* Fox 32…

Legal proceedings will move forward in a LaSalle County court in connection with the deaths of three dozen veterans who died at a Veterans Affairs facility during the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than two years since they first filed suit, some of the families tell FOX 32 Chicago they still do not have closure. They also say they feel the State of Illinois has not done enough to resolve the lengthy legal battle and are asking for accountability. […]

There has been little movement in court, but now those lawsuits may finally move forward.

A judge, last month, denied the defendants’ request to move the cases into the Court of Claims.

Just this week – the last of the amended lawsuits were filed in LaSalle County.

“I think that the judge got it right, the motions were denied. The cases are going to remain pending in LaSalle County Court, and if necessary, they will be tried in front of the citizens of that county,” said Mike Bonamarte, managing partner, Levin & Perconti.

* Plaintiffs’ press release…

Mike Bonamarte, managing partner at Levin & Perconti and attorney for 31 families: “After more than two years we are finally ready to move forward with the substantive aspects of this litigation. The State’s attempt to have these cases moved to the Court of Claims has been denied. While frustrated that the State has not made a meaningful attempt to resolve these cases, our clients remain resolute and determined to get justice for the suffering and deaths of their loved ones.”

Lindsay Lamb, granddaughter of deceased veteran Richard Cieski: “Governor Pritzker called our family and left a voicemail shortly after my grandfather passed away. He expressed his condolences and said if we need anything, we should reach out to him. Well Governor, here’s what you can do, you can put this to rest and let us move on. My grandmother is 92 and the loss of my grandfather has taken such a toll on her. She is a shadow of herself. It would be nice if she could get closure and justice before she passes.”

Mary Beth Schomas, daughter of deceased veteran Bernard Schomas: “I still feel a lot of anger for what happened to my father and the other veterans. The state’s attempt to delay these cases and not allow them to be heard before a jury feels so disrespectful. The state admitted it was at fault, now it has to be accountable to the veterans who are gone and to their families. We don’t want this negligence to be buried. We want to make sure something like this never happens again.”

John Lunquist, son of deceased veteran Richard Lunquist: “The delays are very frustrating and disrespectful because there is no closure for the families. It seems like the state has put this on the backburner for some time. We are determined to see this through and get justice for our loved ones. We are grateful the Judge ruled that these cases can be heard in state court before a jury so people all across Illinois can hear the evidence.”