single ecoli outbreak in U.S. history.  As the principle defendant in this class action lawsuit, our law firm engaged in extensive medical discovery in the area of epidemiology and bacteriology.  The class action was ultimately dismissed by way of settlement. 

COMMISSIONS AND COMPENSATION DISPUTES

The law firm provided its client, Berlin Industries, with a detailed and comprehensive litigation consultation report dealing with liability and settlement strategies in a case where an agent had sued for the recovery of commissions.  The agency relationship had been terminated and the agent sought continued payment of commissions on accounts.  The litigation consultation report, together with the efforts of trial counsel, led to a favorable settlement on the agent’s claim.

CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS LITIGATION

We have represented various entities challenged with constitutional violations.  These cases have spanned the spectrum of bill of rights issues such as suspension of a student for wearing an inappropriate t-shirt to a claim of constitutional rights violation based on the refusal to grant a building permit.

CONSTRUCTION LITIGATION

A large segment of the firm's practice is in the area of construction litigation. Cases involved disputes dealing with a wide spectrum of issues, including contract, construction negligence or defect, surety bonds, consumer fraud, product defect, and personal injury. These cases frequently involve issues of contribution, indemnity, and multi-party insurance. We have represented owners, architects, engineers, consultants, developers, and contractors, as well as their insurers in these cases.

CONSUMER FRAUD LITIGATION

Our experience in this area has dealt with representations of product quality and fitness for a particular purpose.  These cases have included those filed pursuant to “lemon law statutes.”  Cases have also dealt with alleged fraudulent misrepresentations regarding products and services. 

DEBT COLLECTION AND EXECUTION OF JUDGMENT

The firm has represented creditors pursuing debtors to all stages of litigation and post-judgment collection.

DRAM SHOP LIABILITY

We have represented numerous premises for personal injuries and damages arising out of the sale of alcoholic beverages. 

EMPLOYMENT LAW

The firm has represented numerous employers in Title 7 litigation and in complaints before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.  These cases have involved various issues such as work environment policies, procedures and abuses, as well as employment discrimination.  Recommended policies, procedures and practices have been developed.

ENVIRONMENTAL LITIGATION

The firm has had extensive experience in the area of representing businesses facing claims brought for environmental cleanup.  The experiences dealt with both courtroom and agency proceedings.

INTERNET INVASION OF PRIVACY - $500 million judgment

Bullaro and Carton recently represented 46 former members of college football and wrestling programs who, without their knowledge, were secretly videotaped with hidden cameras in locker rooms, showers and bathrooms.  The videos were then sold on the Internet.  The firm’s appellate counsel, James R. Branit, argued the application of recent internet laws before the federal district and appellate courts.  A $500 million judgment was ordered by the federal court in favor of the plaintiffs and against the individuals publishing the athletes’ images. The law suit was also successful in shutting down the web sites and the federal courts entered an injunction on behalf of the entire class of people depicted in any of the videotapes permanently prohibiting the promotion, sale or distribution  of the videotapes.  The judgment and resulting national media coverage drew attention to the need for internet privacy and protection. 

MANUFACTURING SAFETY DEVICES

The firm recently defended Positive Safety Manufacturing Company in a products liability trial in Wisconsin.  This was the second time the firm had defended Positive Safety Manufacturing Company and on both occasions, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty on all counts.  Both cases involved plaintiffs who suffered significant finger and hand amputations while operating a power press equipped with a pull back device.  They claim the pull back device was defectively designed. 

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE

The firm has had extensive experience in representing financial institutions pursuing mortgage foreclosure. 

MUNICIPALITY DEFENSE

Experience in this area has involved civil rights defense litigation, including sexual, racial, and religious discrimination. We have represented municipalities in Northern Illinois and Northern Indiana.  This experience has extended to the defense of law enforcement entities sued for excessive force, false arrest, false imprisonment, battery, and assault. 

NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

We have represented a number of corporations which had been sued for conduct arising out of their activities.  We currently represent the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) in a lawsuit brought against them and others for false arrest, malicious prosecution, etc.  In many cases like the one filed against the NICB, our position is that the allegations are groundless and without merit. 

PREMISES LIABILITY

Innumerable cases involving premises personal injury claims and lawsuits have been defended.  These cases have had extended across the full spectrum of private and commercial settings. 

REAL ESTATE LITIGATION/DISCRIMINATION/ SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE 

Cases involving brokerage firms sued for racial discrimination and cases dealing with specific performance.  We have represented real estate brokers and salesmen in federal cases where the litigation has been dismissed before reaching a judge or a jury.

TRUCKING LITIGATION

Our firm has handled scores of cases involving trucking accidents resulting in significant personal injury or death.  A number of these cases have been tried to a successful verdict.  In a recent lawsuit wherein the plaintiff sought over a million dollars in personal injury damages, the jury found the defendant trucking company at fault, but awarded the plaintiff zero damages.

UCC AND SALES