WRONGFUL DEATH VERDICTS & SETTLEMENTS

$6,000,000 Settlement – Negligent Security Wrongful Death

An 18-year-old retail store employee was fatally stabbed by a customer in Rockford while on shift. Plaintiffs alleged the store’s contracted security failed to address threats occurring prior to the attack. Surveillance evidence confirmed the previous interactions. The civil claim against the retail establishment was resolved through mediation following two successful challenges to the defense’s workers’ compensation exclusivity argument.

$4,800,000 Settlement – Commercial Truck Driver Struck and Killed at Truck Stop

A 65-year-old commercial truck driver was struck, run over, and dragged by a semi-truck while on foot at an Ohio truck stop. Plaintiffs alleged the driver failed to maintain proper lookout for a pedestrian who was in plain view. The case was resolved through mediation, with the trucking company contributing $4,725,000 and the truck stop settling separately for $75,000. 

$1,986,485 Verdict (Will County)

Plaintiff, a 9-year-old special needs child, drowned while at a summer day camp operated by a Christian youth ministry in Joliet. In this child’s wrongful death claim, the camp failed to provide certified lifeguards to supervise the children.

$1,500,000 Settlement (Policy Limits) – Pedestrian Fatally Struck

A Chicago woman was fatally struck by a vehicle and pinned against a parked vehicle when the defendant accidentally put her car into drive rather than reverse while dropping off a dog at the decedent’s residence. The settlement represents the full available policy limits.

$900,000 Settlement – Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Semi-Truck

A 44-year-old woman was struck and killed by a semi-truck at a highway oasis. Plaintiffs alleged the truck driver failed to conduct a required pre-trip inspection that would have revealed the decedent’s presence near the vehicle. The case resolved through mediation.

$800,000 Settlement – Surgical Malpractice Wrongful Death

A woman died after suffering a catastrophic spinal cord injury during a routine hip replacement at a Champaign County hospital, allegedly caused by improper positioning of her neck during the procedure. The orthopedic surgery mistake left her quadriplegic, and she later died from related complications. The case resolved through mediation. 

$300,000 Settlement (Policy Limits) – Premises Liability Wrongful Death

An 82-year-old woman died after tripping at a rental property in LaSalle County and sustaining a severe traumatic brain injury. A family member had previously notified the property owners of the hazard, and no repair was ever made. Following nearly eight years of litigation, including multiple dismissals, an appellate reversal, and a remand, the case settled for policy limits.