CHICAGO, IL — Attorney Yao O. Dinizulu of the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. filed a lawsuit on October 16, 2024, against Lifeway Foods, Inc., alleging negligence and civil conspiracy in connection with a devastating trucking accident that occurred on November 8, 2019. The case, filed under case number 2023L005284 in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, outlines Lifeway Foods’ role in contracting unsafe motor carriers that contributed to the severe injuries sustained by Michael Hassan.
The lawsuit asserts that Lifeway Foods knowingly contracted with Archer Logistics and its associated trucking entities, despite their long history of poor safety ratings, fraudulent practices, and regulatory violations documented by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
According to the complaint, Lifeway Foods continued its business dealings with Archer Logistics even after learning of its conditional safety rating (an equivalent of a grade of D), which publicly indicated the carrier’s unfitness to transport goods. Lifeway Foods is further alleged to have ignored red flags, including Archer’s improper brokering of loads to related entities—Moonlight Logistics, Lida Express etc—none of which held required broker licenses.
The lawsuit describes how Archer Logistics’ driver, Sherrard McKnight, who was operating under the influence of alcohol, caused the catastrophic November 8, 2019, collision. Lifeway Foods’ negligence in selecting unfit motor carriers is alleged to have directly contributed to the severe injuries suffered by Michael Hassan, including a traumatic brain injury, permanent disabilities, and other life-altering harm.
Attorney Yao O. Dinizulu stated, “Lifeway Foods had a duty to ensure the safety of the public by not putting unworthy motor carriers in transport of their goods. By disregarding repeated warnings and documented safety violations, they put the public in danger. Michael Hassan’s injuries could have been avoided, and we are determined to hold Lifeway Foods accountable for their negligence.”
The lawsuit also alleges that Lifeway Foods participated in a civil conspiracy with Archer Logistics and its related trucking entities to engage in fraudulent practices, including:
- Circumventing federal motor carrier regulations.
- Employing unqualified and reckless drivers.
- Double brokering loads without proper licensing.
This case seeks compensatory and punitive damages to address the extensive physical, emotional, and financial harm caused to Michael Hassan.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Yao O. Dinizulu
Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd.
221 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 384-1920
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.dlg-trucking.com
