Van collides with car: Negligent operation of motor vehicle: Chest trauma: Partial paralysis: Structured settlement

Law Reporter, Sep 2000

Van collides with car: Negligent operation of motor vehicle: Chest trauma: Partial paralysis: Structured settlement.

Pratt v. WGN Continental Broad. Co., IT, Cook County Cir. Ct., No. 96 L 14740-F, Jan. 31, 2000.

Pratt, 52, was a passenger in a vehicle traveling westbound. A van traveling northbound allegedly went through a red light at an intersection and collided with the vehicle. Pratt suffered chest trauma, cardiac arrest, and a stroke. He now has partial paralysis on the left side of his body. His medical expenses totaled approximately $142,800. Pratt was on disability at the time of the incident. As a result of his injuries, he is unable to work.

Pratt's guardian sued the driver and his employer, alleging negligence in the operation of a motor vehicle.

The parties structured a settlement with a present value of $6 million, including an immediate cash payment of $4 million.

Plaintiff's experts included Gary Yarkony, rehabilitation, Chicago, Ill.; Arnold Siegel, accident reconstruction, Encino, Cal.; Joseph Kostur Jr., collision investigation, Crystal Lake, Ill.; Walter Johnson, economics, St. Louis, Mo.; and Adrian Upton, neurology, Ontario, Can.

Plaintiff's Counsel

*Larry K Rogers, Chicago, Ill.