spoliation claim (Illinois) · Go Syfert
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spoliation claim in Illinois

33 Illinois opinions name it 2 courts 1986–2025 3 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Illinois courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (13)

CaseFollowedCited
Boyd v. Travelers Insurancegreen
ill · 1995 · cited in 12 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1996–2015
2 sentences

2015Instead, the court held that a spoliation claim can be stated under existing negligence principles. 6 Id. at 193-94 (“traditional remedies adequately address the problem” of destruction of evidence); see also Martin v. Keeley & Sons, Inc., 2012 IL 113270, ¶ 26 (“spoliation of evidence is a form of negligence”).

1996I also agree with the majority’s holding that this cause be remanded to give Miller the opportunity to state a spoliation claim under Boyd v. Travelers Insurance Co., 166 Ill. 2d 188 (1995).

412
Limer v. Lymangreen
illappct · 1991 · cited in 3 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2015–2016
2 sentences

2016Notably, however, a wrongful-death claim, like a spoliation claim, is derivative: “derivative of the action [the] decedent had in his lifetime.” Limer v. Lyman, 220 Ill.

2015Notably, however, a wrongful-death claim, like a spoliation claim, is derivative: “derivative of the action [the] decedent had in his lifetime.” Limer v. Lyman, 220 Ill.

33
JACKSON BY JACKSON v. Michael Reese Hosp. and Medical Centergreen
illappct · 1997 · cited in 6 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 1998–2025
2 sentences

2003App.3d 1 , 228 Ill.Dec. 333 , 689 N.E.2d 205 (1997), of a spoliation claim for loss of X rays allegedly needed to prove a malpractice claim stands in contrast to the reasoning in Jones and Stinnes Corp. In Jackson , the spoliation count of the complaint had been dismissed for failure to state a claim upon which relief could be granted.

2003App.3d 1 , 228 Ill.Dec. 333 , 689 N.E.2d 205 (1997), of a spoliation claim for loss of X rays allegedly needed to prove a malpractice claim stands in contrast to the reasoning in Jones and Stinnes Corp. In Jackson , the spoliation count of the complaint had been dismissed for failure to state a claim upon which relief could be granted.

26
Fremont Casualty Insurance v. Ace-Chicago Great Dane Corp.green
illappct · 2000 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
2 sentences

2011App.3d at 440 , 308 Ill.Dec. 991 , 862 N.E.2d 1194 ; see also Fremont Casualty Insurance Co. v. Ace-Chicago Great Dane Corp., 317 Ill.App.3d 67, 75 , 250 Ill.Dec. 624 , 739 N.E.2d 85 (2000) (An action for spoliation "is predicated upon the breach of a duty to preserve evidence and that the damage flowing therefrom is resulting inability to prove a cause of action in the absence of such evidence." (citing Boyd v. Travelers Insurance Co., 166 Ill.2d 188, 195-96 , 209 Ill.Dec. 727 , 652 N.E.2d 267 (1995))).

2011App.3d at 440 , 308 Ill.Dec. 991 , 862 N.E.2d 1194 ; see also Fremont Casualty Insurance Co. v. Ace-Chicago Great Dane Corp., 317 Ill.App.3d 67, 75 , 250 Ill.Dec. 624 , 739 N.E.2d 85 (2000) (An action for spoliation "is predicated upon the breach of a duty to preserve evidence and that the damage flowing therefrom is resulting inability to prove a cause of action in the absence of such evidence." (citing Boyd v. Travelers Insurance Co., 166 Ill.2d 188, 195-96 , 209 Ill.Dec. 727 , 652 N.E.2d 267 (1995))).

22
Travelers Insurance v. Eljer Manufacturing, Inc.green
ill · 2001 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
2 sentences

2011We do not agree with Universal's characterization of the allegations in the complaint. ¶ 24 The Gramacki complaint alleges that the Nissan Pathfinder "was discarded and destroyed" and that Farmers "ordered the destruction of the subject Nissan Pathfinder." Farmers' third-party complaint for contribution lodges the same allegations against LKQ, claiming that LKQ "negligently destroyed the Pathfinder without the knowledge or consent of Farmers." Our supreme court has explained that "to the average, ordinary person, tangible property suffers a `physical' injury when the property is altered in app

2011We do not agree with Universal's characterization of the allegations in the complaint. ¶ 24 The Gramacki complaint alleges that the Nissan Pathfinder "was discarded and destroyed" and that Farmers "ordered the destruction of the subject Nissan Pathfinder." Farmers' third-party complaint for contribution lodges the same allegations against LKQ, claiming that LKQ "negligently destroyed the Pathfinder without the knowledge or consent of Farmers." Our supreme court has explained that "to the average, ordinary person, tangible property suffers a `physical' injury when the property is altered in app

22
Veazey v. LaSalle Telecommunications, Inc.green
illappct · 2002 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2007–2007
2 sentences

2007The only case cited by Country Mutual which found that a spoliation claim could not succeed without an allegation that the. plaintiff was prevented from raising any claims or defense at all is Veazey v. LaSalle Telecommunications, Inc., 334 Ill.

2007The only case cited by Country Mutual which found that a spoliation claim could not succeed without an allegation that the plaintiff was prevented from raising any claims or defense at all is Veazey v. LaSalle Telecommunications, Inc., 334 Ill.

22
Andersen v. MacK Trucks, Inc.green
illappct · 2003 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
2 sentences

2004See Andersen, 341 Ill.App.3d at 217 , 276 Ill.Dec. 203 , 793 N.E.2d 962 .

2004See Andersen, 341 Ill.App.3d at 217 , 276 Ill.Dec. 203 , 793 N.E.2d 962 .

22
Martin v. Keeley & Sons, Inc.green
ill · 2012 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2013–2015
2 sentences

2015Instead, the court held that a spoliation claim can be stated under existing negligence principles. 6 Id. at 193-94 (“traditional remedies adequately address the problem” of destruction of evidence); see also Martin v. Keeley & Sons, Inc., 2012 IL 113270, ¶ 26 (“spoliation of evidence is a form of negligence”).

2013In order to set forth a sufficient claim of spoliation of evidence, plaintiff’s complaint must allege facts in support of the four elements of a spoliation claim: “(1) the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty to preserve the evidence; (2) the defendant breached that duty by losing or destroying the evidence; (3) the loss or destruction of the evidence was the proximate cause of the plaintiff’s inability to prove an underlying lawsuit; and (4) as a result, the plaintiff suffered actual damages.” Martin, 2012 IL 113270, ¶ 26 . ¶ 22 As a general rule in Illinois, there is no duty to preserve evide

12
Mutlu v. State Farm Fire & Casualty Co.green
illappct · 2003 · cited in 2 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
2 sentences

2011It is true that intangible losses and purely economic losses do not constitute "physical injury to tangible property" or "physical loss or damage." See, e.g., Travelers Insurance Co. v. Eljer Manufacturing, Inc., 197 Ill.2d 278, 312 , 258 Ill.Dec. 792 , 757 N.E.2d 481 (2001) ("[U]nder its plain and ordinary meaning, the phrase `physical injury' does not include intangible damage to property, such as economic loss."); Mutlu v. State Farm Fire & Casualty Co., 337 Ill.App.3d 420, 427 , 271 Ill.Dec. 757 , 785 N.E.2d 951 (2003) (quoting American Home Assurance Co. v. Libbey-Owens-Ford Co., 786 F.2d

2011It is true that intangible losses and purely economic losses do not constitute "physical injury to tangible property" or "physical loss or damage." See, e.g., Travelers Insurance Co. v. Eljer Manufacturing, Inc., 197 Ill.2d 278, 312 , 258 Ill.Dec. 792 , 757 N.E.2d 481 (2001) ("[U]nder its plain and ordinary meaning, the phrase `physical injury' does not include intangible damage to property, such as economic loss."); Mutlu v. State Farm Fire & Casualty Co., 337 Ill.App.3d 420, 427 , 271 Ill.Dec. 757 , 785 N.E.2d 951 (2003) (quoting American Home Assurance Co. v. Libbey-Owens-Ford Co., 786 F.2d

12
Alm v. Loyola University Medical Centergreen
illappct · 2007 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024To the extent this is an issue concerning the denial of a motion in limine, we review for an abuse of discretion See Alm v. Loyola University Medical Center, 373 Ill.

11
Greenwich Insurance v. RPS Products, Inc.green
illappct · 2008 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2024–2024
1 sentence

2024See Greenwich Insurance Co v. RPS Products, Inc., 379 Ill.

11
Brobbey v. ENTERPRISE LEASING OF CHICAGOgreen
illappct · 2010 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2023–2023
1 sentence

2023Moreover, Oppenheim argues that A+W’s inability to establish any damages is fatal to the spoliation claim. ¶ 48 “Under Illinois law, spoliation of evidence is a form of negligence; proof of spoliation requires a showing that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty to preserve evidence, breached that duty, and thereby proximately caused the plaintiff to be unable to prove the underlying cause of action.” Brobbey v. Enterprise Leasing Co. of Chicago, 404 Ill.

11
American Home Assurance Co. v. Libbey-Owens-Ford Co., American Home Assurance Co. v. Libbey-Owens-Ford Co.green
ca1 · 1986 · cited in 1 Illinois opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
1 sentence

2011It is true that intangible losses and purely economic losses do not constitute "physical injury to tangible property" or "physical loss or damage." See, e.g., Travelers Insurance Co. v. Eljer Manufacturing, Inc., 197 Ill.2d 278, 312 , 258 Ill.Dec. 792 , 757 N.E.2d 481 (2001) ("[U]nder its plain and ordinary meaning, the phrase `physical injury' does not include intangible damage to property, such as economic loss."); Mutlu v. State Farm Fire & Casualty Co., 337 Ill.App.3d 420, 427 , 271 Ill.Dec. 757 , 785 N.E.2d 951 (2003) (quoting American Home Assurance Co. v. Libbey-Owens-Ford Co., 786 F.2d

11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Illinois. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (14)

CaseCitedYears
Dardeen v. Kuehling green
ill · 2004
2 sentences

2010Boyd remains our supreme court’s “watershed pronouncement on spoliation of evidence.” Dardeen, 213 Ill. 2d at 335 , 821 N.E.2d at 231 .

2010Boyd remains our supreme court’s “watershed pronouncement on spoliation of evidence.” Dardeen, 213 Ill. 2d at 335 , 821 N.E.2d at 231 .

42005–2010
Skridla v. General Motors Company green
illappct · 2015
2 sentences

2015We have alleviated this concern by suggesting that the limitations period for a spoliation claim begins to run not on the same day as that for the underlying claim, but on the day of the destruction of the evidence (or the day that the plaintiff -7- 2015 IL App (2d) 141168 discovers it), provided that the underlying claim itself was not time-barred on that day.

2015We have alleviated this concern by suggesting that the limitations period for a spoliation claim begins to run not on the same day as that for the underlying claim, but on the day of the destruction of the evidence (or the day that the plaintiff -7- 2015 IL App (2d) 141168 discovers it), provided that the underlying claim itself was not time-barred on that day.

22015–2015
Stuart v. Weisflog's Showroom Gallery, Inc. green
wis · 2008
2 sentences

2011The duty of defense depends on the nature of the claim and has nothing to do with the merits of the claim." (Internal quotation marks omitted.)); Wisconsin Label Corp. v. Northbrook Property & Casualty Insurance Co., 2000 WI 26, ¶ 19 , 233 Wis.2d 314 , 607 N.W.2d 276 (reviewing principles of construction under Wisconsin law); Stuart v. Weisflog's Showroom Gallery, Inc., 2008 WI 86, ¶ 36 , 311 Wis.2d 492 , 753 N.W.2d 448 (reciting the "longstanding rule that we must focus on the incident or injury that gives rise to the claim, not the plaintiff's theory of liability" (internal quotation marks o

2011The duty of defense depends on the nature of the claim and has nothing to do with the merits of the claim." (Internal quotation marks omitted.)); Wisconsin Label Corp. v. Northbrook Property & Casualty Insurance Co., 2000 WI 26, ¶ 19 , 233 Wis.2d 314 , 607 N.W.2d 276 (reviewing principles of construction under Wisconsin law); Stuart v. Weisflog's Showroom Gallery, Inc., 2008 WI 86, ¶ 36 , 311 Wis.2d 492 , 753 N.W.2d 448 (reciting the "longstanding rule that we must focus on the incident or injury that gives rise to the claim, not the plaintiff's theory of liability" (internal quotation marks o

22011–2011
ESSEX INSURANCE COMPANY v. Wright green
illappct · 2007
2 sentences

2011The court "reject[ed] that notion," concluding that "a cause of action does not qualify as tangible property" and that the policy therefore "does not cover the diminution in the value of appellant's products liability claim." Id. ¶ 29 Citing Essex as its only authority, Universal claims that because a spoliation claim seeks to recover damages to a cause of action, the damages sought in a spoliation claim are not "damages because of physical injury to tangible property." We find that Essex did not reach such a sweeping conclusion, and we reject Universal's attempt to stretch Essex beyond its ho

2011The court "reject[ed] that notion," concluding that "a cause of action does not qualify as tangible property" and that the policy therefore "does not cover the diminution in the value of appellant's products liability claim." Id. ¶ 29 Citing Essex as its only authority, Universal claims that because a spoliation claim seeks to recover damages to a cause of action, the damages sought in a spoliation claim are not "damages because of physical injury to tangible property." We find that Essex did not reach such a sweeping conclusion, and we reject Universal's attempt to stretch Essex beyond its ho

22011–2011
Qualman v. Bruckmoser green
wisctapp · 1991
2 sentences

2011The duty of defense depends on the nature of the claim and has nothing to do with the merits of the claim." (Internal quotation marks omitted.)); Wisconsin Label Corp. v. Northbrook Property & Casualty Insurance Co., 2000 WI 26, ¶ 19 , 233 Wis.2d 314 , 607 N.W.2d 276 (reviewing principles of construction under Wisconsin law); Stuart v. Weisflog's Showroom Gallery, Inc., 2008 WI 86, ¶ 36 , 311 Wis.2d 492 , 753 N.W.2d 448 (reciting the "longstanding rule that we must focus on the incident or injury that gives rise to the claim, not the plaintiff's theory of liability" (internal quotation marks o

2011The duty of defense depends on the nature of the claim and has nothing to do with the merits of the claim." (Internal quotation marks omitted.)); Wisconsin Label Corp. v. Northbrook Property & Casualty Insurance Co., 2000 WI 26, ¶ 19 , 233 Wis.2d 314 , 607 N.W.2d 276 (reviewing principles of construction under Wisconsin law); Stuart v. Weisflog's Showroom Gallery, Inc., 2008 WI 86, ¶ 36 , 311 Wis.2d 492 , 753 N.W.2d 448 (reciting the "longstanding rule that we must focus on the incident or injury that gives rise to the claim, not the plaintiff's theory of liability" (internal quotation marks o

22011–2011
United Fire & Casualty Co. v. Keeley & Sons, Inc. green
illappct · 2008
2 sentences

2011When the insured attempted to avoid the “care, custody, and control” exclusion by arguing that the property at issue in the spoliation claim was the “lawsuit of the employees and codefendants in the underlying action”–the same argument presented by the insured in Essex–the court concluded that “coverage does not apply because only injury to tangible property is included in the insuring agreement.” Id. at 1124 .

2011When the insured attempted to avoid the "care, custody, and control" exclusion by arguing that the property at issue in the spoliation claim was the "lawsuit of the employees and codefendants in the underlying action"—the same argument presented by the insured in Essex —the court concluded that "coverage does not apply because only injury to tangible property is included in the insuring agreement." Id. at 1124, 320 Ill.Dec. 767 , 887 N.E.2d 911 .

22011–2011
Wisconsin Label Corp. v. Northbrook Property & Casualty Insurance green
wis · 2000
2 sentences

2011The duty of defense depends on the nature of the claim and has nothing to do with the merits of the claim." (Internal quotation marks omitted.)); Wisconsin Label Corp. v. Northbrook Property & Casualty Insurance Co., 2000 WI 26, ¶ 19 , 233 Wis.2d 314 , 607 N.W.2d 276 (reviewing principles of construction under Wisconsin law); Stuart v. Weisflog's Showroom Gallery, Inc., 2008 WI 86, ¶ 36 , 311 Wis.2d 492 , 753 N.W.2d 448 (reciting the "longstanding rule that we must focus on the incident or injury that gives rise to the claim, not the plaintiff's theory of liability" (internal quotation marks o

2011The duty of defense depends on the nature of the claim and has nothing to do with the merits of the claim." (Internal quotation marks omitted.)); Wisconsin Label Corp. v. Northbrook Property & Casualty Insurance Co., 2000 WI 26, ¶ 19 , 233 Wis.2d 314 , 607 N.W.2d 276 (reviewing principles of construction under Wisconsin law); Stuart v. Weisflog's Showroom Gallery, Inc., 2008 WI 86, ¶ 36 , 311 Wis.2d 492 , 753 N.W.2d 448 (reciting the "longstanding rule that we must focus on the incident or injury that gives rise to the claim, not the plaintiff's theory of liability" (internal quotation marks o

22011–2011
Bagnola v. Smithkline Beecham Clinical Laboratories green
illappct · 2002
2 sentences

2011Bagnola, 333 Ill.

2011Bagnola, 333 Ill.

22011–2011
Omega Forensic Engineering, Inc. v. RLI Insurance green
flsd · 2010
2 sentences

2011The court therefore concluded that the spoliation claim was not one for “ ‘damages because of “bodily injury” or “property damage” under the language of the policy.’ ” Id.

2011The court therefore concluded that the spoliation claim was not one for "damages because of `bodily injury' or `property damage' under the language of the policy." Id.

22011–2011
Cammon v. West Suburban Hospital Medical Center green
illappct · 1998
2 sentences

2007While the court acknowledged that establishing damages in the spoliation claim required the plaintiff to prove the underlying medical negligence claim, it held that this connection did not transform the spoliation claim into one seeking recovery for "the breach of a medical standard of patient care." Cammon, 301 Ill.App.3d at 950 , 235 Ill.Dec. 158 , 704 N.E.2d 731 .

2007While the court acknowledged that establishing damages in the spoliation claim required the plaintiff to prove the underlying medical negligence claim, it held that this connection did not transform the spoliation claim into one seeking recovery for “the breach of a medical standard of patient care.” Cammon, 301 Ill.

22007–2007
Wofford v. Tracy green
illappct · 2015
1 sentence

2015Cammon is distinguishable to the extent that it attempts to reconcile a statute of repose, which is not at issue - 12 - 2015 IL App (2d) 141220 here, with a spoliation claim and is otherwise incorrect for failing to account for the fact that spoliation claims are not independent claims. 8 ¶ 36 Accordingly, the trial court did not err in dismissing plaintiffs’ spoliation claims as time- barred. ¶ 37 D.

12015–2015
Fox v. Cohen green
illappct · 1980
1 sentence

1994App. 3d 744, 406 N.E.2d 178 .) It is also noteworthy that the spoliation claim in Rodgers, which was based on a statute, was not filed until after a jury found in favor of one of the defendants in the underlying action.

11994–1994
Rodgers v. St. Mary's Hosp. of Decatur green
ill · 1992
1 sentence

1994Rodgers, 149 Ill. 2d at 306 .

11994–1994
Bondu v. Gurvich green
fladistctapp · 1984
1 sentence

1986In Bondu v. Gurvich (Fla. App. 1984), 473 So. 2d 1307 , the plaintiff similarly alleged that her husband died during the course of a triple-bypass operation and that anesthesiology records had been made but were nowhere to be found, and that because there was no record of what occurred, summary judgment was entered against her in a medical malpractice wrongful-death claim.

11986–1986

Statutes the citing opinions construe

IL § 735 ILCS 5/2-619 (9) IL § 735 ILCS 5/2-1005 (7) IL § 735 ILCS 5/2-615 (7) IL § 735 ILCS 5/13-205 (5) IL § 735 ILCS 5/2-619.1 (5) IL § 735 ILCS 5/13-202 (4) IL § 815 ILCS 505/1 (4) IL § 735 ILCS 5/13-203 (3) IL § 735 ILCS 5/2-622 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

TX 192 (1998–2026) NY 87 (1999–2026) IL 33 (1986–2025) OH 30 (2001–2026) IA 27 (1987–2026) GA 21 (2007–2025) RI 20 (1999–2025) PA 19 (1997–2022) FL 17 (1991–2025) MO 16 (1977–2025) MA 14 (1996–2025) CA 14 (1990–2023) IN 13 (1999–2025) MS 11 (2002–2020) ID 9 (1995–2023) NC 8 (2008–2025) MD 8 (2009–2021) CT 7 (1998–2020) WA 7 (2006–2021) LA 7 (2006–2024) AL 6 (1999–2015) SD 6 (2003–2025) NJ 6 (1993–2021) DC 5 (1990–2010) WI 5 (2002–2026) AZ 4 (2009–2023) WV 4 (2003–2018) MI 4 (2016–2020) AR 3 (1919–2024) MN 3 (1990–2018) TN 3 (2015–2018) KY 3 (2011–2023) AK 3 (1988–2021) HI 2 (2003–2025) UT 2 (1994–2014) DE 2 (2018–2025) NV 2 (2006–2010) CO 2 (2020–2021) VT 2 (2005–2023)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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