A man that became paraplegic following a car collision was awarded twenty-five million dollars for his permanent injuries. Both drivers in the accident claimed they had green lights.
While Illinois has had its fair share of large jury verdicts, this reward is probably the largest in a case where the plaintiff has become permanently paraplegic, stated the plaintiff's personal injury lawyer.
The permanently injured plaintiff now has to use a wheelchair, but can sometimes walk with the assistance of leg braces and a cane. He is permanently a partial paraplegic.
On April 19, 2004 in Schaumburg, Illinois, an Illinois Dept. Of Transportation employee broad-sided the plaintiff's car as both drivers traveled through an intersection. Both the plaintiff and the IDOT employee stated that they had the right of way. Investigators involved in the case weren't able to determine who actually had the green light at the time of the accident.
The jury found that the plaintiff was 5% responsible for the accident for speeding, but found the defendant 95% responsible and awarded the plaintiff twenty-five million dollars in damages. This award was reduced by 5% for the plaintiff's liability.
The IDOT driver suffered permanent injuries in the accident as well, and has partial paralysis to the right side of his body. He also received a mild traumatic brain injury from the car accident.
Despite the large award, it is unlikely that the plaintiff will recover all twenty-three million dollars. IDOT will only be responsible for closer to the two-million dollar insurance policy that covered its driver.
Unfortunately, this occurrence is far-too frequent. The plaintiff will require expensive medical assistance the remainder of his life. That is not even to mention the serious negative impact that this car accident has had on his quality of life.
In today's world of high health care costs, and insurance rates, it is easy to lose sight of what purpose of a jury verdict is in a case like this. When liability has been found, the jury tries to decide on an award that can compensate the plaintiff for his injuries. This is the only compensation that the plaintiff will receive for these injuries his entire life.
While Illinois has had its fair share of large jury verdicts, this reward is probably the largest in a case where the plaintiff has become permanently paraplegic, stated the plaintiff's personal injury lawyer.
The permanently injured plaintiff now has to use a wheelchair, but can sometimes walk with the assistance of leg braces and a cane. He is permanently a partial paraplegic.
On April 19, 2004 in Schaumburg, Illinois, an Illinois Dept. Of Transportation employee broad-sided the plaintiff's car as both drivers traveled through an intersection. Both the plaintiff and the IDOT employee stated that they had the right of way. Investigators involved in the case weren't able to determine who actually had the green light at the time of the accident.
The jury found that the plaintiff was 5% responsible for the accident for speeding, but found the defendant 95% responsible and awarded the plaintiff twenty-five million dollars in damages. This award was reduced by 5% for the plaintiff's liability.
The IDOT driver suffered permanent injuries in the accident as well, and has partial paralysis to the right side of his body. He also received a mild traumatic brain injury from the car accident.
Despite the large award, it is unlikely that the plaintiff will recover all twenty-three million dollars. IDOT will only be responsible for closer to the two-million dollar insurance policy that covered its driver.
Unfortunately, this occurrence is far-too frequent. The plaintiff will require expensive medical assistance the remainder of his life. That is not even to mention the serious negative impact that this car accident has had on his quality of life.
In today's world of high health care costs, and insurance rates, it is easy to lose sight of what purpose of a jury verdict is in a case like this. When liability has been found, the jury tries to decide on an award that can compensate the plaintiff for his injuries. This is the only compensation that the plaintiff will receive for these injuries his entire life.
About the Author:
Find the info, tools, and assistance you need regarding your personal injury legal matter. Ktoday your rights, discuss your options, see if you have a case. Find assistance from a local personal injury lawyer today.
