CHICAGO, Ill. — Two women who suffered serious injuries after a driver crashed through the window of a Crystal Lake restaurant have received a collective $2.65 million settlement. The plaintiffs were represented by Michael J. Schostok & Brian L. Salvi of Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, P.C.
On March 23, 2023, Plaintiff 1, 43, and Plaintiff 2, 57, were sitting together in a booth at the Buffalo Wings and Rings restaurant on Carlemont Drive in Crystal Lake. Around 5:30 p.m., a driver was attempting to park in a nose-in parking space directly in front of the restaurant. Instead of applying the brake, the driver accidentally pressed the accelerator, causing his vehicle to jump the curb, break through the restaurant’s glass window and through the front window of the building.
The vehicle struck the Plaintiffs as they were sitting at a booth inside. The impact forced Plaintiff 1 through a half-wall, while Plaintiff 2 was struck by chairs, tables and other debris. Both women were transported to an area hospital following the crash.
Plaintiff 2 suffered a broken wrist and had surgery to place plates and screws in the area. Following the procedure, she developed carpal tunnel, necessitating a surgical release. Plaintiff 1 underwent a C5-C6 fusion surgery in December 2024 after an MRI demonstrated a herniated cervical disc. She has since made a good recovery.
A lawsuit was filed in July 2023 against the restaurant, driver and other entities involved in the maintenance and operation of the parking lot and sidewalk. The parties agreed to settle the case for a total of $2,650,000. Plaintiff 1 will receive $1,766,666.67, while Plaintiff 2 will receive $883,333.33.
For more information, please contact Marcie Mangan at (312) 372-1227 or mmangan@salvilaw.com.
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Case No.: 2023 LA 000173 [Plaintiffs v. JVB ENTERPRISES, Inc. d/b/a BUFFALO WINGS AND RINGS OF CRYSTAL LAKE; RANDALL NORTH LEASING; and ROBERT GODUTO, Individually, Defendants]
