PROVEN RESULTS IN PERSONAL INJURY CASES
CHARLE GEIMAN v. C.R. ENGLAND
$2 MILLION SETTLEMENT IN A TRUCK ACCIDENT
Charlie Geiman, a truck driver, was injured in a one-vehicle semi-truck rollover accident while training a student driver. He suffered brain injury and pulmonary injuries.
The defendant, C.R. England, which operates more than 3,500 semi trucks throughout North America and Mexico, denied they were liable. Rather, they claimed Charlie was at fault for failing to supervise the student. Multiple witnesses were deposed in Peoria, Chicago, Dallas, Oklahoma City and Austin, Texas. These witnesses included medical, economic and life-care experts on behalf of each of the parties.
One week before trial, the parties settled for $2 million. The trucking accident case was also reported in the July 2008 Chicago Lawyer magazine and published in the Jury Verdict Reporter.
BILLIE RICHARDS V. SHARPNACK AND LARAMIE GARDENS
$1.75 MILLION SETTLEMENT IN A SEMI-TRACTOR CRASH
Billie Richards, 49, was killed as a result of Sharpnack, who, while under the influence of alcohol, drove a semi-tractor into a tavern where Billie was a patron.
Billie left behind four adult children, who sued on behalf of his estate. Defense lawyers contended on behalf of Diamond State Insurance Company, Sharpnack's insurer, that his policy did not cover the circumstances, and even if it did, damages were minimal since Billie never lived with any of his children while they were growing up.
After the award, Diamond State, on behalf of Sharpnack, appealed the verdict to the 3rd District Appellate Court in Ottawa, IL. Diamond State still claimed their insurance policy did not cover the accident and they owed the family nothing.
Over a year and a half later, the appellate court handed down its decision. It ordered Diamond State to pay the Richards family for the verdict at trial as well as an additional $150,000 in interest.
TYRIQ WILLIAMS V. THEODORIC HORNE
$11.2 MILLION SETTLEMENT IN A DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENT
Tyriq Williams was partially paralyzed by a drunk driver, Theodoric Horne, who struck the vehicle Tyriq Williams was riding in while Horne was fleeing from police.
After a two-day trial, Tyriq was awarded $11.2 million in damages from the car wreck. It remains the largest judgment against an at-fault driver in Peoria County history.
CONFIDENTIAL SETTLEMENT
$5.4 MILLION SETTLEMENT IN A MEDICAL MALPRACTICE CASE
Our client's bowel was perforated during a ventral hernia surgery, and she later developed peritonitis and went into septic shock. Upon having exploratory surgery, the bowel injury was found and she had a resection of her intestines. She now suffers from short bowel syndrome.
The $5.4 million settlement was paid by the hospital and medical group facility in Illinois, and by the physician. This is the highest medical malpractice settlement in LaSalle county. Attorney Jeff Green partnered with another attorney on this case.
ESTATE OF ANDREW SIBLEY V. TWO FOOLS, INC. AND BRYAN TOMASESKI
$1.55 MILLION VERDICT IN A WRONGFUL DEATH CASE
TAndrew Sibley and his friends were listening to a band at Two Fools bar in LaSalle, IL when Bryan Tomaseski and his friends arrived. Soon thereafter, a fight broke out and a group of people, including Sibley and Tomaseski, were escorted outside. Without provocation, Tomaseski punched Sibley in the face. Upon his falling to the sidewalk, he suffered a traumatic brain injury and died a few hours later.
The $1.5 million wrongful death claim was paid by the bar and Tomaseski. In addition, the verdict included $50,000 for pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Sibley had a 4 year old son at the time of his death. Prior to going to court, the plaintiffs offered only $9,000 settlement initially, raised it to $50,000 then, right before court proceedings, increased it to $200,000. The verdict was far higher than these offers. By going to trial, attorney Jeff Green won Sibley's estate a much larger amount.
NADIA TRENT, AMANDA KELLEY AND CAISHA GAYLES V. GALESBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT 205
SCHOOL DISTRICT AWARDED THE STUDENTS THEIR DIPLOMAS
In May 2007, Galesburg School District 205 refused to give diplomas to five minority students, citing that their families and friends violated a "conduct policy" while attending the high school graduation ceremony.
The school district claimed the five students' supporters were too loud, disruptive and "out of control" when cheering while the students walked across the stage.
The students argued they were unfairly targeted because of their race. They and their parents explained that audience members had also cheered and clapped for white graduates, including athletes and cheerleaders, but none of those students were punished.
They tried for two weeks without an attorney to get the high school to give them their diplomas.
Within 24 hours of the students' representation by attorney Green, the school district relented and awarded the students their diplomas. The story was also reported in both local and national media.
