On October 26, 2017, Mike Kujawa and Erika Baldonado were honored to win a Trial Lawyer Excellence Award for Outstanding Defense Verdict in a Street Hazard Case. The case involved a traumatic brain injury to the primary plaintiff, who was struck by an automobile while attempting to cross Touhy Avenue, and a loss of consortium for her husband.

After 8 years of litigation, two circuit court dismissals, two trips to the appellate court, nearly two weeks of trial, Plaintiffs’ $26 million dollar demand to the jury, and only 64 minutes of jury deliberations, a Cook County jury rendered a not liable verdict in favor of the firm’s municipal client. 

“The municipality firmly and rightfully stood their ground for nearly a decade and was finally and fully vindicated after defending these baseless claims. The Civil Defense Litigation team at Schain Banks remains honored and grateful for the opportunity to protect and defend the interests of this municipality and all of its clients”, said Erika G. Baldonado.