Chicago, Client Outcomes, General Negligence, Hospitality, Notable Cases

Julie Busch and Nicholas Sandowski Secure Win for National Restaurant Chain Client

June 27, 2025

J&B shareholder Julie Busch and associate Nicholas Sandowski recently had a significant win in Cook County Circuit Court. Our client, a national restaurant chain, was facing litigation where a plaintiff alleged the restaurant was liable for injuries he sustained after being battered by a third-party on the premises. The plaintiff claimed the restaurant had a duty to protect him from the criminal act. Nick and Julie filed a motion for summary judgement, with Nick presenting the motion to the court. He argued that no such duty of protection existed because the attack was unforeseeable. There had been no prior similar incidents, and the restaurant had not facilitated the crime by permitting the congregation of violent individuals on the premises. The court agreed, granting summary judgment in our client’s favor, something that is rarely granted in Cook County. Our client was thrilled with this great result. 

View All Insights

Stay Connected

Join our e-newsletter for the latest
from Johnson & Bell.

Related Service(s)

Related Industry Sector(s)

Johnson & Bell

33 West Monroe Street
Suite 2700
Chicago, Illinois
60603-5404
© 2022 Johnson & Bell, Ltd. All Rights Reserved.