In the News | Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd

Settlement Reached with Dolce & Gabbana in FBG Duck Civil Lawsuit

July 13, 2025/in In the News/by Yao Dinizulu

NEWS
For Immediate Release
July 11, 2025
CHICAGO — The Dinizulu Law Group announces that a mutually agreed settlement has been reached with Defendant Dolce & Gabbana in the civil lawsuit stemming from the August 4, 2020 shooting that claimed the life of Carlton Weekly, professionally known as FBG Duck. The same shooting also injured two innocent bystanders in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood.

“We commend Dolce & Gabbana for its professionalism and willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue,” said Roosevelt Allen, attorney for the plaintiffs. “Throughout this process, their team demonstrated a sincere commitment to resolving this matter in a way that acknowledges the seriousness of what occurred and respects the losses suffered by our clients.”

While the settlement does not constitute an admission of liability by Dolce & Gabbana, the
plaintiffs recognize the company’s constructive role in reaching this resolution.

Litigation remains ongoing against the remaining defendants, including UMG Recordings, Inc., Sony Music Entertainment, Alamo Records, Empire Distribution Inc., rapper Durk Banks (professionally known as Lil Durk), Only the Family Entertainment, Inc., the Estate of Dayvon Bennett (professionally known as King Von), and the City of Chicago.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Dinizulu Law Group
FbgDuckLawsuit@dinizululawgroup.com

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Truck Driver’s Negligence and Company’s Safety Violations Blamed for Severe Injuries in Michigan Crash

February 10, 2025/in In the News/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO — The Dinizulu Law Group has filed a lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court against 4K Cartage, Inc. and its driver, Ismaiel A. Almarahefah, on behalf of Marlon Maxey, a Cook County resident who sustained severe injuries in a trucking collision on November 4, 2022. The complaint alleges negligence, vicarious liability, and failure to train and supervise by 4K Cartage, contributing to the crash that left Maxey with significant, life-altering injuries.

According to the lawsuit, Almarahefah, while driving a tractor-trailer owned by 4K Cartage, failed to reduce speed for traffic conditions on westbound I-94 in Hartford, Michigan, resulting in a rear-end collision with Maxey’s vehicle. The impact caused serious injuries, including a traumatic winging scapula, cervical disc herniation, shoulder injuries, and chronic neck pain.

The complaint highlights 4K Cartage’s alarming safety record, citing numerous violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), including failures in vehicle maintenance, driver supervision, and compliance with safety protocols. Notably, 69.6% of the company’s vehicle inspections over a 24-month period resulted in safety violations. These violations include failures in pre-trip inspections, hours of service compliance, and proper driver supervision.

The lawsuit further alleges that Almarahefah, an employee of 4K Cartage for at least 10 years, was inadequately trained and supervised, directly contributing to the collision. Despite a history of safety violations, 4K Cartage failed to implement proper safety procedures or enforce compliance with federal safety standards.

As a result of the Defendants’ actions, Maxey faces ongoing medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and permanent injuries. The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding the court’s jurisdictional limits to compensate Maxey for these losses.

“This lawsuit seeks to hold 4K Cartage and its driver accountable for a devastating accident that was entirely preventable,” said Yao O. Dinizulu, attorney for Marlon Maxey. “Commercial trucking companies must prioritize safety, and 4K Cartage’s failure to train and supervise its drivers and maintain its vehicles created a dangerous situation that left our client with serious injuries.”

For media inquiries, please contact:
Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd.
221 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1100
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Phone: (312) 384-1920
Email: dinizulu@dinizululawgroup.com

Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. Files Lawsuit Against Transport Holdings, LLC and Driver in Fatal Crash That Killed George Kemp IV; Kemp’s Estate Seeks Accountability for Negligent Conduct Leading to Deadly Collision

February 10, 2025/in In the News/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO — The Dinizulu Law Group has filed a civil lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Cook County on behalf of George Kemp III, as the independent administrator of the Estate of George Kemp IV, seeking justice for the wrongful death of George Kemp IV. The lawsuit names Transport Holdings, LLC and its driver, Roger J. Pick, as defendants in the fatal collision that occurred on January 10, 2022, in Bloom Township, Cook County, Illinois.

The lawsuit alleges that on the date of the incident, Roger Pick, while operating a tractor-trailer owned by Transport Holdings, LLC, was traveling at an excessive speed on Lincoln Highway, in Chicago IL, ultimately colliding with George Kemp IV’s vehicle as he made a lawful left-hand turn onto Greenwood Avenue. The suit claims that Pick’s reckless driving, combined with Transport Holdings’ failure to properly hire, train, and supervise its drivers, directly caused the fatal crash.

The complaint includes counts of negligence and wrongful death against both Transport Holdings, LLC and Roger J. Pick. The Estate of George Kemp IV seeks damages for the profound grief, loss of companionship, and emotional suffering endured by his surviving family members.

“Transport Holdings had a duty to ensure their drivers operate vehicles safely and responsibly,” said Yao O. Dinizulu of Dinizulu Law Group. “Their failure to enforce proper safety protocols and Mr. Pick’s reckless actions have devastated the Kemp family. This lawsuit seeks to hold them accountable and prevent future tragedies.”

The lawsuit asserts that Transport Holdings, LLC violated multiple safety obligations, including the proper hiring and training of drivers, vehicle maintenance, and compliance with federal motor carrier safety regulations. Additionally, it alleges that Roger Pick failed to adhere to safe driving practices, contributing to the deadly outcome.

This tragic incident underscores the need for stricter oversight in the commercial trucking industry to protect public safety on the roads. The Kemp family hopes this legal action will bring awareness to the importance of corporate responsibility and driver accountability.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd.
221 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1100
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Phone: (312) 384-1920
Email: dinizulu@dinizululawgroup.com

Attorney Yao O. Dinizulu Files Lawsuit Against Lifeway Foods, Inc. for Role in Catastrophic Trucking Accident that Severely Injured Michael Hassan

February 10, 2025/in In the News/by Yao Dinizulu

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: dinizulu@dinizululawgroup.com
Website: www.dlg-trucking.com

Negligence by UCAN and DCFS Blamed for Death of Special Needs Foster Child in Cook County Lawsuit

February 10, 2025/in In the News/by Yao Dinizulu

NEWS
For Immediate Release
February 2, 2025

CHICAGO – The Dinizulu Law Group has filed a lawsuit in Cook County Circuit Court against Uhlich Children’s Advantage Network (UCAN) and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) on behalf of the Estate of Dominique Whitfield, a 15-year-old girl who tragically died after being deprived of her life-sustaining medication while in foster care.

The complaint alleges gross negligence, failure to supervise, and willful and wanton misconduct by UCAN and DCFS in the wrongful death of Dominique (a foster child in the DCFS system being managed by UCAN a private foster care agency), a child with Type 1 diabetes who required insulin three times a day to survive. The lawsuit contends that UCAN, a private foster care agency contracted by DCFS, approved multiple unstable placements for Dominique, despite knowing she needed specialized medical care. UCAN placed her in a foster home where she was repeatedly denied access to her insulin—a decision that led to her preventable death from diabetic ketoacidosis on January 21, 2024.

According to the lawsuit, Dominique was removed from her biological mother’s home at age 8 due to concerns over her medical care and placed under DCFS custody. However, rather than ensuring her safety, DCFS and UCAN a private foster care agency contracted by DCFS shuffled her between placements, repeatedly placing her in unsafe environments where she was mistreated.

The lawsuit highlights that UCAN a private foster care agency contracted by DCFS knew or should have known that the foster home where Dominique ultimately died was unsuitable. Despite prior incidents where her insulin was withheld, UCAN returned her to the same home, where she once again faced medical deprivation as a form of control. The foster caregiver locked away Dominique’s insulin and refused to give it to her, using the life-sustaining medication as a tool of manipulation.

Furthermore, the lawsuit states that in the days leading up to her death, Dominique made desperate attempts to access her medication, calling both her caregiver and UCAN employees, who failed to intervene. Even after a missing person report was filed, neither UCAN nor DCFS took adequate steps to ensure Dominique’s safety.

“This lawsuit seeks to hold UCAN and DCFS accountable for their blatant failures that led to the preventable death of a vulnerable child,” said Yao O. Dinizulu, attorney for the Estate of Dominique Whitfield. “This was not an accident. Dominique was a child who knew she needed insulin to survive—she begged for it, she fought for it, and she was ignored. UCAN and DCFS were responsible for ensuring her safety, yet their actions led directly to her death. This case is not just about justice for Dominique—it’s about exposing a broken system that continues to endanger the lives of children in foster care.”

For media inquiries, please contact:

Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd.
221 North LaSalle Street, Suite 1100
Chicago, Illinois 60601
Phone: (312) 384-1920
Email: dinizulu@dinizululawgroup.com

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT, LAW DIVISION

October 9, 2024/in In the News/by DAMG

Click to Download Complaint Filed on Behalf of FBG Duck

New Lawsuit Seeks to Hold Chicago Rapper Lil Durk, His Record Label and Several Recording Companies Accountable in the Killing of Rapper FBG Duck in 2020

October 9, 2024/in In the News/by DAMG

Suit also accuses City of Chicago police and emergency responders of failing to provide critical lifesaving aid following the shooting

The filing includes multiple counts that accuse the defendants of signing known gang members and monetizing and profiting from violent behavior

CHICAGO — The Dinizulu Law Group filed a civil lawsuit today in Cook County Circuit Court that seeks to hold rapper Lil Durk (Durk Derrick Banks) and his record label Only the Family Entertainment (OTF) and several other recording companies accountable in the fatal shooting of Chicago rapper Carlton Weekly, known as FBG Duck, outside a Gold Coast retail store on August 4, 2020.

The suit was filed on behalf of Weekly’s estate and two bystanders who were wounded but survived the attack. Attorney Yao Dinizulu and his associates announced the lawsuit during a news conference today. The lawsuit presents multiple counts, including wrongful death, civil conspiracy, negligence, and failure to render aid.

The plaintiffs seek damages not only for the death of FBG Duck but also for the significant injuries suffered by bystanders Davon Brinson and Cashae Williams and the broader harm caused by the conduct of the record label defendants, Alamo Records, Sony Music Entertainment Inc., Universal Music Group Recordings Inc. (Interscope Records) and Empire Distribution Inc, who financed the OTF criminal enterprise. The suit describes how the record labels knowingly signed, promoted, and profited from artists with known gang affiliations. The complaint claims that these companies capitalized on the violent rivalry between OTF and FBG Duck, promoting “diss tracks” that taunted and threatened FBG Duck in a yearlong campaign, and continued to profit after his murder.

The suit alleges that Lil Durk, as the principal of OTF, along with other OTF members, including the late rapper King Von, orchestrated a campaign of intimidation against FBG Duck. In the suit, OTF is described not just as a music label but also as a hub for a known criminal enterprise, promoting a culture of violence through music and social media.

The complaint details how Lil Durk, King Von and their associates engaged in a conspiracy to murder FBG Duck, placing a $100,000 bounty on his life. It further outlines how OTF and its leadership used their platform to intimidate and eliminate rivals, resulting in FBG Duck’s eventual killing. This strategy was part of a broader effort to control Chicago’s drill rap music scene. Drill rap is described as a subgenre of hip-hop music that originated in Chicago in the early 2010s. The songs often contain lyrics promoting real-life gang activity.

In addition to OTF, the lawsuit extends liability to several music labels, including Alamo Records, Sony Music Entertainment Inc., Universal Music Group Recordings Inc. (Interscope Records), and Empire Distribution Inc., describing how the record labels knowingly signed, promoted, and profited from artists with known gang affiliations. The complaint claims that these companies capitalized on the violent rivalry between OTF and FBG Duck, promoting “diss tracks” that taunted and threatened FBG Duck in a yearlong campaign, and continued to profit after his murder. The labels are accused of contributing to an environment that incited and monetized violent behavior, ultimately leading to FBG Duck’s death.

The lawsuit also accuses the City of Chicago of willful misconduct, claiming that police and emergency services failed to promptly aid FBG Duck, who lay alive for 17-plus minutes on the sidewalk in front of Dolce & Gabbana without medical treatment or being transported to a medical facility. The suit additionally targets Dolce & Gabbana and its security firms, Picore Beristain Initiative Inc. and Top Tier Safety Inc., for negligence. While FBG Duck was standing in line outside their store, the lawsuit describes how the defendants failed to take adequate safety measures despite knowing the area’s rising violence and fled the scene.

In January, a federal jury in Chicago convicted six members and associates of a Chicago street gang in the shooting and killing of Carlton Weekly. Federal prosecutors tied the shooting to a yearlong gang war stoked by social media and rap “diss tracks.”

A summary of the complaint can be accessed at dinizululawgroup.com.

Members of the press or anyone with information about this case are asked to contact Dinizulu Law Group at FBGDuckCase@DinizuluLawGroup.com.

Hospital Fails to Follow Procedures Leading to Complications

March 19, 2024/in In the News/by Yao Dinizulu

The Dinizulu Law Group represented a patient against a local hospital who failed to follow the nationally accepted cancer guidelines by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network which resulted in the patient having their pancreas, spleen and part of their intestines removed without having a positive biopsy for cancer first.

The local hospital failed to enforce its policies and procedures to do the additional testing for cancer as was mandated. Despite the local hospital’s annual report stating they strictly complied with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, which required them to repeat the biopsy to run additional tests and send the results to a roundtable discussion of medical professionals, the surgeon rushed the patient to surgery to remove a pancreatic mass that was not cancerous. As a result of that unnecessary surgery, there were several complications, including sepsis, and the need for a colostomy bag.

Failure to Conduct Background Check on High School Teacher Leads to Sexual Assault

March 19, 2024/in In the News/by Yao Dinizulu

The Dinizulu Law Group represented Jane Doe, a former high school athlete, who accused a former staff member of repeated sexual assault when they were a minor. The school failed to protect the student from danger after delaying and disregarding a background check that should have disqualified the employee from the job.

The employee was hired by the high school in 2017 and was later promoted. During the employee’s tenure, he displayed inappropriate conduct. In another lawsuit filed by another former student, the employee was terminated from the high school after texts sent to Jane and other students were discovered by a parent, then administrators, and then Chicago police.

The high school could have prevented what happened to Jane; however, they failed to conduct a background check for the staff member until he was already working at the high school. The background check wasn’t performed until more than two months after he was hired. Had the high school conducted a proper background check, it would have shown he had a record of attempted kidnapping and an attempted sexual assault.

College Student Fighting for His Life After Being Hit by Semi Truck

February 23, 2021/in In the News/by Yao Dinizulu

The Dinizulu Law Group represented Michael Hassan, a Lewis University college student, who was a passenger at the time of the trucking crash. Our client was a passenger in a vehicle that was attempting to make a left hand turn in an intersection from Route 53 onto University Parkway in Romeoville, Illinois. While making a left hand turn, a semi-trailer tractor ran a red light, crashing into the vehicle our client was in, and three other cars. The crash resulted in our client being placed in a medically induced coma, and suffering from brain damage and serious internal injuries.

The semi truck driver was identified as Sherrard McKnight from North Carolina who was working for Interstate Trucking Company Moonlight Logistics at the time of the crash. It was alleged that the semi-truck driver was under the influence at the time of the trucking crash. McKnight has a previous arrest record of robbery and assault.

The Plaintiff received a $100,000 partial policy as a settlement; in addition, a more significant tortfeasor defendant is pending.