Kreisman Law Offices Professional Corporation
On May 16, 2012, Jeremiah Guthrie was attempting to walk eastbound across Central Avenue just south of the intersection of Harrison Street in Chicago. He made it across one lane (the southbound right lane) when he was hit in the second lane (the southbound left lane) by the motorcyclist and defendant Jaroslaw Baranek, who was southbound.
Guthrie, 53, suffered fractures to his left ankle, tibia, fibula and wrist as well as a puncture wound to his left calf. His medical bills were $140,488. There was no claim for lost time from work.
The defendant stipulated to plaintiff’s injuries and medical expenses, but denied the defendant, a 32-year-old electrician, was at fault and contended that the plaintiff was more than 50% at fault for his own injuries because he crossed the street at mid-block.
The jury’s verdict of $20,000 for medical expenses was reduced by 50% because it assigned 50% of the fault to Guthrie. The demand before trial was $100,000. The jury was asked to return a verdict of $340,488. There was no offer made by the defendant before the trial.
This was a very difficult liability case handled expertly by counsel for Guthrie, attorney Adam D. Shapiro.
Jeremiah Guthrie v. Jaroslaw Baranek, No. 13 L 3917 (Cook County, Ill.).
Kreisman Law Offices has been handling automobile accident cases, motorcycle accident cases, bicycle accident cases and truck accident cases for individuals and families who have been injured or killed by the negligence of another for more than 38 years, in and around Chicago, Cook County and its surrounding areas including, Crestwood, Forest Park, Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Tinley Park and Rosemont, Ill.
Related blog posts:
Injured Motorcyclist Barred From Recovery Because of Release Signed by Plaintiff
A Party’s Statement Defeats Motorcycle/Truck Injury Case; Jordan v. Binns
$52,000 Illinois Jury Verdict in Motorcycle Rear-End Crash