Jury awards $3.73 million to pedestrian struck by construction vehicle that drifted onto the sidewalk

CHICAGO (February 24, 2022) – A Cook County jury has awarded $3.73 million to a man who was injured when he was struck by a vehicle owned by a construction company that drifted onto the sidewalk.

On June 29, 2018, Plaintiff William Lief was lawfully walking on the sidewalk southbound on Wolf Road near 195^th 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.

“William has worked very hard to regain his mobility and strength. We are thankful to the jury for recognizing his injuries and providing him with the financial means to cover his future medical bills,” Plaintiff’s attorney Patrick A. Salvi II said.

The Plaintiff was also represented by attorney 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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Case No.: 18 L 8461 [William Lief v. Brian T. Cole and Aspen Service Construction]