Timely Filing of Post-Trial Motions: Illinois Appellate Court Upholds 30-Day Deadline

In Rocha v. Munson Ski & Inboard Water Sports, Inc., the Illinois Appellate Court emphasized the necessity of filing post-trial motions within 30 days of a jury verdict. Regina Rocha’s untimely motion for a new trial, filed outside the 30-day window, resulted in the trial court losing jurisdiction over her case. The court’s ruling underscores that litigants must adhere to this strict deadline to maintain their rights, even if other counts in the case are still pending. This decision reinforces a key procedural requirement in Illinois litigation.