Lawyers at DBMS successfully litigate a wide variety of civil cases and argue appeals in some of the most challenging jurisdictions in the country.

Appellate

Steinhoff v. Defendant Snow Vehicle Manufacturer

Client:

Defendant Snow Vehicle Manufacturer

Outcome:

Reversed in favor of defendant

Synopsis:

In February 2006, plaintiff, a Michigan resident, was allegedly rendered a quadriplegic while operating a snow-grooming tractor in Michigan. Plaintiff filed suit against the Oregon manufacturer of the tractor in Cook County.

Defendant argued that it was not doing business in Illinois and that service of the complaint and summons on it was in violation of the due process clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Defendant’s motion to dismiss was denied in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The Illinois Appellate Court for the Second District reversed the circuit court’s ruling, finding the defendant was not subject to personal jurisdiction in Illinois.