▪ 2022 ▪
EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Outstanding Defense Verdict in a Product Liability Case
Crane Mishap Caused Numerous Fractures and Brain Injury Not Guilty
PLAINTIFF ASKED $248,725,704 DEFENSE OFFER $100,000 VERDICT For the Defense
A civil engineer working on the construction site for the Interstate 90 Fox River Bridge in Elgin was crushed by a 2000 lb acces- sory jib stowed alongside the boom of a crane. Two U-bolts securing the steel bracket to the jib had fractured causing the jib to detach. The plain- tiff sustained traumatic brain injuries and multiple fractures on his legs and elsewhere. He is perma- nently disabled and will need future surgeries on
his spine, ankle and knee. The plaintiff contended that the bolts were insufficient in strength and type and that the crane was unreasonably dangerous in design. The defense argued the jib stowage as- sembly was safe and reliable based on 27 years of reliable use, that the crane subcontractor was us- ing the crane in an unforeseeable manner and that the crane was improperly setup and operated. Sev- eral former co-defendants settled out before trial.
72 JURY VERDICT REPORTER • 2022 ANNUAL TRIAL LAWYER EXCELLENCE AWARDS
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