The Illinois Supreme Court recently appointed Bob Napleton to the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Professional Responsibility. The Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Professional Responsibility appointed Mr. Napleton for a term expiring December 31, 2005 , and he replaced the Honorable Sophia H. Hall. The Committee meets periodically to ensure the integrity of lawyer-client relationship and to maintain public confidence in the justice system.

The Illinois Supreme Court recently appointed Bob Napleton to the Illinois Supreme Court Committee on Jury Instructions in Civil Cases. The Illinois Supreme Court appointed Mr. Napleton to a three year term expiring December 31, 2007.

Nicholas J. Motherway has agreed to participate in the 2005 Advocacy Showcase being presented on May 7, 2005 , by the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association at the Double Tree Guest Suites in Chicago . The program, which involves leading Chicago trial lawyers in the mock trial of an employee business tort claim, will feature demonstrations of opening and closing arguments and the direct and cross-examination of witnesses. Nick will cross-examine the defendant CEO, a role he says he relishes.

A machinist who lost his right arm in a industrial accident has settled his personal-injury claims for $2.35 million. David Ethridge also obtained a waiver of workers compensation liens of nearly $597,000. Cook County Circuit Judge William D. Maddux formally approved the settlement on April 14, 2005 .

Ethridge, of downstate Glasford, was cutting metal at Dooley Bros. machine shop in Peoria on June 22, 2000 , when the incident occurred. Ethridge was working on a CNC lathe, a computer-controlled machine used to shape metal, when a length of stainless steel bar stock whipped back from the machine, slicing most of his right arm off.

Ethridge claimed that the CNC lathe manufacturer, Goodway Machine Corp., did not make the device with an adequate safety system that would have prevented the steel from extending beyond the machine.

Goodway Machine Corp. is a relatively small CNC lathe manufacturer based in Taichung , Taiwan and did not have a policy of liability insurance to cover the occurrence. A major issue in the case was the collectability of a judgment rendered against a corporation whose assets are located in the Republic of China.

He also claimed the machine’s distributor, Welsh Machine Tool Co. Inc., failed to instruct him properly on the safe operation of the machine.

Robert J. Napleton of Motherway & Napleton, LLP, represented Ethridge.

Ethridge v. Welsh Machine Tool Co. Inc., et al., No. 01 L 11619.