GWC has filed a lawsuit on behalf of two union representatives from ADC 1 of IL, Bricklayers Union who were viciously attacked by several non-union construction company employees, including one of the company owners. Given the severity of this heinous act, GWC fully committed the full weight of its investigatory resources to identifying all persons, employers and entities that can be held legally responsible for the attack, so that they may pursue all avenues of recovery against those responsible to the greatest extent possible. This investigation revealed at least four individuals and four companies names as Defendants in the lawsuit.
“GWC’s unparalleled commitment to representing union labor for over 40 years uniquely positions us as the premiere firm to represent these men as a result of this unimaginable attack,” said GWC owner and managing partner, Louis C. Cairo. He further added “Make no mistake about it, any attack on any member of any union by non-union workers is an attack on all members of all unions. The strength and solidarity of organized labor in the Chicagoland area is undeniable. An assault and battery of this type, upon 2 respected union reps who are members of the Chicago & Cook County Building & Construction Trades, has sent a chilling effect throughout the building trades. This is something that can simply never be tolerated, ignored, swept under the rug or forgotten.”
On January 29, two representatives of the Bricklayers Union visited a job site at 3025 Mannheim Road in Des Plaines, Illinois. The pair arrived on site to observe the job’s progress, introduce themselves to the contractors and workers, and provide information about the benefits of being part of organized labor . However, shortly after arriving, the pair were confronted by an individual believed to be the owner of the general contractor company who proceeded to scream at them to “Get the F… off my jobsite.” Unable to defuse the situation, the pair tried to walk out of the building and leave. They were, however, met by 6 very large, aggressive men who proceeded to strike, kick and try to inflict bodily injury on the men in what was clearly a coordinated attack at the direction of the general contractor’s owner.
The 2 were repeatedly punched, kicked, and struck in the face with fists, boots and objects. One of the men had his shirt ripped off in the brawl. Before they could even get out of the building, 2 of the attackers ran to the parking lot to close the security gates so that the men could not leave the property. The goal was to contain them in the fenced area so that the attack could continue, despite their efforts to get out. During the attack, one of the non-union attackers grabbed a nearby tree log and repeatedly held it over the head of one of the reps, waiting for his 2 accomplices to separate so that he could strike the union official on the head without hitting one of his own men.
Even after successfully seeking refuge in their car, the assailants tried to rip open the car doors to continue their attack, as they kicked, scratched and damaged his vehicle. As a result of the attack, both men suffered injuries on their faces, necks, backs and other places.
Shortly thereafter, members of the Des Plaines Police Department responded to the scene. The initial police investigation resulted in criminal charges being brought against the assailants. The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office is currently prosecuting criminal claims brought as a result of this attack.
If you or anyone you know has any information about this assault, please contact GWC directly at 312-999-9999 and ask for Louis C. Cairo or Timothy J. Keiser. GWC’s practice is exclusively representing individuals, and families of those, who have been severely injured or killed as a result of the conduct of others.
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