CHICAGO (May 18, 2022) – A man who was struck by a vehicle owned by a construction company that drifted onto the sidewalk has received $3.73 million for his injuries. The settlement was reached just over a month after a jury awarded the man the same amount during a Cook County trial. The parties have agreed to a satisfaction of judgment, which was entered today.
On June 29, 2018, Plaintiff William Lief was lawfully walking on the sidewalk southbound on Wolf Road near 195th Street in Mokena, Illinois. A vehicle for Aspen Service Construction & Repair traveling in the same direction drifted off roadway and struck Mr. Lief on the sidewalk of the west side of Wolf Road. The driver, Brian Cole, admitted he became drowsy when he drifted onto the sidewalk.
As a result of the crash, Mr. Lief suffered a left ulnar fracture which required surgery and physical therapy. He also had a non-union, requiring a second surgery. Because of this injury, Mr. Lief suffered pain, arm weakness, and was unable to work for several years after the incident.
A lawsuit was filed against Mr. Cole and Aspen Construction in August of 2018 and the case went to trial on February 15, 2022. On February 24, 2022, a Cook County jury awarded Mr. Lief $3.73 million for his injuries. Prior to trial, Plaintiff’s attorneys proposed a $1,000,000 settlement, which represents the policy limits of the defendant’s insurance. Defendants’ last offer was $500,000.
On March 26, 2022, the parties agreed to settle the case for the verdict amount with no interest payment.
The Plaintiff was represented by attorneys Patrick A. Salvi II, Heidi L. Wickstrom, and Michael J. Schostok of Salvi, Schostok & Prichard, P.C.
For more information, please contact Marcie Mangan at (312) 372-1227 or mmangan@salvilaw.com.
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