Levin & Perconti secured a $2.4 million verdict for a 27-year-old man, Stephen Dewart, who was severely injured when a City of Chicago Streets and Sanitation vehicle lost control and struck him on the sidewalk in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood. The case highlights the tragic consequences of impaired driving and the responsibility of employers in cases of vicarious liability.
Key Takeaways
- $2.4 Million Verdict: Levin & Perconti secured a significant settlement for Stephen Dewart, who suffered severe injuries after being struck by a city vehicle.
- Impaired Driver: The city driver’s blood alcohol level was twice the legal limit at the time of the accident.
- Vicarious Liability: The City of Chicago was held liable for the actions of the driver, who was on duty at the time of the incident.
- Severe Injuries: Dewart required multiple surgeries, including the implantation of a rod in his leg, and underwent extensive rehabilitation following the accident.
What Happened in the 2011 Chicago's Gold Coast Accident
In May 2011, a tragic incident occurred in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood near the intersection of Rush and Cedar streets. A Streets and Sanitation worker was driving a city vehicle when he lost control and veered off the road, crashing onto the sidewalk where several pedestrians were walking. Among those struck was Stephen Dewart, a 27-year-old man who was participating in a photoshoot for his wife’s company at the time.
The driver’s blood alcohol level was found to be twice the legal limit, and an open bottle of brandy was discovered nearby, pointing to alcohol impairment as the cause of the crash.
Jury Awards $2.4 Million Verdict to Drunk Driving Accident Victim
Stephen Dewart’s injuries were significant, and he required several surgeries, including the implantation of a rod in one of his legs. The trauma left him with long-term physical and emotional scars, requiring months of rehabilitation and therapy.
A lawsuit was filed by Levin & Perconti in June 2011 against the driver and his employer, the City of Chicago. Legal rules regarding vicarious liability state that an employer can be held responsible for the actions of an employee if they occur while the employee is on duty. The City of Chicago admitted fault for the accident, and the only issue at trial was the amount of damages owed to Dewart.
The case went to trial, lasting five days with two hours of deliberation before the jury reached a decision. In the end, the jury awarded Stephen Dewart a $2.4 million verdict. The amount was meant to compensate for his medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by the accident.
Contact Levin & Perconti Today
If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another party, such as in the case of impaired driving, Levin & Perconti can help. Our experienced legal team has a proven track record of securing substantial settlements and verdicts for victims of personal injury accidents, medical malpractice, and other forms of negligence.
Contact Levin & Perconti today at (312) 332-2872 to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can assist you in seeking justice and fair compensation for your injuries.
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