Chicago Business Litigation Lawyer Blog
In Illinois, the elements of tortious interference with prospective business relationships are as follows:
1) A reasonable expectation of the plaintiff entering into a valid business relationship.
2) The defendant’s knowledge of this expectancy.
3) The defendant’s intentional and unjustifiable interference, causing a breach or termination of the expectancy.
4) The plaintiff suffering damage as a result of the defendant’s interference.
Several notable cases have detailed and applied these principles. In Titan Intern., Inc. v. Becker, the plaintiffs claimed that the defendants interfered with their prospective business relations with various entities, causing economic harm. In Force Partners, LLC v. KSA Lighting & Controls, Inc., it was highlighted that commercial competitors can interfere with each other’s prospective business relationships as long as the intent is not solely motivated by malice or ill will. Doctor’s Data, Inc. v. Barrett clarified that a reasonable expectancy requires more than the mere hope of a business relationship – a plaintiff must identify a reasonable business expectancy with a specific third party. In Labor Ready, Inc. v. Williams Staffing, LLC, it was established that a company can state a claim against a competitor for tortious interference by alleging that the competitor purposely interfered with prospective business relations through various means, causing the company to lose future business. Lastly, in Giant Screen Sports LLC v. Sky High Entertainment, it was emphasized that a plaintiff must allege that the defendant’s interference prevented the expectancy from being fulfilled.
Additional case law includes Buckley v. Peak6 Investments, LP, which explained that even when an employer’s statement is deemed privileged from a tortious interference claim, the plaintiff can still prevail by showing that the defendant acted with malice. This can be achieved by showing that the defendant made unjustified statements, excessively published statements, or made statements in conflict with the interest which gave rise to the privilege. Furthermore, the terms “tortious interference with prospective economic advantage”, “business expectancy”, and “business relations” are used interchangeably under Illinois law, as noted in Allstate Insurance Company v. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Finally, Butler v. Holstein Association, USA, Inc. clarified that a plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant purposefully interfered, preventing the plaintiff’s legitimate expectancy from ripening into a valid business relationship. These cases collectively provide a comprehensive view of tortious interference with prospective business relations under Illinois law.
When facing the complexities of tortious interference litigation, choosing the right legal representation is crucial. Lubin Austermuehle stands out as a premier choice for several reasons:
- Proven Experience and Track Record in Business Litigation: Concentrating in business law, Lubin Austermuehle has a deep understanding of the nuances and intricacies of tortious interference cases. Their experience extends to a range of business disputes, ensuring comprehensive knowledge relevant to your case.
- Recognized Legal Acumen: The firm’s attorneys, including Peter Lubin and Patrick Austermuehle, have been recognized by their peers for their legal prowess, with accolades such as “Super Lawyer” and “Rising Star.” This peer recognition reflects their professional achievement and expertise in the legal field.
- Client-Centric Approach: Client testimonials highlight Lubin Austermuehle’s commitment to personalized service. They focus on effective communication and understanding client needs, ensuring that your case is handled with the attention it deserves.
- Track Record of Success: With a history of successful litigation outcomes, the firm demonstrates its capability to effectively manage and win complex legal battles, making them a reliable choice for your tortious interference lawsuit.
- Strategic and Aggressive Advocacy: Lubin Austermuehle is known for their strategic approach to litigation, combining thorough legal analysis with aggressive advocacy to pursue the best possible outcome for their clients.
- Comprehensive Legal Services: Offering a broad range of legal services, the firm is equipped to handle various aspects of business litigation, providing a holistic approach to your legal needs.
- Free Consultation: They offer a free consultation to discuss your case, allowing you to make an informed decision about your legal representation without any initial financial commitment.
In summary, Lubin Austermuehle’s combination of experience, recognition, client focus, successful track record, strategic advocacy, and comprehensive services makes them a compelling choice for representation in tortious interference litigation in Illinois.
Call us for a free consultation at 630-333-0333 or contact us .