Shah v. Compass Transportation, LLC
2025 IL App (1st) 240141-U
| Ill. App. Ct. | 2025Background
- Syed Shah, the plaintiff, filed a pro se small claims complaint seeking $1,500 for alleged unpaid compensation from Compass Transportation, LLC, for training to obtain his commercial driver’s license (CDL).
- Shah claimed he completed two weeks of training but was not paid, while Compass argued that payment was contingent on passing a written test and obtaining a commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
- The case was initially struck from the docket when Shah failed to appear, but it was later restored for trial upon his motion.
- At trial, the court entered judgment with prejudice for Compass, finding Shah failed to meet his burden of proof that he was entitled to payment.
- Shah moved to vacate the judgment, asserting the court did not give him an opportunity to defend and ignored his evidence, but the motion was denied.
- On appeal, Shah failed to provide a report of proceedings or an adequate appellate brief, limiting appellate review.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether the court erred in entering judgment for defendant | Shah was not given the opportunity to defend his case | Shah failed to meet his burden to prove entitlement to payment | Affirmed; no sufficient record to review alleged errors |
| Whether the court considered the evidence | Court ignored evidence and materials in the record | Plaintiff was given ample opportunity at trial | Affirmed; trial court found plaintiff failed to prove his case |
| Adequacy of appellate record | (No argument on record adequacy) | Plaintiff failed to provide necessary transcripts or substitutes | Affirmed; lacking record, judgment presumed valid |
| Compliance with appellate procedure | (No argument; filed pro se brief) | Plaintiff’s brief did not meet Rule 341(h) requirements | Affirmed; court declined to dismiss only for briefing, but could not review merits |
Key Cases Cited
- Foutch v. O’Bryant, 99 Ill. 2d 389 (importance of providing a sufficient appellate record; in its absence, judgment is presumed correct)
- Corral v. Mervis Industries, Inc., 217 Ill. 2d 144 (review of trial court's factual findings requires a proper record)