Kreisman Law Offices Professional Corporation
On Nov. 21, 2010, Amelia Scott was driving her Grand Prix southbound on Interstate 57 in Marion County, Ill., when her car was hit by the southbound truck owned by EQ Industrial Services Inc. and driven by Warren Himes. Scott, 42, claimed a right shoulder injury that required rotator cuff repair surgery and shoulder manipulation under anesthesia. She also suffered a knee injury that required arthroscopic surgery, permanent post-concussion syndrome, memory loss and aggravation of a back/neck pain and fibromyalgia.
Scott claimed she was unable to raise her right arm above her shoulder. She is on permanent pain management, which includes spinal cord stimulation and prescription medicine. She will need a future knee replacement surgery. Her past medical bills alone totalled $143,508. The expected future surgery may cost $45,000.
The defendant admitted liability before trial and conceded that Scott’s shoulder and knee injuries were related to the crash but disputed the nature and extent of the other injuries claimed by Scott. The defendants denied Scott suffered permanent memory loss, cognitive deficits, psychological damage or aggravation of her pre-existing neck and back pain, as she was actively undergoing treatment for those conditions before this incident.
The defendants argued that only $46,344 in past medical expenses were connected to this crash. The jury reportedly deliberated just 30 minutes and awarded the exact amount suggested by the defendants’ lawyer.
The jury’s verdict of $141,344 was made up of the following damages:
• $12,500 for past pain and suffering;
• $12,500 for future pain and suffering;
• $12,500 for past loss of normal life;
• $12,500 for future loss of normal life;
• $46,344 for past medical expenses; and
• $45,000 for future medical expenses.
The attorney representing Amelia Scott at trial was Stephen O. Willoughby. The demand to settle the case before trial was $750,000. The jury was asked to return a verdict of $996,905. The only offer made to settle the case before trial was $215,000. At trial, Scott’s orthopedic surgeon and neurologist testified as to treatment delivered to her.
Amelia Scott v. EQ Industrial Services, Inc., Warren Himes, No. 12 L 45 (Marion County, Ill.).
Kreisman Law Offices has been handling truck accident cases, automobile accident cases, bicycle accident cases and pedestrian 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, Orland Park, Lindenhurst, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Hickory Hills, Brookfield, Hillside, Elmhurst, Arlington Heights, Chicago (The Loop, West Loop, West Town, Garfield Park, Woodlawn, Jackson Park, South Shore, East Side), Evergreen Park, Crestwood and Lemont, Ill.
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